Gummy vitamins may be an attractive option for those who can't swallow pills, but they are not recommended for diabetics. While some may claim that they are safe, their sugar content makes them a poor choice for people with diabetes or anyone who is trying to control their sugar levels. Too much sugar in the diet can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you're not careful, added sugar can be introduced into your diet from unexpected sources, such as vitamins in the form of gummies. The basic ingredients that make gummy vitamins taste sweet are gelatin, cornstarch, water, and sugar.
However, if your primary care doctor (PCP) recommends supplements and you can't take traditional vitamins, vitamins in the form of gummies may be a good option. They taste like candy, and for children and adults who can't swallow the pills, the vitamins in gummies are an alternative to chewable chalk supplements. The vitamins in gummies are eye-catching, and 13% of American adults choose their vitamins and supplements based on what appeals to them at the store. Instead of using gummies, try to make traditional vitamins easier to digest by literally taking them with food, but after exercising and reducing the dose. This is partly due to the fact that gummy vitamins have limited storage stability and become less potent over time.
Sugar alcohols are associated with gastrointestinal problems and may have a laxative effect, so people who cannot consume sorbitol and similar sugar substitutes should avoid gummy vitamins altogether. This means that the vitamins in freshly packaged gummies may contain more nutrients than you need, and that older packages may not have anywhere near the amount listed on the nutrition label. For the %DV of vitamin A, the nutrition label says that one serving of the vitamin supplement (three gummies a day) would cover 75% of the daily nutritional needs of the nutrient. A primary care specialist evaluates whether you should replace vitamins in pill form with the gummy variety. Even if the vitamins in gummies don't contain sugar, they likely contain other sweeteners, such as high-sugar fruit juices or sugar alcohols, which can cause unpleasant digestive problems. Children may be attracted to the sweet taste and candy-like consistency of vitamin gummies, but like adults, it's best to stay away.
Dr. Neha Vyas, a primary care specialist, discusses whether you should replace vitamins in pill form with gummies. Ultimately, it is important to consult your primary care doctor before making any changes to your vitamin regimen.
