INTRODUCTION
Gummy vitamins have gained widespread popularity, especially in developed countries, thanks to modern technology. Vitamins are essential components of our diet, required in very small amounts for proper body function. They play a crucial role in nutrition, supporting various bodily processes. However, many times, our regular food intake may not provide all the necessary vitamins, leading to the need for supplements. In today’s world, where we are increasingly reliant on medicine, doctors often recommend vitamin supplements to address deficiencies.
In the growing field of food technology, vitamin supplements have evolved into a more appealing form: “gummy vitamins.” These gummy vitamins are particularly effective in addressing vitamin deficiencies in both children and adults. Their vibrant colors, small size, and pleasant taste have contributed to their popularity. As a result, people around the world who require vitamin supplements are now opting for these tasty gummy vitamins, making supplementation easier and more enjoyable.
WHAT ARE GUMMY VITAMINS?
As children, we often enjoyed sweets like lozenges. Gummy vitamins are similar to these lozenges, but they serve as vitamin supplements made from ingredients such as gelatin, pectin, corn starch, sugar, and various fruit flavors. These gummy vitamins are an effective way to address vitamin deficiencies in the body. Recently, there has been a trend of incorporating herbal substances into gummy vitamins to enhance their benefits. It is also worth noting that many gummy supplements no longer use gelatin, as many people follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Instead, alternative ingredients are used as substitutes for gelatin. Such as, Agar-agar, Carrageenan, Pectin, vegan gel
TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS
There are various types of gummy vitamins tailored to different vitamin requirements. These supplements are formulated based on specific vitamins, as the dosage and needs can vary depending on gender, age (adult or child), and individual health conditions. It is important to take these supplements according to a doctor’s advice and based on the body’s specific vitamin needs.
For example:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B complex (each individually)
- Vitamin C
- Gummies containing all vitamins, including Vitamin D
In addition to vitamins, the popularity of gummy supplements has led to the creation of other types of gummy supplements that contain minerals. For example:
- Omega-3 Gummies
- Calcium Gummies
- Collagen Gummies
- Sleep Gummies, etc.
There are also different shapes of gummy vitamins, with eight popular forms enjoyed worldwide. These include:
- Gummy bears
- Jelly beans
- Jelly bottles (Fruit jelly)
- Worm gummies
- Lego gummies
- Jelly rings
- Gummy sharks
THE MANUFACTURING MACHINES OF GUMMY VITAMINS
BATCH MIXING MACHINES
These machines are used to combine the primary ingredients gelatin or pectin, water, sugar, flavorings, and vitamins into a smooth, uniform mixture. The ingredients are heated and blended to ensure that the gelatin or pectin dissolves completely and forms a smooth slurry.
COOKING KETTLES (COOKING VESSELS)
After mixing, the slurry is transferred to large cooking kettles, where the mixture is heated to specific temperatures. These cooking vessels are designed to maintain precise temperature control to activate the gelatin or pectin, ensuring the mixture thickens properly and reaches the desired viscosity.
DEPOSITING MACHINES
Once the gummy mixture is ready, it is poured into molds using depositing machines. These machines precisely control the amount of mixture dispensed into each mold, ensuring uniformity in size and weight. The molds can be designed in various shapes, such as gummy bears or other custom forms.
3D PRINTING MACHINES
In some advanced production setups, 3D printers are used to create customized shapes or designs for gummy vitamins. This technology is used to give the gummies a unique appearance or to produce small batches of specialty gummies with intricate shapes.
THE BASIC PROCESSING OF GUMMY VITAMINS
- INGREDIENT PREPARATION
The first step involves gathering the necessary ingredients, which may include:
- Gelatin or plant-based alternatives (e.g., pectin, agar-agar)
- Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, B complex, C, D, etc.)
- Sugars (e.g., corn syrup, cane sugar)
- Fruit juice or natural flavors (for taste)
- Minerals (if included, such as calcium, omega-3, etc.)
- Coloring agents (natural or synthetic) for appearance
- GUMMY MIX PREPARATION & COOKING PROCESS:
First, clean all the raw materials and prepare a mixture with the correct weight and quantity. Once all the ingredients are mixed, the resulting liquid is cooked until it thickens. After thickening, the liquid is referred to as a slurry.
- GUMMY MOLDING
The slurry prepared in the first step is poured into molds with the correct impressions and sealed to make them airtight. The slurry is then poured into different molds to create various shapes.
