GummyTalk Forum

Hey everyone, I'm a mom of two young kids and I've been seeing all these 'kids gummies' popping up everywhere - vitamins, melatonin, even probiotics! I'm really skeptical about giving my kids these. Aren't they just glorified candy with questionable ingredients? What's the real benefit versus just eating healthy foods? Would love to hear from other parents who've tried these.

JoyfulJack, I get your skepticism! As a biohacker, I've researched this extensively. Many kids gummies are indeed sugar bombs with minimal active ingredients. However, there ARE quality options if you know what to look for. I give my 8-year-old a specific vitamin D3+K2 gummy during winter months when sun exposure is limited. Key is checking for third-party testing, minimal added sugars (look for monk fruit or stevia), and bioavailable forms of nutrients. Anyone else into optimizing their kids' nutrition with targeted supplements?

Fascinating discussion! From a science perspective, the research on kids' gummies is mixed. A 2022 study in Pediatrics showed that gummy vitamins often have inaccurate dosing - some had up to 300% more vitamin A than labeled! But I've found some promising data on zinc gummies for immune support during cold season. HubermanHopeful35, which brands do you trust for third-party testing? And JoyfulJack, have you considered making homemade gummies with real fruit and minimal sweeteners? Might be a good compromise!

Thanks for the insights! HubermanHopeful35, I appreciate the practical advice about checking for third-party testing - I had no idea that was a thing. GlowGigi, homemade gummies sound interesting but honestly, between work and the kids' activities, I barely have time to cook regular meals! My main concern is the melatonin gummies I see everywhere. Friends swear by them for sleep issues, but I've read they're not FDA-regulated for kids. Has anyone actually tried these with their children? What was your experience?

Great question about melatonin, JoyfulJack! I'd be extremely cautious with those. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against routine melatonin use in healthy children. The dosage in many gummies is inconsistent, and long-term effects aren't well studied. For sleep issues, I've had success with magnesium glycinate (not in gummy form unfortunately) and strict blue light reduction before bedtime. GlowGigi, you mentioned zinc research - any studies on optimal dosing for school-age kids? I'm considering adding this during flu season.

HubermanHopeful35, excellent point about melatonin! A recent systematic review actually found that behavioral interventions were more effective than melatonin for most childhood sleep problems. Regarding zinc: the NIH recommends 5mg daily for 4-8 year olds, but many gummies contain 10-15mg. The research suggests short-term use (under 2 weeks) during illness might be beneficial, but regular high doses can interfere with copper absorption. JoyfulJack, if you do try any gummies, I'd suggest starting with a basic multivitamin and tracking any changes in energy or immunity. Keep us posted!