Gummy vitamins: they’re fun, chewy, and yummy. An easy way to get kids the nutrients they need, right?

While kids’ gummies may be easy; according to pediatricians, they’re not the right choice. Instead, gummy vitamins are packed with added sugar - most with more sugar per gummy than actual candy (3g vs <2g in those gummy worms above!). In fact, a single gummy vitamin can account for over 25% of the recommended daily sugar intake for kids.¹

The Hidden Risks of Gummy Vitamins For Kids

Aside from sugar intake, parents should also consider the following when it comes to gummy vitamins:

• Cavities and dental decay. Gummies contain syrups that coat teeth and feed bacteria. The American Dental Association has warned that sticky supplements like gummies contribute to cavities, especially when taken daily or at nighttime.²
• Lack of iron and calcium. Iron and calcium are hard to stabilize in gummy form – which means most gummies do not contain them. Yet both are essential for kids’ growth and development - iron for healthy brain development and preventing anemia, and calcium for strong bones and teeth.^3,4
• Lower nutrient content. Because gummies are soft and moist, vitamins degrade faster than in tablets, meaning your child might not be getting what the label promises. Additionally, nutrient content can vary wildly from gummy to gummy because of the manufacturing process.^5,6
• Choking hazard. Pediatricians caution that gummy vitamins can pose a choking risk, and are not safe for kids under age 4. They can easily lodge in the throat, especially if eaten unsupervised.⁷
• Risk of overdose. It’s easy for kids to confuse gummy vitamins and candy, leading to increased reports of pediatric overdose cases and Poison Control Center calls. Vitamin overdoses can cause vomiting, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and even seizures.⁸
• Building unhealthy habits. Since gummy vitamins taste like candy, kids often ask for more, building a sugar habit. 

But My Kid’s a Picky Eater. What Vitamins Will They Actually Like?

Sugar is not the only way that parents can get kids to take their vitamins!

The clean brand our pediatric dietitian recommends is Hiya. Hiya is a safe, chewable, sugar-free tablet developed with pediatricians. Monk fruit and mannitol add mild sweetness that kids enjoy – without the sugar, syrups, or gummy residue. Each tablet delivers 15+ essential nutrients from real fruits and vegetables, supporting immunity, development, and energy. And unlike gummies, Hiya is safe for kids 2+.

We also love Hiya’s packaging. Your kids will start with a reusable glass bottle (always non-toxic and free of lead, BPA, and other harmful chemicals) and a sheet of stickers so they can decorate it with their name and favorite characters. Monthly refills are also packaged in recyclable paper.

What Pediatricians Recommend

If you’re looking to switch from gummy vitamins, Hiya’s yummy, chewable tablet is a great place to start. It offers parents a clean option that supports health without sugar crashes or cavities. For kids, it’s a sense of ownership - their own bottle, characters, and routine.

If you’re interested in trying Hiya, use code TCD for 50% off. Hiya also offers discounts for families with multiple children.

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^{1. NHS: Recommended Daily Sugar Intake}

^{2. American Dental Association: Sugar and Cavities}

^{3. Consumer Lab: Iron Difficult to Stabilize in Gummy Form}

^{4. Time: Calcium Not Typically in Gummies}

^{5. UCLA Health: Gummies Lose Potency Over Time}

^{6. Cleveland Clinic: Varying Nutrient Content in Gummies}

^{7. CDC: Gummies as a Choking Hazard for Young Kids}

^{8. Providence: Children Can Overdose on Gummy Vitamins}