What’s Inside Gummy Vitamins?

Ever wondered exactly what goes into a gummy vitamin? The gummy has become one of the most popular forms for adults and kids to take supplements, so it’s natural to be curious about its makeup. Gummies deliver key nutrients in a tasty package, often including other ingredients that make the gummy, well, a gummy. Nature Made® is here to help guide you in your supplement journey, so let’s start answering some questions.

What Are Gummy Vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are, in simple terms, vitamins and supplements that deliver their nutrients in a soft, chewable gummy format. They are a popular alternative to tablets, capsules, and softgels, delivering some of the same key nutrients in a form that many adults find more enjoyable and easier to take.

There are several reasons people prefer gummy vitamins to more traditional formats; for one, they are convenient to take on the go, as they do not require water. They’re also a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing traditional capsules, tablets or softgels. The pleasant taste can also help you establish a more consistent daily supplement routine; it’s easier to stick to a routine when it's enjoyable.

Gummy vitamins contain two distinct categories of ingredients: the first category is active ingredients. These are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals; they are generally what is noted on the front of the label, and the ingredient you’re getting to support your health. There are also inactive ingredients, components necessary to create the gummy format that influence the gummies’ texture, flavor, and stability.†

Do Gummy Vitamins Work?

So, the main question is, do gummy vitamins actually work? Yes! Gummy vitamins deliver essential vitamins and minerals to help fill nutrient gaps when dietary intake is insufficient, as well as other active ingredients such as botanicals that will help support your health needs. Always take gummy vitamins as directed on the label and follow any caution or warning statements. Research shows that the nutrients in gummy vitamins are absorbed similarly to traditional vitamins when they contain the same amount of said vitamin or mineral.^[1,2] So rest easy, if you prefer gummy vitamins, they do work for your needs.†

Some nutrients, like larger mineral molecules, can be difficult to include in a gummy form, so you might notice smaller amounts of these certain nutrients present in gummies, or find that others are excluded entirely when comparing gummy vitamins vs traditional vitamins. That’s why it’s important to check the Supplement Facts panel to confirm which nutrients are included in each vitamin supplement and at what levels.

As with any supplementation, consistency is key. It’s important to support your body with nutrients daily. Gummies are convenient and tasty, which is why some find them easier to build into a consistent daily routine.

The Two Main Components of Gummy Vitamins

As explained above, there are two main components of gummy vitamins: active ingredients and inactive ingredients. They’re both important: you don’t get gummy vitamins without them! Active ingredients are the nutrients that deliver the supplement’s benefits, and inactive ingredients are what make it a gummy, contributing to taste, texture, and more.

Active Ingredients

What exactly is an active ingredient? Let’s break it down. For example, say you’re taking a Vitamin C gummy. What’s the active ingredient there? In a vitamin C gummy, the active ingredient is vitamin C. The active ingredient is what is delivered by the supplement for a health benefit. Some gummy vitamins have only one active ingredient, while others, like our Advanced Multivitamin Gummies, have many. The Supplement Facts panel on the label lists all active ingredients and the amount per serving.†

For example, our Vitamin D3 + K2 Gummies include 125 mcg (5000 IU) of vitamin D3 and 100 mcg of vitamin K2 per serving. Other gummies may include active ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B vitamins, biotin, zinc, and more. Check the supplement facts panel on each gummy to see which active nutrients it contains.†

Do gummy vitamins have iron? While iron is difficult to include in gummies due to its distinct metallic taste, some gummies do contain iron. Our Iron Gummies with Vitamin C include 18 mg of iron per serving to support red blood cell formation and healthy cognitive function, plus vitamin C to support iron absorption in a raspberry-flavored gummy that helps mask the metallic taste.†

Gelling Agents: Gelatin vs Pectin

Now, let’s get into the inactive ingredients. To achieve that soft, chewable gummy texture, vitamin gummies require a gelling agent. There are two main gelling agents in gummies: gelatin and pectin.

The most common gelling agent is gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen. Gelatin produces a soft, firm texture that holds up well over time.

