Chewable vitamins, also known as gummy bears, have always been known for being bad for the teeth. But, over the last couple of decades, several doctors consider them as a health food.
Chewable vitamins found a place on the supplement aisle of pharmacies all across the globe, even though to some, this may sound quite ironic. Now do not be too surprised. Kids love gummy bears, so making them an alternative to the bitter medications seemed viable.
The following write-up specifies the pros and cons of chewable vitamins. Please check them out before arriving at a decision.
Understanding the Benefits of Chewable Vitamins
Some studies did prove that chewable vitamins can erode the enamel or the outer covering of the teeth. Everyone knows that erosion of teeth can lead to needing dental crowns and bridges – a huge expenditure. Still, chewable vitamins are readily available in the market. So it must have some benefits.
The parents wish their kids to have all the necessary vitamins and minerals, and the kids will prefer a tasty candy over fruits and vegetables. You do not have to argue with your little one or force-feed them.
Chewable vitamins or gummy bears are the best choices for children who would not or cannot swallow whole pills. They can chew the candies and swallow them with zero hassle or risks of choking.
Finally, yet importantly, gummy bears do not actually provide necessary vitamins such as A, B, C, D, and E, as well as zinc and calcium. These fill in the gaps that your kid’s normal diet may have.
The usual diet in most of places lacks certain vitamins. A supplement appears to be an easy way of getting the missing nutrients. If the supplement is in the form of sweet candy, it is even better. The kids would happily take them and ask for more.
Time for the Other Side of the Coin
The fact that children want more gummy bears is a warning sign. Covering a nutritional supplement in delicious and sticky sugars has a fair share of disadvantages. Major ones among the lot include:
- Tooth Decay
Although the kids generally take two to four supplements each day, the sugar they contain has the power to feed the bacteria. The sugar in the chewable vitamins sticks to the teeth, paving the way for decay, plaque, and bacterial growth.
- Weak than the Normal Multivitamins
Gummy bears are less potent than normal multivitamins. Some doctors believe they do more harm than good. They make the kids addicted to sugar.
- Overdose
Too much sugar in kids’ vitamins increases the chances to overdose. Certain companies are cautious not to include the ingredients that can be harmful if consumed in excess. Others not that much. There are plenty cases of the parents taking their kids to the emergency room because the latter have downed the entire bottle.
The disadvantages of chewable vitamins are quite substantial. Incorporating nutrients in candy may not be the worst idea but unfortunately, not the best one either.
What You Must Do
If your kids are already eating chewable vitamins, there are a couple of ways to alleviate the risks. Try to include these vitamins after the meals and not s some treat. Also, encourage your kids to practice good oral hygiene habits. If they brush their teeth thoroughly and floss, no amount of candy can cause any harm.
