Are Vitamin Patches the New Way toSupplement Your Diet?
Vitamin patches, tiny adhesive stickers designed to deliver essential nutrients through the skin, have emerged as a potentially game-changing trend in health and wellness.
Fueled by convenience and the desire for alternatives to traditional pills, these patches are gaining traction among individuals who struggle swallowing tablets, forget to take their daily dose, or experience digestive issues.
A global vitamin patch industry valued at $6.6 billion is projected to swell to an impressive $10.4 billion by 2034, according to market research firm Future Market Insights.
But are these trendy patches all they’re cracked up to be? "They’re not as good as taking oral vitamins, however, if you’re not going to be able to take oral vitamins … a patch is better than nothing," says Dr. Michael Russo, a bariatric and cosmetic surgeon based in California. "You’re going to have less of that vitamin actually hit your bloodstream."
Brands such as PatchMD, PatchAid, Nutri-Patch, Barrière, and The Good Patch are fueling the craze, offering solutions for Vitamin D deficiencies, lackluster B12 levels, and even providing a whimsical multivitamin experience. Some companies are ditching the purely functional and embracing fashion, crafting visually appealing designs that incorporate elements like gold accents, lace detailing, and even astrological signs.
"We wanted to create a product that people actually wanted to wear and that injected a bit of joy into their everyday wellness routine," explains Cleo Davis-Urman, co-founder of Barrière, in an interview with Marie Claire. "A glint of gold on the arm, a touch of lace on the wrist, a bold astrological sign on the neck…our designs [are meant to] look beautiful on the skin.”
This isn’t the first time transdermal patches have hit the scene. Nicotine patches have long been used to aid smoking cessation, while estradiol patches offer relief from menopausal symptoms. Scopolamine patches mitigate nausea induced by motion sickness, anesthesia, or surgery, and birth control patches provide a convenient contraceptive option.
Despite the widespread use of other transdermal patches, the effectiveness of vitamin patches remains a subject of debate. Research studies have yielded conflicting results, with a 2021 scientific review highlighting the difficulty some micronutrients face in penetrating the skin effectively.
To enhance absorption, manufacturers often advise placing the patches on areas with abundant veins, such as the inner wrist.
User experiences are equally varied. While one TikTok user praised her B12 patches as "wonderful," a functional medicine expert shared a starkly different story.
“Based on my micronutrient test, which I did before and after trying the patch, I did not show any change,” says Sam Tejada, CEO and founder of Liquivida Wellness Center, in an interview with Verywell Health. Tejada also expressed concerns about potential skin irritation from the adhesive, describing a "nightmare" experience that required dermatologist intervention.
The vitamin patch trend arises as a significant portion of the American population struggles to obtain sufficient nutrients like Vitamins D and E. Data from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) reveals that 74% of U.S. adults regularly take dietary supplements, with 55% considering themselves "regular users.”
Meanwhile, the FDA’s stricter regulations for drugs have not been uniformly applied to dietary supplements, resulting in ambiguity surrounding the legal classification of vitamin patches.
“Vitamin patches are illegal drugs, not dietary supplements. A dietary supplement must be orally ingested; it can’t be absorbed through the skin," CRN Vice President of Communications Jeff Ventura told Verywell Health.
In light of these complexities, consulting with a healthcare professional before trying vitamin patches is crucial, especially for individuals who have undergone surgery, take medications, or have underlying health conditions.
## Are Vitamin Patches the New Way to Supplement Your Diet?
**World-Today-news exclusive expert Interview**
Vitamin patches, tiny adhesive stickers promising a convenient way to absorb essential nutrients, are increasingly popping up on bathroom mirrors and gym bags. But are these trendy patches a legitimate choice to traditional pills, or just another health fad?
we spoke with **Dr. Emily Carter**, a renowned nutritionist and author of the bestselling book “Rethinking Vitamins: A Guide to Optimal nutrient Absorption,” to delve into the science behind vitamin patches and explore their potential benefits and limitations.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Carter,vitamin patches are booming in popularity. What exactly are they, and how do they work?
**Dr. Carter:** Vitamin patches are transdermal patches designed to deliver vitamins and minerals directly through the skin into the bloodstream. Unlike oral supplementation, which relies on digestion and absorption through the gut, vitamin patches bypass the digestive system entirely.
**World-Today-News:** This sounds too good to be true. Are they truly effective?
**Dr. Carter:** While the concept is appealing, the effectiveness of vitamin patches is still under scientific scrutiny. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating adequate absorption of certain vitamins, like vitamin D and B12, through the skin.However, the absorption rates for other nutrients are generally lower than those achieved with oral supplementation.
**World-Today-News:** You mentioned lower absorption rates. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Carter:** Our skin serves as a remarkable barrier, and while it allows for some permeability, it’s not designed for efficient absorption of larger molecules like many vitamins. This means that the amount of nutrients delivered by a patch might be significantly lower compared to what’s absorbed from swallowing a pill.
**World-Today-News:** So, who might benefit from vitamin patches?
**Dr. carter:** Vitamin patches could be a viable option for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as children or elderly individuals. They may also be beneficial for individuals with certain digestive disorders that hinder nutrient absorption. However, it’s crucial to remember that patches should not be considered a replacement for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
**World-Today-News:** What are some things consumers should be aware of before using vitamin patches?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s crucial to choose reputable brands that adhere to stringent manufacturing standards and clearly list the ingredients and dosages. Consulting with a healthcare professional before using any supplements, including patches, is always recommended to ensure they are appropriate for individual needs and potential interactions with existing medications.
**World-Today-News:** what’s your overall take on the future of vitamin patches?
**Dr. Carter:** While the future of vitamin patches remains to be seen, the growing interest in transdermal delivery systems is promising.Continued research is needed to optimize patch formulations and determine the optimal dosages for specific vitamins. As with any supplement, it’s crucial to approach vitamin patches with informed caution, weighing the potential benefits against the limitations and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you for sharing your expert insights, Dr. Carter.
This interview sheds light on both the potential promise and the current limitations of vitamin patches, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their supplemental choices.
