Gummy vitamins are an increasingly popular supplement among both children and adults alike. Not only are they easy to chew and taste great, but some varieties contain significant quantities of sugar as well.
Sugar overindulgence can lead to serious health consequences, including liver disease and certain forms of cancer. Furthermore, added sugar may interfere with absorption of other essential nutrients like iron.
They are easy to chew
Gummy vitamins are an easy and delicious way to take your daily vitamins, but they may contain high amounts of sugars and additives that cause digestive issues for some individuals. To find one with reduced levels of sugar and digestive upset, opt for one made of pectin as its main ingredient – pectin is an organic gelling agent which will keep gummies firm while being better tolerated than traditional pills and tablets by those who struggle with digestion issues.
Keep in mind that gummy vitamins contain added sugars, which may contribute to weight gain and dental issues if consumed excessively. According to the American Heart Association’s recommendations, no more than 25 grams of added sugar is recommended daily for women and 36 for men; vitamin gummies typically contain 2-8 grams per serving which quickly adds up. They may also contain high-sugar fruit juices or sugar alcohols which could cause digestive upset for some people.
They are convenient
Gummy vitamins provide an easy, affordable, and fun way for both adults and children to meet their daily nutritional requirements. Gummies also help build up a habit for taking vitamins – something essential for leading a healthy lifestyle.
Gummies are an ideal solution for people who struggle to swallow pills, however it’s essential that you read the label closely as some contain high levels of sugar that could pose issues for those living with diabetes or blood-sugar issues.
When selecting a gummy multivitamin, look for one that is low in sugar and independently tested. Some brands even provide subscription services so that you can customize them to meet your individual nutritional needs – Nourished offers customized stackable gummies that meet this criteria, sweetened using glucose syrup and beet sugar that won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike; plus they’re free from 9 allergens and kosher-certified!
They are low in sugar
Gummies have recently gained popularity among vitamin consumers as an innovative dietary supplement format. Their soft, jelly sweet texture offers an ideal alternative to pill supplements which may be difficult for children or adults alike to swallow and may be less appealing overall. It is important, however, to read labels to check ingredients compatibility for allergies or sensitivities – as many gummy vitamins contain gelatin which comes from animal bones and tissues, not suitable for vegans and possibly not Kosher depending on its source/processing process.
Gummy vitamins contain sugar that can quickly add up. According to the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than six teaspoons for women and nine for men per day as added sugar intake, many gummy vitamins list sugar or glucose syrup as their first ingredient and could impede your efforts at cutting back on your daily sugar consumption.
They are safe
Gummies are a fantastic way to help supplement nutritional gaps, but should only be consumed in moderation. Most gummies contain added sugars that could contribute to weight gain and tooth decay if eaten too frequently; in addition, certain varieties may lack key vitamins like iron and DHA due to taste/texture restrictions and many manufacturers leaving out this essential nutrient altogether.
Although uncommon, it is possible for young children to overdose on vitamins and minerals from gummy vitamin supplements. This is particularly worrying since young children often see them as candy and can consume more than recommended doses. Overdoses of fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E and K) may result in toxicities which damage organs and tissues causing organ dysfunction and tissue destruction.
If you are concerned about the amount of added sugars found in gummy vitamins, look for those that use low-sugar fruit juices or sugar alcohols to sweeten them instead. Of course, eating a diet rich in whole and unprocessed foods remains the best way to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake.