Gummy FAQUpdated 2 months ago

Gummy FAQs

Why no food-paired/fermented nutrients to deliver the key vitamins in the gummies?

• Our FoodState WholeState Nutrients (Ginger, Orange, and Cranberry) are present in each product and deliver the goodness and beneficial compounds found in the whole foods themselves.  Additionally, our WholeState Nutrients impart the natural color and unique flavors present in these gummies. Due to stability challenges and the delicate matrix of the gummy form/texture we were not able to deliver the vitamins in a FoodState form, opting instead for the best USP forms we could find (methylcobalamin, for example) coupled with farm fresh foods, for a better take on the traditional gummy.

Where are the gummies made?

• Our gummies are manufactured and quality tested in the U.S.A. with globally sourced ingredients

Why are the jars plastic vs. amber glass like MegaFood’s other products?

• Glass is not an option in the gummy manufacturing process. A single bottle breakage can result in the loss of an entire production run and all raw materials, as the naturally sticky product would attract even the smallest fragment. Our plastic bottles are  PET and BPA Free.

Can the gummies be taken on an empty stomach?

• Yes! MegaFood gummies can be taken anytime of day, even on an empty stomach.

How are MegaFood gummies different from any other food-based gummies like Rainbow Light or Alive?

• MegaFood gummies contain no added flavorings or colorings—the natural fruit flavors and colors come from Farm Fresh whole foods, such as cranberries, ginger, and oranges.

Why don't you make the gummies at your facility?

• Making gummies requires very specialized equipment & experience that MegaFood currently doesn’t have.

Why is the level of B12 in the B12 gummies so low (24 mcg)?

• The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for adults for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. A MegaFood suggested serving size of two gummies per day contains 24 mcg - 10x the RDA.  According to Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, this amount is appropriate for maintaining normal levels in most individuals with a balanced diet. A higher potency, such as the 500mcg in Methyl B12 is a good choice for people that know they need a higher dose. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver and not excreted from the body in the same manner as other B vitamins. Dr. Low Dog has noted that excessively high levels of Vitamin B12 are now more commonly seen by clinicians via lab testing, so it appears that not everyone needs to take a high amount of Vitamin B12.  While we definitely still acknowledge that Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent, particularly among adults over 50 and taking certain medications, we are confident that MegaFood gummies offer a safe, foundational potency for the general population at 24 mcg

Why doesn’t C Defense have the USDA Organic seal?

• USDA organic (95% or more certified organic ingredients) could not be achieved due to the total weight of vitamin C added to achieve 180 mg per serving.

Why is the gluten-free seal on the gummies different than the one on the other MegaFood products? Why is this not NSF certified?

• GFCO if the gluten-free certifier that our contract manufacturer works with in their facility.

Why are these gummies not considered Kosher?

• Our manufacturing partner is currently not  a kosher facility and therefore, we could not apply this certification.

Why is there no certified vegan seal on the B12 and C products?

• B12 Energy(Cranberry and Ginger) and C Defense are Vegan and will have the seal added to the final label by next print run. Vitamin D is not a vegan product due to the use of lanolin as the source of D3.

Why is the D3 Immune not Non-GMO Project Verified?

• Non-GMO Project Verification for D3 Immune was not feasible due to the inclusion of Vitamin D3 in the product name. Currently, according to the Non-GMO Project, cholecalciferol from sheep wool does not meet criteria for verification if the product has it in the name. We felt it was more important to call out D3 in the name (as it is a Vitamin D3 formula), than to bear the Non-GMO Project Seal.

What is carnauba wax and why is it included?

• Carnauba wax, also known as Brazil wax, is an edible wax produced by the Carnauba Tree and commonly found in a variety of foods. We use a thin coat on the surface of the gummies as an alternative to an added sugar coating to prevent them from  sticking to each other.  Carnauba wax is affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and can be used in food products without limitation other than adherence to GMP.

What is tapioca syrup and why is it included?

• Tapioca syrup is derived from tapioca starch which helps to create the gummy’s soft texture and palatability. Conventional gummies may to use corn syrup or high fructose syrups which are less expensive and derived from GMO ingredients.

What is pectin and why is it included?

• Pectin is a complex polysaccharide found naturally in a range of fruits and it has a primary, vital role as a gelling agent to give structure to the gummy’s shape.  The pectin selected is derived from oranges, is considered organic compliant and is non-GMO. It  is used as a gelling agent in our gummies as a vegan alternative to animal derived gelatin.

What is citric acid and why is it included?

• Citric acid is found in certain foods, such as citrus, and is used in our gummies to help  retain the freshness of the formula.

Are there temperature thresholds for the product that we need to be aware of?

• Like our probiotics, gummies are temperature sensitive and should not be exposed to temperatures over 75 ?.  Stress tests with simulated storage/shipping conditions are in progress to evaluate impact of freezing/thawing, high temp/high humidity cycles, light/UV exposure and refrigeration. Results are expected at the end of January.  Marketing will be providing each TL with an insulated bag to use for gummies car stock.

What is the guaranteed shelf life?

• We currently guarantee an 18-month shelf life at the time of manufacture.

Why is there color variation in the C Defense Gummy?

• There is a broad range of color associated with the C Defense gummies due to the manufacturing process and the organic foods used to make them. Despite this, the potency of the product is not affected by the variation in color: each serving will deliver the label claim of 180 mg Vitamin C. Additionally, other qualities, such as taste and smell, remain unaffected by color variation.