Is it just me or are we turning supplements into candy?
Okay, I get it, we all want to make taking vitamins easier. But I just bought a bottle of Omega-3 gummies for my kids and I nearly had a heart attack when I read the nutrition label. 5g of sugar per serving?? That's basically candy! I might as well give them a spoonful of sugar with a fish oil pill. What's the point of being healthy if you're just eating sugar? I know they taste better, but can't we just be honest about it? Anyone else feel like this is a problem?
I hear you, MindfulMila, but as someone who's been taking vitamins for YEARS, I have to say the gummy revolution is what kept me consistent. I used to dread swallowing those huge horse-pill omega caps. They made me burp fishy stuff all day. Gummies might have a little sugar, but at least I actually take them! There are also sugar-free options out there, you just have to look. Maybe try those? And honestly, a little sugar is a small price to pay for getting your Omega-3s, right?
I completely agree with MindfulMila. It's getting out of hand. My grandkids love these gummies, but their parents don't realize they're basically giving them candy. And it's not just the sugar - it's the artificial colors and flavors too. My granddaughter's pediatrician said to avoid dyes, but so many of these gummies are full of them. I think we're sending the wrong message to kids. We need to teach them that supplements are medicine, not treats. OK, rant over.
GummyGuru, I totally get the convenience factor - trust me, I'm a busy mom and I need all the shortcuts I can get. But EcoEllen makes a good point about the artificial stuff. I guess I'm just frustrated that it feels like the industry is taking advantage of our desire for convenience and making things that are more like candy than supplements. Maybe I'll look for a lower-sugar brand, or just try to make my kids take the pills again... *sigh*
Ha, I feel you. Maybe we need 'adult' gummies that are more like sour patches? But seriously, there are some good brands out there that use natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. Also, some companies make omega-3 gummies that are flavored with citrus to mask the fish taste. Anyway, I've been taking the 'clean' ones for a while and they're not bad. Just read the labels, people!