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Companies offering personalized vitamins claim to tailor supplements to individual health needs, but there are risks involved. Popular brands like HUM and Ritual offer some of the best personalized vitamin subscriptions.
Below are some of the best brands for personalized vitamins.
The table below compares the brands detailed in the section above.
Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet.
Nutrient needs vary from person to person, due to age, gender, dietary needs, and more. Therefore, supplements necessary for some may not be appropriate for others. Taking too many vitamins may pose
However, some people who fall into high-risk groups may need to take supplements. These include but are not limited to:
People who are pregnant or trying to conceive
Older people and those diagnosed with osteoporosis
As people age their ability to process and absorb certain nutrients decreases. Therefore older people may need to supplement their diet with certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, B12, and calcium.
People with osteoporosis may require extra vitamin D and calcium beyond what they get from their daily diet.
People who follow a vegan diet
Vitamins such as vitamin B12 are only found in animal products. Therefore, people who follow a vegan diet may find it necessary to take vitamin B12 supplements.
People who have Chron’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Chron’s disease or IBD causes inflammation in the gut which may lead to difficulty digesting and absorbing certain nutrients. The most common deficiencies in Chron’s disease or IBD are iron, vitamin B1, B6, B12, K, iron, zinc, folic acid, and selenium. Therefore taking these supplements may be necessary for people with these conditions.
Factors to consider when choosing a vitamin subscription include:
- Quality: A person can check the quality of products by looking for certifications such as Certified Organic. Individuals should also check that companies manufacture products in facilities that follow the
Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations . - Cost: Prices can vary between subscription services. Therefore, a person may wish to obtain a quote from various services before deciding.
- Types of personalization: Some companies require a person to complete a lifestyle questionnaire. Based on the answers, they will recommend vitamins and supplements a person should take. Other companies allow customers to choose what they would like.
- Transparency: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements; therefore, supplement and vitamin companies must be transparent. Brands should be clear about the ingredients and manufacturing processes they use. Ideally, products should undergo third-party testing, and brands should display the test results.
Studies on personalized vitamins are limited. Little research supports their benefits, particularly in comparison to non-personalized options.
Although scientific data is limited, a review of nine studies did not find consistent, significant benefits from personalized nutrition for dietary, behavioral, or health outcomes. However, more research is needed.
The U.S. government exercises limited oversight over companies selling personalized vitamins. An older Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found that these vitamins may fail to improve health and that the companies selling them may provide misleading or unreliable health information.
One of the main claims of these companies is that they tailor supplements to an individual’s health needs. The GAO study verified the accuracy of this claim by using fake profiles to investigate four companies offering this service. The authors took the online surveys and then submitted DNA samples for the tests.
The study found that the companies were
Most personalized vitamin subscription brands’ online surveys and quizzes may be inaccurate or incorrectly interpreted.
A person’s medical history and family background contribute to their nutrition needs. This analysis of online surveys and results is complex and unlikely to be definitive or comprehensive. Therefore, a healthcare professional is typically the most suitable person to interpret these tests.
The
For example, people who take supplements containing folic acid, may exceed the TUI if they eat foods fortified with the vitamin. Some studies have reported that high levels of folic acid may
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about these vitamins.
Yes, people can design their vitamin supplementation by purchasing vitamins separately or using a company to bundle them together into one package.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements.
No, people cannot make their own multivitamin tablets.
However, people can take several individual vitamins or use a customized vitamin service to provide the necessary supplements to fill in nutritional gaps.
Yes, vitamin subscriptions send vitamins to a person’s home every month. This may be beneficial for those who prefer the convenience of automatic deliveries.
Personalized vitamins may be worth it if a person has a specific nutrient deficiency or medical condition that requires vitamin supplementation.
Companies selling personalized vitamins may claim to offer vitamins that cater to an individual’s health needs. However, such supplements do not always live up to this promise. They may also include unsafe amounts of certain vitamins that can negatively affect health.
Companies that authorize third-party testing on all products are more likely to produce safe supplements.
An alternative to investing in customized vitamins is to request a health examination with a healthcare professional and work with a registered dietitian to receive dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
