Are Gummy Vitamins Actually Good for You?

Pharmacies and drug stores are filled with vitamins and supplements in various forms, including traditional pills and chewables. While we often associate chewable vitamins — either chalky tablets reminiscent of Smarties or gummies in various flavors — with children, it’s becoming increasingly popular for adults to take them, as well. However, are they as good as their flavorless, swallowable equivalents? 

Traditional Swallow Vitamins Are Your Best Bet

Most doctors agree that it’s best to take traditional pill vitamins that you can swallow. Because the FDA does not regulate most vitamins and supplements, there is a wide berth regarding nutritional value. Gummy and chewable vitamins are often loaded with sugar or sugar substitutes, which are not good for you in the long term and might even counteract the vitamins you’re otherwise getting. It’s also possible that some gummy vitamins will lose their potency over time due to their already-limited shelf life.

If You Don’t Like Pills, Chewables Are Acceptable

That said, if you are not great at swallowing pills, consumable vitamins are a great option to restore nutritional value to your diet. And if you have a choice, go for chewable pills over gummies. While they might not taste as good — or have as pleasing a texture as gummy vitamins — chewable tablets are considered the healthier alternative to gummies, with more nutrients in a single pill and less overall sugar.

Consult With a Doctor Before Taking Any Supplements

If you keep a balanced diet and your doctor thinks you are in good health, there’s no need to overload your body with vitamins. Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements regularly, as they could interact poorly with other medications you might be taking. There is such a thing as too much of some vitamins, so always check with your doctor before ingesting new supplements.

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