As a health and wellness company that sells supplements, we’re always interested in the efficacy of what’s on the market.
It’s essential to say that no supplement is intended to treat or cure any medical condition. They are supposed to aid wellness. But when we hear about some, we are dubious.
In February, we wrote about why foot detox pads don’t work. Now we are looking at another topical treatment. Vitamin patches are all the rage. Many topical treatments can be incredibly beneficial. But can vitamins be absorbed through the skin?
Vitamin patches are all different but are usually waterproof, disposable and meant to be used for a single day. They often contain vitamin B, vitamin D and multivitamins. The patches are activated by body temperature and moisture.
“Instead of taking a pill and having the vitamin absorbed through our intestines, the vitamin crosses the skin and is absorbed that way,” said Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State Univ.
The skin is a barrier that blocks out water, bacteria and most drugs from entering the body. Fat-soluble medications can get through the skin. Effective patches include opioids, hormone replacement therapy and nicotine. A benefit is that you get a slow, steady stream of the medication into your bloodstream. Orally, you get a spike of drugs and a rapider dissipation from your system.
“One of the big fundamental problems of vitamin patches is that most vitamins are water soluble. What doesn’t get through the skin? Stuff that’s water soluble,” said Nial Wheate, a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at Macquarie Univ. “The biggest effect [wearers] would get is a placebo effect.”
Another large problem is that the dosages on a patch are small compared to an effective dose. A popular brand of vitamin C patches marketed for immunity can contain one milligram of vitamin C. That wouldn’t even prevent scurvy, let alone boost the immune system.
Clare Collins, professor of nutrition and dietetics at the Univ. of Newcastle, said that supplements can help people who are struggling with deficiencies but still questioned the efficacy of patches. “The nutrients that are more likely to be absorbed [through the skin] are ones that dissolve in fat. But they don’t necessarily go all the way into your bloodstream, which is why [vitamin patches] are not that effective.”
A problem with patches is that they could lead to less healthy eating habits. “There is also a risk of false reassurance, where people assume they are nutritionally covered and pay less attention to diet,” said registered dietician Scott Keatley.
Mr. Keatley said, “The strongest argument for them is adherence. Someone who can’t tolerate oral supplements due to nausea, reflux or difficulty swallowing pills might prefer a patch and, therefore, be more consistent.” However, he cautioned, “more convenient is not the same as more effective.”
If you are concerned about your vitamin levels, speak to your doctor about the best plan for you. It could be that a change of diet would be optimal. Or a specific supplement may help. Under some specific circumstances, patches might be the way to go. But they aren’t worth the hype for everyone.