The other gelling agent, pectin, is sourced from fruits such as citrus peels or apple pomace. Pectin gummies tend to have a slightly softer texture than gelatin-based gummies and may be formulated differently in order to achieve a comparable chewing experience.

With that, you may be wondering: does Nature Made offer gummy vitamins without gelatin, which is an animal-based ingredient? Nature Made offers some gummy vitamins without gelatin, such as pectin-based gummy vitamins. For example, our Extra Strength Vitamin C Gummies are a pectin-based gummy for those looking to support their daily vitamin C intake.

Sweeteners and Flavoring Ingredients

Other inactive ingredients found in gummies include sweeteners and flavoring ingredients. These are included to enhance the gummy vitamin's taste and chewing experience, making it more enjoyable to take. An enjoyable gummy is one you’re more likely to take consistently, helping you support your wellness needs.

Many gummy vitamins contain added sugar, usually in the form of glucose syrup or sugar. Nature Made gummies typically contain 1 to 3 grams of sugar per gummy, which is generally not a concern when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, you should always check the label for exact sugar content and, if you are sensitive to sugar, consult with a healthcare professional before use.

If you’re looking to avoid added sugars, Nature Made offers a selection of Zero Sugar^‡ Gummies, such as Zero Sugar^‡ Hair Skin Nails Gummies, Zero Sugar^‡ Vitamin D3 Gummies, and more, which use sugar alternatives like sugar alcohols to support flavor without added sugar.

Additives and Stabilizers: Why They’re Used

The gummy vitamin manufacturing process often involves other inactive ingredients, including stabilizers, humectants, and coating agents. What do these do? They contribute to stability and shelf life, preventing gummies from sticking together, and serve as important components of the gummy formulation. Palm oil, carnauba wax, or sugar sanding is sometimes used to help prevent sticking. And water is important to gummies; it is used in the gummy-making process as part of the base formulation.

Gummies tend to be less shelf-stable than traditional tablet or softgel supplements, and some additives and stabilizers can help extend their shelf life. Always check the expiration date on the label.

How Are Gummy Vitamins Made?

High-quality gummy vitamins are made by sourcing ingredients, conducting testing, and undergoing many quality checks. First, in order to make high-quality gummies, you need high-quality ingredients. Reputable brands like Nature Made only source from suppliers that meet our quality standards.

But that’s not where it stops, because these ingredients are tested again upon arrival at manufacturing facilities to verify their identity and purity. Multiple checks, inspections, and tests verify that quality standards are met, ensuring the product on the shelf matches what’s stated on the label.

What to Look for When Choosing a Gummy Vitamin

Gummy vitamins are a popular way for adults to support their daily nutrient intake, so there are many options to choose from. So how do you pick a high-quality gummy vitamin?

When choosing a supplement, the first thing you should look at is the Supplement Facts panel on the label. This will list the active ingredients in the supplements (the nutrients you’re looking for), how much of each nutrient you get per serving, and what percentage of your daily value that amount represents. Reading the supplement facts helps you determine what nutrients the gummy delivers and how much.

The label will also list the serving size and suggested use. The serving size indicates how many gummies you should take to achieve the intended nutrients, and the suggested use tells you how often to take them. It’s also important to read the Caution Statement before use; if you have any questions, always consult with a trusted healthcare professional.

The Other Ingredients section lists the inactive ingredients. These are gelling agents, sweeteners, and more. If you’re wondering whether the gummy contains gelatin or pectin, here’s where to look.

Many Nature Made supplements carry the USP Verified Mark, which confirms third-party verification of the supplement’s ingredients, potency and manufacturing process.

Explore our Adult Vitamin Collection to find a product that fits your daily routine and check out Kids First® Gummies to support your child's daily vitamin and mineral needs.†

‡ Not a low calorie food

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

1. United States Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 . USDA; 2020. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf
2. Get Nauseous After Taking Vitamins? 6 Tips to Make Them Easier to Stomach. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/get-nauseous-after-taking-vitamins-6-tips-to-make-them-easier-to-stomach