Are Magnesium Gummies Just Candy in Disguise?
I just bought a bottle of magnesium gummies because I read they help with sleep and stress. But honestly, these things taste like gummy bears! 5g of sugar per serving? That's like a third of a candy bar. Are we really supposed to be eating this much sugar for a supplement? Seems counterproductive. I might just stick to capsules.
I get your concern, RootRose. I work in a library and do a lot of research on supplements. The problem is that many gummy vitamins use sugar or corn syrup to mask the bitter taste of minerals like magnesium. You can find sugar-free options sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, but they're not as common. Some brands also use magnesium glycinate which is gentler on the stomach. I'd suggest checking labels for sugar substitutes and the type of magnesium. Could you switch to a lower sugar brand?
I totally agree with the 'candy-fication' critique. I switched to a tincture or powder form, zero sugar. Sure, it's not as fun, but I want the benefits, not a dessert. Also, think about the environmental impact of all those plastic containers. I just mix my magnesium powder into my water in the morning. Simple, pure, no waste. If you're serious about supplements, go minimal.
Honestly, I'm a busy dad with a full-time job. I'm not going to measure powders or deal with tinctures. Gummies are convenient – I can pop them in my mouth on the go. But I also hate the sugar. I found a brand that uses tapioca syrup and no added sugar? Actually, it has 2g of that, but I figure it's better than a lot of others. My kids see me taking them and don't think they're medicine, which is good. But I do worry I'm missing out on the 'purity'. Maybe I'll do a mix – gummies for convenience, capsules for home.