If your parents let you have candy as a kid, then you know gummies. Rainbow-bright and squishy to the touch, these chewy treats have been an American staple for almost a century. Now, though, they’ve evolved from adored confectionery to a multivitamin alternative to traditional capsules and pills. And their latest iteration is growing in popularity. Growing fast.
Are gummy vitamins new to your radar? If so, you’re probably wondering what the fuss is, and whether the fuss is worth your time. Well, this guide is the place to find these answers. Together, we’ll unpack what gummy vitamins are, the potential pros and cons of taking them, and how to decide whether they should form part of your health and well-being routine.
Gummy vitamins: What are they?
As we said, IYKYK. Gummy vitamins are almost identical to the gummy candies you ate as a kid (or still eat, because who doesn’t love a gummy), the difference being they contain dietary supplements. Think vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin blends; a gummy exists for just about every vitamin.
Dietary supplements aside, you’ll find the usual gummy ingredients: gelatin or pectin, sugar, and added flavorings. There’s no mystery around their development, as you’d expect. The brief was simple: develop a candy-like vitamin supplement that kids actually like to take.
Why the rise in popularity?
We’ve kinda answered our question here. The appeal (and growing popularity) of gummy vitamins is simple and clear: they taste yummy (we had to get that rhyme in somewhere), they’re easy to swallow, and don’t make you feel like you’re taking medicine. From a consumer’s point of view and a marketer’s point of view, they tick all the right boxes.
They’re also convenient. You don’t need to take them at certain times of the day. You don’t even need water to wash them down—win-win territory right there.
What are the potential benefits of taking gummy vitamins?
Gummy vitamins share benefits with traditional vitamin supplements and have some of their own. Let’s examine a few of these potential benefits:
They can help fill a nutrient gap. Everyone’s diet is lacking in some way, be it a small or significant deficiency. If you live somewhere cold where the sun hibernates with the bears during winter, you might need more vitamin D in your life. A gummy can help.
They’re child-friendly. It’s difficult to underestimate how much of an advantage this can prove with kids, especially if they’re fussy eaters. A gummy after lunch will seem a treat to them, guaranteed.
They can help during pregnancy. Faced with taking traditional supplements during pregnancy, it’s not uncommon for expectant mothers to choose gummy vitamins instead.
They aim to cover a broad range of issues. It’s not just the usual vitamin deficiencies that gummies address. There are gummies designed to help with your immune system, metabolism, sleep, and even your hair.
What are the potential downsides of taking gummies?
Of course, anything health-related can’t be trusted blindly. Gummies are not exempt from this fact. Here are a few potential downsides:
They can be high in sugar. What did you expect? They are candies. Be sure to choose gummy products that contain less than two grams of sugar per serving.
Along with other unnecessary things. Things like artificial colors, additives, and high-fructose corn syrup. Some of these things might seem innocuous. Beware.
Make sure the amounts stack up. There’s little to gain from taking a supplement that doesn’t deliver the amount of vitamins you need. Read the label and make sure the dose is what you need.
Gelatin or pectin? If you’re vegan or vegetarian, gelatin won’t do. Make sure you look for pectin-based gummies.
Certification matters. Look for seals from organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), as this means they’ve been medically endorsed and will likely be transparent with their sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Honestly, should I take gummies?
Good question. It’s critical to remember that gummy vitamins are just another supplement option. There’s nothing to suggest they provide anything more than traditional supplements. For this reason, it’s equally critical that you consult health professionals before you make them a permanent part of your daily health routine. These professionals can range from your local GP to recent graduates who have become accredited via nursing programs online fast, so take the time to speak with them.
Tips for safely using gummy vitamins
If you do decide to invite gummies into your daily routine, here are a few tips to make the most of this invite:
Obey the dosage instructions. We get it. They’re gummies, and you want to eat a bunch of them while you’re watching Netflix. Resist the urge. With vitamins, too much is never a good thing.
Proper storage is key. This information is on the label, on the label of most supplements. That said, it’s easy to ignore when you take them regularly.
Remember, they’re not candy. They look like gummies, and they taste like gummies. Keep them out of reach of children and avoid any episodes of over-digestion.
Don’t forget real food: We can’t stress this enough. At the end of the day, gummy vitamins are supplements, not replacements. They complement an already (we hope) nutrient-rich diet. Your best strategy is to make your diet (don’t forget exercise) the best it can be first. Then, if you feel you still need a little extra top-up in the vitamin department, you can add gummies to the mix.
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There’s no denying gummy vitamins are fun, especially when compared with traditional pills and vitamin supplements. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution; the tradeoff for their ease of use is added sugar and often unreliable nutrient levels.
Like anything that concerns your health, the usual approach applies: consult your doctor, always read the label, and choose reputable brands over ones that promise miracles. Supplements are most effective when they fill a gap in your health needs; taking them for the sake of it is not a strategy, so be wise with your decision.
