Gummies minerals offer a fun way to supplement nutrients, but it is essential that those needing specific vitamin supplements such as folic acid or iron choose wisely.
As soon as you start chewing a gummy, saliva begins the digestion process by breaking it down, followed by stomach acids that further break it down to expose all its vitamins and minerals.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient required by our bodies and involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions, helping support an active immune system, strong bones, blood pressure regulation, heart rhythm regulation and improving insulin sensitivity [1]. Magnesium rich diets may reduce hypertension risks while improving insulin sensitivity among those at risk of type 2 diabetes [2].
Eat foods rich in magnesium such as legumes, nuts, whole grains, avocados and dark green vegetables to increase your daily magnesium intake. Furthermore, many multivitamins contain magnesium supplements without adverse side effects.
Magnesium supplements may interact with certain medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). Therefore, taking magnesium supplements if also taking these drugs should be avoided; long-term use could potentially interfere with absorption of alendronate (Fosamax). Therefore it’s recommended to seek professional advice prior to supplementation with magnesium.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone-like substance that sends signals to your body telling it it’s time for sleep. You can find it over-the-counter as tablets, liquid or even chewy forms; doctors frequently suggest taking it. Unfortunately, however, due to FDA regulation limitations of supplements it cannot be guaranteed what and how much will be received by consumers.
Studies indicate that melatonin is generally safe when taken for short-term purposes; however, its long-term safety has yet to be established. Furthermore, certain medications (especially those intended to control blood sugar or high blood pressure levels) may interact negatively with its use and potentially trigger allergic reactions in some individuals with macular degeneration causing macular degeneration.
Melatonin should not replace healthy sleep practices such as following a regular bedtime ritual and forgoing caffeine before bed. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis Buenaver recommends the use of filters on electronics that block out blue and green wavelengths that signal daytime to your brain, which could interfere with its effects. Filters are available both online and at most stores.
Calcium
Gummy supplements have long been a favorite because they’re easy to swallow and taste good – two features which appeal to consumers. Gummies may also help fill any nutrient gaps caused by health conditions or medications, like Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel diseases which alter how the body absorbs vitamins.
Calcium gummies provide essential support for healthy bones and teeth, with many including vitamin D to improve calcium absorption. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to poor bone health, mood changes and decreased immunity.
Gummy vitamins and minerals vary by product, with ideal options providing close to 100% of daily value of essential vitamins such as A, C and D as well as omega-3s, zinc and other minerals. If sweeteners cause discomfort for people with certain health conditions, be wary of those sweetened with artificial sweeteners; for your own safety consider options sweetened only with natural or non-caloric sugars instead. Also make sure your choice doesn’t contain iron which is toxic when consumed in high doses.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in numerous enzyme reactions, such as protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, wound healing, immune function and cell growth. If deficiency arises it may result in reduced taste/smell/fight infection capacity as well as other health concerns.
Zinc has an RDA for adults of 11 mg per day. You can obtain this essential mineral by eating poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts and seeds as well as taking zinc supplements that typically come in capsule form.
Zinc can be safely taken in recommended doses, however too much zinc may interfere with iron absorption, cause stomach upset and cause diarrhea. Zinc is also found in cold lozenges and over-the-counter remedies sold as cold remedies; denture adhesive creams contain zinc too; these should be avoided by those following vegan or vegetarian diets.
