kids vitamins and supplements

Are Gummy Vitamins Really Good for Children?

Escrito por: Dayvin Malifer

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Tiempo de lectura 4 min

We all get the charm of gummy vitamins: they’re exactly like the colorful gummy bears or gummy worms your kids wish to chew whenever you stop by a candy shop – but the difference is they're packed with nutrients. It's no wonder parents are saying yes to them!


In recent years, gummy vitamins for kids have surged in popularity among parents seeking an easy and enjoyable way to ensure their children receive the necessary nutrients. [¹] These chewable, candy-like supplements are designed to make taking vitamins less of a chore for kids. But are gummy vitamins really beneficial for children? Let’s explore their advantages and some potential drawbacks.

The Appeal of Gummy Vitamins for Kids

The primary appeal of gummy vitamins is their taste and appearance. Traditional vitamins, especially those in tablet or liquid form, can have an unpleasant taste or texture, making it difficult to convince children to take them regularly. [¹] Gummy vitamins, on the other hand, are often flavored like fruit snacks, which can make them more attractive to kids. [⁸]

Nutritional Content and Benefits

The gummy vitamin industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Global sales of gummy vitamins have reached approximately 7.5 billion US dollars. [¹] These supplements often contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support immune function, cognitive development, and bone health. [⁴]


For example:


  • Vitamin D and Calcium : Essential for bone development in children. Adequate vitamin D levels help improve calcium absorption and are critical during the growth years (Holick, 2006).

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids : Linked to improved cognitive development, especially in early childhood (Innis, 2007).

  • Vitamin C : Supports immune function and helps with iron absorption (Carr & Maggini, 2017).

Gummy vitamins

While a balanced diet is the ideal source for these nutrients, supplements may help bridge nutritional gaps, particularly for picky eaters or children with dietary restrictions (Mason et al., 2017).

Potential Disadvantages

While gummy vitamins can be beneficial, there are some concerns to be aware of:


  1. Sugar Content : Many gummy vitamins contain added sugars to improve taste. Overconsumption of sugar may contribute to dental cavities and unhealthy weight gain (Moye et al., 2020). Some formulations may also contain sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive upset in sensitive children.

  2. Gluten and Allergens : Gummy vitamins may contain gluten, gelatin, or common allergens. Always review product labels carefully to avoid potential allergic reactions or dietary conflicts. [⁵]

  3. Overconsumption Risk : Because gummy vitamins resemble candy, children may be tempted to eat more than the recommended dosage. Overconsumption can result in vitamin toxicity—particularly for fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D—which can have serious health implications [⁷].

Gummy Bears in the Jar

Choosing the Right Gummy Vitamins

When selecting gummy vitamins for children, it's important to prioritize products from reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and follow manufacturing best practices. Look for options that are free from artificial colors, excessive sugars, and major allergens. Third-party testing and certifications can also add credibility to a product’s safety and nutritional content. [⁸]


It's also important to understand that not all supplements are necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that most children who eat a well-balanced diet do not need vitamin supplementation. Supplements may be useful in specific cases, such as for children with restricted diets or medical conditions (AAP, 2020)[⁸].

Kids holding TruHeight Bone and Brain Gummies

Reliable Sources of Information

Parents are encouraged to consult reliable sources before choosing any supplements for their children. These include [⁵]:


  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  • Registered pediatricians or dietitians

  • Peer-reviewed nutrition studies

Always consult your child’s healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Conclusion

While gummy vitamins should not replace a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, they can offer a practical solution to fill nutritional gaps in children's diets—especially for picky eaters. Their taste and appearance make them more appealing to children, which can support consistent use. However, parents must pay attention to labels, manage dosage carefully, and seek professional advice before adding supplements to their child’s routine.

FAQs

Can gummy vitamins replace a balanced diet?

No, gummy vitamins are designed to supplement the diet, not replace it. A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is still essential.

How can I ensure my child gets enough vitamins if they are picky eaters?

Try incorporating nutrient-dense foods creatively, such as in smoothies or soups. If gaps persist, consult a pediatrician to discuss supplementation.

Are there any side effects of gummy vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are generally safe when taken as directed. However, overconsumption can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or vitamin toxicity. Always follow the dosage instructions.

References

  1. UCLA Health. (2022). Should you take gummy vitamins?Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/should-you-take-gummy-vitamins .

  2. Holick MF. High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health. Mayo Clin Proc. 2006. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16529140/ .

  3. Innis, S. M. (2007). Dietary (n-3) fatty acids and brain development. The Journal of Nutrition, 137(4), Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17374644/ .

  4. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1211 .

  5. Berti C, Gaffey MF, Bhutta ZA, Cetin I. Multiple-micronutrient supplementation: Evidence from large-scale prenatal programmes on coverage, compliance and impact. Matern Child Nutr. 2018. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6865895/ .

  6. Moye, J., et al. (2020). Added sugars and dental caries in children: A review. Pediatric Dentistry, 42(2), 127–132. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30447790/ .

  7. Allen, L. H. (2008). Causes of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 29(2_suppl1), S20–S34. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18709879/ .

  8. Martini L, Pecoraro L, Salvottini C, Piacentini G, Atkinson R, Pietrobelli A. Appropriate and inappropriate vitamin supplementation in children. J Nutr Sci. 2020. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7288613/ .

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