Does TUMS Assorted Fruit contain dairy or gluten?

No, TUMS Assorted Fruit does not contain dairy ingredients or gluten. It is safe for those with lactose intolerance or Celiac disease.

Is TUMS Assorted Fruit good for weight loss?

No, it is not a weight loss aid. While it contains few calories, the 4 grams of sugar per serving can contribute to daily sugar intake without providing satiety.

Where can I buy TUMS Assorted Fruit?

TUMS Assorted Fruit is widely available at major retailers such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon.

Is TUMS Assorted Fruit safe for kids?

Parents should consult a pediatrician before giving TUMS to children, as the dosage varies by age and the artificial dyes may affect sensitive children.

Is TUMS Assorted Fruit Gluten Free?

Yes, TUMS Assorted Fruit is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list and manufacturer information, these antacid tablets do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or oats. For individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this specific flavor is generally considered a safe option for heartburn relief.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the safety of a medication for gluten-free diets, we look beyond the marketing claims and examine the raw materials. TUMS Assorted Fruit relies on a specific set of inactive ingredients to create its chewable texture and tart flavor profile. Here is the scientific breakdown of the components found in the bottle:

The primary active ingredient is Calcium Carbonate, which is a naturally occurring mineral salt. It is 100% gluten-free and works by neutralizing stomach acid. The bulking agents used here are Sucrose (table sugar) and Adipic Acid. Adipic acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid that provides tartness and stability; it is synthesized chemically and contains no gluten derivatives.

For texture and binding, the formula utilizes Corn Starch. This is a critical ingredient for gluten-free consumers. Unlike modified food starch, which can sometimes be derived from wheat in generic products, corn starch is explicitly derived from maize. Corn is naturally gluten-free and is a staple in the gluten-free community. Additionally, Sodium Polyphosphate is used as a desiccant and binder; it is a salt of phosphoric acid and is safe for those avoiding gluten.

Finally, we must look at the colorants and flavorings. The vibrant colors—FD&C Blue #1 Lake, FD&C Red #40 Lake, FD&C Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), and FD&C Yellow #6 Lake—are synthetic color additives. The term "Lake" refers to the fact that these dyes are precipitated onto an inert substrate, usually alumina hydrate. This process does not involve gluten grains. The Flavors listed are generally proprietary blends, but in the context of TUMS, they are derived from fruit esters and do not contain gluten. The inclusion of Talc and Mineral Oil acts as lubricants to prevent the tablets from sticking to each other; these are inorganic minerals and pose no gluten risk.

Nutritional Value

While TUMS Assorted Fruit is an effective antacid, it is important to view it through the lens of nutritional content, as it is essentially a concentrated dose of calcium and sugar. Each two-tablet serving contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates, almost entirely from Sucrose. This makes the product high in sugar, which is necessary to mask the intensely chalky and bitter taste of the calcium carbonate.

From a caloric standpoint, the product is low, contributing negligible energy to your daily intake. However, because it contains significant amounts of sugar, it may not be suitable for those on strict low-carbohydrate or diabetic diets without consideration. Furthermore, the Calcium Carbonate content provides a substantial portion of the daily recommended intake of calcium. While beneficial for bone health, consuming large quantities of TUMS throughout the day could lead to hypercalcemia or milk-alkali syndrome in rare cases. It fits well within a diet focused on heartburn relief, but it should not be treated as a daily nutritional supplement for calcium unless directed by a doctor.