GummyTalk Forum

Okay, I need to share this before I collapse from exhaustion. My 4-year-old found my bottle of Vitamin C gummies yesterday and thought they were 'special mommy candy.' I caught him with the bottle open, happily munching away like he'd won the lottery. When I tried to take them, he had a full meltdown because 'they're the yummy orange bears!' Now he keeps asking for 'vitamin candy' and refuses his actual fruit snacks. Anyone else deal with this? How do I explain supplements aren't treats without causing a new tantrum?

Oh honey, I've seen this with clients! The bright colors and sweet coatings trigger that candy association. Have you tried making it a ritual? I tell parents to frame it as 'sunshine vitamins' - we take one with our morning tea (herbal for kids!) and visualize it boosting our immune shields. Maybe swap to a less candy-like form? My family uses powdered camu camu in smoothies - no confusion there! 🌿✨

This is EXACTLY why I advocate sugar-free options! Most gummies are loaded with glucose syrup or sucrose. No wonder kids think it's candy. Check your label - if it has any form of sugar in the first 3 ingredients, it's practically confectionery. I switched my family to sugar-free vitamin C chewables (stevia-sweetened). My husband complained about the texture at first ('like chalky fruit') but now he doesn't confuse them with his gummy bears!

Interesting anecdote! According to a 2022 Pediatrics study, approximately 34% of pediatric vitamin ingestions reported to poison centers involved children under 5 mistaking supplements for candy. For safety: 1) Store in child-resistant containers (though determined toddlers can sometimes open them), 2) Consider opaque packaging instead of clear bottles showing colorful shapes, 3) The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discussing vitamins as 'medicine for staying healthy' rather than treats. Texture aversion is also common - some studies suggest trying different brands as gelatin sources vary.

Thanks everyone! @TeaTina983 I love the 'sunshine vitamins' idea - my kid is obsessed with rainbows so that might work. @NectarNina734 I checked and ours do have organic cane sugar as second ingredient 😬 Might need to switch. @EarthElias298 that poison stat is terrifying! Going to move them to the high cabinet tonight. Update: just found a hidden gummy behind the couch cushion. This kid is a ninja.