Whether you’re trying to boost immunity, achieve glowy skin, or get better sleep, chances are you’ve tried a few supplements to help you reach those goals. And you’re not alone–recent data shows that more than one-third of US adults and children use supplements on a regular basis [

1

]. Yet with so many people jumping on the supplement trend, it begs the question: do they live up to the hype for helping you achieve optimal health? 

Science says yes...and no. While supplements can help bridge some nutritional gaps in your diet, not all forms are created equal. In this article, we’re twisting back the cap on gummy vitamins to see how they stack up against traditional supplement pills. But before we get started, let’s first understand what gummy vitamins are, and who might benefit from them.

Disclaimer: Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement routine or adding certain ones to your regimen.

What are gummy vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are a form of chewable dietary supplements that resemble gummy candies in texture and taste. They are typically composed of gelatin, cornstarch, water, sugar, and added colorings, and are often infused with popular flavors like lemon, raspberry, cherry, and orange. 

Are gummy vitamins good for you?

Gummy vitamins can be good for you, as they can contain a variety of vitamins and minerals or higher doses of specific nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium.

For certain groups, gummy vitamins can be a great option, especially for children and adults who prefer an alternative to traditional pills, struggle with swallowing capsules, are picky eaters, and/or struggle to maintain a balanced diet. 

Gummy vitamins vs. supplement pills

While gummy vitamins are a good option for people looking for a more palatable option, traditional dietary supplement pills tend to be more precise when it comes to doses and don’t contain added flavors, sugars, or colorings. This tends to be a “no frills” form of supplementation, as you know exactly what you're getting (and how much you need) based on the packaging. 

However, the type of supplementation method you choose is up to you and your needs, as both a traditional supplement and a gummy vitamin can provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.

Elo Smart Gummies are personalized, 7-layer daily gummy supplements that are 3D-printed to match your unique needs based on your health goals, dietary preferences, and biomarkers. Elo matches your unique nutrition profile with the latest clinical research to build a gummy custom-made for you.

Elo Smart Gummies not only deliver essential vitamins and minerals but also incorporate health-boosting functional ingredients such as curcumin and collagen, simplifying and streamlining your daily supplementation routine.

Made with a pectin-based encapsulation formula, Elo Smart Gummies are 100% vegan, allergen-free, Halal- and Kosher-friendly. They have no artificial colors, flavors, added sugars, or preservatives. Try it out today!

Pros and cons of gummy vitamins 

While these little morsels may look and taste like candy, the question stands: do gummy vitamins work, or are they majorly overhyped? Let’s see what experts have to say about the pros and cons of gummy vitamins. 

Pros

Contains beneficial nutrients.

Gummy vitamins can pack a powerful nutrition punch, as these chewable supplements are enriched with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that play crucial roles in supporting overall health. Here are some common nutrients that come in gummy vitamin form.

• Vitamin C: This vitamin is an antioxidant that is necessary for collagen synthesis. It’s also involved with protein metabolism, immune function, and iron absorption, and may help to prevent or delay the development of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers [

  2

  ]. 

• Calcium: This mineral plays an important role in bone health, helping with muscle contraction and relaxation, and maintaining normal blood pressure levels [

  3

  ]. 

• Vitamin D: A vitamin essential for calcium absorption and immune function, as well as bone, muscle, brain, and heart health [

  4

  ]. 

• Multivitamin: Considered to be a one-and-done approach to supplementation since one dose contains a mixture of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that are essential for health.

Easier to become a habit.

Because gummy vitamins come in a variety of flavors and colors, they can be more enjoyable to take than a traditional supplement pill. This can lead to an enjoyable supplement experience, which may help you take them more consistently. 

Cons

May contain unwanted ingredients.

While gummy vitamins might seem like a fun way to get your daily dose of nutrients, they may contain some unwanted ingredients such as added sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and animal-derived gelatin, carmine, and beeswax. Learn more about these

gummy ingredients

you may want to avoid.

Easy to overeat.

Thanks to the many flavors and ease of use, gummy vitamins tend to go down a lot easier than traditional supplement pills. As such, they can be easy to overeat, which could potentially lead to consuming more than you need. This situation becomes particularly worrisome among young children who might mistakenly perceive gummy vitamins as treats and exceed the recommended dosage, which could put them at risk for vitamin and mineral toxicity [

5

]. 

What to look for in gummy vitamins

If you choose to take a gummy vitamin, here are three things to keep in mind.

1. Choose gummies that are low in sugar.

2. Look for gummies that are third-party tested (look for a certification stamp) and manufactured by reputable retailers.

3. Pay attention to the recommended dosage.

Summary

While supplements can bridge nutritional gaps in your diet, experts suggest that not all of them are created equal. Gummy vitamins may be colorful and easy to eat, but they often contain unwanted ingredients, offer unreliable dosing recommendations, and are easy to overeat. To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, look for gummies that are low in sugar and are third-party tested. At

Elo Health

, we look at your health data to create a custom supplement plan for you and determine what gummy vitamins will work best for your needs. 

Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace personalized medical care.