Choosing a quality multivitamin/mineral supplement is confusing, particularly for those with special needs or certain population groups, such as children or the elderly. Wafer or gummy-type chewable vitamin supplements are an option, but they sometimes fall short of providing the same level of nutrients as their traditional counterparts. Be sure to talk with your health-care provider prior to taking any dietary supplement.
Centrum
Centrum chewable multivitamin/mineral supplement for adults has been recommended by the editors of "Real Simple" magazine because, according to registered dietitian Tara Gidus, the vitamin levels in children's chewables are not adequate for adults. You can purchase Centrum chewables for about $12 for 100 tablets as of 2010. Even adult gummy vitamins come up short on many essential nutrients. Centrum's chewable vitamins meet 100 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for all but a few of the major vitamins and minerals. As this product contains 18 mg iron, or the RDA for adult women of childbearing age, individuals over age 50 should choose the iron-free option.
Vitamin World Adult
Vitamin World's Adult Chewable Mega-Vitamin retails for approximately $18 for 100 wafers as of 2010. This brand meets three out of four criteria for a quality adult multivitamin-mineral supplement set by the consumer watchdog Center for Science in the Public Interest or CSPI. According to an article in CSPI's Nutrition Action Healthletter in March 2006, the vitamin A content of a multivitamin should not exceed 4,000 IU, most in the form of beta-carotene; and it should offer 100 IU vitamin E or less and 100 mg or more of magnesium. All of the vitamin A in this brand is in the form of nontoxic beta-carotene, and it meets the criteria for vitamin E and magnesium. For consumers who prefer natural products, this chewable vitamin is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. It is milk, lactose, wheat and gluten free as well.
Flintstones Gummies
Flintstones Gummy children's vitamins retail for $22 for 200 chews as of 2010. They contain age-appropriate nutrient values and are Consumer Lab approved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested roughly 324 multivitamins designed for women and children for lead contamination. Results were published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in August 2008. While none of the multivitamins exceeded safe levels for lead, Flintstones Gummies were among the lowest in lead content. Flintstones original Gummies do not contain calcium, so if you want a supplement with calcium, choose Flintstones Gummies Plus Bone-Building Support, which contain 100 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D.
Member Comments