Are Gummy Vitamins Worth It? Understanding Their Benefits and Drawbacks.

Vitamin supplements are widely used around the world, with many people believing that taking vitamins can enhance their well-being or compensate for a diet that lacks essential nutrients.

One popular form of vitamin supplement is gummy vitamins. These vitamins are not only tasty but also easy to take. However, it's important to note that most gummy vitamin varieties contain added sugars and might not always provide accurate information about their nutrient content on the label.

In this article, we’ll explore whether gummy vitamins are beneficial or harmful to your well-being, providing a clear view of their advantages and potential drawbacks. For more insights, Rachel's Tea offers helpful information on making the best choices for your health.

What are gummy vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are chewable supplements that resemble gummy candies in texture and taste. Available in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors, they offer a more enjoyable way to take vitamins.

These vitamins are very popular, especially among children and adults who may struggle with swallowing pills. Gummy vitamins are usually made from ingredients like gelatin, corn starch, water, sugar, and artificial colorings. Common flavors include lemon, raspberry, cherry, and orange.

Gummy vitamins can contain multiple vitamins and minerals, or focus on just a few key nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium.

You can easily find gummy vitamins online or in most supplement and health food stores. Prices vary by brand but are generally similar to other multivitamins, the cost is approximately $58.96 for a bottle containing 60 gummies on Rachel's Tea.

Advantages of Gummy Vitamins

Gummy vitamins offer several benefits, including their pleasant taste and the essential nutrients they deliver.

Gummy Vitamins: A Flavorful and Convenient Option

Gummy vitamins offer several benefits, especially for certain groups of people who may need additional nutrients.

Many individuals take vitamins to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients their bodies require. While this is a common practice, research shows that most people with a balanced diet do not need multivitamins. However, there are some individuals who may benefit from supplements, including those who:

• Do not eat certain foods
• Have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients
• Have higher nutrient needs

Groups that may benefit from gummy vitamins include:

• Vegans
• Older adults
• Individuals with alcohol dependence
• Strict vegetarians
• People with health conditions that require more nutrients or those using long-term medications that affect nutrient absorption
• Pregnant individuals

For these groups, gummy vitamins offer a convenient option compared to traditional pills.

Flavorful and easy to take

Many people choose gummy vitamins over pills due to their fruity flavors and candy-like taste. This makes them especially appealing to children who might be picky eaters.

Additionally, gummy vitamins are easy to chew, making them a good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

As a result, gummy vitamins can be an easier and more consistent addition to the daily routines of both kids and adults compared to other multivitamins.

Potential downsides

While gummy vitamins can be beneficial for some individuals, they do come with a few drawbacks.

May contain added sugars, sugar alcohols, or food colorings

The sweet taste of gummy vitamins is often due to the added sugars.

For example, one popular brand of children's gummy multivitamins contains three types of added sugars, with 3 grams of sugar and 15 calories per gummy.

Consuming too much added sugar is linked to obesity, heart disease, and dental cavities. That’s why health organizations recommend limiting sugar intake to:

• No more than 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams) of added sugar per day for men
• No more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women
• Less than 6 teaspoons per day for children ages 2–18

Although the sugar content in gummy vitamins might seem small, it can add up, especially if you take more than one gummy per day or eat other foods with added sugars.

To reduce sugar, some manufacturers use sugar alcohols instead. Even if a vitamin is labeled as sugar-free, it may still contain sugar alcohols, which are included in the total carbohydrates.

Consuming too much sugar alcohol can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, and nausea in some people.

Finally, some gummy vitamins contain artificial food colorings. While research is mixed, certain studies suggest a connection between food dyes and behavioral problems in children.

May contain different amounts of nutrients than listed

Gummy vitamins are classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food rather than medications. This means they could potentially interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any vitamins.

Additionally, gummy vitamins may contain fewer nutrients than consumers expect. This is partly because manufacturers need to add sugars, colorings, and other fillers to maintain the gummy texture, which limits the number of vitamins and minerals they can include.

Easy to overeat

Overconsumption of gummy vitamins can lead to excessive intake of certain nutrients, especially if you also consume foods that are already fortified with vitamins and minerals. This can result in vitamin or mineral toxicity, which can harm your body.

Particularly, taking too much of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K can be dangerous, as these vitamins are stored in body fat and tissues.

This is especially concerning for young children who might mistake gummy vitamins for candy and take more than the recommended amount. Since children need smaller amounts of nutrients than adults, they are more vulnerable to vitamin and mineral toxicity.

In fact, one study found at least three cases of vitamin A toxicity in children due to overconsumption of candy-like vitamins.

Should you take them?

Overconsumption of gummy vitamins can lead to excessive intake of certain nutrients, especially if you also consume foods that are already fortified with vitamins and minerals. This can result in vitamin or mineral toxicity, which can harm your body.

Particularly, taking too much of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K can be dangerous, as these vitamins are stored in body fat and tissues.

This is especially concerning for young children who might mistake gummy vitamins for candy and take more than the recommended amount. Since children need smaller amounts of nutrients than adults, they are more vulnerable to vitamin and mineral toxicity.

The bottom line

Gummy vitamins are simple to consume and are available in a range of colors and fruity flavors. While they are not necessary for most people, gummy vitamins can be helpful for certain groups, such as vegans and older adults.

However, they may contain fewer nutrients than other multivitamins and often have added sugars and other additives. If you're considering trying gummy vitamins, it's best to look for brands that are low in sugar and have been tested by a third party, like those available at Rachel’s Tea.