Providing that both you and your children eat a well-rounded diet, vitamin supplements may not be necessary. Unfortunately, as they are unregulated by the FDA and may contain lower amounts of nutrients than advertised on their labels.
Gummies contain added sugars, which may counteract their benefits for those monitoring their blood sugar. When selecting supplements with no-to-low amounts of added sugars or who follow a vegan or kosher diet. gelatin should be avoided to stay within this dietary restriction.
Refined sugars
Refined sugars can be found in a wide variety of food products, from processed dairy to grains, fruits and vegetables. Studies have linked refined sugar consumption with obesity and diabetes; natural forms like honey or maple syrup should be consumed only occasionally for best health results.
Many individuals are looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake, yet finding effective strategies can be challenging when many vitamins and supplements contain additional sugars. Luckily, gummies that do not contain refined sugars or sugar alcohols are available.
These gummies are free from all nine allergens and gluten, making them an excellent option for pregnant women with dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, however, they do not provide adequate levels of choline or DHA and contain pork-derived gelatin which could pose problems if following a kosher or vegan diet. In addition, tapioca syrup derived from cassava root starch makes up part of this tasty treat’s composition – and tapioca syrup also comes from tropical areas!
Sugar alcohols
Gummies offer an enjoyable alternative to pills, yet can contain high amounts of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients – which makes them unsuitable for those looking to limit additives or artificial ingredients in their diets. Furthermore, sugar alcohols found in these candies may contribute to digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.
Sugar alcohols (polyols) are often used by gum and candy manufacturers to decrease the carbs present in their treats, creating more sugar-free treats without adding ethanol as found in alcohol drinks. Sugar alcohols (polyols) have similar chemical structures as sugar but lack alcohol content – these sweeteners can be found in numerous food and health supplement products including children’s vitamin chews as well as some sugar-free gum and mints.
Gummies are an ideal way for adults looking to increase their daily vitamin and mineral intake while enjoying delicious fruit flavors. Just be sure to read the label to ensure it does not contain gelatin, pork-derived ingredients, color additives or gluten which is particularly important if you suffer from Celiac disease or follow a vegan diet.
Artificial food dyes
Food dyes can be found in various food products, including candy, cereals, drinks and medications. While some food dyes have been associated with allergies in some people, others such as the colorant FD&C Red 3 may cause cancer in laboratory rats; due to this risk it has been banned in several countries including Japan, Australia and Europe.
Opting for gummies without artificial dyes can help limit their intake. A diet rich in whole foods and limiting ultra-processed products will also be key.
Gummies may contain essential minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium; however, relying solely on these gummies as your source of these micronutrients could interfere with absorption of other essential vitamins like iron. A registered dietitian can suggest taking multivitamins or individual micronutrient supplements instead to meet your nutrient goals.
Gelatin
Gelatin, made of animal collagen, is used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in many foods such as gummies (Bagal-Kestwal, Pan, & Torley 2019). Its distinctive rubbery texture distinguishes it from jellies made with starch, cellulose or carrageenan hydrocolloids like jellies or fruit chews; also used to create other soft foods with soft textures including pudding or soft sauces such as jello; comes as powders granules or sheets which must be dissolved in water prior to use (Bagal-Kestwal, Pan & Torley 2019).
Multivitamin gummies contain gelatin as a core ingredient, but it’s important to select one suitable to your health needs. If you have dietary restrictions or are vegan or kosher, choose a gummy vitamin made of pectin instead; pectin is an organic starch-based substance found naturally in fruits and vegetables’ cell walls that makes an ideal vegan and kosher option for those who follow strict dietary restrictions.
