Just what the doctor ordered?
Vitamin patches are designed to deliver nutrients into the bloodstream through the skin – they have become very popular among those Can’t swallow pills, forget to take them or take digestive problems,
a market research firm The global vitamin patch industry is estimated to grow from $6.6 billion to $10.4 billion over the next decade, although some medical experts have offered mixed reviews on their effectiveness.
“They’re not as good as taking oral vitamins, however, if you’re not able to take oral vitamins… a patch is better than nothing,” says Dr. Michael Russo, a California-based bariatric and cosmetic surgeon. said earlier this year“You’re actually going to get less of that vitamin which affects your bloodstream.”
brands like patchmd, patched, nutri-patch, Barrier And nice patch are selling skin stickers that are said to provide everything vitamin D To B12 To multivitamin And magnesiumSome are stylish showstoppers.
“We wanted to create a product that people actually wanted to wear and that injected a little joy into their everyday health routines,” said Cleo Davis-Urman, co-founder of Barriere. Told Marie Claire this week“A sparkle of gold on the arm, a touch of lace on the wrist, a bold astrological symbol on the neck… our designs [are meant to] Look beautiful on skin.”
Transdermal patches – adhesives applied to the skin to deliver medication – have been around for decades, although they are not as fashionable.
Nicotine patches help people quit smoking, while estradiol patches can provide relief Menopause SymptomsScopolamine patches can prevent nausea and vomiting From Motion sickness, anesthesia or surgery, and birth control patches are aimed at preventing pregnancy.
Research study on vitamin patches has produced conflicting resultswith A 2021 scientific review It has been noted in the patch that some micronutrients may not penetrate the skin in sufficient quantities.
“To increase efficacy, patches are often placed in strategic areas where venous areas are condensed, such as the inner wrist, so that they can be absorbed faster.” Dr. Marisol Saavedra, An aesthetics doctor in London and co-founder of IV therapy company Tonic explained to Marie Claire.
Some consumers aren’t quite sure. While a TikTok user Called her B12 patch “amazing”, One functional medicine expert described his patch experience as a “nightmare.”
“Based on my micronutrient testing, which I did before and after trying the patch, I showed no changes,” Sam TejadaCEO and Founder of Liquivida Wellness Center, Told Verywell Health this month,
“The patch uses an adhesive that can be extremely toxic to the skin, and you can potentially absorb those toxins,” he continued, without disclosing the patch type and brand he tried. Was. “I had a very bad reaction and had to seek medical treatment from a local dermatologist for what is called contact dermatitis.”
The vitamin patch trend comes because many Americans don’t get enough vital nutrients. vitamin D And EEven most people report supplementing their diet.
A survey of 2023 The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) determined that 74% of American adults take supplements, with 55% describing themselves as “regular users”.
Do not suffer from dietary supplements The same rigorous government oversight as drugs — and some critics say vitamin patches shouldn’t even be considered supplements.
“Vitamin patches are illegal drugs, not dietary supplements. Dietary supplements should be consumed orally; It cannot be absorbed through the skin,” Jeff Ventura, CRN’s vice president of communications, told Verywell Health. “The FDA certainly has the authority to regulate drugs. There are many warning letters that relate to products that are not meant to be taken orally and that are being incorrectly labeled as supplements.
If you decide to try vitamin patches, you should consult a doctor, especially if you have had surgery, are taking medications, or have any medical conditions.
