When you were a kid, you either loved the weird, chalky texture and citrusy flavor of chewable vitamins, or you hated them.
Regardless, it might have come as a shock that adults don’t get a sweet vitamin treat; most have to swallow a huge, bitter pill if they want the right vitamin and mineral supplements in their diet.
Unfortunately, this has convinced many adults to stop taking their vitamins — and their health has undoubtedly declined because of it.
If you can’t stand swallowing vitamins, minerals, and other supplements, here’s some good news:
You can find almost every healthy compound in tasty gummy form.
Besides a multivitamin, here are a few supplements you can find and should take as a gummy:
Biotin
Known as vitamin H but a member of the B vitamin family, biotin is often recognized as a vitamin for improving the growth and quality of hair — but that is definitely not all it does.
Biotin is essential for helping the body convert food into energy, and getting more biotin could help your body better regulate its blood sugar.
This could be a boon for everyone, but it is particularly useful for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Folate
Another B vitamin, B9 in its naturally occurring state is called folate, but you might also spot it under the name folic acid, which is the vitamin in its synthetic form.
Every human body needs a regular dose of folate to ensure that cells grow, divide and function properly, and there is some evidence that folate can be crucial for counteracting heart disease and preventing stroke.
However, folate is most important to pregnant people, as this vitamin is essential for the development of fetal brains and bodies; insufficient prenatal folate can lead to serious birth defects.
Omega-3
Dietary experts often talk about “healthy fats” — and usually, omega-3 fatty acids are exactly what they mean.
Omega-3s make up a class of fatty acids which include ALAs, EPAs and DHAs, which are building blocks for the membranes around cells, especially those in the eye and brain.
Plus, the body can break down fatty acids for long-lasting energy in the heart, lungs and immune system.
However, omega-3s shouldn’t be confused with omega-6s, which can increase blood pressure and risk of clots.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the few supplements on this list that the body is capable of synthesizing on its own — but still, many people are utterly unable to get enough vitamin D in their daily lives.
One of the most egregiously ignored vitamins, D is essential because it allows the body to take advantage of calcium to build strong bones; without D, all that milk you’re drinking is going to waste.
Increasing research on D indicates that it could also be crucial in the function of the immune system and the nervous system, so it is a good idea to get as much D as possible.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, often abbreviated as CoQ10, is another compound that the body is capable of making on its own, but consuming extra CoQ10 is a good way to ensure that systems have enough to go around, especially if you are advancing in age.
The most important effect of CoQ10 is its role in lowering blood pressure, which can reduce the likelihood of heart failure especially in those with severe heart disease and other heart conditions.
Even better, some researchers have found preliminary evidence that CoQ10 might also be useful in preventing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It might seem like a health craze, but drinking apple cider vinegar does have some positive effect on your health.
In both animal and human studies, acetic acid — the acid in vinegar — has been found to slightly improve weight loss and reduce fat storage when taken as a dietary supplement every day.
While you could down a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, you’ll probably find it more enjoyable to dose with apple cider vinegar gummies.
Lutein
It isn’t a good idea to take vitamin A in gummy form because it is possible to overdose on that supplement.
However, you can take a related supplement, called lutein, which is often known as the “eye vitamin.”
Lutein concentrates in the retina, helping to filter light and protect light-sensitive tissues from damage.
It is possible that taking a lutein supplement can help protect the eye from degenerative diseases, especially those that occur due to time and age.
Probiotics
The microbiome within the digestive tract is essential for helping the body break down food into molecules that cells can use, but poor diet, antibiotics and other concerns can kill helpful flora and prevent it from replenishing.
Taking a probiotic makes digestion easier for the body, reducing issues like acid reflux, bloating, constipation and more.
However, it is a myth that you need more bacteria in your body than human cells, so you don’t need to take more than one probiotic per day.