{"id":34662,"date":"2023-03-22T20:32:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T20:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=34662"},"modified":"2023-03-24T00:35:54","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T00:35:54","slug":"are-gummy-vitamins-effective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/are-gummy-vitamins-effective\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Talk: Do Gummy Vitamins Actually Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Curious if gummy vitamins are as effective as conventional supplements<\/a>? They very well can be, yet it’ll ultimately depend on the brand and gummies at hand. Here’s what you should know, according to Jennifer Martin-Biggers, PhD, MS, RD<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

While you may have loved your gummy vitamins as a child, these days, the gummy supplement market is booming for adults, too. In fact, the global gummy vitamin market grew from $6.47 billion in 2022 to $7.13 billion in 2023<\/a>\u2014boasting an annual compound growth rate of 10.2 percent\u2014and is projected to reach $10.3 billion by 2027. But with so many new products hitting shelves and online storefronts, you may be curious if gummy vitamins are actually effective and work as well as conventional supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n

In truth, it depends, as not all gummy vitamins are created equally. It\u2019s important to be aware of a few key facts about their formulations, as well as how to find the most effective gummy vitamins for your needs. We asked Jennifer Martin-Biggers, PhD, MS, RD<\/a>, HUM\u2019s vice president of scientific affairs and education, to share must-know intel.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Makes Gummy Vitamin Formulations Unique?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Before we explore if gummy vitamins are effective, Dr. Martin-Biggers takes care to point out the nuances of making them. \u201cGummies are an amazing reflection of the science and chemistry of our foods,\u201d she begins. \u201cThere are numerous considerations when it comes to formulating a gummy that make them much more complicated than capsules or tablets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

To start, she says there are more limitations when including active ingredients in gummy supplements. \u201cFor example, if a gummy weighs three grams, as much as 90 percent of that is usually required for ingredients that make the gummy taste good and give it shape\u2014like pectin, cane sugar, and flavors,\u201d she explains. As a result, there\u2019s less room to include active ingredients. In this example, about 300 milligrams of a given nutrient can make into a single gummy. According to Dr. Martin-Biggers, this won\u2019t always be enough room to put a clinically effective dose of a given nutrient into gummy form. (This factor also explains why a serving size often calls for at least two gummies.)<\/p>\n\n\n

Next, Dr. Martin-Biggers notes that chemistry and science should inform all supplements\u2014yet gummy vitamins require a delicate balance to ensure that they\u2019re enjoyable to consume while retaining their actives and quality. The main considerations include \u201ctaste, texture, shape, smell, and ensuring that the gummies are stable over time so they don\u2019t melt or change taste,\u201d she explains. Certain vitamins and botanicals taste better or look more appealing than others, she adds, so not all actives are ideal to include in a gummy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are Gummy Vitamins Effective?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Despite the challenges of developing a tasty and stable formula you\u2019ll actually want to take, Dr. Martin-Biggers says that gummy vitamins are an effective way to boost your diet. \u201cGummy vitamins work similarly to capsules or tablets,\u201d she shares. \u201cAfter you eat them, they are broken down by acids in your stomach and GI system, and nutrients are absorbed and utilized just like other supplements or foods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Yet it bears repeating that not all gummy supplements get the green light. The efficacy of any gummy vitamin will ultimately depend on the brand correctly formulating it. \u201cCompanies need to work carefully to ensure that the amount of active ingredients in the gummies is safe, potent, and will be effective throughout the entire shelf life of the product,\u201d Dr. Martin-Biggers explains. She adds that HUM engages in rigorous, ongoing testing to ensure the potency of our active ingredients across all products\u2014gummies included. (More on this to come.)<\/p>\n\n\n

Benefits of Gummy Vitamins<\/h2>\n\n\n

Aside from helping you get key nutrients in your diet, gummy vitamins boast a few unique and noteworthy benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n