Gummy vitamins can be a fun and tasty alternative to choking down those boring old horse pills of traditional vitamins. But are they as good for you? You know, the chalky pills that were so difficult to swallow. As it turns out, gummy vitamins and traditional vitamins differ in some keyways.
Before you decide which type is right for you, it is crucial to know how they compare in terms of ingredients, nutrition, and effectiveness.
So, let us dive in and get a deeper look!
The Pros and Cons of Gummy Vitamins
Gummy vitamins are all the rage these days, especially for kids and people having trouble swallowing pills. But are they traditional vitamins? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- They taste great. Gummies taste like candy, so people are more likely to take them without a fuss. It is especially good for children and elderly folks.
- They are easier to chew. Gummies have a soft, chewy texture that is more pleasant for many people to consume compared to hard tablets or capsules.
- They may have higher absorption. Some studies show that the gelatin in gummies can aid in vitamin and mineral absorption. The soft, chewy format may make some nutrients more bioavailable.
Cons:
- Gummies typically contain more sugar, colorings, and preservatives to achieve a chewy gummy texture and taste. This may be a downside for some.
- Gummies usually last around 2 years, while traditional vitamins can last 3-5 years. They need to be stored properly to avoid spoilage.
- Gummies may not be the best format for delivering remarkably considerable amounts of certain nutrients. Capsules or tablets are typically better for more potent formulations.
Do Gummy Vitamins Have the Same Nutrients as Regular Vitamins?
Gummy vitamins are all the rage these days, especially for kids and people who have trouble swallowing pills. But do they have the same nutritional value as traditional vitamins? The short answer is it depends.
Gummy vitamins are made from gelatin, sugar, and added colors – none of which provide nutrients. The nutrients come from the actual vitamin and mineral supplements added to the gummy base. Some gummy vitamins contain the same types and amounts of nutrients as traditional vitamins, while others may have lower amounts or be missing certain key vitamins and minerals altogether.
When choosing between gummy and traditional vitamins, compare the nutrition labels carefully. Gummy vitamins may have slightly lower amounts of nutrients due to the lack of space in the gummy base, but the key is that they still contain 100% of the Daily Value for most major vitamins and minerals.
Some benefits of gummy vitamins are that they may be easier to chew and swallow, especially for children and older adults. They also tend to taste better due to the added sugar and flavors. However, for some people the extra sugar may be a downside. Traditional vitamins typically have little or no sugar.
While discussing the diverse types of dietary supplements, it is worth mentioning that some companies, such as Kiva Edibles, have expanded their offerings beyond traditional vitamins to include innovative and enjoyable products like gummy vitamins infused with natural flavors.
Are Gummy Vitamins as Effective as Traditional Vitamins?
Absorption
Gummy vitamins are chewable, so some people find they absorb better in the body since they are already broken down. However, traditional vitamins may have an absorption advantage for certain nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which require fat for absorption. Gummy vitamins typically do not contain fat, so these vitamins may not be as readily absorbed.
Additives
Gummy vitamins often contain extra sugar, colorings, and preservatives to create their chewy, candy-like texture and appearance. These additives are unnecessary and may be undesirable for some. Traditional vitamins only contain natural or synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals with fewer additional ingredients.
Dosage
It can be more challenging to include higher doses of certain nutrients in a gummy vitamin, especially minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Gummy vitamins may require multiple gummies to achieve the desired dosage. Traditional vitamins can provide a full dosage of 1-2 capsules or tablets. If you have a deficiency or condition like anemia that requires higher doses of certain nutrients, traditional vitamins may be a better option.
Convenience
For some, gummy vitamins win out on convenience and palatability. Gummies can be ideal for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or for children. However, for others the added sugar in gummies is undesirable. Traditional vitamins also offer convenience in their own right – they are compact, odorless and can be taken anywhere without needing refrigeration.
So, Gummy or Traditional Vitamins?
The bottom line is that while gummy vitamins seem appealing, especially to kids and people who have trouble swallowing pills, they may not contain the same quality and potency of nutrients as traditional vitamins.
So, if you want to be sure you are getting the most nutritional bang for your buck, you are still better off sticking with the tried-and-true traditional vitamin and mineral tablets or capsules. Your body will thank you for it. But if you just cannot take stomach pills or need to trick a fussy kid into taking their vitamins, gummy vitamins can still be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The choice is yours!
