Gummy vitamins are incredibly popular among both adults and kids as a fun, convenient way to take multivitamins. But before choosing one for yourself or someone else there are many things you should take into consideration before selecting your gummy vitamin.
Gummies contain sugar and can even contain citric acid to maintain texture, which can wear away at tooth enamel and contribute to deficiency issues in certain individuals. Furthermore, many lack iron content which could pose issues for those suffering with an iron deficiency condition.
Convenience
Gummy vitamins are chewable and easy to take down, providing an accessible alternative to pill supplements for both kids and adults who don’t enjoy taking pills. Plus, their delightful candy taste attracts those who find taking pills dull.
Gummies contain added sugar that can lead to weight gain and other health concerns when consumed excessively. Furthermore, many contain artificial flavorings and colorings which may cause digestive discomfort in some people including bloating, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
If you want to avoid extra sugar and artificial colors, look for a multivitamin with “no added sugar” labeling or less than 5% of total daily value for total sugar content. There may also be organic or gluten-free versions with no dairy added that might be more suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Taste
Gummy vitamins often get their sweet flavor from added sugars, which may present problems for people who are insulin-sensitive or diabetic. Even sugar-free candies may contain fructose or artificial ingredients; additionally, many multivitamins also contain citric acid which may wear away at tooth enamel.
Gummy vitamins can be easier for children and adults who struggle to swallow pills to swallow, making them an attractive option. But too many can lead to vitamin and mineral toxicity.
With this multivitamin gummy, you can take in a range of vitamins and minerals in natural orange, peach and berry flavors for convenient daily supplementation. Independently verified to be free from the top-9 allergens and without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, it does however contain small amounts of pork-derived gelatin which accounts for less than 50% of RDA iron, while not meeting RDA choline or DHA during pregnancy as well. Nonetheless, over 100% RDA vitamin A is provided.
Dosage
Gummy vitamins can be an ideal way to provide adults with essential nutrition, being easy to take in fruit flavors and providing quick absorption. Unfortunately, they also typically contain added sugars which could contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (7)
Sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and tooth decay if consumed in large amounts over time. Although gummy vitamins claim not to contain sugar at all, many contain other sweeteners like erythritol, mannitol or isomalt that could potentially cause digestive issues.
Multivitamin supplements may help address nutritional gaps when people don’t get enough through food alone, but eating a well-rounded diet that includes foods from all major food groups remains the best way to ensure that you get all of the needed vitamins.
Minerals
Gummies offer the benefit of appealing flavors that make them appealing to children and adults who might find swallowing pills difficult, making them easy choices for people with swallowing difficulties or those whose tastes do not allow for this option. Unfortunately, their delicious appeal comes at the cost of added sugars that could contribute to weight gain if consumed too frequently.
Gummies contain sugars derived from fruit juice concentrate and other sources that may not be ideal for those trying to manage their blood sugar levels, especially those who must monitor it closely. Many gummy vitamins also contain artificial food colorings which may cause digestive issues in some people.
If your family enjoys taking gummy vitamins, seek products with natural sweeteners like organic cane sugar and tapioca syrup as sweeteners, or go for those that are free from top 9 allergens and independently verified gluten-free. Due to added sugar in most gummy vitamins, they’re not advised for children under 2, and they might not contain enough iron for pregnant women and other vulnerable populations that might otherwise require supplementation.
