Gummy vitamins can be an effective way of getting both children (and adults!) to take their multivitamins on time, providing essential minerals and vitamins while being tasty treats!
But too many gummy vitamins can be detrimental for children and adults alike. Too much vitamin C may cause toxicity while high doses of calcium can hinder iron and zinc absorption.
Sugar
Gummies derive their sweetness from added sugars, so they may not be suitable for those trying to reduce their intake or with digestive issues. Some “sugar-free” varieties contain sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol which may lead to bloating as well as wear down on tooth enamel.
Vitamins A, C and D are included to support immune health, including regulation of leukocytes (white blood cells) which serve as an initial line of defense against infection. These gummies have been independently third-party tested and are free from milk, egg, peanuts, shellfish, fish, wheat gluten soy and corn as well as artificial flavors and dyes.
Only downside is they do contain porc-derived gelatin and carmine as color additives, making them less suitable for vegan or kosher diets. Still, these bars contain only minimal added sugar while providing over 200 percent of daily value of B12 in bioavailable methylfolate form; in addition to being certified cGMP products to guarantee safety and quality.
Minerals
Gummy vitamins offer a convenient way to meet your daily vitamin needs without dealing with pill bottles and liquids. They’re also popular with kids and adults who have difficulty swallowing standard pills.
But many gummy vitamins contain added sugar, which can lead to obesity and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and tooth decay. They may also contain sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive problems for some people.
Some gummies also lack minerals, such as iron, zinc and magnesium, that are important for good health. And because the supplements are often made with unregulated ingredients, it’s hard to know what you’re getting. That’s why we recommend choosing gummies that are organic, gluten-free, made without common food allergens and third-party tested for quality. In addition to a balanced diet, we believe a high-quality supplement can help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs. (Link to external website)(Link opens in new tab) We recommend these gummies for their flavor, ease of use and high amounts of Vitamin D3. They’re formulated with cholecalciferol, the same form of vitamin D your body naturally makes when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamins
Gummy vitamins taste sweet, making them easier for people with difficulty swallowing pills to take their supplements. But they may not be suitable for everyone; too much sugar could be present and they degrade more quickly than traditional tablets.
Sugar consumption has been linked with obesity, diabetes and heart disease; according to the American Heart Association(Link is external), women should consume no more than 25 grams and 36 grams respectively daily of added sugars from sources. Although “sugar-free” gum may still contain sugar or use citric acid as a sweetener which wears down tooth enamel, an excessive consumption of added sugars should be avoided at all costs.
Gummies as supplements are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration(Link is external), making them hard to ingest with accuracy; nutrients in gummies tend not to match up to what appears on nutrition facts panels as accurately; this makes it hard to know exactly how much of each nutrient you’re getting; vitamin C cannot be fully absorbed at doses greater than 100 mg; most is excreted through urine instead.
Iron
Iron deficiency is a prevalent mineral deficiency for women who have not reached menopause; yet ConsumerLab conducted a product review which revealed only 20% of multivitamins for women and 50% for men contain enough iron to meet recommended intake levels.
Gummies may be more effective at providing iron than traditional pills because their chewable form allows for faster absorption by the stomach.
Gummy supplements offer an easy and delicious way to meet daily vitamin needs, but it is crucial that they be read carefully as overdosing can have unwanted or even dangerous results. Iron poisoning is the leading cause of fatal poisoning among children under 6, while accidental overdose may occur if mixed with certain medications such as antacids, bisphosphonates (such as Alendronate), levothyroxine (Levothroid) or tetracyclines/quinolones (such as Ciprofloxacin). See your physician/pharmacy for assistance in creating an appropriate dosing schedule tailored just to you!
