Vitamin candies look like candy, taste and shape like candy, but they can be a dietary supplement. This is what vitamins on the market look like in the form of candy. Vitamins are marketed in candy form, as a way for children – or even adults – to get the important nutrients they need. But is this type of vitamin really useful?
Is vitamin candy useful?
Yes, vitamin candy vitamins sold in the form of candy are beneficial to the body. However, they are not quite as strong as their traditional counterparts. Dr. Odelia Lewis, says vitamin candies contain fewer vitamins and minerals than other types — such as regular tablets or drinks. However, they are also much easier to take and digest than tablets.
The reason they are less effective is that they contain some other ingredients that manufacturers put in to get colors and even easier to chew. These ingredients include sugar substitutes, soft substances, and more. This leaves less room for vitamins and nutrients. Second, it is difficult to manufacture vitamin candies in such a way that they stay stable for a long time. That is, it can quickly lose nutritional potency.
Pros and cons of vitamin candy
Like any other product, chewing vitamins or candy vitamins have their pros and cons, which include the following:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to take for people who cannot swallow pills or tablets. In addition, it can be especially attractive to children who refuse to eat beneficial foods. Adults or older adults who can’t remember when to take vitamins daily may be easier. | Due to its ease of eating and distinctive taste, this may lead to eating a lot of it “especially children”. This poses some risk, as eating too many vitamin candies can be harmful to the body. Some fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, D, and K are prone to rise to toxic levels because they are stored in fat cells instead of excreted in urine. |
| It tastes sweet and does not leave any bad taste in the mouth after taking it, compared to tablets. Compare the smell of the vitamin in the tablets and those in the candy. There’s no comparison, dessert is a lot better. | Vitamins in tablet form do not contain any calories and generally do not contain sugar. But vitamin candies contain several grams of added sugar, as they contain 3-8 grams of sugar per serving, which is not considered good, especially for diabetics. In addition, there are some sugar-free vitamins on sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which may cause some digestive problems for many people. |
| Vitamin candies are absorbed in the stomach more easily than tablets, as they have a higher bioavailability. This helps you get the vitamins and minerals you need better. | These vitamin candies and supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, there is no guarantee that they contain ingredients written on the packaging, or that are being promoted. In addition, some minerals are difficult to incorporate into the form of candy vitamins such as iron, because they have a distinct mineral taste. |
What are the substitutes for vitamin candy
If you are vitamin deficient, vitamin candy is not the best option for you. You can rely on some alternatives, which include:
- Rely on a balanced diet that contains fresh vegetables and fruits, in addition to wheat, nuts and lean protein sources. You can get what you need from vitamins and minerals by eating a healthy integrated diet.
- Try liquid vitamins or chewable cereals. Although they may not taste good, they contain more vitamins and minerals than those found in vitamin candies. Remember that it is best to consult a specialist before taking any dietary supplements.
- Taking vitamin tablets with food, as this reduces the unloved side effects of vitamins, such as nausea, vomiting and bad taste.
Do I need to eat vitamin candy?
Many doctors and nutritionists confirm that relying on a balanced diet that contains a variety of vegetables and fruits may be quite enough for you, and you will not need to take vitamin supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your child is growing normally and doesn’t have any nutrient deficiencies, they likely won’t benefit from vitamin supplements.
However, there are some people who really need to take vitamin supplements, such as pregnant women, diabetics and other conditions. Blood tests are rarely needed, but they’re the best way to determine if you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
There are some signs that indicate vitamin deficiency, such as gum disease and red skin bruises, are evidence of vitamin C deficiency. Diarrhea with dermatitis is a sign of vitamin B3 deficiency.
In addition, vitamin D deficiency can manifest as fatigue, bone pain, muscle pain, depression. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include pallor of the skin, headache, balance problems, difficulty concentrating, tingling and numbness in the hands or feet.
These signs and symptoms are the most common and visible in many people. If you suffer from any of them, it is best to consult a professional doctor or pharmacist about getting the vitamin supplements you need. You can also choose between vitamin supplements, tablets, vitamin candies, or even drinks.