Based on real research data, in 2019, globally, 38.4% of prevalent health conditions had digestive origins [1]. This staggering figure explains the emergence of probiotic supplements to address digestive issues.
In a market flooded with options, Probiotic Gummies stand out as a trendy product, yet they also spark heated debate.
One of the most common questions asked is: "Do Probiotic Gummies Work?
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Gummies contain large amounts of gums and sugar, leading to issues such as obesity, diabetes, bloating, loss of appetite, eating disorders, or dependence on supplements.
- Most probiotics in Probiotic Gummies will be destroyed during transit from the esophagus to the small intestine.
- Capsules prove more reliable in ensuring they contain sufficient viable microorganisms that can safely transit to the cecum - where probiotics work.
- "The biggest strength of probiotic gummies still lies in their taste, while what we truly care about is their effectiveness."
Do Probiotic Gummies Work?
The effectiveness of these probiotic-containing gummies for our health remains a question without a precise answer.
Probiotic gummies are candies that contain beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and others - a "solution" aimed at balancing gut microbiota, boosting the immune system, supporting digestion, and promoting mental health.
However, unlike common supplements like capsules or liquid drops, little scientific research supports these gummies.
One trial measuring the number of beneficial bacteria in gummies yielded that "the viable bacterial count was 8.54 Log CFU/g in the ready-to-eat product [2]."
This number seems relatively modest and indicates that they may not provide enough benefit for your gut (though this doesn't mean they're useless).
On the positive side, if you have a sweet tooth, dislike the bitterness of hard-to-swallow pills, are too lazy to follow a strict diet, or simply have picky eaters in your household, Probiotic Gummies seem like a decent option to improve digestion.
Probiotic Gummies Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Delicious flavor, suitable for children and those who have difficulty swallowing pills. |
Some types of gummies contain a lot of sugar, which may not be suitable for people with obesity, diabetes, etc. |
|
Eye-catching appearance, attractive colors, making them more appealing to use. |
The amount of gums in gummies can potentially cause bloating and stomach discomfort when consumed excessively throughout the day [3]. |
|
Doesn't require strict dietary and lifestyle adherence. |
The beneficial bacteria may be destroyed before reaching the colon, where they can become useful. |
|
They are quite popular and can be found anywhere or ordered online. |
Some types of gummies are expensive. |
Pros and Cons table of Gummies Probiotics
Compared to other products with similar functions, Probiotic Gummies have their own advantages and of course, some significant drawbacks that we should consider:
Taking a quick look, we can easily see that the biggest strength of gummies is their suitability for all ages. They are easily accessible, readily available for purchase, simple to use, and do not require strict adherence to discipline.
However, on the flip side, gummies come with several drawbacks due to their content of gums and sugar, which can lead to issues like obesity, diabetes, bloating, loss of appetite, eating disorders, or dependence.
Furthermore, the probiotics are not shielded before reaching the cecum - a part of the colon where they work. This means most probiotics will be destroyed before they can do anything for your digestive system.
So, what makes gummies still worth buying despite their drawbacks?
The Comparison Between Probiotic Gummies and Capsules
To help us answer the question of how effective Probiotic Gummies truly are, let's try comparing them with a similar popular product line - Capsules:
|
Probiotic Gummies |
Capsules |
|
|
Taste |
Diverse and appealing. |
Often odorless and non-irritating |
|
The beneficial amount of probiotics for digestion |
Less abundant than capsules and may be partially destroyed during the body's absorption process. |
Abundant probiotic content protected during digestion by the encapsulation layer. |
|
Effectiveness |
As mentioned above, their effectiveness still remains controversial. |
According to the latest studies, capsules containing live probiotic bacteria perform better than generally unpackaged biological preparations, including gummies [4]. |
|
Both are easy to use and access, readily available for purchase everywhere, including online. |
||
|
Safety level |
Relatively safe, but it's still advisable to seek advice from a health professional before use. |
|
Based on the criteria and concise summary, it's clear that Probiotic Gummies fall behind Capsules. This is primarily due to the effectiveness of Capsules.
They may not be as tasty or visually appealing, but these capsules are more reliable in ensuring they contain sufficient viable microorganisms that can safely transit to the cecum to alleviate stomach pains or digestive issues.
This has more significance than we might think because if you want a similar quantity of gummies, you would have to consume more than one gummy each time, meaning more sugar and gums intake into your body daily and more calories and excess fat.
What Should You Choose: Probiotic Gummies Vs Capsules?
No matter how tempting the sweet taste may be, we cannot favor its reliability over its reliability, especially when it directly impacts our health.
Based on quality analysis, Gummies have proven less reliable than Capsules.
The biggest strength of probiotic gummies still lies in their taste, while what we truly care about is their effectiveness.
In this aspect, savvy customers might be willing to trade off a bit of sweetness to reduce the time they spend at hospitals or clinics, to avoid the discomfort of stomach pains or worrying about medical bills, making capsules a much better choice.
However, that doesn't imply that Gummies are entirely useless. They still prove extremely convenient for those who fear bitter pills or strong herbal odors.
The most important thing is still to carefully seek advice from healthcare experts if you intend to use these products.
Other Probiotics Forms You Can Choose
In addition to Probiotic Gummies for providing probiotics, there are plenty of other options that might be suitable for you:
- Liquid or capsule probiotic supplements.
- Probiotic powders.
- Chewable tablets, which can be suitable for the elderly or children, supplement probiotics.
- A varied diet, including foods like kefir, kimchi, pickles, yogurt, etc., can also contribute to a healthier gut.
- Of course, the formidable competitor of gummies is Capsules, which are almost suitable for everyone who wants to maintain a healthy gut.
Choose the products that best fit your dietary habits, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. Always remember: "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article has outlined the advantages and characteristics of Probiotic Gummies.
They are tasty, appealing, easy to access, and easier to use than most other supplements.
However, their effectiveness is still not entirely guaranteed. Choose them if you are confident that you understand the potential consequences they may have for you.
On the other hand, there are many alternative options to probiotic gummies, including powders, liquids, probiotic capsules, integrated dietary regimens, and especially capsules, which are a form of capsules that are not unfamiliar to us.
If you decide to use Capsules or any other form make sure you are choosing a reputable brand - you are entrusting your health and that of your loved ones to them!
References
- [1] Wang, Rui, et al. "Global, Regional, and National Burden of 10 Digestive Diseases in 204 Countries and Territories From 1990 to 2019." Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 11, Mar. 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1061453.
- [2] Silva, José Renato, et al. "Probiotic Gummy Candy With Xylitol: Development and Potential Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans UA 159." Research, Society and Development, vol. 9, no. 10, Oct. 2020, p. e7369108942. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i10.8942.
- [3] ---. "Improved Diabetic Control and Hypocholesterolemic Effect Induced by Long-term Dietary Supplementation With Guar Gum in Type 2 (Insulin-independent) Diabetes." Diabetologia, vol. 21, no. 1, July 1981, pp. 29–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03216219.
- [4] Yoha KS, Nida S, Dutta S, Moses JA, Anandharamakrishnan C. Targeted delivery of probiotics: perspectives on research and commercialization. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2022 Feb;14(1):15–48. DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09791-7. PMID: 33904011. PMCID: PMC8075719.
