Gummy vitamins are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pill supplements and may help children and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills, though they typically contain more sugar and added ingredients than their traditional counterparts.
Too much added sugar has been linked with obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases, so it is crucial that consumers read labels and review nutrition guidelines regularly.
Vitamin A
Gummy vitamins contain many added sugars, which can contribute to obesity as well as health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. Some even contain sugar alcohols which can lead to digestive issues like bloating or gas.
Gummy vitamins can be dangerously tempting for children who see them as candy, making overdose easier than ever. Consuming too much of certain nutrients may be harmful and lead to vomiting and diarrhea if taken too much at one time.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient which helps fight infections, heal wounds and act as an antioxidant in your body. Gummies made with natural oranges or other fruits make an ideal way to get your dose of Vitamin C.
Gummies contain sugars and ingredients that make it harder to stick to a low-sugar diet, while the citric acid that gives these treats their distinct flavor wears away at tooth enamel.
Vitamin D
Gummy vitamins have quickly become an attractive alternative to pills and chewable tablets, providing an easier route for individuals who find them unpleasant to take. Gummies may especially appeal to those who find traditional vitamin supplements unpalatable or have difficulty swallowing pills themselves.
Gummy vitamins often contain excess calories that contribute to weight gain and dental issues if consumed excessively, along with artificial or natural flavors and colors that could potentially pose health concerns.
Vitamin E
Gummy vitamins provide a tasty way to access certain essential nutrients that might otherwise be difficult to absorb from pills or tablets, although beware that some varieties could contain extra sugars.
Gummy vitamins often contain 2-8 grams of added sugar per serving, which can make an impactful contribution towards meeting daily recommended amounts. They may also include sugar alcohols as sweeteners – which may cause digestive issues – and be hazardous.
Vitamin K
Gummy vitamins may provide an alternative for children and adults who cannot swallow tablets; however, due to the added sugar they contain it’s important that intake be strictly monitored as too much could be harmful.
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone development. It produces various proteins including prothrombin and osteocalcin, both of which play key roles. Studies have linked low intakes with age-related bone loss (osteoporosis).
Calcium
Gummies can be an easy and tasty way to supplement your vitamin and mineral needs, but they often contain sugar and additives which might not be the ideal choice if you’re trying to steer clear of such substances.
Calcium is a complex mineral, making absorption challenging for your body. For maximum absorption, consume dairy products and leafy greens as sources of calcium.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral which is needed for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells which carries oxygen throughout the body, as well as strengthening immunity through producing white blood cells to fight infections.
Gummies offer an easy way to meet your daily iron intake. This type of supplement may be particularly beneficial for people who struggle to swallow pills or experience digestive discomfort when taking traditional iron supplements.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes in many forms, from tablets to injections and oral supplements that can be taken orally or subcutaneously. Its main functions are red blood cell production, DNA synthesis and nerve function support.
Gummy vitamins often owe their sweet taste to sugar or sugar substitutes, and too much added sugar may contribute to obesity, diabetes and other health conditions. When searching for vitamin gummies with natural dyes instead of synthetic ones.
Vitamin B6
Gummies contain added sugar and artificial food dyes, which may present health concerns in some individuals. Furthermore, their large sizes make it harder to take the necessary doses of vitamins such as iron and zinc that should be consumed daily.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal 5’phosphate) helps lower homocysteine levels and heart disease risk while treating an inherited form of anemia. Unfortunately, it does not seem to prevent Alzheimer disease or reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Vitamin B2
Gummy vitamins may contain excessively high levels of sugar, especially if taken multiple times a day. This can reduce how many nutrients are absorbed, possibly leading to digestive issues and creating another issue altogether. Furthermore, some gummies contain additives or artificial flavoring; additionally some vitamins such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins have metallic tastes which may be difficult to mask with flavoring agents alone.
Diets with too much added sugar have been linked with obesity, diabetes and other long-term conditions. Be sure to review nutrition guidelines when purchasing vitamin supplements.
