Gummy multivitamins in fun shapes and colors have become one of the most popular methods for kids to consume their vitamins. Not only are they tasty treats, but often take the form of beloved characters that they adore!
Gummy multivitamins may not always be good for kids – in fact they may lead to cavities! Instead, children need a varied and vibrant diet with lots of fruits and veggies for optimal health.
They Taste Like Candy
Gummy vitamins are great alternatives for children who dislike taking pills and make getting their daily vitamin requirements much simpler. Unfortunately, gummy vitamins also tend to have a higher sugar content which, when eaten excessively, may lead to cavities and the retention of bacteria which damages tooth enamel and promotes gum disease.
Gummy vitamins contain artificial colorings and food dyes, which may present health risks to children with sensitive digestive systems or allergies to certain chemicals. Although gummy vitamins might work for some children, the best approach would be focusing on providing their essential nutrients through fruits and vegetables instead; these are far less harmful while being far more effective and beneficial than candy-flavored supplements that taste similar. Gummies supplements may also contain less vitamins due to rapid degradation caused by semi-liquid form degrading vitamins much faster.
They Can Cause Cavities
Gummies contain sugars and ingredients that can damage teeth, such as citric acid. Citric acid in particular wears away at tooth enamel, increasing your risk for cavities and other dental health conditions.
Gummies often look and taste like candy, making it easy for children to perceive them as treats rather than necessary parts of their diet. This leads to overconsumption which in turn leads to dental issues like tooth decay.
Sugar from gummies can lodge itself into the grooves of children’s back molars, providing bacteria with a place to produce acids that damage teeth and lead to cavities. While brushing may remove some debris, deep grooves where gummies often remain remain hidden – so to reduce this risk and limit potential tooth damage from gummies it would be best for your children to drink water or brush their teeth shortly after eating gummies, or both, in order to wash away some of their sugar content and minimize its harmful effects on their dental health.
They Aren’t Complete
Vitamin supplements and eating a well-rounded diet are key components to providing children with all of the nutrition they require, but many parents also rely on candy treats as an easy solution to combat an otherwise less than ideal diet for their kids. By including treats alongside vitamins, parents may think they’re giving their kids what they need – an added boost that gives their little ones their vitamins without feeling guilty!
Gummy vitamins offer many advantages for children: They’re sweet and easy for picky eaters to swallow whole pills without chewing.
Unfortunately, gummy vitamins can leave gaps in your child’s diet. A report by ConsumerLab showed that many gummy multivitamins contain excessive levels of certain ingredients like folic acid (which may lead to serious medical conditions if taken too much) and lead. Unfortunately, manufacturers who make these vitamins tend to skimp on testing by outsourcing third-party laboratories; this means many gummy vitamins don’t meet regulations, creating potential hazards both for you and your child.
They Aren’t Safe
Gummy vitamins often contain sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, both of which are harmful to children’s health. Furthermore, their gelatin composition sticks to teeth and causes cavities – offering better alternatives would be powdery chewable vitamins without an artificial candy-like flavor.
Gummies pose another danger by containing too many artificial colorings that could contribute to behavioral issues in children. Furthermore, certain vitamins contain sugar alcohols which could trigger diarrhea, nausea and bloating symptoms in some individuals.
Overall, it’s best to consume a nutritious diet consisting of vegetables and fruits for optimal nutrition. If your child struggles to swallow pills or has an irregular diet, gummy vitamins could provide an easy way for them to take their daily vitamins. Just read labels carefully to ensure they’re free from added sugars, fillers or artificial colorings – if any questions about which vitamins might be suitable please speak to their pediatrician.
