Shark Tank's Stick-On Supplements: Wellness Trend or Hype?

Stick-on supplements claim to deliver nutrients through the skin, but do they work as well as traditional supplements? Experts weigh in.

Highlights:

Stick-on supplements offer an alternative for those with difficulty swallowing pills
Research on their effectiveness is still limited, especially for fat-soluble vitamins
Experts advise using them as a complementary method, not a replacement for oral supplements

A new health trend is making waves in India, stick-on supplements. These transdermal patches claim to deliver essential nutrients directly through the skin, eliminating the need for traditional oral supplements. The buzz around these products surged after a startup, Patch Up, gained recognition on Shark Tank India, securing investment from Anupam Mittal. But do these patches truly work, or is this just another wellness fad?

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‘Did You Know?
Your skin acts as a natural barrier, making nutrient absorption through patches less effective than oral supplements! #supplements #wellnesstrends #medindia’

Do Stick-On Supplements Work?

Patch supplements are adhesive patches infused with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that supposedly enter the bloodstream through the skin. They are marketed as a hassle-free, additive-free alternative to conventional pills, making supplementation easier for people with difficulty swallowing pills or those with digestive issues.

A study analyses transdermal patches for the delivery of micronutrient supplements. While some animal studies suggest improved absorption using microneedles and iontophoresis, human trials have shown mixed results, with patches often proving less effective than oral supplements. Challenges include overcoming the skin barrier and variability in absorption based on factors like skin condition and nutrient type.

Despite the advantages of ease of use and reduced gastrointestinal side effects, the current evidence is limited, necessitating further research to validate the efficacy of transdermal delivery for micronutrient supplementation ().

The effectiveness of stick-on supplements remains a topic of debate. According to Mumbai-based holistic dietitian Vriti Srivastav, these patches may be beneficial for delivering specific nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium, as both have proven efficacy in skin absorption. However, the research on their overall reliability is still limited.

Certain groups, such as individuals with gut disorders, children with special needs, and those who struggle with pill intake, may find these patches useful. Yet, most available studies are conducted on animals, and human research is scarce.

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Can Patches Replace Traditional Supplements?

Despite the convenience of stick-on supplements, experts argue that they cannot fully replace oral supplements. Nutritionist Debjani Gupta explains that these patches often contain lower nutrient concentrations and are not suitable for delivering fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, which require other mechanisms for effective absorption. Similarly, water-soluble vitamins such as B-complex and C are better absorbed when taken orally.

Therapeutic nutritionist Shivi Tyagi acknowledges that patches offer a needle-free alternative, but she emphasizes that the skin serves as a natural barrier, preventing the absorption of certain nutrients. Therefore, while patches may provide some benefits, they cannot completely substitute traditional supplementation.

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Potential Side Effects and Limitations of Stick-on Supplements

While stick-on supplements appear to be a simple solution, they come with potential drawbacks, including:

Skin irritation: The adhesive used in patches may cause redness, rashes, or allergic reactions.
Overconsumption risks: Continuous exposure to certain nutrients can lead to toxicity.
Reduced effectiveness in hot climates: Excessive sweating may weaken the adhesive, affecting absorption.
Hormonal imbalances: Some patches contain active ingredients that could interfere with hormonal balance, potentially causing mood swings.

Major health institutions, including National Geographic, have examined vitamin patches and found insufficient scientific evidence to support their claims. Additionally, on Shark Tank India, investor Namita Thapar highlighted the need for more research before promoting these patches as an alternative to conventional supplements ().

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Final Verdict: Supplement with Caution

While stick-on supplements may be a promising innovation, they should be considered a complementary solution rather than a replacement for traditional nutritional sources. Experts emphasize that a well-balanced diet remains the most effective way to obtain essential nutrients. Until further research provides conclusive evidence, it is best to approach these patches with a healthy dose of skepticism and continue relying on established dietary practices for optimal nutrition.

References:

Peeking into the future: Transdermal patches for the delivery of micronutrient supplements - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8318979/)
Do vitamin patches work? Experts weigh in on the latest health trend - (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/do-vitamin-patches-work)

Source-Medindia