Gummy Vitamins for Adults: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever walked down the vitamins and supplements aisle at your local grocery store or pharmacy, you know how many options there are to choose from and just how overwhelming that can be. Vitamins and dietary supplements are available in many different forms, like capsules, powders, liquids, energy bars, chewable tablets, and gummies.[1] Each form of vitamin and dietary supplement has its pros and cons, so talk to your healthcare provider about finding the right type for you.
When it comes to making this decision, one common misconception is that gummy vitamins are only for children. However, this is not the case at all! Gummy vitamins for adults are widely available in a variety of supplement options. For those of us who are not a fan of swallowing tablets and capsules, taking a gummy vitamin can be a great choice. Gummy vitamins are chewable with a gummy texture. Gummy vitamins are also much tastier than your typical tablet, as they often come in a variety of fruity flavors like orange, cherry, lemon, and berry. They’re also available in a range of colors and shapes. Gummy vitamins for adults can be more convenient than tablets that need to be taken with water—for those of us with packed schedules, popping a gummy vitamin can be a quick, simple, and easy option for squeezing in some health-supporting nutrients on the go.
Reading the Label: What to Look Out for When Choosing Gummy Vitamins
If you’ve decided that taking a gummy vitamin instead of a tablet version is the right option for you, there are a few things to look out for when reading the label.
First off, serving size. Gummy vitamin serving sizes may differ from vitamins in tablet form. You may be used to taking one vitamin tablet, but, depending on the product, you may be directed to take more than one gummy. Consult the serving size listed on your gummy vitamin bottle’s label for the correct serving. Also, it’s important not to overdo it—make sure you’re only taking as many gummies as directed by the label and not more! Since gummy vitamins look and taste similar to gummy candies, it’s easier than you think to take too many. Consult your doctor before taking any supplement, gummy vitamins included.
Something else to keep an eye out for are other ingredients that may make a vitamin or supplement non-compliant with a gluten-free diet. Some vitamins and supplements may contain gluten, which can be potentially harmful if you have Celiac Disease. Gluten can come from the non-active ingredients, which include absorbents, protectants, binders, coloring agents, lubricators, and bulking agents.[2] Look for labels that certify products as gluten free if this is a concern for you.
Other ingredients in gummy vitamins may include coloring agents, sweeteners, and ingredients to stabilize or texturize products. Check the product label for ingredient information before you make your purchase.
Gummy Vitamins for Adults: What Are My Options?
When you’re comparing different dietary supplements, you’ll have a lot to choose from in the way of gummy vitamins. There are also gummy vitamins for adults that focus on more specific areas, like women’s health or support for people who are 50+. We’ve compiled a list of four common nutrients that you’ll find on the labels of popular gummy vitamins for adults, to help you make informed decisions about your options.
Vitamin D
Along with adequate calcium intake, vitamin D can help support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps support our muscle, nerve, and immune systems.[3]
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps support our immune system and metabolic processes.[4] Vitamin E is found in foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and margarine, and is sometimes added to enriched foods like cereal.[5]
Vitamin B12
This nutrient helps support the health of our nerves and blood cells and helps our bodies produce DNA.[6] We get vitamin B12 from a variety of foods including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and dairy products.[7] Those who consume few or no animal products, like vegan or vegetarians, in addition to people over the age of 50, may need to supplement their diets with B12 dietary supplements.[8]
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps support a number of bodily functions, such as supporting normal nerve function, making hemoglobin, and breaking down proteins.[9] Vitamin B6 can be found in a number of foods like salmon, tuna, bananas, legumes, nuts, canned chickpeas, and whole grains.[10]
We hope this guide to gummy vitamins for adults has been helpful in sharing information about what gummy vitamins are and how they can help support your health. If you have any specific questions about gummy vitamins—or vitamins in general—your doctor is an excellent resource.
