Vitamins & Immunity

Probiotic Gummies are not a multivitamin: per 2 gummies they include a microbial culture complex (35 strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Streptococcus and Pediococcus) and a digestive enzyme complex (acid protease, amylase, lipase, lactase, cellulase, among others), in 60 gummies. Kids' Multivitamin Gummies (+2 years) have a dose of 1 gummy per day (30 gummies per jar) and 11 vitamins and minerals, with 5 µg vitamin D (100%), 315 µg vitamin A (39%) and 21 µg iodine (14%).

In common: chewable gummy format, pectin base, sugar-free (sweetened with maltitol) and gelatine-free. The difference lies in the goal — broad micronutrient top-up, nutritional support with echinacea, or digestion.

What the research says

Vitamin C and the common cold. A meta-analysis of 29 trial comparisons with 11,306 participants assessed the effect of vitamin C on the prevention and treatment of the common cold; the authors excluded trials with less than 0.2 g per day and those without a placebo comparison ¹. Results vary according to the population and the type of supplementation, so a uniform effect should not be expected.

Vitamin D and respiratory infections. A meta-analysis of individual data from 25 randomised trials, with 11,321 participants aged 0 to 95, found a reduced risk of acute respiratory infection with vitamin D supplementation (adjusted odds ratio 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.96), with protective effects mainly in those with low levels ². In a later randomised trial in older adults (mean age 68) with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels averaging 31 ng/mL, daily supplementation of 2000 IU had no significant effect on upper respiratory infections ³ — which suggests that starting nutritional status influences the outcome.

Zinc. A meta-analysis of 38 randomised trials in children under 10 analysed zinc supplementation in acute and persistent diarrhoea, with favourable results for recovery ⁴. In adults, the data come from other contexts: in a meta-analysis of 3 trials with 265 people with prediabetes, doses of 20–30 mg per day for 6–12 months reduced fasting blood glucose ⁵. None of these studies tested the gummies in this collection.

Who they may suit — and who they may not

These gummies make sense for adults who want a simple way to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals, especially if their diet is not very varied or if they have dietary restrictions. A systematic review of 141 studies showed that people following vegetarian or vegan diets tend to have lower intake and nutritional status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine and calcium, although with higher intake of fibre, folate and vitamins C and E ⁶. In that context, a multivitamin with B12, vitamin D and zinc can help cover gaps — but it does not replace a balanced diet.

Immunity & Defence Gummies with Echinacea are for those looking for a product with echinacea and associated micronutrients. Important: for botanicals there are no authorised health claims in the EU ⁷, so echinacea is described only by what studies have examined, without promises of effect.

Probiotic Gummies are intended for adults who want to include microbial cultures and digestive enzymes in their routine. People with immunodeficiency or receiving immunosuppressive treatment should talk to their doctor before using them, as stated on the label itself.

They are not suitable for children under 2 years, nor for anyone who has difficulty chewing gummies. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or taking medication, you must consult a healthcare professional before consuming.

How to choose between the four

If your goal is a broad micronutrient top-up, Multivitamin Gummies cover 10 vitamins and minerals per 2 gummies (daily dose), with vitamin D (50 µg, 1000% of the reference intake) and vitamin B12 (8 µg, 320%) standing out. If you are looking for a product with echinacea combined with vitamin C, zinc, selenium and vitamin D3, Immunity & Defence Gummies with Echinacea bring these ingredients together in the same 2-gummy serving.

If your priority is digestion and gut flora, Probiotic Gummies are the only option in the collection with microbial cultures and digestive enzymes. If you are looking for something for a child from 2 years old, the choice is the kids' version, with a dose of 1 gummy per day and adult supervision — never give adult gummies to a child.

Before deciding, compare the dose per serving with what you already take in other supplements, so you do not double up on the same nutrient. To understand the role of each nutrient, it is worth reading about vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc and selenium.

Limitations and warnings to keep in mind

None of these gummies prevents, treats or cures disease. They are food supplements and, as such, do not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle — this is stated on the labels themselves.

All products in this collection contain polyols (maltitol) and excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose: 2 gummies per day for adult products and 1 gummy per day for children from 2 years old. The gummies should be chewed well and not swallowed whole, and kept out of reach of younger children.

The doses used in studies are not dosing instructions. For example, the meta-analysis in people with prediabetes used 20–30 mg zinc per day ⁵, while Immunity & Defence Gummies provide 5 mg zinc per 2-gummy serving. Multivitamin Gummies provide 3 mg — values corresponding to 50% and 30% of the reference intake, respectively. The aim of a supplement is to complement the diet, not to replicate clinical trial doses.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a diagnosed health condition, talk to a healthcare professional before starting. To look further into the safety of each ingredient, see the articles on vitamin C safety, vitamin D3 safety and zinc risks.