- COOLING PROCESS AND UNMOLDING
The molds are slowly cooled to 60-65 degrees Celsius to allow the gummy vitamins to set. The gummies are then placed in a large drum tumbler to dry. They are left aside for about 24 hours to achieve the right size and shape. After unmolding, the gummy vitamins are coated with mineral oil before packaging. This oil prevents the candies from sticking together and helps maintain their freshness and softness.
- BOTTLE/BAG FILLING
Once the gummies are manufactured, they are bottled and properly packaged. It is crucial to follow the right precautions during the packaging of gummy vitamins. To make the gummy candies more attractive and appealing, 3D printing is now being used. This innovation is helping manufacturing industries achieve higher profits through more effective marketing.
LEADING INDUSTRIES IN THE GUMMY VITAMIN MARKET
The gummy vitamin market has rapidly grown due to their convenience and appeal. Leading companies are now at the forefront, offering a wide range of high-quality gummy supplements for different health needs. These companies play a key role in shaping the industry and meeting the growing demand for tasty and effective nutritional solutions. Due to the popularity of gummy vitamins, several top industries in the world are currently manufacturing them. Some of them are:
COMPANY | COUNTRY |
Bayer | Germany |
Church & Dwight | USA |
Pfizer | USA |
Nature’s Bounty | USA |
Olly Public Benefit Corporation | USA |
Nutra Champs | Canada |
Zanon Vitamec | USA |
Nestle Health Sciences | Switzerland |
Santa Cruz Nutritionals | Canada |
They ensure the proper quality of gummies and industrially manufactured gummy vitamins are HACCP, ISO and FDA-certified. So they are safe for the body.
BENEFITS OF GUMMY VITAMINS
Gummy vitamins have gained wide acceptance for several beneficial aspects. For example:
Chewable and easy to swallow
Gummy vitamins are chewable and easily swallowed. In 2005, the Archives of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery reported that 40% of adults had difficulty swallowing pills. Powdered supplements and gummy vitamins are helping to solve this problem.
Chemical-free and better test
This gummy vitamin tastes better than other vitamins. Vitamins are made with natural sweeteners that are tempting. Many toxic chemicals and artificial colors are avoided in the formulation of gummy vitamins, making them more acceptable than other supplements.
Properly digest and absorb vitamins
Chewable vitamins are better absorbed by our body and have better bioavailability than non-chewable vitamins and supplements. This means they are more easily absorbed by the body. Also, gluten vitamins are easier to digest. Many people cannot complete digestion easily due to various problems in the stomach. And gummy vitamins are digested faster than traditional vitamins, allowing for faster absorption of nutrients.
Preventing nutritional deficiencies
It is well received by everyone for its beautiful shape and taste. By doing this, the nutritional deficiencies in their body are easily filled. Moreover, for those who do not eat nutritious food regularly or it is not possible to follow the rules of a balanced diet, these vitamins can help to fill the vitamin deficiency as a supplement. Being fat-free they are safe for people of all ages.
Providing proper nutrition for children
Gummy vitamins are widely accepted by children, especially those aged one year and older who need essential nutrients like vitamin C to support their immune systems. These vitamins are free of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors, making them a healthy choice. Many children struggle with proper nutrition during their growing years, often due to picky eating habits. This can lead to poor growth and a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Gummy vitamins provide an easy and enjoyable way to meet their vitamin needs, improving immunity and overall health. As children are typically averse to taking traditional medicine, gummy vitamins are an excellent innovation for ensuring they receive the nutrients they need.
DISADVANTAGES OF GUMMIES
Short Shelf Life
The shelf life of gummy vitamins is maximum 2 years. Chewable vitamins and vitamin gummies absorb more moisture than vitamin tablet form. This is not suitable for long lasting strorage.
Contain sugar and sugar substitute
Diabetics patients suffer from excess sugar content. Many do not like high sugar content. In that case it loses acceptability.
High Price:
Gummy Vitamins are bit more expensive than traditional supplements. Also, sometimes the price depends on the ingredients.
Cavity Related Issues:
The biggest risk factor for tooth decay is sugar and children eat a lot of sweets. When the candies are consumed, bacteria in the mouth produce a type of acid. Which fuses with tooth enamel to cause cavities.
Stomach issues:
The sugar content of gummy vitamins can cause abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. Also, those with fatty liver problems should avoid using this gummy vitamin.
CONCLUSION
These gummy vitamins are a popular supplement in the world today. Doctors often recommend it to patients suffering from vitamin deficiencies. They are also used to supplement the diets of children and people who cannot easily swallow pills. To meet this challenging task, global manufacturers are using excellent technology to produce quality gummies. Technologists hope that this supplement will soon overcome its limitations and become a unique example of food science technology.
References:
