The dietary supplements market in the US is valued at over $50 billion and continues to grow at a healthy rate. One of the most popular types of supplements on the market are gummy vitamins. They claim to have various health benefits, but taking your vitamins in gummy form has its pros and cons. Please keep reading to find out whether gummy vitamins are as effective as their traditional forms.

What is a gummy vitamin?

Gummy vitamins are dietary supplements for adults and children. They are widely available at pharmacies and health food stores. Different brands of gummy vitamins contain combinations of water-soluble vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9- folic acid, B12, and vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) as well as several essential minerals. 

Not only do these supplements look like candy, but gummy vitamins are usually tasty with various fruity flavors. As a result, many people prefer gummy vitamins over traditional vitamins, especially children and adults who have trouble swallowing pills. 

However, vitamin gummies may not be the best choice for you or the little ones. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates gummy vitamins as food items and not as medications. As a result, a gummy vitamin may not contain all the ingredients stated on the labels. Another thing to be mindful about is the content of added sugar. Last but not least, it is also worth remembering that taking a daily multivitamin or any supplement helps you fill nutritional gaps due to a demanding work schedule or certain dietary restrictions--it is not a substitute for a healthy diet or lifestyle.

Do gummy vitamins work?

Gummy vitamins do work. They contain many essential nutrients that can supplement your diet. What’s more, gummies are easier on the stomach and are better absorbed by the body. Additionally, because gummy vitamins taste good, you are more likely to take them regularly. But while taking a few gummies is okay, taking too many gummy vitamins can prove dangerous because it can lead to vitamin toxicity (high levels of certain vitamins and minerals in the body).

Are gummy vitamins just as effective as pills?

Gummy vitamins may not be as effective as vitamins and minerals in pill form. The vitamin content in gummies is typically less than traditional pills and chewable vitamins. This is because manufacturers need to add additional ingredients like sugars, sugar alcohols, corn starch, and food dyes to give gummy candies their bright color and chewy texture. As a result, there isn’t enough space for as many vitamins as traditional vitamins. Secondly, the shelf-life of gummy vitamins is not as long as that of traditional pills, which means they can lose potency quickly and become less effective.

Are gummy vitamins or capsules better?

Taking daily multivitamins in their traditional forms such as a pill or capsule form, is generally considered the better way to get certain nutrients that may be missing in your diet. But if you have difficulty swallowing pills or trouble absorbing nutrients from traditional vitamins, taking gummy vitamins is probably better than not taking vitamins at all. 

Gummy Vitamins vs Pills

The advantages of taking gummy vitamins are as follows:

• Gummy supplements can give you all the nutrients you need that may be missing in your diet.
• Gummy vitamins contain sugar or sugar substitutes and are tasty to eat and easy to take.
• Gummies are an excellent choice for children, especially picky eaters, as well as adults who have trouble swallowing pills.
• Gummy vitamins do not have a metallic taste or unusual smell like you get with some multivitamins.
• They’re easier on the digestive system and are absorbed better by the body.

The advantages of taking traditional vitamins are as follows:

• Traditional vitamins do not contain added sugars, sugar alcohol, or artificial sweeteners like gummy vitamins. There can be 3-5 grams of sugar in each gummy. Added sugar can lead to tooth decay if you take more than two or three gummies a day. Besides this, taking too many gummies can lead to excess amounts of vitamins in the body.
• Traditional vitamins have an increased nutrient content and can meet all your nutrient needs.
• Traditional vitamins are shelf stable compared to the shorter shelf life of gummy vitamins. 

Should I take gummy supplements or traditional vitamins?

Most people who eat a balanced diet don’t need to take any supplements. With that said, vitamins and minerals in supplement form can support your immune system and help you maintain good health. Prenatal vitamins can help pregnant women get the additional nutrients they need. 

In terms of traditional vitamins vs. gummy vitamins, the pill form is generally preferred as these supplements contain more nutrients and are more potent. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you can explore chewable vitamins or liquid vitamin supplements. Not to mention, traditional multivitamins are a lot more affordable. 

In case you choose to take gummy vitamins, make sure you purchase a reputable brand. Also, do not take too many gummies. Remember, gummy vitamins are not candy and taking too many of them can lead to health problems due to an excess of vitamins and minerals in the body.

References:

1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/north-america-dietary-supplements-market