I often get asked how I manage to get my kids to take vitamins. Thankfully, mine are happy to take their fish oil, probiotics, and magnesium without any fuss. This got me thinking about other ways to incorporate vitamins.
I mixed one of their favorite natural treats, homemade gummy bears, with vitamins. The outcome is delicious, healthy, gut-enhancing, and child-friendly multivitamin gummies.
The Importance of Vitamins
Years ago, a balanced diet low in processed foods and sugar was enough to obtain necessary nutrients. Today, unless you grow or source food from nutrient-rich soil, you may not be getting the essential nutrients once available. Fruits and vegetables now contain less than half the vitamins and minerals they used to. With the absence of certain nutrients in the modern American diet, we need them to support our immune systems, protect against heart disease, and promote general health.
As a mom, I focus more carefully on nutrition for my children. We naturally get vitamin D from sunlight and vitamin A from fish oil. My kids also enjoy taking healthy, non-GMO, gluten-free vitamin supplements without added sugar. Adding homemade gummy vitamins provides an extra nutrient boost fun for them!
Gelatin for Gut Health
These gummies use gelatin for texture. Gelatin is a great source of collagen and supports healthier hair, skin, and nails. Importantly, it benefits gut health. As Hippocrates famously said, "All disease begins in the gut." Scientific research increasingly supports gut health’s role in overall well-being!
A healthy gut boosts immunity and mental health. One note: If your kids don’t regularly consume bone broth, introduce these gummies slowly. Starting with a few at a time could prevent digestive upset while their guts adjust. Gelatin soothes the digestive system.
Customizing Gummy Vitamins
You can choose which vitamins and nutrients to add. Keep in mind that these gummies don’t offer a complete nutrient spectrum like packaged dietary supplements. Oil-based vitamins, like vitamin E and fish oil, won’t blend well.
Making your own gummy vitamins allows you to avoid sugar alcohols, additives, and corn syrup found in commercial gummies. I’ve experimented with different options so far. You can vary the fruit flavors by changing the juice.
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Incorporate vitamin C powder and use lemon juice for sour gummies to boost immunity.
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Add probiotics with a fresh juice base for GAPS-friendly gummies.
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Use homemade elderberry syrup to create flu-fighting chewables.
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Include Natural Calm for magnesium gummies.
- Just make them in fun molds for nut-free gummy snacks, which might be school-approved.
Additionally, you can try blending in some calcium powder, magnesium, and vitamin D. A B complex that includes vitamin B6, B12, biotin, and folate (avoid folic acid) is another option. I prefer probiotics from Just Thrive, which are more likely to reach the gut effectively. If probiotics need refrigeration and can’t handle heat, they likely won’t survive stomach acid. Just Thrive also offers kid-friendly probiotic gummies my kids love!
Selecting Your Juice
Many store-bought juices surprisingly contain high sugar levels and added flavors. Freshly pressed juice is ideal, but for store options, find organic juices without sugars or additives.
Pineapple juice isn’t suitable due to bromelain, which breaks down proteins, affecting gelatin’s ability to set. Papaya juice shares this issue. Our favorite combinations are mango/orange, lemon/lime for sour gummies, or using elderberry syrup for antioxidant and vitamin C-rich options!
If pressured for time or the DIY approach isn’t feasible, Hiya is a good alternative with clean ingredients tailored to children’s needs.
Homemade chewable gummy vitamins are a fun way to ensure kids get extra protein, making their vitamins enjoyable to take!
Ingredients
- 8 tsp gelatin
- 1 cup juice
- 2 TBSP honey (optional)
- 2 tsp vitamins of choice (like vitamin C, probiotics, magnesium)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine juice, vitamins, or probiotics, and honey.
- Sprinkle gelatin on top and let it bloom for about 1 minute.
- Heat gently over low heat until gelatin dissolves, forming a syrup-like consistency.
- Quickly pour into molds or a lightly oiled small glass dish.
- Refrigerate until firm, varying by mold size.
- Remove from molds and cut into squares if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 19 (per gummy)
- Fat: 0.02g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Potassium: 17mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 2g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet.
Notes:
- If gummies stick to molds, briefly freeze them first for easier removal. Avoid leaving them in too long as it can alter texture.
- Nutrition data excludes supplements added to the recipe.
Determining Dosage
Given their food-like nature, precise dosage isn’t a major concern. To calculate the nutrients per serving, divide vitamin content by total servings. For instance, a gummy batch with 400% DV vitamin C split into 20 servings offers 20% DV per gummy. For easy division results, prepare gummies in a dish and cut them into squares.
Have you ever made your own vitamins or supplements? What combinations would you try? Share your thoughts below!
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