At a glance
Both chewable and gummy kids’ multivitamins can make it easier for children to take supplements. However, many gummy formulations are packed with sugars and artificial additives, making them less than ideal options to support a developing body. Here’s what to look for when choosing between chewable and gummy vitamins.
Chewable vs. gummy kids’ multivitamin supplements—what’s the difference, and does one offer better nutrition support than the other?
While kids’ gummy vitamins and chewables are popular alternatives to traditional pills or capsules, these products aren’t created equal and may contain unnecessary additives.
Discover why gummies may not be the best option and learn how to select a kids’ multivitamin supplement that provides nutrients without excess sugar or artificial ingredients.
What are kids’ multivitamin supplements?
Kids’ multivitamin supplements are formulated to support the body’s nutrient requirements during growth and development.
These products typically provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals to support brain and bone development, immune function, central nervous system health, and overall well-being.
Multivitamins designed for children and adolescents typically include the following:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins
In addition, certain supplements provide important trace minerals such as zinc, iodine, and magnesium, and may contain omega-3 fatty acids or other nutrients required by developing bodies.
Supporting the intake of essential nutrients during early life stages characterized by rapid growth and development has been shown to benefit an individual’s long-term health and well-being.
This has been confirmed by research published in Nutrients, which highlights, “Nutrition in early life may program the growth trajectory and immune system of childhood and lifelong health.”
What are chewable kids’ multivitamins?
Chewable kids’ multivitamins offer a convenient alternative to traditional supplements in pill or capsule form, making it easier for children to take their daily vitamins.
These products are formulated by compressing powdered vitamins and minerals, along with flavorings and sweeteners, into small, palatable tablets.
Unlike traditional capsules, chewable vitamins typically have a slightly chalky texture that softens as they’re chewed. They may be flavored with fruit extracts or other flavors, making them more enjoyable than plain tablets.
Depending on the exact product, chewable kids’ multivitamins may also include binders to hold the tablet together and coloring agents to make them visually appealing.
Chewable tablets offer a convenient, simple way for kids to get nutrients and are often preferred by families with busy schedules.
What are gummy kids’ multivitamins?
Gummy kids’ multivitamins are soft, chewable supplements often resembling candy in both shape and flavor.
Most gummy supplements are made by blending vitamins, minerals, sweeteners, and gelling agents to achieve their chewy texture.
Their mouthfeel is soft and chewy, making them easy for kids to take, but they may stick to teeth and often include added sugars or flavorings to improve taste.
“While multivitamin gummies may seem convenient and appealing, their manufacturing process often results in inconsistent nutrient levels,“ explains Dr. Berg. “Gummy formulations can also lose potency over time, meaning they may not provide reliable nutrient support.“
Chewable vs. gummy kids’ multivitamins: How do they compare?
Both chewable and gummy multivitamins are designed to make it easier for children to take a supplement. However, they can differ significantly in nutrient content, ingredients, and potential health considerations.
Here are three key comparisons between gummy and chewable supplements.
1. Nutrient profile
Chewable supplements are typically produced by compressing powdered nutrients into a soft tablet form, which allows for stable and reliable nutrient levels.
In contrast, making gummy vitamins requires heating and blending nutrients with gelling agents. This process can reduce the stability of certain vitamins, and most gummy supplements contain lower nutrient levels to preserve taste and texture.
As a result, gummies may not provide the same reliable nutrient profile as that of traditional vitamins or chewable tablets.
2. Non-nutritive additives
Non-nutritive additives are ingredients that don’t provide nutritional value but are used to improve the taste, texture, appearance, or stability of dietary supplements.
Gummy vitamins often rely on corn syrup, sugar, or fruit juice concentrates to achieve their candy-like taste, and may include artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives to enhance appearance and shelf life.
While chewable supplements can also contain flavorings and binders, they generally require fewer stabilizers and preservatives than gummy formulations.
3. Potential health concerns
Most gummy vitamins have a sticky texture that can cling to teeth. Sugar-sweetened gummy products can impact dental health and increase the risk of tooth decay.
There are also potential risks associated with the overconsumption of products specifically formulated to resemble candy in taste, color, and appearance. Because they look and taste like sweets, children may not distinguish them from treats.
Research published in Pediatrics indicates that because gummy vitamins closely resemble candy, children may be more likely to consume them in excess, increasing the risk of unintended overuse and potential adverse effects.
How to choose between chewable and gummy kids’ multivitamins
When deciding between chewable and gummy multivitamins, chewable tablets are generally the better option due to their more reliable nutrient profile and often simpler ingredient lists.
Many gummy vitamins contain added sugar, corn syrup, or sugar alcohols to improve taste. This can increase overall sugar intake, and some sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive children.
If choosing a chewable, select options without added sugar and instead look for a product sweetened naturally with stevia or monk fruit rather than refined sugars.
It’s also vital to avoid products containing artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, and excessive flavorings and select a supplement with clear labeling and transparent ingredient lists.
A study published in Environmental Health highlights that exposure to artificial ingredients, particularly synthetic food dyes, can lead to neurotransmitter imbalances and adverse behavioral effects in some children.
It’s recommended to select chewable multivitamins made with high-quality nutrient forms along with naturally derived vitamins from whole-food sources, such as fruits and vegetables.
In addition, it’s important to remember that kids’ multivitamin supplements are designed to help minimize the risk of nutritional gaps and don’t substitute a healthy diet.
To ensure that your child receives safe and effective supplementation, consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance on the most appropriate product, dosage, and nutrient composition based on your child’s age, dietary intake, health status, and individual needs.
Key takeaways
- Chewable and gummy kids’ multivitamins offer a convenient alternative for children who dislike taking supplements in traditional pill or capsule form.
- Multivitamins in chewable tablets tend to offer more consistent and reliable nutrient levels than gummy formulations due to differences in manufacturing processes.
- Gummy supplements are often sweetened with excessive amounts of sugar or corn syrup and typically contain synthetic nutrients and artificial additives.
- Chewable multivitamins, especially if sugar-free and formulated with whole-food-derived nutrients, are an excellent option to support the nutrient needs of developing bodies.
FAQ
- 1. Are gummy or chewable kids’ multivitamin supplements better?
- 2. Is there a downside to taking gummy vitamins?
- 3. Do gummy multivitamins contain added sugars?
- 4. Are chewable multivitamins more similar to tablets?
