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- The global market for gummy vitamins is valued at nearly $9 billion in 2025 and expected to double by 2033, with nearly a quarter consumed in the US.
- Over 60,000 calls to poison centers annually involve possible vitamin poisoning, mostly from children accidentally eating gummy vitamins, but acute overdose is rare except for iron.
- Iron in gummy vitamins poses acute toxicity risks, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can lead to fatal metabolic acidosis if untreated.
- Chronic overuse of vitamins is a greater concern, especially for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that build up in tissues, potentially causing liver damage, bone pain, or heart issues.
- Water-soluble vitamins (B, C) are generally flushed out in urine when consumed in excess, making them safer in high doses.
- Gummy vitamins often contain high sugar or sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating, and are not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in diverse nutrients.
- The supplement market is not strictly regulated by the FDA, making it hard to verify health claims, and expensive products may not offer added benefits over healthy food.
- Dietitians recommend focusing on whole foods first, as they provide thousands of beneficial biochemicals that supplements cannot replicate.