Gummies are an easy and enjoyable way to take vitamins daily, but they can be harmful if taken too frequently due to their candy-like taste and high amounts of sugar content, which can cause obesity and long-term health complications.
Some of the best gummies are created without refined sugar and contain various fruits and vegetables for flavoring purposes, while other options use gelatin derived from animal bones or tissues, which may not be appropriate for vegans or those following kosher diets.
Vitamin A
Gummy vitamins often contain added sugars that can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay and other health concerns in excess. Some contain artificial food dyes or fillers which may lead to digestive discomfort.
Some gummy vitamin brands may use sweeteners such as stevia and granulated sugar to sweeten them, making them especially suitable for people living with diabetes who should pay close attention to sugar amounts when choosing their gummies. Diabetics should prioritize those containing lower levels of added sugar.
Vitamin C
Gummies are an effective alternative for people who find pills or capsules difficult to swallow, yet many contain sugar substitutes which may have undesirable gastrointestinal side-effects in some individuals, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Find gummies free of refined sugars and artificial food dyes, made with ingredients tested by the Clean Label Project to ensure purity and safety.
Vitamin D
These gummies offer an easy and tasty way to boost your vitamin D levels, but be mindful of any added sugars contained within. Children should consume no more than 25 grams per day while adult women should limit themselves to 36 grams daily.
Gummies can also be dangerous for kids as they could easily overdose on vitamins and minerals if they consume too many, leading to diarrhea and even vomiting in some instances.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. It comes in eight chemical forms, such as alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols.
Some clinical studies suggest a link between high dose vitamin E supplements and cardiovascular disease risk reduction, but the results have been mixed.[20]
Many gummy vitamins contain added sugars that could contribute to weight gain and health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. When purchasing gummies with no added sugars or naturally sweetened with plant-based sugar alcohols, consider their potential impact on health as a whole.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be found in various fruits and vegetables; leafy greens provide the highest concentration.
Gummy vitamins often contain high amounts of added sugars, which poses a problem considering that the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines recommend keeping daily added sugar intake below 25 grams for women and 36 for men.
Sugar alcohols found in some gummies may cause digestive discomfort for certain individuals; read labels to identify this ingredient.
Calcium
Vitamin D plays a key role in building strong bones throughout childhood and into adulthood, and may even help prevent osteoporosis. Including enough calcium in one’s diet may also be effective against osteoporosis.
Gummies make it easier than ever before for people who struggle to swallow pills to obtain their daily vitamins. Unfortunately, many gummies contain added sugars which could contribute to excessive sugar intake and dental issues over time – so beware and choose ones with few added sweeteners!
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral needed by our bodies to produce red blood cells, providing essential oxygen transportation and tissue repair functions.
Gummy vitamins rarely include iron due to its bulkiness and difficult taste masking properties, although bariatric surgery patients may need higher amounts.
Too much iron can result in unpleasant side effects such as stomach discomfort and vomiting, or worse yet cause hemochromatosis – an inherited disorder in which too much iron accumulates in your blood.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient, essential for nerve and muscle function, maintaining normal blood pressure levels and bone density, controlling blood sugar levels, managing stress effectively and supporting restful sleep.
Supplementing with magnesium can be helpful, especially as many do not receive enough through their diets. Magnesium chloride may reduce digestive symptoms like heartburn and constipation.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient, essential for immune health and wound healing. Furthermore, it serves as an antioxidant and helps ensure a healthier complexion and eyesight.
Gummies make it more challenging to provide minerals than pills do; their ingredients tend to degrade more rapidly. Iron, for example, may taste metallic but can easily be disguised by flavorings.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Gummy supplements can contain as much as 8 grams of sugar — seemingly inconsequential, yet the American Heart Association advises no more than 25 grams for women and 37.5 for men daily. When selecting your gummies, opt for those that contain natural sweeteners such as fruit juices and stevia for optimal results.
Since gelatin-containing gummies may not meet vegan or Kosher requirements, look for products which use alternatives such as pectin.
