One common misconception is that gummies are only for children. However, this is not the case at all! Functional gummies with a “dual identity” as a convenience snack and functional food are becoming increasingly popular amongst adult consumers leading a busy lifestyle12,13.
In particular, the ‘on-the-go’ positioning has made functional gummies a better solution to the meet the demands of supplementing nutrients in daily life regardless of scenarios13. Furthermore, its gel-like consistency and soft texture provides a solution in addressing swallowing problems of pills or tablets for some individuals. Based on application segments, vitamin gummies hold the largest market share followed by DHA and omega-3 gummies3.
Vitamins Gone Gummy
Chewable multivitamins are available in a variety of shapes, flavours, and sizes and are marketed to fit every nutritional need. Gummy vitamins were originally targeted to children, and was offered as a fun way to get kids to take their vitamins but now we have seen more attention been drawn to the adult nutrition portfolio. Vitamins A, C, and D as well as zinc help to boost immune function2,4,9,14 and B vitamins play a crucial role in supporting cellular energy production10. In addition, vitamin A is essential for healthy eye function6 while vitamin D is essential for bone and teeth health and promotes calcium absorption1,5,8.
Vegan DHA Gummies
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (PUFA) which support brain, eye and heart health benefits11. However, not everyone wants to eat a big plate of salmon steak twice a week or swallowing a large oil capsule every night to get the health benefits. Hence, gummies seem like a more tempting way to deliver the goodness of DHA to our body. In terms of facts, fatty fish and fish oil are the best source of DHA, but many of us are unaware that fish actually get its DHA from the algae they eat7. As opposed to DHA from fishes, algae oil is particularly important for vegetarians, vegan or non-fish eaters in obtaining the sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids to maintain their general health. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being more environmentally sustainable15.
Key Takeaway
Functional gummies do not just taste good, they offer good nutrients too. However, overconsumption of certain nutrients might have some drawbacks and some of the gummies may contain too much sugar and other additives, depending on the formulation. With that in mind, it is recommended to take it moderately. At DPO International, we are honoured to be in partnership with Hexagon Nutrition to bring you a wide range of ingredients that will elevate the product quality of your confectionery products.
References
1Botelho, J., Machado, V., Proença, L., Delgado, A., & Mendes, J. (2020). Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 12(5), 1471. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051471
2Bui, L., Zhu, Z., Hawkins, S., Cortez-Resendiz, A., & Bellon, A. (2021). Vitamin D regulation of the immune system and its implications for COVID-19: A mini review. SAGE Open Medicine, 9, 205031212110140.
3Business Research Insights. (2022). Functional Gummies Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Growth by Type (Gelatin Gummies and Vegan Gummies), By Application (Vitamin Gummies, DHA and Omega-3 Gummies, Probiotics Gummies, and Other Gummies) Regional Forecast (2022-2026). Industry Report.
4Carr, A., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
5Delavar, M., Karimian, P., Ebrahimi, H., & Jafarnejad, S. (2022). Effects of vitamin D on bone density in healthy children: A systematic review. Journal Of Family Medicine And Primary Care, 11(3), 870. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2411_20
6Faustino, J., Ribeiro-Silva, A., Dalto, R., Souza, M., Furtado, J., & Rocha, G. et al. (2016). Vitamin A and the eye: an old tale for modern times. Arquivos Brasileiros De Oftalmologia, 79(1). https://doi.org/10.5935/0004-2749.20160018
7Harwood, J. (2019). Algae: Critical Sources of Very Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Biomolecules, 9(11), 708. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9110708
8Hill, T. R., & Aspray, T. J. (2017). The role of vitamin D in maintaining bone health in older people. Therapeutic Advances In Musculoskeletal Disease, 9(4), 89-95.
9Huang, Z., Liu, Y., Qi, G., Brand, D., & Zheng, S. (2018). Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 7(9), 258. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7090258
10Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020068
11Li, J., Pora, B., Dong, K., & Hasjim, J. (2021). Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid and its bioavailability: A review. Food Science &Amp; Nutrition, 9(9), 5229-5243. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2299
12Moloughney, S. (2022). Gummy Formulas Continue to Win Supplement Market Share. Nutraceuticals World.
13Wang, J. (2022). Gummy Supplement Trends in China as Young Generation and Favorable Regulatory Landscape Emerge. Chemlinked.
14Wessels, I., Maywald, M., & Rink, L. (2017). Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(12), 1286. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9121286
15Winwood, R. J. (2015). Algal oils. Specialty Oils And Fats In Food And Nutrition, 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-1-78242-376-8.00006-5
