At Solice Health, we’re constantly exploring innovative approaches to health and wellness. Our commitment to precision health means we’re always seeking new ways to optimise your well-being, ensuring you receive the most effective and convenient care. Recently, the Sunday Times Style featured an article discussing the growing popularity of wearable supplement patches, and we’re excited to share our expert insights on this fascinating topic. This article delves into how supplement patches work, their effectiveness, and how they might fit into your wellness routine.
How Do Supplement Patches Work?
Supplement patches deliver vitamins and nutrients directly through the skin, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This is a significant departure from traditional oral supplements, where the nutrients must first pass through the stomach and intestines. By using the skin as an absorption pathway, patches avoid potential issues with stomach acid or absorption problems in the gut. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues that may limit how much of an oral supplement their body can use. The convenience of applying a patch as part of your daily routine is also a notable advantage.
The delivery system is somewhat similar to magnesium sprays or lotions, in that they both work by absorption through the skin. However, it’s important to note the differences. Sprays and lotions tend to be more localised, targeting specific areas such as sore muscles, whereas patches are designed to provide a steady dose to the entire body. While this method of delivery is convenient, not all nutrients are absorbed equally well through the skin, so results can vary.
Effectiveness and Placebo: What’s the Reality?
The answer, as with many aspects of health, is nuanced. Patches can be an effective option for certain vitamins and nutrients, particularly those with small molecules, such as vitamin D, that can easily pass through the skin. For other nutrients, like B12, absorption through the skin is trickier and they may not work as well as advertised. It’s also worth noting that the very act of wearing a patch can have a psychological benefit, making you feel like you’re actively doing something good for your body. This “placebo effect” shouldn’t be discounted, as it can contribute to overall well-being.
The Pros and Cons of Supplement Patches
There are several positives to using supplement patches. As mentioned, they are convenient, provide a steady release of nutrients throughout the day, and are great for individuals who struggle with swallowing pills or have sensitive stomachs. The drawbacks include that they may not absorb as well as hoped, could potentially irritate the skin, and, because there is less regulation around patches, not all brands deliver what they promise. These are important considerations when choosing a patch and brand.
At Solice Health, we emphasize the importance of evidence-based approaches and will help you navigate the science to make informed decisions about your health.
Patches and Your Wellness Routine: A Place for Everything?
Patches are not always the most reliable or efficient way to top up on certain nutrients. For vitamin D, patches can be a handy option, particularly for those who struggle to absorb it well through food or oral supplements, especially when based in the UK. However, for B12, injections or sublingual forms tend to be more effective, as the molecule is harder to absorb through the skin.
When it comes to immunity-boosting supplements such as echinacea and elderberry, there is little evidence that they work well via patches. Teas, tinctures, or capsules may be more effective, as they rely on digestion to activate their benefits. Therefore, patches are best used as a complement rather than the main strategy for supplementation. This highlights a point Solice Health stresses, namely that a holistic and integrated approach is best for wellness.
Are Some Patches More Worthwhile Than Others?
Ross Barr healing and calm patches are intriguing because they tap into the principles of Chinese medicine, using ingredients like herbs and adaptogens. While there is limited clinical evidence for the steady delivery of these ingredients, the calming or balancing effect they provide can be particularly helpful as part of a mindful wellness routine. The appeal of these patches lies in their holistic approach, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of well-being. Whether they work scientifically or not, if you feel calmer or more balanced when wearing them, they may be worth exploring.
The GLP1 Patch: A Closer Look
GLP1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. A patch that claims to boost GLP1 naturally is actually encouraging the body to produce or optimise its own GLP1 levels. This represents an interesting avenue of development, but the efficacy of such patches is still being assessed.
Conclusion
Supplement patches offer a convenient and innovative approach to supplementing your diet, but it’s important to approach them with realistic expectations and a solid understanding of their benefits and limitations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding what works best for your body, taking all factors into account.
We provide the care you need, when and where you need it. If you would like to find out more about how Solice Health can help you on your health journey, we encourage you to get in touch.
Contact Us
To learn more about supplement patches, or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with our team.
