Gummy vitamins blur the line between candy and health supplements, yet not everyone is ready to jump aboard this trend.
Gummies typically contain sugar. People with diabetes who take gummy multivitamins need to carefully track their sugar consumption; those with sensitive stomachs might prefer traditional pills over chewables.
Calcium/Magnesium
Experts often suggest getting their vitamins and minerals through food sources; however, that’s often not possible, particularly those on restrictive diets; supplements are an alternative solution.
Gummy supplements straddle the line between dietary supplement and candy, yet still offer consumers an easy way to meet their daily vitamin and mineral requirements without adding unnecessary sugar into their diets. Many gummy supplements contain sugar or sugar substitutes which could pose problems for those living with diabetes who need to monitor their sugar consumption.
Nava’s calcium-magnesium supplement offers essential nutrition in an ideal ratio to support bone, tooth, and muscle health. Additionally, it regulates heartbeats, transmits nerve impulses efficiently, promotes proper immune function, may reduce anxiety and relax muscles as well as aiding absorption of calcium for bone health. Furthermore, its ingredients have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency with clean ingredients making this gluten-free and vegan supplement.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral, beneficial in supporting immune function, cell division and protein synthesis. It can be found naturally in plant and animal foods as well as supplements. Studies have indicated that those consuming high concentrations of zinc–particularly when combined with other antioxidants–have lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zinc lozenges are popular cold treatments while it’s also added to some multi-nutrient supplements and natural diarrhea remedies.
2021 review indicated that certain zinc supplements may have positive effects on glucose, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Other research was less conclusive; for example a 2017 review noted low intakes of zinc increased risk for infections including pneumonia as well as slower wound healing times and diminished sense of taste and smell. High doses of zinc –particularly when taken with copper-containing medications like antibiotic tetracycline or the herb yarrow–could interfere with body’s absorption of copper as well as alter nutrient balance.
Vitamin C
Gummies provide an appealing alternative to pills for children and adults who find swallowing large pills difficult. Unfortunately, however, gummies may contain excess sugar or unhealthy ingredients that put users at risk of vitamin and mineral overdoses.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend cutting back on added sugars in order to make room in one’s diet for more nutrient-dense foods, such as gummy vitamins. According to some estimates, certain varieties can contribute up to eight grams of extra sugars every day!
ConsumerLab research suggests that gummy supplements often contain more of an ingredient listed than listed, which may be particularly dangerous when consumed in large amounts. Gummies also frequently contain gelatin which may not be appropriate for vegan and kosher diets; the optimal product would feature no added sugars, high-quality cellulose and no animal products for best results.
Vitamin D
Vitamin supplements may not be necessary for those eating a well-balanced diet; however, gummy vitamins can be useful for adults and children who find swallowing pills difficult or are unable to meet daily nutrient requirements due to dietary restrictions, life stages (like pregnancy), or medical conditions. Consumption may contain added sugars, sugar alcohols or corn starch which reduce nutritional value – excessive consumption could even lead to vitamin or mineral toxicity.
Gummy vitamins often include added sugar to increase their palatability, which may be concerning for diabetics or anyone needing to monitor their blood sugar levels closely. By comparison, traditional dietary supplement pills offer more precise dosage and tend to be free from added sugars or ingredients that might compromise a healthy diet plan. Furthermore, vegan and kosher lifestyle followers may want to opt for something with no gelatin at all, while gummy vitamins may contain gelatin that violates these restrictions.