Gummy Vitamins Are More Appealing Than Pills — But They Have Some Serious Drawbacks

It looks and tastes like candy and is said to provide essential vitamins and minerals for your body. But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, at least according to some experts and studies.

"Rubber additives entered the space," said Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com, said in a segment that aired Tuesday today.

And I'm not just for kids anymore. With celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian Barker on the scene, global sales of gluten vitamins are expected to exceed $7 billion in 2022 alone. Their new range of Blade Gummies promise to help you stay focused, clear and fresh. (Lemay did not respond to HEUTE's request for comment.)

The health benefits of vitamins and nutritional supplements to the general public have long been debated by experts. Despite the efforts of the $150 billion industry, studies show that advertised vitamin pills don't do much to keep us healthy, as previously reported by TODAY.

Some doctors and nutritionists warn that candy-like versions contain more precautions.

What are gluten vitamins?

Vitamins from gluten have become increasingly popular in recent years. The vitamin and supplement section of your local drugstore now offers a wide variety of these candy-like products that look and feel like fruit snacks and other popular gummy candies, come in a variety of flavors, shapes and colors and contain a range of vitamins and minerals. for different ages and diseases.

Are there any benefits of vitamin gum?

"Glues are a good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules," says Dr. Andrea Wang, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, told TODAY. Wong added that they taste delicious, making them a good choice for kids who like them.

What are the harms of gluten vitamins?

Reasons to think twice before taking gluten-free vitamins range from high sugar to sometimes questionable ingredient lists.

Added sugar

While the high sugar content of many of these gummy bears makes them a tastier choice, it can seriously interfere with your recommended daily sugar intake.

According to Carolyn Soucy, a dietitian, nutritionist and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a gluten-free vitamin typically contains three to five grams of added sugar.

"The American Heart Association recommends six teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and nine teaspoons of added sugar per day for men, about 25 to 37 grams of sugar per day," Susie said in Tuesday's segment.

So if you load up on some sticky vitamins throughout the day, those added sugars definitely add up, says Susie. Experts note that this can be a problem for people trying to limit their sugar intake.

Even sugar-free gummy bears aren't exactly a free pass. It often contains a sweetener called sugar alcohol, and consuming too much sugar alcohol can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal effects in some people, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, Susi said.

The ingredients don't always match the bottle

What is even more disturbing is that, according to experts, the amount of some substances in gummy vitamins does not coincide with the numbers on the back of the bottle.

"We find that gummy bears have more quality issues than tablets or capsules," ConsumerLab tests found that many gummy supplements do not contain the amount of vitamins listed on the label. Cooperman added.

Cooperman said that regardless of what gummy bears are made of, the ingredients lose their potency faster than pills.

"Companies are realizing that things break down faster in gummy bears ... so when they make the product, it takes them two, three times longer," Cooperman said.

Some ingredients are too much and others not enough

Federal regulations require that most dietary supplements contain at least 100% of the volume in the bottle, so companies will put more than that amount into a product to ensure 100% compliance, even if the ingredients change over time during dispersal.

Experts warn that there can be too much of a good thing.

"Anything we can take in excess of, like melatonin, folic acid, almost any vitamin...it can definitely affect our health," Kupperman said.

Tests have also shown that some companies don't add enough of certain vitamins or minerals, and the gums contain less than what's listed on the label, Cooperman added.

"You have to remember that the FDA does not have the authority to approve any dietary supplement based on the product's safety, efficacy, or labeling," Susi said. So, buyers should be careful when it comes to these vitamins.

"Unfortunately, you don't really know what's in the bottle unless you try it," Cooperman said.

What to look for in gluten vitamins

How can consumers find gluten-free vitamins they can trust? "When it comes to supplements, consumers should look for reputable brands from reputable retailers," Wong said, and always consult a doctor before adding a vitamin or mineral to their diet.

Eating a variety of whole and unprocessed foods is still the best source of vitamins and minerals for most healthy adults, experts say. Canned and frozen foods are also rich in vitamins and are often cheaper, Susie adds.

"One vitamin or supplement can't solve all problems... You get more vitamins and minerals from food than from just taking a pill," says Suzi. "If medically appropriate, consume primarily through dietary supplements."

Who should take gummy vitamins?

Susie notes that dietary supplements can help fill the gaps in people who don't get enough vitamins or minerals from their diet. Wong said they can compensate for deficiencies caused by medical conditions (such as Crohn's disease or inflammatory bowel disease) or medications that make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.

Prenatal vitamins such as folic acid and iron can be taken to support a healthy pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Experts advise that if you need to take vitamins, follow the instructions and take the recommended amount.

"Rubber can be good when used responsibly," Cooperman said. "(But) I think you're fine with pills and capsules."

Cooperman added that chewable vitamins are another option for people who have trouble swallowing pills, and tests have shown them to be more accurate in their labeling than gummy vitamins.

Gluten-free vitamins should always be stored according to directions, Wong said, because they can be more sensitive to things like heat and light, which can cause spoilage.

Experts say parents and guardians should be careful that kids don't eat multi-chewy vitamins that can easily be mistaken for candy.

"You definitely put them in a safe place out of the reach of children... In rare cases, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamins A, E, D and K, have toxic levels," Susie said. .

This article was originally published on TODAY.com