In more recent years, there has been an increase in different formulations of vitamins. On the market today, the average person finds vitamins that come in both pill and gummy form. Pill vitamins have been the standard for decades, but recently gummy vitamins grew in popularity for several reasons. The best thing to do before purchasing vitamins is to weigh up the pros and cons of each formula to find the most beneficial vitamin.
Gummy Vitamins vs. Pill Vitamins
The gummy vs. pill vitamins debate has been going on for quite some time now. Ever since gummy vitamins started growing in popularity, people wanted to know whether or not the gummy formula is beneficial for their health.
However, gummy vitamins offer some good pros like the taste, affordability and how they are easier for families to purchase and consume. On the downside, gummy vitamins are high in sugar, easy to overeat, and the FDA does not regulate most vitamins, gummy or not.
Pros of Gummy Vitamins:
1. Taste
The first obvious pro of gummy vitamins is the taste. Most companies make gummy vitamins taste like candy or various sweet fruits, which inevitably taste better than an average pill vitamin. The best thing about their flavor and chewability is that they are overall much easier to consume. Some people have a hard time swallowing large pills, so having the option to choose a chewable, tasty version—while still getting the vitamins and minerals you need—is a bonus for all.
2. Easier for Families
Another benefit of gummy vitamins is they are easier for families to purchase and consume. Most kids often prefer the gummy version, as it tastes better and is easier to eat. Compared to regular pills, gummy vitamins make it easier for the family to remember to take all their vitamins. They help everyone learn about regulating health and supplementing Vitamin A, B, C, D, E and minerals.
3. Affordable
Because gummy vitamins are becoming popular, companies keep their prices low to compete in the marketplace. This competition means that gummy vitamins are much more affordable than regular pill vitamins. Regarding their popularity, gummy vitamins are easy to find in many health food stores, supermarkets, and drugstores. This convenience means it’s easier for families to purchase gummy vitamins over pill vitamins.
Cons of Gummy Vitamins:
1. High in Sugar
One of the significant downfalls of gummy vitamins is they’re high in sugar, which is one reason why they taste so good in the first place. It’s essential to read the label to make sure the vitamin brand is not packed with sugar and other harmful chemicals that worsen your health instead of benefit it. If the vitamin is high in sugar, it’s beneficial to check the daily nutrient values, as these reveal how many nutrients should be consumed and not exceeded each day.
Consuming too much sugar can negatively affect the health and appearance of your teeth, for example. Sugar can cause tooth decay, which can lead to toothaches, sensitivity and even tooth loss. Too much sugar can also impact the body’s sugar levels.
2. Easy to Overeat
Another downside to gummy vitamins is they are much easier to overeat than regular pill vitamins. The cause of overeating is because they taste so similar to candy, and it’s easy to forget that they are dangerous to over-consume. Because it’s easy to overeat gummy vitamins, it’s essential to teach children the difference between candy and vitamins. Clarify that gummy vitamins are not safe to over-consume because it’s easy to get sick from too many vitamins and minerals.
3. Not Regulated
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently not authorized to review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. The manufacturers have to make sure their products are safe before they go to the marketplace. However, if the dietary supplement contains a new ingredient, the manufacturer must notify the FDA. Then, they will review but not approve the ingredient—only for safety and not for effectiveness.
With that said, it’s essential to take extra caution when choosing either a gummy or pill vitamin. Consumers should do their research and read reviews. Also, find more information on where the vitamins are manufactured to learn more about their standards.
Gummy Vitamins Are a Decent Alternative
Despite the cons of gummy vitamins, they are still a decent alternative to pill vitamins. Many people struggle with pills, so it’s an inclusive and fun option for adults and kids. Gummy vitamins also offer health benefits and are affordable to most families. Just remember to document all vitamin intake and don’t overeat them.
