As kids head back to school, parents everywhere are stocking up on supplies: pencils, notebooks, healthy snacks—and for many, gummy multivitamins. After all, they’re easy to give, kids love the taste, and the bright packaging practically screams "healthy," right?

Not so fast.

While gummies seem like a convenient way to support your child’s health, they often come with a hidden list of unwanted ingredients—ones that can sabotage your efforts to build a strong immune system, support focus in the classroom, and fuel healthy development.

Let’s peel back the label and explore why it’s time to ditch the gummies—and what to use instead.

Here’s the not-so-sweet truth: most gummy vitamins are more like candy than they are like real nutrition.

Common issues found in popular kids’ gummies:

• Added sugars (yes, even in “natural” brands)
• Artificial colors and flavors
• Gelatin from questionable sources
• Synthetic vitamins that are poorly absorbed
• Sticky texture that can harm teeth

Some brands have over 5 grams of sugar per serving—and if your child takes a few different gummy supplements daily, you might be giving them more sugar than a fun-sized candy bar. Not the way we want to start a school day!

Heading back into a busy school routine requires more than a sugary chew.

Kids need:

• Immune support to stay resilient through classroom germs
• Brain fuel for focus, mood, and learning
• Healthy digestion to absorb the nutrients from their food

The best way to support these areas is with clean, bioavailable supplements—real nutrition, made for real bodies.

If you’re ready to make the switch, here are our top tried-and-true favorites—starting with the one we think is the most underrated powerhouse of them all:

Liver Glandular: The Whole-Food Multivitamin

Forget synthetic blends and sugar-coated chews—Liver Glandular is nature’s original multivitamin. It provides a rich source of bioavailable iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, and trace minerals, all from a whole-food source your child’s body knows exactly how to use.

Liver supports energy, brain development, immune strength, and healthy detox—all without the fillers or artificial ingredients. Our Liver Glandular is easy to open and mix into smoothies, applesauce, or yogurt for picky eaters.

This is our #1 pick for replacing traditional multivitamins in a way that truly nourishes.

Minerals & Chill: The Electrolyte Upgrade

Hydration isn’t just about water—kids also need minerals to help their bodies absorb and use it effectively. Electrolytes support immune function, energy levels, focus, and even digestion—making them essential during the back-to-school hustle.

We love Minerals and Chill from Live Healthillie as a clean, kid-friendly option that actually tastes good (without all the junk). This adrenal cocktail powder blends real food-based ingredients like coconut water powder, sea salt, and whole-food vitamin C to help replenish minerals lost through stress, sweat, and screen time.

Bonus: it doesn’t contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers—just ingredients that help your child stay calm, hydrated, and focused. Mix it into a morning smoothie or shake it up in water as an after-school refresh.

Use code LENA for 10% off Minerals & Chill!

Omega-3s (Fish Oil or Algae-Based)

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development, emotional regulation, and attention span—especially in a learning environment.

Choose a clean, lemon-flavored liquid or capsule from a trusted source to avoid the dyes and sweeteners common in chewables. Even picky eaters usually warm up to the flavor with time!

Vitamin D3 + K2

Vitamin D3 supports immune strength and mood, while K2 helps it get into the bones (not the arteries). This dynamic duo is essential, especially when kids aren’t getting much sunlight.

We offer a pure, highly absorbable liquid D3/K2 blend that’s easy to take and gentle on little tummies—no sugar, dyes, or fillers.

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one or two swaps and build a simple routine:

Morning Boost: Electrolytes
With Lunch or Snack: Liver Glandular or Omega-3
Evening Wind Down: D3/K2

Consistency is key—and so is quality.

At The Wellness Way – Wesley Chapel, we’re here to help families build strong, lasting health from the inside out. Clean supplements are just one piece of the puzzle—but they can make a world of difference when chosen wisely.

If you’re unsure where to start or want to review your child’s current supplement routine, we offer personalized recommendations and testing to uncover exactly what they need.

Let’s leave the gummies in the candy aisle and give our kids what they actually need to feel their best all year long.