Our modern diets today consist of far too much added sugar. Sugar has become prevalent in most of our processed and packaged food today and is also found in dietary supplements, especially powders and liquid forms. Sugar has been associated with many of our modern diseases too, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer and not to mention oral decay in even young children and teens. The problem is that many people are unaware of the amount of sugar they really consume on a daily basis and how much of it is in our dietary supplements, especially the gummy form. In the end it all adds up and few check the product label on the back, for added sugar. In this article, you will find out why sugar is bad for you, discover some healthier alternatives, and also see our top picks for the best vitamin C supplements without sugar.
Why you should avoid vitamin C supplements with sugar
- People who are in diets that are overloaded with sugar may struggle with obesity.
- Sugar may interfere with the regulation of hormones in the body which may lead to issues with insulin and fat storage.
- May cause early onset of tooth decay in young people and poor oral health in adults.
- People with compromised immune systems and a poor diet may develop diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
- Sugar is addictive and cause overeating in anxious individuals.
Healthier choices: sugar alternatives
Vitamin C supplements are better and healthier for you without sugar. Kid-favorite forms such as gummies and liquids often contain too much of it. Healthier alternatives used in the supplement market, include xylitol and stevia. Monk fruit is another example of a popular natural sweetener added to many natural supplements today. Some vitamin C supplements without sugar, contain these natural alternative sweeteners. Plant-based vitamin C supplements usually contain these healthier sugar alternatives.
Xylitol
Unlike sugar, Xylitol does not contain fructose, which is a good thing, since it is the fructose in sugar that causes most of the health issues today. Made from corn or Birchwood, xylitol is a naturally better alternative to sugar. It also has a very pleasant taste and is around 40% lower in calories than sugar. Those concerned about high blood sugar and insulin levels do not have to worry that xylitol will raise it. A word of caution for dog lovers though – Xylitol has been shown to be toxic to dogs.
Stevia
Stevia is a 100% natural sugar alternative. Made from the leaves of a shrub named Stevia, native to Brazil and Paraguay. These leaves contain loads of nutrients and phytochemicals which gives stevia many other health benefits for diabetics. It contains zero calories. It tastes different from sugar and is also much sweeter.
Other natural sweeteners
Molasses, honey, coconut sugar, and maple syrup are natural sweeteners that your body process in the same way as regular sugar, but contains more nutrients than plain sugar. People may still prefer these over regular sugar as healthier alternatives. These natural sweeteners are not as prevalent in dietary supplements as are xylitol and stevia.
Also, watch out for Vitamin C supplements that come in a chewable gummy form or fizzy dissolvable forms, because it generally contains more sugar. If you are struggling with the tart taste of pure L-ascorbic acid, head on over to our article on how to make vitamin C taste better, for some helpful tips.
Our choice of the BEST vitamin C supplements without sugar
BEST VEGAN
Amen Vitamin C+
Zinc, Bioflavonoids | Quercetin |Rose Hips |Elderberry
Vegan | Non-GMO | 2 Months Supply | 120 Veggie Capsules
BEST TOPICAL LIQUID SPRAY
HYPO Vitamin C
Organic | Vitamin C Topical | Fast Absorption | Supports Immune System
Up to 16x More Effective Than Pills & Patches
3000 mg | 30 Day Supply
BEST 100% NATURAL
Pure Synergy Pure Radiance C
Organic Ingredients | Non-GMO | Vegan | 100% Natural
Vitamin C with Organic Camu Camu Extract
90 Capsules
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY & 100% NATURAL
Earthborn Elements Natural Vitamin C
Acerola Cherry, High Potency | Non-Synthetic | No Additives | No Rice Fillers | No Magnesium Stearate
Non-GMO & Gluten-Free
200 Capsules | 535mg Serving | 6 months supply
BEST FOR BABIES | INFANTS
Elderberry Hill Organics Vitamin C Liquid Drops
High Absorbency | Antioxidant | Immune Support | Organic Amla Fruit | Vegan
Non-GMO | 4oz
BEST HIGH POTENCY BUFFERED POWDER
Kirkman Buffered Vitamin C Powder
High potency (1,100 mg) Vitamin C | Bio-Max Series | Sweetened with natural Stevia
Natural Passionfruit Flavor | 7 oz
BEST MULTIVITAMIN GUMMIE WITH VITAMIN C
NUTRAMIN Keto Multivitamin Gummies
Vitamin C | D3 & Zinc | Plant-Based | Sugar-Free
Nut-Free | Gluten-Free | Biotin, Vitamin A, B, B6, B12
Count 90 | 45 Day Supply
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