Do Vitamin Gummies Actually Work?

Having a daily vitamin is something many of us have introduced into our daily routine. There are different varieties of vitamins available, from liquid, capsules, and the most recent and highly popular, vitamin gummies. In recent years the popularity of these gummies has increased rapidly with many of us reaching for these chewy supplements more and more, but what is it about these that we love so much, and the question is, do they actually work? 

This is exactly what we will be investigating today, so let’s explore further and find out more. But before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s have a brief run through about what are vitamin gummies and how they benefit our health and wellbeing.

What are vitamin gummies?

• Gummy vitamins resemble similar consistency as gummy, chewable sweet.
• Considered the easiest and most popular form of vitamin to give to children and adults who find swallowing tablets difficult.
• You’ll often find these ingredients are found in vitamins formulas, such as gelatin, corn starch, sugar, water, and added flavours and colourings, such as raspberry, orange, and cherry.
• There are a large variety of vitamins available in gummy form, such as calcium, vitamin D, and multivitamins.

It is understood that those who maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet will not require a huge number of supplements, vitamins D and B12 being the two that are known for being difficult for the body to naturally produce.

You will also find that for some they will benefit from additional supplements due to lacking in some nutrients because of the following.

• They are following a vegetarian or vegan diet
• They have a poor diet
• They have trouble absorbing nutrients or have increased need for certain nutrients
• They are elderly
• They are suffering from long term health conditions or medical issues
• They are currently pregnant or breast feeding

There you have a brief explanation of vitamin gummies and how they work. Don’t forget that if you have any concerns with introducing new supplements into your routine, you do once you have been given all clear from your doctor or GP.

Does taking multivitamins actually help? 

Yes and no, this is due to the idea behind multivitamins often being misunderstood. The popularity of multivitamins comes from the idea of how easy it is to take one capsule that contains a plethora of vitamins. However, the potency of multivitamins is less than having a supplement of one vitamin alone. Having said that, it is known that you require 13 vitamins and 15 different types of minerals to maintain your health and wellbeing, now that is a lot of capsules, which is why multivitamins have such a high popularity. Not to mention, that some of these vitamins and minerals are naturally produced in the body. Therefore, I would suggest consulting if your doctor to establish which nutrients you are lacking and instead tailor-make your vitamin and supplement intake to your needs.

You must always bear in mind that multivitamins when taken incorrectly, can be extremely harmful in some cases. While high dosage of vitamin supplements may be required for some, other may exceed the daily amount, especially when teamed with eating nutrient-rich foods. You’ll find that vitamins are split into two groups.

• Water-soluble- These are flushed out by the body in the urine.

• Fat-soluble- Unable to be flushed out by the body, these vitamins tend to gather in the liver.

Other concerns such as vitamin A toxicity is a common side effect as well as too much iron limiting the body’s ability to fully absorb zinc and similar vitamins. This is just an example of the downside to having multivitamins, and another reason why I stress the importance of consulting with your doctor or GP before taking any new supplements.

One last factor to consider is the fact that supplements are not regulated, as opposed to prescriptive supplements. This often results in the nutrients levels varying and can be lower or higher than stated on the packaging. It is important that you do your research when looking for your multivitamin supplement and opt for the best and most trustworthy brand you are happy with.

Considering whether multivitamins actually work, the jury is still out on the topic. On one hand they provide the right level of nutrients for those who have a deficiency in specific types. On the other, the scientific evidence to show their effectiveness is still under research. 

What happens if you eat 4 vitamin gummies?

It is easily possible to eat 4 or more vitamin gummies, due to how pleasant they are to consume. If you find yourself having more than the daily amount as a one-time occurrence, you can expect the following side effects.

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

These shouldn’t last long, but it is still important to report the situation to a medical professional for further advice. If you find it is a child who has consumed too many vitamins, you must call the 999 immediately.

With an extended time of taking too many vitamin gummies, these could lead to developing chronic toxicity. The signs that you or your child have chronic toxicity are:

• Hair loss
• Ongoing headaches
• Calcium deposits
• Muscle and bone pain
• Gastrointestinal distress

As severe and unpleasant these symptoms are, there is no risk of overdosing on vitamin gummies to have fatal results. However, it is vital you follow the recommended guidelines and consume the correct dosage. If you have any worries, always consult with your doctor, or medical professional.

Does one a day vitamins work?

Yes, it can, depending on the vitamin and what you are requiring it to help with. This could either be a multivitamin, vitamin D supplement, capsule blend of zinc and magnesium, or B vitamin complex. Consuming one vitamin a day alongside maintaining a healthy diet, full of nutrients and minerals, drinking enough water, exercising daily, and avoiding harmful lifestyle habits will have an all-over improved result on your health and wellbeing.

Do vitamin C gummies work?

Yes, they really do! Not only do vitamin C gummies provide the same results as other vitamins, but many find them to be an easy and tasty alternative. Although having a vitamin C deficiency is uncommon as it is thought that adults consume about 90% of their required vitamin C daily. Believe it or not, it isn’t just citrus fruits that contain effective levels of vitamin C, here are some examples of others.

• Cabbage
• Kale
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Brussel sprouts
• Strawberries
• Broccoli

It is thought the best way of receiving the most effective form of vitamin C is through your diet and the foods you consume, however many use vitamin C supplements as an additional boost.

There you have a little more information about vitamins, and in particular vitamin gummies. Don’t forget if you have concerns or further questions, come, and find us over on Instagram.