People often struggle to decide whether to consume gummies or avoid them. Gummies are more pleasant to taste than a traditional multivitamin pill, and individuals may find it easier to take them regularly. Some may even eat them as a post-meal treat rather than a usual dessert.
You can find gummy vitamins on any drug and grocery store shelves due to their bright packaging and product designs that resemble sweet treats. But are they a good idea? Let's find out!
Gummy vitamins have a taste and texture similar to gummy candies but pack vitamins. They come in several flavors, colors, and shapes and are popular among kids and adults who have difficulty swallowing pills.
These vitamins are typically made using gelatin, cornstarch, water, sugar, and added colorings, coming in flavors like raspberry, lemon, orange, and cherry. They can contain numerous vitamins and minerals or specific nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.
Gummies can be consumed effortlessly without needing water or food, making them a convenient option for people on the go or those who want to pack them in a lunchbox for their children. Additionally, the chewable format of gummies can help establish a consistent supplement-taking routine, unlike traditional pills that can lead to supplement fatigue.
With an aged population struggling with pill consumption and a young generation craving easy-to-chew vitamins, gummy vitamins meet both needs.[1]
The sugar-based coating on gummy vitamins appeals to a bigger audience than tablets. Both the elderly and youngsters dislike dietary supplements. Gummies' pleasant flavors encourage these two demographic groups to take vitamins.[1]
According to a study on product packaging marketing strategies, gummy vitamin bottles with bright colors and descriptive words related to flavor and shape can attract even the most selective eaters. The packaging appeals to children by making them think they are eating food or candy rather than vitamins.[2]
However, the study also highlights the importance of parents being aware of the risks of overconsumption of gummy vitamins and emphasizing a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for their children.
Gummy vitamins are usually made more appealing by adding sugars. One example of children's gummy multivitamins contains three different types of added sugars, providing 3 grams of sugar and 15 calories per gummy. However, consuming too much added sugar is linked to obesity, heart disease, and dental cavities.[3]
Additionally, gummy vitamins may contain sugar alcohols as a substitute for added sugars, which can cause digestive symptoms in some people if consumed in excess.[4] Some of them may also contain artificial food colorings, which have been connected to behavioral issues in children, according to some studies.[5]
Gummy vitamins are classified as food, not drugs, by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and may interact with medications. Therefore, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking them.
Moreover, the nutrients in gummy vitamins may not be as abundant as advertised. The reason is that manufacturers need to include fillers such as sugars and colorings to maintain the gummy texture, which limits the number of vitamins and minerals that can be added.
Overconsumption of gummy vitamins may put you at risk of getting too much of certain nutrients, especially if you already eat foods fortified with vitamins and minerals. That could result in vitamin or mineral toxicity, which can harm your body, particularly for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which can accumulate in body fat and tissues.[6]
Young children who may view gummy vitamins as candy are at higher risk for overconsumption. In fact, there have been reported cases of vitamin A toxicity due to the overconsumption of candy-like vitamins in children. So, as a preventive measure, keep gummy vitamins out of reach of children and follow the recommended dosage instructions carefully.[7]
While most individuals who maintain a well-balanced diet may not require gummy vitamins, they could be helpful for certain groups, such as those with nutrient deficiencies, absorption problems, or higher nutrient requirements. Additionally, gummy vitamins could be good for fussy eaters, especially children, and those who do not consume a balanced diet or have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting to take any vitamin or supplement.
When selecting gummy vitamins, mind the brand quality and the recommended storage practices. For example, these supplements can be sensitive to heat and light, so keep them safe from such factors to avoid degradation.
Consumers should aim to purchase supplements from reputable retailers and trusted brands. To ensure picking a quality brand, look for low-sugar varieties with third-party certification from NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia, Informed-Choice, ConsumerLab.com, or the Banned Substances Control Group.
Gummy vitamins are a good option for those with trouble taking pills, such as older adults and children, those with nutritional deficiencies or who need more nutrients than usual, and those with absorption problems. But even in these cases, it is best to seek a professional council before starting consumption and to respect the brand's recommendations about dosage and storage.
People who eat healthily, and consume all necessary vitamins and minerals through food, do not need gummy supplements.
1. Gummy Vitamins Market Size, Share, Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis. (2020, October). MarketsandMarkets. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/gummy-vitamins-market-144650552.html
2. Ethan, D., Basch, C. H., Samuel, L., Quinn, C., & Dunne, S. (2015). An examination of product packaging marketing strategies used to promote pediatric multivitamins. Journal of community health, 40(3), 564–568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9972-1
3. Rippe, J. M., & Angelopoulos, T. J. (2016). Relationship between Added Sugars Consumption and Chronic Disease Risk Factors: Current Understanding. Nutrients, 8(11), 697. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8110697
4. Mäkinen K. K. (2016). Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. International journal of dentistry, 2016, 5967907. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5967907
5. Nigg, J. T., Lewis, K., Edinger, T., & Falk, M. (2012). Meta-analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, restriction diet, and synthetic food color additives. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(1), 86–97.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.10.015
6. Multivitamin/mineral Supplements - Health Professional Fact Sheet. (2022, October 11). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-HealthProfessional/
7. Basch, C. H., & Basch, C. E. (2015). The potential danger of flavoring in health promoting and health compromising products: implications for children. Health promotion perspectives, 5(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2015.001
