Although originally developed with children in mind (hence their vibrant, character-themed packaging), adults also appreciate gummy vitamins as an easy and delicious alternative to traditional multivitamin pills which may be difficult for adults to swallow.
However, overconsumption may lead to vitamin and mineral toxicity. Here’s what you need to know before taking these delicious supplements:
They Taste Good
Gummy vitamins offer sweet fruity flavors that appeal to children and adults who dislike swallowing pills, making them appealing choices for children or those who find swallowing pills unpleasant. But they may not always be healthy options.
Many gummies contain added sugars that can be harmful to health in large doses. Even those marked “sugar-free” might use other sweeteners like high-sugar fruit juice or sugar alcohols – both of which could potentially cause digestive symptoms for some people.
If you follow a vegan or Kosher diet, be mindful that some gummy vitamins contain gelatin (an animal product). When selecting vitamins made with vegetable gelatin or pectin instead, to maintain compliance. While eating whole, unprocessed foods is always best, consider supplementing with essential gummy vitamins that contain water-soluble (vitamin C & E) and fat-soluble (A,DK) nutrients as part of a gummy vitamin regiment* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration nor does this product intend to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease* *These statements have not been evaluated by them and should not be relied upon as such as medical advice given herein.
They’re Easy to Chew
Gummy vitamins are popular because they’re easier to chew than tablets or capsules, as well as being ideal for children who find swallowing pills uncomfortable; their sweet flavor and candy-like consistency makes gummies appealing options.
Gummies may come with one downside, though: sugar. While labeled “sugar-free,” most gummies contain 2-8 grams per serving – exceeding the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 25 or 36 grams daily intake respectively for women and men. Furthermore, citric acid used to flavor them wears away at tooth enamel over time.
Search for gummies that contain less added sugar and have been independently tested, and prioritize those containing calcium-rich forms as well as beneficial ingredients like omega-3s.
They’re Convenient
Vitamin Gummies can be an efficient solution for those who struggle to swallow pills and liquid supplements, especially children and adults with difficulty swallowing pills and liquid supplements. But it’s essential to read the label and follow instructions closely, since most gummies contain gelatin, sugar, water and corn starch with possible additional colorants added for flavor. Furthermore, taking too many gummies at once is easy because their appearance and flavor mimic that of candy; users often take more than the recommended amounts.
Gummies derive their sweetness from sugar, erythritol, mannitol and isomalt – all sources that contribute calories to your diet and may damage dental enamel. Furthermore, citric acid present can wear down tooth enamel over time and one gummy can contain up to five grams of added sugar; in order to avoid these potential issues choose gummies with low or no added sugar content.
They’re Effective
Gummy supplements, like traditional vitamins, can be an excellent supplement for adults who can’t swallow pills or get enough nutrients from their diets. But they should not serve as a replacement for eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods.
Gummy vitamins tend to degrade more quickly than pills and can present several challenges that undermine their effectiveness. This may include not containing the prescribed amounts of vitamins and minerals listed on their labels. Furthermore, many sugar-free gummies contain other sweeteners like glucose syrup or artificial sweetener such as erythritol which may lead to digestive issues in some individuals.
Susie emphasizes the need to read labels carefully and store gummies safely out of reach of children to prevent excess vitamin and mineral intoxication, particularly with regard to fat-soluble vitamins. Because too many gummies could potentially lead to toxic levels of vitamins and minerals, reading the label carefully and placing in childproof containers are both recommended practices to stay safe from ingestion by young ones.
