They’re sweet with lots of sugar, and taste like a treat – but are gummy vitamins really healthy? And do they provide the same benefits as pill-form vitamins?
Dr. Neha Vyas, a Primary care specialist from Cleveland Clinic explains why you should not replace your pill-form vitamins with the gummy variety.
Gummy vitamins are considered to be a more yummy alternative to traditional vitamins but when it comes to health benefits, they’re nowhere near a 1:1 swap.
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Gummy vitamins actually have fewer vitamins and minerals than regular vitamins
Dr. Vyas says.
But it can be difficult to ascertain exactly how much nutritional value you’re getting in a gummy vitamin.
Due to the fact that gummy vitamins have limited life-shell and become less effective in time.
Even if the label says it has a certain amount of vitamins, in reality you’re probably not getting what’s on the label
Dr. Vyas warns.
The doctor further adds:
There’s a lot of sugar in them, as you can imagine.
The AHA recommends not to take more than 25 grams of sugar per day for women and no more than 36 grams of sugar per day for men — but gummy vitamins typically have 2 to 8 grams of sugar per serving, which can quickly make a dent in your daily allotment.
They can make a dent in your dental health, too.
And while some gummy vitamins are made with sugar substitutes, such ingredients may present issues of their own. Sugar alcohols are associated with gastrointestinal issues and can have a laxative effect — and people who can’t consume sorbitol and similar sugar substitutes should steer clear of gummy vitamins entirely.
Finally, although gummy vitamins can be easier on your stomach than traditional vitamins, Dr. Vyas says there’s a reason for that:
You’re pretty much taking a sugar pill, so of course, it’s not going to give you as many issues — because it’s like candy.
If your child can’t take traditional pills, try chewable vitamins before turning to gummies.
There’s a little more consistency in chewables
Dr. Vyas says.
The slightly chalky taste might not be as appealing as popping a gummy, but the vitamin trade-off is worth it.
Instead of going with gummies, try making traditional vitamins easier to stomach — literally — by taking them with food but after exercising and by reducing your dosage.
The vitamin market is really strong but vitamins aren’t something physicians prescribe on a regular basis for people who are otherwise healthy and getting their nutrients from food.
There are exceptions, including people who have limited diets, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and children who need help getting certain nutrients as they grow.
Some people may also need specific supplements where doctors detect a deficiency — but this doesn’t necessarily translate to needing a multivitamin.
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“For most people, they are not a great alternative to regular vitamins,” Dr. Vyas says, “but for people who need them, they’re better than not taking vitamins at all.”
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