Gummy vitamins offer an appealing alternative to pills or capsules, being easy to swallow with an appealing taste and texture. But these may come with their own risks: sugar may be added and may contain other filler compounds like sugar alcohols that could potentially cause digestive issues.
They taste good
Gummy vitamins make an attractive treat for children, yet they contain sugar that can contribute to tooth decay if your child regularly chews on them. Sugar reacts with bacteria in their mouth to produce acid which forms cavities; additionally citric acid found in some forms of gummy vitamins can further damage teeth.
Sugar in gummy vitamins may contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other long-term health conditions, including an increased risk of heart disease. They generally use refined sugars but there are natural and low sugar options available too.
Gummy vitamins can be difficult to regulate compared to pills and may contain variable amounts of nutrients, particularly fat-soluble ones that must be cooked before being bioavailable; this can have adverse effects on calcium, iron, vitamin D and B vitamin bioavailability as well as artificial flavors added by manufacturers. Additionally, many gummies contain added sugars or artificial flavors.
They are convenient
Gummy vitamin sales have seen explosive growth over the last several years, appealing to an expansive consumer base. Gummies are convenient and can easily meet specific nutritional requirements; further expanding their appeal many also come in vegan, organic or non-GMO forms for further expansion of consumer choice.
Gummy vitamins may be more easily absorbed than pills, liquids or powders; however they can contain added sugars and have a shorter shelf life than alternatives. Therefore, it’s crucial that consumers select high-quality products with no artificial flavors or unnecessary additives.
Though gummy vitamins may be easier to take than their pill-form counterparts, obtaining optimal nutrition requires eating healthily and adhering to a routine. Setting an alarm or making a schedule that encourages supplement consumption – such as brushing your teeth before breakfast – will ensure you remain consistent in taking them and can prevent missed doses altogether. This approach can especially benefit children who find swallowing pills challenging; doing this helps them adhere to taking multivitamins regularly.
They are easy to overdose
Gummy vitamins can provide an enjoyable way to meet your daily nutrition requirements, yet you should remain wary that these supplements could contain added sugars and unhealthy ingredients, leading to weight gain or dental problems – including possibly Celiac disease-inducing components.
Gummy vitamins pose another potential hazard: their easy overdose. As their appearance and flavor mimic that of candy, children may take too many at one time and end up with toxic levels of certain vitamins and minerals – this risk increases with pregnancy as these individuals are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Gummy vitamins tend to have a shorter shelf life than pill-based supplements and are more sensitive to heat and moisture, meaning that over time they degrade over time and lose potency – leading to an increased chance of overdose, with side effects like diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain being possible.
They are expensive
Gummy vitamins can be an easy and enjoyable way to meet nutritional needs, particularly for people who struggle to swallow pills. Their enjoyable form may increase adherence; however, some drawbacks include high sugar content and artificial flavors.
Gummy vitamins often contain added sugar from sweeteners like fructose, erythritol, mannitol and isomalt – contributing three to eight grams per serving and potentially harming teeth and gut health. They may also be difficult to digest.
However, gummy vitamin manufacturers are offering natural products to meet different consumer requirements, such as organic certifications and vegan options that have become increasingly popular. This trend has propelled the expansion of the gummy vitamins market. However, it should be remembered that gummy vitamins should never replace eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy.
