Gummies vs Chewables

You may remember being forced to swallow dauntingly large vitamin pills as a child, but things are far better these days. There are now formats that are much easier to consume if you choose to give supplements to your fussy little eaters.

 

 

Gummies

 

Gummies are chewable vitamin supplements that have an appealing taste and gummy texture, and come in a variety of flavours and colours.

 

Chewables

 

Like gummies, these supplements are meant to be easily chewed and then swallowed, rather than swallowed whole, but chewables are closer in texture to traditional tablets.

 

So which format is the best fit for your child?

 

The flavour and texture of gummies make them the easiest to sneak past the defences of a fussy eater. The format of a gummy is one that a child will likely be familiar with so can be more easily incorporated into the daily routine. They’re an enjoyable way to introduce supplements to kids aged 2 to 5 years, when they’re most fussy.

 

Chewable tablets are great for kids aged 6 to 12, as they get older and become more confident taking vitamins. The chalky texture tends to suit a more developed palate, so they may not be ideal for very young children.

 

With a bit of experimentation, you’ll find which your child prefers.

 

A fuller range of vitamins

 

Gummies are a very appealing way to supplement your child’s diet if you choose to, but the gummy format does have some limitations.

 

Due to the way they’re manufactured, gummies can’t always cover as wide a range of nutrient as other formats. Iron, for instance, is difficult to incorporate into the gummy format.

 

For these reasons, chewables generally offer a more comprehensive formulation than gummies. If your child is equally receptive to gummies and chewables, then chewables might be a more suitable option.

 

Sugars & additives

 

Kids love gummies, but that appealing taste can come from added sugars and additives. Keep a few things in mind when choosing a gummy or chewable supplement:

 

• Read those labels. Seek out products with no artificial colours and flavours.
• If the product claims to be sugar free, look to see whether artificial sweeteners, such as acesulphame potassium (additive number 950) or aspartame (951), have been used.
• If your child has special dietary requirements, such as no added dairy or gluten, check that the product covers those needs.

 

Too much of a good thing

 

Gummies are delicious, but they’re not meant to be guzzled down. They are medicines after all.

 

While vitamins and minerals are important for growing kids, there’s no benefit in having more than the body requires, so it is important to always adhere to the recommended dose on the label.

 

If a supplement is something you choose to give your child daily, it is important to remember they are a supplement, always follow the directions on label and avoid using them as treats or rewards.

 

The best for your child

 

At the end of the day, the most important consideration is whether or not the supplement you choose is supporting your child’s recommended nutritional intake on top of a balanced diet filled with whole foods.

 

Trusted by mum’s for over 50 years, Pentavite offers a broad range of products to support your child’s healthy growth and development and general health and wellbeing.

 

Try our NEW gummies range: Multivitamin Healthy Growth Kids Gummies, Immune Support Daily Kids Gummies, Calcium Healthy Bones & Teeth Kids Gummies

 

Try our Chewables range: Multivitamin + Iron Kids Chewables, Immune Support Daily Kids Chewables, Calcium Vitamin D3 & K2 Kids Chewables

 

 

Always check the label to see which vitamins, minerals and trace elements are included in the product, and ensure they form the right mix for your child’s needs.

 

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.