Doctor explained why children's vitamins in the form of gummies are a scam

Gummy vitamins for children can cause much more harm than good, according to pediatric endocrinologist Daria Khaikina. She shared her opinion in a conversation with "Gazeta.Ru".

"They are bright, tasty, smell like strawberry and mango, and don't need to be taken with water. Children absolutely love them, so the question of 'how to give vitamins to a child' doesn't even arise. Children themselves eagerly remind about taking vitamins. It seems like an ideal way to get vitamins - especially for children. But behind the attractive packaging and chewable convenience often lies deception. In reality, your child won't get any benefit from such vitamins. Apart from the taste, there's nothing good about them," Khaikina believes.

And one of the main problems with chewable vitamins, according to her, is added sugar. Manufacturers rarely limit themselves to natural sweeteners. The composition of such gummies often includes: glucose syrup, sugar, fructose, artificial flavors.

"Sometimes 2-3 'vitamins' contain up to 5 g of sugar. If taken daily, that's almost 2 kg of sugar per year - as a 'bonus' to the diet. Many parents are convinced they don't give their child sugar, forgetting that these vitamins contain more sugar than candy," emphasized the pediatric endocrinologist.

She also pointed out that vitamins need to be strictly dosed. But not many children can stop at just one "candy." And this is a common problem.

"Children secretly eat much more than the daily dosage without their parents knowing. This is already a potential overdose - especially with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which accumulate in the body and can be toxic in large doses," warned the specialist.

Moreover, according to her, the dosages in gummies are often understated, their composition doesn't always match what's claimed, and their bioavailability is lower than in classic capsules or solutions.

In addition to this, sugar reduces the absorption of many vitamins. For example, vitamins C and D, which are contained in such gummies, cannot be absorbed in the presence of sugar. Also, the presence of added sugars exacerbates the deficiency of B vitamins. This is especially critical for B1 (thiamine), which is responsible for a child's growth, brain function, and nervous system.

"Gummy vitamins are not about health, but about indulging a child. And if you choose them, do it consciously: look at the composition, dosages. Choose those with less sugar. And remember that you're unlikely to replenish your child's deficiencies with such vitamins," concluded Khaikina.