Swansenreport

Note – I’m not a doctor, I don’t play one on TV, nor have I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night or recently.  The following are my observations and with some assistance from Grok, are not ment to be or construed as medical advice. 

While in our local Walmart Super Center recently I noticed that a majority of available supplements were all in gummie form.  Who in the industry decided that this is the wave of the future for taking supplements?

Taking supplements in gummy form can have a few downsides, depending on your health goals and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the potential drawbacks:

Added Sugar Content: Gummy supplements often contain added sugars to make them palatable, which can range from 2-8 grams per serving. This might not align with low-sugar diets or could be a concern for those managing blood sugar levels, like diabetics.

Lower Nutrient Potency: Gummies typically have less space for active ingredients compared to pills or capsules. To keep them chewable and tasty, manufacturers might reduce the dosage of vitamins or minerals, meaning you might not get the full potency you’d expect from other forms.

Extra Calories: The sugar, gelatin, or other binders in gummies add calories—usually small amounts (10-20 calories per serving), but this could add up if you take multiple doses daily or are strict about calorie intake.

Potential for Overconsumption: Because they taste like candy, it’s easier to accidentally take too many, especially for kids or even adults who don’t treat them as medicine. Overdosing on certain vitamins (like A, D, or iron) can lead to toxicity.

Limited Ingredient Range: Some nutrients don’t formulate well into gummies—like high-dose minerals (e.g., calcium or magnesium) or fat-soluble compounds—because they require larger volumes or different delivery methods. You might miss out on certain supplements in gummy form.

Digestive Additives: Gummies often include gelatin or pectin, plus artificial flavors or colors, which might not sit well with everyone. People with allergies, sensitivities, or those avoiding animal products (gelatin is pork- or beef-derived unless specified vegan) could find this problematic.

Shelf Stability: Gummies can degrade faster than pills in heat or humidity, potentially losing potency if not stored properly.

If you’re considering gummies for convenience or because you hate swallowing pills, these trade-offs might be worth it. But if maximizing nutrient intake or avoiding sugar is your priority, capsules or tablets could be a better bet. Anything specific you’re thinking about trying in gummy form?

Disclaimer: Grok is not a doctor; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.