Many Americans have a diet rich in calories but poor in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Nearly all Americans fall short of meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which help to supply fiber, vitamins and nutrients. In fact, 90% of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables daily. In addition, despite being a great way to fill nutritional gaps, only 58% of Americans take supplements.
Only 5% of Americans get enough fiber, which helps to support digestive health as well as heart health. Although supplements may be good for overall health and wellness, it can be difficult to maintain a daily supplement routine. About 10 years ago, gummy vitamins became available for adults, which helped to support regular consumption of a daily multivitamin. Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions below:
What are gummy vitamins?
Gummy vitamins are chewable vitamins that have a texture and taste similar to gummy candies and come in a variety of flavors, colors, and shapes. Many people prefer this vitamin delivery option because of their sweet taste and the nutrients they provide. These vitamins appeal to children and adults because they offer an alternative to swallowing pills, and have become one of the most popular types of vitamins.
What are gummy vitamins made of?
Gummy vitamins are most commonly formulated with gelatin, pectin, corn starch, water, sugar, and added colorings. Popular flavors include lemon, raspberry, cherry, and orange. The amount and type of ingredients can vary. Gummy vitamins may contain multiple vitamins and minerals (multivitamin gummy) or contain only a few key vitamins or minerals like vitamin C and zinc (immune health gummy).
Things to watch out for?
Sugar
Gummy vitamins may provide a good alternative for some people. However, there are some things that a savvy person should avoid. Check the sugar content. The sweet taste of gummy vitamins may come from added sugars, which equates to increased calories. Consuming too much added sugar is linked to cardiovascular disease, obesity and dental cavities. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests limiting added sugar in your diet (More information here). While the added sugar in gummy vitamins may not seem like a large amount, the additional total in a day may contribute to excessive sugar consumption — especially if you eat snacks and foods high in sugar.
Overconsumption
Overconsumption of gummy vitamins may put you at risk of getting too much of certain nutrients, especially if you also eat foods already fortified with vitamins and minerals. This is highly unlikely, but for certain vitamins and minerals could lead to unhealthy levels. Vitamins to monitor for maximum intake include fat-soluble vitamins; vitamins A, D E, and K can accumulate since they can be stored in body fat and tissues for longer periods of time. Minerals with intake considerations include iron, copper, selenium and zinc. This concern is most apparent for young children who may view gummy vitamins as candy and eat more than the recommended serving. As with all dietary supplements please keep them out of the reach of children and consult a physician before adding them into a daily diet.
Remember
While supplements are a great way to supplement gaps in your diet, they are not meant to replace food. It is important to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Links to More Resources:
