July 05, 2022 5 min read

 

When you were a kid, did your parents ever give you those tasty chewable gummies? Gummies are a great way to make sure your child is getting enough nutrition. But are gummy vitamins safe for kids? Continue reading to learn more.

 

What Are Gummy Vitamins?

 

Someone putting gummies in hand

Credit: Pediatric Dentist in McKinney, TX

 

Gummy vitamins are chewable vitamins that resemble gummy candies in texture and taste and come in a range of flavors, colors, and forms. They're one of the most common types of vitamins used. These vitamins are appealing to toddlers and adults who dislike swallowing tablets.

Gelatin, water, sugar, and additional colorings are common ingredients in gummy vitamins. Lemon, raspberry, cherry, and orange are all popular flavors.

Parents should be cautious and check the label carefully before purchasing such vitamins, since they may not contain all of the vitamins that your kid requires. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, several types of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and others, are commonly found in such vitamins. However, these supplements may be deficient in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and other minerals, so if you're looking for a way to meet your child's calcium or iron needs, you might want to consider another option.

 

Types of Gummy Vitamins

 

Gummies

Credit: Alan and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella

 

1) Gummy Multivitamins

 

Gummy multivitamins are made up of a variety of essential components. It's crucial to note, however, that not all vitamins and minerals are found in all gummy multivitamins. As a result, you should be cautious while purchasing vitamin combinations.

 

2) Fish Oil Gummy Vitamins

 

These vitamin supplements are made using omega-3 fatty acids from fish. They are effective in supporting brain development in children and in preventing disorders such as coronary artery disease.

 

3) Calcium and Vitamin D Gummies

 

If you're looking for a way to meet your child's calcium and vitamin D needs, try gummy vitamins containing vitamin D and calcium.

 

4) Other Gummy Vitamins

 

There are other types of gummy vitamins with antioxidants and fiber and they're wonderful for avoiding infections and strengthening immunity.

 

Benefits of Gummy Vitamins

 

Young girl with gummy by mouth

Credit: GoodRx

 

1) Excellent Flavor

 

Let's face it: many of our fussy children require a multivitamin because they do not eat enough fruits, veggies, and other nutritious meals.

Gummy vitamins satisfy their sweet tooth.  They taste like candy from a movie theatre concession stand, but they promise to provide the same health advantages as produce from a produce stand. It's understandable that picky eaters would prefer a fun and tasty gummy vitamin to bitter vitamin supplements.

 

2) Fun to Eat

 

Gummy vitamins come in a variety of fascinating flavors and shapes. And we all know that if something looks and tastes good, your kid will want it. If you put a piece of broccoli and a gummy vitamin in front of them, they will almost certainly choose the gummy vitamin.

If your child refuses to eat vegetables and fruits, gummy vitamins ensure that they get enough nourishment every day. They will remind you if you forget to give them their gummy vitamin. They will view it as a treat rather than as a vitamin, making it more enjoyable to consume.

 

Downsides of Gummy Vitamins

 

Sugar falling from spoon

Credit: Medical News Today

 

1) Contains Sugar

 

Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are commonly added to gummy vitamins to give them a pleasant taste. Gummies offer a significant risk to consumers due to the enormous amount of sugar utilized in their production. Obesity and tooth cavities are all connected to too much-added sugar consumption. People prefer gummy vitamins due to their sweet taste.

Some producers may use sugar alcohols or citric acid instead of added sugars to reduce the amount of added sugars in gummy vitamins. Even if a vitamin is advertised as sugar-free, sugar alcohols, which are mentioned under total carbs on the label, may still be present. Sugar alcohol overconsumption can cause diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and other unpleasant digestive symptoms. As a result, sugar-free gummies are just as bad.

 

2) Excessive Consumption

 

Gummies are dangerous to children because of their high sugar content, which makes them addicting. Taking too many gummy vitamins can result in vitamin or mineral poisoning.

Consuming more than the prescribed levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K might be hazardous since they can be stored in body fat and tissues.

This is especially dangerous for young children, who may mistakenly think of gummy vitamins as sweets and consume more than the prescribed amount. Kids are more prone to vitamin and mineral poisoning than adults since they require fewer nutrients.

 

Things To Bear in Mind as a Parent

 

Women thinking

Credit: SeekPNG

 

  • When purchasing vitamins, always read the labels. Chewable multivitamins are usually more balanced than gummy multivitamins.
  • Don't give your child more vitamins than he or she needs, and keep them out of his or her reach.
  • Remember that gummy vitamins are a type of medicine that should be taken with caution.
  • If you're giving your child a variety of supplements, keep track of the vitamins in each one to avoid accidentally overdosing on vitamins.
  • Calcium and iron are usually absent from gummy vitamins, or they are present in very little levels. To compensate for such nutrients, seek other supplement options such as children's gummy vitamins with iron.
  • Whether you choose organic gummy vitamins or other types of gummy vitamins, all of them have a lot of sugar in them. As a result, it is critical to teach your child proper oral hygiene in order to avoid dental problems. If a dental problem arises, see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to avoid further oral complications.

 

Is It Okay To Give Them to Your Kids?

 

Gummies in open hand

Credit: Verywell Family

 

Gummy vitamins aren't necessary for most people who eat a well-balanced diet.

These dietary supplements may be advantageous for some people who have:

  • a nutritional deficiency
  • problems with absorption
  • increased nutritional requirements 

Gummy vitamins may also be beneficial for children who are picky eaters, do not eat certain food groups, or have difficulty swallowing pills.

When choosing a reputable gummy vitamin brand, look for low-sugar variants with third-party certification from organizations such as NSF International, Informed-Choice, ConsumerLab.com, or the Banned Substances Control Group and make sure you buy them from reputable health food stores.

 

Summary

 

You can limit the risk of taking gummy vitamins by taking certain measures. Include gummy vitamins in your children's meals rather than as a treat, teach them the importance of eating healthily, and encourage them to practice good dental hygiene. Make sure they understand that gummy vitamins are only used for extra nutrients that we can receive from a healthy diet alone.

You can also use other methods, such as cooking nutritious meals with foods high in vitamins and minerals or switching to chewable tablets that won't harm your child's teeth. Gummy vitamins work if you take the appropriate steps to reduce their harmful effects.

 

 

Shmuel Apel
Shmuel Apel



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