Vitamin Patches: A New Frontier in Nutritional Supplements?
The Rise of Vitamin Patches
Vitamin patches are a new trend in the world of nutritional supplements. These small, adhesive patches are designed to deliver nutrients to the bloodstream through the skin, bypassing the need to swallow pills. With the global market projected to grow from $6.6 billion to $10.4 billion over the next decade, it’s no wonder that brands like PatchMD, PatchAid, Nutri-Patch, Barrière, and The Good Patch are capitalizing on the trend.
What Are Vitamin Patches?
Transdermal patches have been around for decades, but they haven’t been as fashionable. Nicotine patches help people quit smoking, while estradiol patches can relieve symptoms of menopause. Scopolamine patches may inhibit nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, anesthesia, or surgery, and birth control patches are intended to prevent pregnancy. Now, vitamin patches are being marketed to deliver a range of micronutrients, from vitamin D to B12 to multivitamins and magnesium.
Are Vitamin Patches Effective?
Some fans of vitamin patches report that they have trouble swallowing pills, can’t remember to take pills, or suffer from digestive issues when they take pills. Research studies on vitamin patches have produced conflicting results, with a 2021 scientific review noting that some micronutrients cannot permeate the skin in adequate quantities. "To enhance efficacy, patches are often placed in strategic areas where venous areas are condensed, such as the inner wrist, so they can be absorbed faster," explains Dr. Marisol Saavedra, an aesthetics doctor in London and co-founder of IV therapy company Tonic.
Criticisms and Concerns
However, not everyone is convinced. Some consumers simply aren’t convinced. While one TikTok user called her B12 patches "wonderful," a functional medicine expert described his patch experience as a "nightmare." "The patch utilizes an adhesive that can be extremely toxic to the skin, and you can potentially absorb those toxins," says Sam Tejada, CEO and founder of Liquivida Wellness Center. "I had a very bad reaction and had to seek medical treatment from a local dermatologist, ending up with what is called contact dermatitis."
Regulatory Concerns
The vitamin patch trend comes as many Americans don’t get enough key nutrients, like vitamins D and E, even as most report supplementing their diet. A 2023 survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) determined that 74% of US adults take supplements, with 55% describing themselves as "regular users." However, dietary supplements do not face the same rigorous governmental oversight as drugs. "Vitamin patches are illegal drugs, not dietary supplements. A dietary supplement must be orally ingested; it can’t be absorbed through the skin," says Jeff Ventura, CRN vice president of communications. "The FDA certainly has authority to regulate drugs. There are numerous warning letters related to products that are not orally ingested being falsely labeled as supplements."
Conclusion
As the vitamin patch industry continues to grow, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and risks. While some people swear by the patches, others are more skeptical. If you’re considering trying a vitamin patch, be sure to consult with a doctor, especially if you have undergone surgery, are taking medications, or have a medical condition.
FAQs
Q: What are vitamin patches?
A: Vitamin patches are small, adhesive patches that deliver nutrients to the bloodstream through the skin.
Q: Are vitamin patches effective?
A: Some people report benefits, but research is mixed, and the effectiveness of vitamin patches is still debated.
Q: Are vitamin patches safe?
A: Some people have reported adverse reactions, such as contact dermatitis, and critics argue that vitamin patches are not regulated as closely as other dietary supplements.
Q: Should I try a vitamin patch?
A: If you’re considering a vitamin patch, be sure to consult with a doctor, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.
