While supplements are often marketed as essential for maintaining health, experts caution that not all live up to their claims—or are even necessary. Pharmacist Amina Khan and other researchers highlight three popular supplements that deserve closer scrutiny. Here’s a deeper dive, broken into eight key points, into why gummy vitamins, multivitamins, and beauty-focused supplements might not be worth your investment.

Gummy vitamin supplements are appealing because they’re tasty and fun to chew. However, their sweet exterior hides some troubling facts.

Sugar Overload: Gummy vitamins often contain sugar, sugar alcohols, or citric acid, which can lead to dental issues like enamel erosion and cavities.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Many of these supplements lack sufficient amounts of the advertised nutrients, making them less effective.
Risk of Overdose: Their candy-like appearance can encourage overconsumption, potentially leading to vitamin toxicity.