Gummy vitamins are easy to take and taste like candy, making them a favorite among both children and adults who find pills difficult to swallow. Unfortunately, however, they also contain added sugars which may reduce efficacy compared to getting essential nutrients through whole food sources.
Unbearable overdosage of vitamins and minerals may result in their toxic accumulation, increasing your risk for illness.
1. Convenience
Gummy vitamins can be easier for children or adults who struggle to swallow pills or capsules to consume, making gummies an appealing solution.
Gummy vitamins can contain added sugars, and their levels may differ from what is listed on their supplement facts label. As they are not subject to FDA regulation like medications are, there may be variations in how much nutrient each one contains.
Many gummies contain sweeteners which may lead to digestive upset for some individuals, including fructose, corn syrup and maltitol. Some varieties also feature artificial colors and flavors, posing an added concern.
When purchasing gummy vitamins, look for brands with reduced amounts of sugar and third-party safety certification. Some can even be tailored with functional ingredients like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids – something Nourished Essentials provides with its customizable vitamin stacks using erythritol sweetener instead of added sugars as its sweetener.
2. Taste
Gummy vitamins offer an effective solution for people who find swallowing pills difficult, or forgetting to take their multivitamins on time, difficult. Their sweet taste and chewy texture makes taking vitamins an enjoyable daily habit, especially among kids.
But like candy, gummy supplements also contain additional sugar; depending on the brand, one gummy could contain up to 8 grams, significantly decreasing your daily recommended allowance.
Additionally, many gummy vitamins contain artificial flavorings and dyes which have been linked to behavioral issues in children (14). Furthermore, some contain sugar alcohols which may lead to digestive symptoms like diarrhea and nausea (14). Therefore, when selecting your product it’s essential that you carefully read ingredient lists and nutrition facts; remember gummy vitamins shouldn’t replace healthy eating or medical care but be used alongside them.
3. Added Sugar
Gummy vitamins often contain added sugar for flavor. One gummy vitamin could contain up to three grams of added sugar, which exceeds the daily recommended limit set forth by the American Heart Association. When selecting your vitamin from this category, check for words like glucose syrup, corn syrup, sucrose or fructose on its label for accurate information.
Gummy vitamins contain glucose, a type of sugar which contributes to tooth decay and enamel erosion, making dental hygiene essential when taking these chewable supplements. Furthermore, citric acid also causes bad breath and tooth damage; taking too many can even erode jawbones!
Gummy vitamins often use carmine, a coloring agent derived from dried insects, making these supplements inappropriate for vegans or people allergic to bees. Furthermore, many gummy vitamins contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which many prefer not consuming due to health, environmental or ethical considerations – these should always be searched out if possible! For best results seek organic or non-GMO gummy supplements.
4. Safety
Gummy vitamins can be easily overeaten and may contain sugars or ingredients that could trigger gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, many gummy supplements lose potency during their manufacturing process or when exposed to heat or moisture before reaching consumers’ homes.
Gummies may be more prone to tooth decay than traditional vitamin and supplement pills due to being coated in sugar, encouraging bacteria in your mouth to produce more acid, increasing your risk for tooth decay and cavities.
Some gummy vitamin brands contain artificial colorings that may be of concern to those looking for healthier diet or ethical options, yet many gummy vitamin brands don’t contain or list artificial hues as ingredients. If this is a priority for you, natural pigments might be preferable instead. Many supplements also use animal-derived gelatin which could compromise vegans but there are plenty of gelatin-free options.
