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What are the Pros and Cons of a Vitamin C Gummy?
A vitamin C gummy is a type of chewable vitamin that is often given to kids, or even taken by adults who have trouble swallowing pills. The obvious pro of this method of taking a vitamin is that there is no need to swallow a pill, which can be difficult or impossible for some people. The main con of a vitamin C gummy is that kids may begin to view the vitamins as candy, which could lead to them taking too many vitamins, leading to a potential vitamin C overdose. Another negative is that gummy vitamins tend to be sold in slightly smaller, more expensive packages than regular vitamins in pill form.
A number of different flavors, particularly fruit and citrus are available choices for a vitamin C gummy. This makes them more pleasant and palatable to chew. For kids, they might also come in different shapes, such as cartoon characters for example. Children who are resistant to taking their vitamins are often more receptive to taking a gummy vitamin, because it becomes more fun. As with any other vitamin, the pre-measured dose in a vitamin C gummy has been determined to be safe when taken as directed, making it easy to get one's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
The downsides of a vitamin C gummy are directly related to the positives. First, to add the pleasant fruit flavor or bright colors, vitamin C gummies often include a certain amount of sugar and dyes that some parents may not want to give to their children. In addition, it is very important to keep the vitamin C gummy bottle out of the reach of children at all times, because kids may not realize that they are not candy to be eaten freely. If kids get hold of the bottle, they may eat a number of the vitamins, which could be potentially dangerous.
Technically, a vitamin C overdose is not possible, because the body does not store the nutrient. However, taking too much vitamin C at once can cause extremely unpleasant side effects, particularly in children. These include vomiting and diarrhea, as well as increased urination, all of which can lead to dehydration. This is very dangerous and can be fatal, so it is important to monitor these symptoms carefully and receive emergency treatment if necessary. Overall, gummy vitamins are a good option for kids if no other option is available, but it is necessary to monitor them closely.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Vitamin C gummies may contain added sugars and dyes not found in fruit.]()
By: snyferVitamin C gummies may contain added sugars and dyes not found in fruit. -
![Vitamin C in gummy form tends to be sold in slightly smaller and more expensive packages.]()
By: chardchaninVitamin C in gummy form tends to be sold in slightly smaller and more expensive packages. -
![Large doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.]()
By: lithianLarge doses of vitamin C may cause headache and fatigue.
Discussion Comments
I considered getting some gummy vitamin C supplements for my children, but when I saw the price tag, I put them back on the shelf. We have to struggle to make ends meet as it is, and I can't afford to get my kids hooked on something so expensive.
So, I give them an 8 ounce glass of orange juice at breakfast every morning. When they get home from school, I have some sliced oranges ready as snacks. Both orange juice and oranges are less expensive than gummy vitamins, and I'm sure they have more nutritional value overall.
I don't know what I'll do if they ever decide they don't like oranges. For now, this method works, and I feel like they are getting enough vitamin C to stay healthy.
My whole family eats gummy vitamin C slices. These are shaped like orange wedges, and they taste really good. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am an adult, and I love gummy vitamins.
They come in single packets, so I can take them to work with me. I only eat one a day, because that is all it takes. It's much more fun than chewing on a tablet.
My kids like them because they remind them of candy. However, there are no artificial additives, which I am so happy about! There is nothing in the slices that could harm them.
@StarJo – I take gummy vitamins made for adults that contain natural ingredients. They have an orange taste that is delicious, but they don't have fake colors and chemical preservatives.
They aren't geared toward children, but your daughter might like the taste and texture. They are just shaped like capsules instead of bears, and they are burnt orange instead of brightly colored.
I eat them because I hate swallowing pills. Also, I love the flavor. You might want to try giving them to your daughter. If she doesn't like them, then you could take them yourself.
I wish that I could get my daughter to eat more foods that contain vitamin C, but she really hates vegetables and fruit right now. I'm hoping that she will grow out of this phase, but in the meantime, I am giving her gummy bear vitamins.
I hate that I have to supply her nutrition through an artificially colored sugary treat, but I worry about her health. She looks forward to eating her daily gummy vitamin, so I'm not going to take that away from her.
Are there other types of gummy vitamins out there that don't have undesirable additives? I would love to give her a more natural supplement, but she is addicted to the texture and flavor of the gummy bear.
@EdRick - If your daughter is breastfed, she probably does need the vitamin D supplement. But your son might not need to take a vitamin. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that school-age children do not usually need to take supplements. Most kids will get enough from food if they are provided with a variety of nutritious fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
The exception would be kids who don't have a good appetite or who are just really fussy eaters or, for instance, vegan. In that case, those gummy vitamins for kids, or whatever kind your child will take, can be a godsend to fill in some gaps in the diet.
The best way to judge what your kids need is to ask their pediatrician!
Do kids really need vitamin supplements? My wife gives our infant daughter a liquid vitamin D supplement and gives our ten-year-old son some of those gummy vitamins. (I think his are multivitamins as opposed to just C.) How do we know if they really need these?
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