Gummy vitamins may seem like an appealing, convenient and delicious solution for kids or adults who cannot swallow pills, but are they really doing your body any good?
Gummy vitamins often derive their sweet taste from sugar or sugar substitutes, which can stick to teeth and cause cavities. That’s why you may wish to reconsider your current regimen of gummy vitamin consumption.
Convenience
Gummy vitamins have grown increasingly popular due to a growing need for convenient and tasty ways of supplementing diets. Gummy vitamin supplements tend to cater more toward young adults and middle-aged individuals who place an increased emphasis on health maintenance; specifically targeting them to address nutrient deficiencies or stress-related ailments.
Producing gummy vitamins is an intriguing combination of culinary art and scientific precision. Vitamin and mineral ingredients are mixed according to a precise formula with sweeteners, flavors, and gelling agents (gelatin or plant-based alternatives) before being poured into molds to form their familiar chewable shape.
Gummies offer an irresistibly delicious treat, yet their high sugar content poses health concerns. Prolonged consumption may lead to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic ailments; in addition, gelatin and carmine-derived ingredients could cause issues for vegans or those who have ethical considerations.
Added Sugar
Gummy vitamins often contain too much added sugar, leading to weight gain and other health concerns like heart disease. Furthermore, many gummy vitamins contain artificial flavorings and colorings which could further contribute to weight gain.
Gummies tend to be sweeter than traditional pills, making them an appealing option for young children. Unfortunately, however, this could lead to overdose if certain vitamins containing fat-soluble constituents (A,D,E & K) are administered in too great an amount.
Gummies may contain ingredients like agar-agar, carrageenan and pectin that are harmful for people following vegan or vegetarian dietary guidelines and pose a choking hazard for small children. Vitamin supplements should instead be obtained through healthy food choices instead of supplementation; talk to your physician about which vitamins would best meet your needs; read labels carefully since gummy vitamin supplements are not regulated by FDA; their labels may not match up with what nutrients actually appear inside each gummy vitamin supplement.
Too Much Minerals
Gummy vitamins may be a suitable choice for adults who find pills uncomfortable to swallow and for children who find swallowing them challenging, however they also contain extra sugar and may not provide sufficient amounts of certain vitamins for children.
Gummy vitamins can also be produced under high heat which degrades nutrients such as Vitamin C and Iron, potentially harming your health in the process. While this process must occur to create firm and delicious candies for consumption, this process may not be optimal for your wellbeing.
As part of your search for the ideal gummy vitamin, it’s also essential to carefully examine its ingredient list. Some brands contain added sugars which may raise blood glucose levels and cause other health complications; gelatin may not be suitable for those following vegan or kosher lifestyles, and other ingredients include corn starch, fructose syrup and artificial flavors; these extras should be limited.
Too Little Iron
Iron is essential in helping the body produce red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout, metabolism and cellular function, fatigue as well as brain, immune system and ability to fight infections. A severe iron deficiency may even be harmful during pregnancy and young children – who have higher needs than adults for iron intake.
Gummy vitamins usually contain only small amounts of iron because adding it would compromise their flavor and texture. People at risk of low iron levels should speak to a healthcare provider about taking an iron supplement in tablet or gummy form for best results.
Gummy vitamins may seem appealing, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Their easy accessibility may increase the likelihood of overdose among children who consume too many, and their sugar feeds bacteria that leads to tooth decay. Furthermore, they may interfere with certain medications like those used to thin blood or steroids, potentially increasing risks.
