Chewable Vitamins: Do They Defeat the Purpose?

Written by Lauren Rae, CPT and Wellness Coach for TRYM Fitness

Two-thirds of Americans have been reported to take a multivitamin supplement daily, according to a study done by the Colorado State University Extension. Even with the overwhelming information that states whole foods as the best source of nutrients over a supplement form, people are just not consuming the types or quantities of whole, organic foods needed to fill the body’s daily quota of vitamins and minerals. In addition, poor soil conditions no longer provide our food with the proper amounts of nutrients, making it impossible to not supplement a whole diet with an additional vitamin and mineral source.

So then perhaps chewable vitamins? Gummy or chewy, candy-like vitamins shaped like your favorite cartoon character might seem like a nice option for those who can’t stand the thought of swallowing pills. They also might be an easier way to get those needed vitamins into your kids. Unfortunately, chewable vitamins are loaded with synthesized nutrients and packaged with chemical preservatives, food colorings, and poor sugar sources. Could chewable vitamins completely defeat the purpose of taking them in the first place? Let’s take a look and you decide.

Risk of vitamin overdose? How many are in a serving versus how many you actually eat.

Serving size mentions ½ (for children) up to 2 tablets once daily (for adults). Think back to all the times you’ve eaten a chewable or gummy vitamin. Did you actually have the recommended dose? Not likely. Most people double or triple the recommended amount. While this form of vitamin supplement contains a lower dose of nutrients, it is still possible to overdose on nutrients like iron and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Read between the label lines for additional and inactive ingredients

A long ingredient list is a likely indication that you’re dealing with something synthesized or from an inorganic source. Looking at the labels of your vitamins and other supplements is just as important as reading labels in the grocery store. Look for and steer clear of ingredients like the following:

Why is that in there? Any processed or lab-created chemicals used in food or supplements can damage our health rather than improve it in addition to depleting energy levels.

• Hydrogenated Oils
• GMOs: High Fructose Corn Syrup and Sucrose
• Neurotoxins: Aspartame and Coal Tar have been linked to ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a side effect of the neurotoxins found in fake sugar and synthetic food colorings.
• Allergens: Nuts, Wheat & Soy: Some of the ingredients in your vitamins just might flare up your histamine response as many manufactured products contain irritants like nuts, wheat (or gluten), or soy.

Pill-free Natural Vitamin Option from Sunwarrior

Don’t worry, there is an option to get in whole vitamins and minerals from organic sources without eating the entire produce section or taking a risk with chewable vitamins. Sunwarrior created Vitamin Mineral RUSH, an all-natural, energizing, plant-based liquid supplement. In addition to all of the organic vitamins and minerals, the ingredient list only contains stevia (natural, plant-based calorie-free sweetener) and purified water. And you can bet on the following:

No Synthetics

No Chemicals

No Fillers

Soy Free

Gluten (wheat) Free