Nicotine gum for smokers trying to kick the habit has been around for more than 50 years, but recently chewing gum that claims to boost our health in other ways has been developed. Adrian Monti asked experts to assess a selection. We then rated them.
Vitamin hit
Get More Vitamins gum, ten pieces, £1.50, tesco.com
Claim: The maker says ‘one chewing gum contains a 25 per cent daily dose of ten vitamins’, including B vitamins (to tackle tiredness) and vitamins C (to support the immune system), D (for strong bones and muscles) and K (to help wounds heal). Sugar free.
Expert verdict: Sophie Medlin, a dietitian at City Dietitians, London, says: ‘The vitamins will be absorbed under the tongue as it has a good blood supply, some will also be dissolved in saliva and swallowed, and absorbed via our intestines.