Many people have made it a habit to take vitamins on a daily basis. They can help your immune system stay robust and provide nutrients that you may be lacking or are not getting from meals. Adult vitamins usually are in tablet form, but gummy vitamins have grown in popularity in recent years because they taste delicious and are easy to consume. If your child does not enjoy taking traditional vitamins, gummy vitamins may be a suitable option, provided that they have the same level of health benefits. Moreover, gummy vitamins have also become popular with adults recently.
Traditional Vitamins (Pills and Capsules)
Most dietary supplements for adults come in pill or capsule form and are meant to be easily swallowed with water.
Advantages
- Clear dosages; easy to regulate in your pill regimen
- Designed explicitly for proper absorption (e.g., time-release capsules)
- No added flavoring, sugars, or colorings
Disadvantages
- Can be difficult to swallow
- Can cause an upset stomach if not taken with food
- May have an unpleasant taste
If you want “no-frills” vitamins and can swallow pills easily, traditional vitamins are likely right for you. There are also ways to make swallowing pills easier, such as putting them in a spoonful of yogurt or pudding.
Gummy Vitamins Overview
Gummy vitamins are becoming increasingly prevalent, and not just among children. Many adults, including millennials, are choosing to consume gummy vitamins instead of traditional vitamins. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global vitamin industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during the next 4 years. We see this industry growing massively in the next decade, as consumers opt-in for a variety of gummy products in multiple areas, including CBD products.
Why Adults Prefer Gummy Vitamins
Adults are drawn to gummies for a variety of reasons, including “pill fatigue.” If you have to take many supplements daily, and particularly if you have difficulty swallowing capsules or pills, gummies can make the task more straightforward (and sweeter), according to an AARP study from 2017. You may be surprised to note that a recent survey revealed that 40% of adults reported difficulties swallowing pills. As this concept becomes normalized, nutraceutical companies may begin to increasingly create gummy products for adults.
Why Children Prefer Gummy Vitamins
If adults report significant issues swallowing pills, then the issue for children is obviously much worse. Nutraceutical companies have taken advantage of this fact and created a plethora of vitamin products that market to kids, including vitamins based on themes from children’s shows such as Marvel or the Flintstones. Gummy vitamins can therefore be a positive motivation for your kid’s health, although most effective if combined with a healthy diet.
Pros and Cons of Gummy Vitamins
Advantages
- Chewable and easy to take (helpful for those who have trouble swallowing pills)
- Variety of fun flavors and enjoyable to take
- Products contain multiple types of vitamins and minerals
Disadvantages
- May contain additional sugars, sugar alcohols, or colorings
- May not have the listed amount of nutrients due to underregulation
- Kids may be tempted to consume too many, which could cause issues
Do gummy vitamins have the same effect as regular supplements?
At first glance, many people may be skeptical of gummy vitamins and be worried about how effective they are. This level of skepticism is actually very befitting, given that gummy vitamins are not strongly regulated by the FDA. These products are regulated as food products, which means that the standards of some products can be lower in select cases.
Additives Should be Considered
Be aware that not all vitamin supplements are created the same—especially gummy vitamins. It’s essential to check the ingredients for unnecessary additives and ask your provider for their recommended brands before choosing one off the shelf. Some of these additives include artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar. Luckily, it is easy enough to check the stated ingredients to see if these products contain any of the aforementioned additives.
Taking too much
Additionally, because gummy vitamins are easy to take (and often taste like candy), it can be tempting to take more than the recommended amount, leading to vitamin toxicity. However, when taken as directed, gummy vitamins can be a great alternative to traditional vitamins. Check your vitamin products to see what types of vitamins are in them. Luckily, many types of common vitamins, including vitamin c, do not cause serious issues if taken in excess.
Final Thoughts
If you wonder whether your diet is giving you the nutrients you need, or if your primary care provider has already recommended for you to take vitamins, be sure to ask which kind of vitamins they recommend. Some people prefer traditional vitamins because they are simple and straightforward. In contrast, others prefer gummy vitamins because they are easier to take and make vitamin time a little more fun. Your provider can help you make the decision that is right for you.
Whether it’s a single vitamin, multivitamin, chewable, or gummy, there is very little evidence that an otherwise healthy child or adult benefits from taking these supplements. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, most people get their vitamins from a healthy diet. Moreover, you can still experience health issues if you take vitamins and supplements, but also do not exercise and have a poor diet.
The best thing to do is ask your doctor or pediatrician if you or your child needs a vitamin supplement. In most cases, focusing on a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle is a much more significant benefit.
About NutraProse
NutraProse focuses on providing content marketing services for smaller nutraceutical companies. NutraProse provides a variety of services, including copywriting, blog posts, copy editing, localization, logo designs, and social media management. Click here to learn more about our content marketing services.
