When I used to eat gummy vitamins, I pondered on the effectiveness of this supplement. After all, they were delicious and seemed like such a seamless way of increasing my vitamin/mineral levels. Unfortunately, I did also learn that like most things, they were too good to be true. The sugar in gummies lowers the bioavailability and absorption of the vitamins in our systems. From added sugars, to food colorings, there's a lot more to the ingredient list than simply the vitamins themselves.
There have also been discrepancies regarding the nutrients the gummy vitamins claim to contain, from the truth. When it comes to nutrition, it's a constant battle to separate fact from fiction. A recent report found that 80% of gummy vitamins tested did not have the same amount of vitamins and minerals listed on their labels. This is partially because manufacturers cannot pack in as many vitamins and minerals when they have to add sugars and other filler compounds that are used to maintain a gummy texture.
Compared to other multivitamins, gummy vitamins tend to have fewer overall nutrients. For example, a popular brand of adult gummy vitamins has only 11 nutrients compared to over 30 nutrients in the same brand’s multivitamin.
The bottom line? Gummy vitamins are not usually necessary for people who eat an adequate diet but can benefit those who don’t get enough nutrients from food or have a deficiency. If you are interested in trying gummy vitamins, look for brands that are low in sugar and tested by a third party. By far, the best way to incorporate our vitamins and minerals are from the foods we consume.
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