Fruit Pectin vs. Gelatin in Vitamins
Gummy vitamins offer a much more appetizing option compared to the chalky, cartoon-shaped vitamins of decades past. But not all gummies are created equal, especially when considering the ingredient that creates the “gummy” consistency. While many companies use gelatin to make their vitamins gummy, Nutracelle has chosen to use fruit pectin. Here’s why the difference matters.
What Is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a translucent and flavorless protein that comes from animal collagen. It’s found in connective tissues and can be extracted from bones, skin, and hides. When mixed with water and cooled, gelatin forms a gel, which makes it a popular option for gummies.
Because it comes from animals, gelatin is not a vegan ingredient.
What Is Fruit Pectin?
Fruit pectin is a natural substance found in various fruits, including oranges, lemons, apples, and berries. It is a type of soluble fiber that forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water. Pectin plays an essential role in the ripening process of fruits by providing structure to their cells.
One of the main uses of fruit pectin is in food preservation, particularly for making jams and jellies. This is what your grandma used when turning her freshly grown fruits into preserves. When heated with sugar and acid, such as lemon juice, pectin thickens and turns the mixture into a spreadable consistency. It acts as a natural gelling agent without the need for artificial additives or preservatives.
The Benefits of Fruit Pectin vs. Gelatin in Vitamins
Both fruit pectic and gelatin can be used to formulate gummy vitamins. But fruit pectin offers several benefits over gelatin that make it a clear choice.
- For starters, fruit pectin is a natural product derived from plants. This makes fruit pectin an ideal option for vegetarians and vegans who want to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
- Pectin is a soluble fiber that’s easy to digest. As it passes through the digestive system, pectin acts as a prebiotic to help gut bacteria thrive. In turn, this can make you feel fuller and satisfied for longer and keep your blood sugar in check.
- Pectin is also known to release the natural flavors of other ingredients. Ultimately, this means vitamin companies won’t have to add additional and unnecessary ingredients to make their vitamins taste good. In comparison, gelatin is flavorless and doesn’t add to the flavor of other ingredients. This means that companies using gelatin may feel the need to add sugar or artificial sweeteners to their products to make them palatable.
- Moreover, fruit pectin has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Consuming foods rich in pectin can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood. By binding with cholesterol molecules in the intestines and preventing their absorption into the bloodstream, pectin gives you a natural option to reduce cholesterol.
The same cannot be said of gelatin.
Since individuals people taking vitamins are doing so for nutritional and health benefits, it makes sense to choose vitamins whose ingredients offer as much nutrition as possible.
Fruit Pectin Gummy Vitamins: A Sign of Quality
Fruit pectin is a sign that vitamin companies like Nutracelle have opted for natural and wholesome ingredients. Unlike artificial additives commonly used in supplements, fruit pectin comes directly from nature, ensuring you get the most out of your daily dose of vitamins. And unlike gelatin, this natural fiber offers numerous health benefits such as aiding digestion, making you feel fuller for longer, and controlling blood sugar levels.
At Nutracelle, we take our commitment to you seriously and deliver on our promises of nutrient-packed vitamins made with love. Explore all of our ingredients and make informed decisions for your health.
Click here to browse our plant-based, sugar-free, natural products.
