They promise more restful nights, a boost in energy or even stronger hair, but are gummies, these food supplements in the form of fruity gums, really that beneficial? Response with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens.
Sweet, translucent, with a good fruit taste… Gummies are food supplements in the form of candies that are currently all the rage. It's very simple, you can find something for everything: regain your peace of mind, strengthen your nails, sleep better, control your weight… And the French are fond of it: it appeared in 2019 on our soil, and after having jumped by 82% between 2021 and 2022, the market will grow by another 27% in 2023 in pharmacies. For what ? Users have found a new concept in this range: that of care but also pleasure, Marine Olhagaray, marketing director of the UPSA laboratory, told RMC. And yet. Do these gummies do us any good or should we be wary of them?
No real scientific studies
Under its solutions which focus on naturalness, nothing says that gummies are more effective than capsule supplements. For Laurence Coiffard, doctor in pharmacology at the University of Nantes, claims such as “immunity booster” or “detox” are even misleading, because “they have no medical basis” she criticizes in the media. No more than for more traditional food supplements.
Few clinical studies support their effectiveness. Only melatonin, in sleep-promoting gummies, is recognized by the scientific community for its action on falling asleep. On the other hand, overdoses are possible: where we respected the use of a capsule for example in medicinal form, we tend to have a heavier hand when the supplement resembles cherry gum.
Gummies pose several health risks according to Dr. Kierzek
In their candy form, however, gummies can present several health risks, announces Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens.
- High sugar content: gummies often contain a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to excessive consumption on a daily basis;
- Controversial sweeteners: some gummies may contain sweeteners that are not recommended for health;
- A risk of sugar addiction: regular consumption of gummies can increase the risk of developing a sugar addiction;
- Of the Drugs interactions : there is a risk of interaction with certain medications, which can be dangerous;
- Laxative effects: gummies can have a laxative effect due to their dietary fiber content, and excessive consumption can lead to digestive disorders;
- The potential dangers of certain ingredients : for example, sleep gummies containing melatonin and CBD which can be dangerous, especially in children, by causing drowsiness, headaches and other side effects;
- Risks of overdose: Even if the recommendations are indicated on the products, the appearance and taste of the gummies are so similar to candy that users can take more than indicated, without being aware of the risks.
Doing good with a supplement in the form of gummies is neither prohibited nor to be avoided. But you should keep in mind that they are not candy, even if they look like one.
“It is important to note that these products are not harmless gummies and should be consumed with caution. It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before starting a course of gummies, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or if you are taking other medications” concludes our expert.
