Gummy vitamins are popular with adults and kids alike, as they taste like candy while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, many gummy vitamins contain added sugars – even those labeled “sugar-free” contain citric acid which can wear away tooth enamel.
Magnesium
Magnesium seems to be having an incredible moment within the realm of minerals, vitamins and supplements. While magnesium has long been revered for promoting restful sleep, its other beneficial properties also include muscle relaxation support and reduced risk of heart disease.
Studies have linked increased magnesium consumption with reduced risk of stroke. Magnesium also plays an integral part in maintaining bone health, working closely with calcium and vitamin D to build and strengthen bones.
Gummies offer a convenient and efficient way to add magnesium into one’s diet, particularly those who lead busy lives and prefer chewing over swallowing large capsules or mixing powder into beverages.
Selecting an effective magnesium supplement is critical to meeting individual needs and health goals. Knowing your body’s responses to various dosages of magnesium supplements is also key, as excessive doses could cause bloating or gas. Individuals taking medications for osteoporosis (such as bisphosphonates) must also keep in mind that magnesium could interfere with absorption of such drugs.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to dimming daylight, rising as darkness falls, making people sleepy. Melatonin supplements may help those struggling with insomnia get sleep at an earlier time.
However, over-the-counter melatonin supplements such as gummies aren’t as tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which means a study published in 2023 discovered that most over-the-counter melatonin gummies didn’t consistently deliver the amount of melatonin they claimed they contained.
Sleep hygiene practices such as consistent bedtime and wakeup times, limiting caffeine and alcohol later in the day, sleeping in a dark room and third-party verified supplements from USP, NSF or ConsumerLab should all help contribute to better nightly rest. Melatonin may interact with certain cancer treatments; be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before beginning.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has gained widespread attention online as a wellness tonic that promotes glowing skin and shiny locks. While ACV may help lower blood sugar and speed weight loss, it should not be seen as a panacea to all health concerns.
ACV contains acetic acid, which acts as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and preserve food naturally. ACV may also be used as a natural food preservative.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those living with diabetes. But too much apple cider vinegar consumption may harm your teeth by eroding tooth enamel and leading to sensitive or cavities teeth.
Apple cider vinegar should always be taken in its diluted form to prevent irritation of the stomach lining and lead to digestive issues like diarrhea or gas. Furthermore, eating prebiotic and probiotic rich foods will help create an ideal gut microbiome which improves digestion while making meals feel fuller faster and strengthening immune systems.
Eating a Balanced Diet
People who consume a diet rich in all major food groups typically do not require vitamin or mineral supplements. But for picky eaters or those having difficulty swallowing pills, gummy vitamins may provide relief – though it should be remembered they often contain sugar, sugar alcohols and artificial colors to maintain their shape and texture – overconsumption can lead to vitamin and mineral toxicity, particularly among children.
Gummy vitamins often owe their sweetness to sucrose and glucose, both forms of sugar, and citric acid, an acid which wears away at teeth’s outer layer. Furthermore, some varieties can leave behind sticky residue that contributes to dental cavities; look out for labels stating low-sugar varieties tested by third parties; it is always best to obtain your vitamins from food instead.
