If you are in the market for a multivitamin and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices available today, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will compare two very common types of supplements: gummy vitamins vs. pills. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each one and determine which form of supplement might be the right fit for you and your loved ones.

Convenience

One of the reasons that many people are turned off by supplements is the actual experience of taking them. Oftentimes, chewable supplements have a rather unpleasant taste and texture, leaving behind a chalky, mineral-y flavor on the tongue that you have to wash away with a drink. Kids and even adult picky eaters may even refuse to take their vitamins and minerals because of the taste. A benefit of gummy vitamins is their ability to circumvent this issue. In many ways resembling candy, most gummy vitamins are vibrant in color and have a sweet, pleasant flavor, making them a possible option for picky eaters.

Gummy vitamins clearly have the upper hand over pills when it comes to convenience, as pills have become extremely outdated over the years. In fact, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a huge hindrance to many people when taking pills, with this condition affecting up to 15 million adults in America alone (2). For anyone who experiences difficulty swallowing, gummy vitamins and liquid supplements represent an excellent alternative to the traditional pills.

Ingredients

In the way of ingredients, one of the main benefits of gummy vitamins quickly turns negative. As we mentioned in the previous section, gummy vitamins are convenient for their pleasant taste, which can sway picky eaters into taking their supplements. However, these flavors and vibrant colors typically do not come from a natural source. Many gummy supplements utilize synthetic dyes and high amounts of sugar to achieve a look and flavor that resembles candy (1). Though dyes are not always outright harmful, high levels of sugar can have a negative impact on the bodies of both adults and children when consumed consistently over a period of time. For that reason, gummy vitamins may not be the healthiest option in terms of ingredients, as many liquid supplements in particular achieve very similar effects without the use of synthetic ingredients.

Pills may have a slight advantage over gummy vitamins in this category. Typically, the only additives in a pill will be binding agents to hold the nutrients in place and anti-caking agents to keep any powders from clumping together. While still not necessary, as demonstrated by the existence of liquid supplements which do not utilize such agents at all, these fillers are generally not harmful like the high sugar content in gummy vitamins.

How to Choose

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both gummy vitamins and pills. It comes down to your own personal preferences and priorities when making the choice between them. For example, if you and your loved ones need to cut back on sugar content, then gummy vitamins may not be the best option for you. Alternatively, those who have difficulty swallowing will likely have trouble taking supplements in the form of pills. The most important step is to weigh your options and figure out the best one to fit your unique lifestyle or health needs. If you are having trouble picking out a supplement that works for you, then you should consult with your physician, as they can point you in the right direction and make sure you are using a supplement that is both safe and effective.

Aside from gummy vitamins and pills, there is a third option to consider as well: liquid vitamins. Liquid supplements tend to be more effective in terms of absorption than both pills and gummies because they are able to bypass the need for digestion. With nutrients already present in their liquid forms, absorption can begin immediately after you take your vitamin. Most liquid supplements also avoid synthetic ingredients and unnecessary sugars, making them a safer option than gummies and pills. In fact, liquid alternatives like Better Family’s Liquid Daily even have a pleasant, all-natural flavor and a vibrant color, both of which are achieved from the use of an organic fruit blend rather than synthetic sugars and dyes. Clearly, liquid supplements are a great alternative for anyone who is dissatisfied with the results of traditional gummies and pills.

Resources

1. “What to Know About Gummy Vitamins.” WebMD, 25 October 2021, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-gummy-vitamins.
2. “Deciphering Dysphagia.” National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders, 28 September 2016, https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/deciphering-dysphagia.