Do vitamin patches, such as for B12 or multivitamins, really work? How about those from PatchMD?

Latest Update

Caution: Vitamin Patches

Written by Amy Malec — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated October 10, 2024 ⓘ

Vitamin Patches -- young woman with vitamin patch on arm

Answer:

Patches containing vitamin B12 and/or other vitamins, such as those from PatchMD and Vita Sciences, are often promoted as an alternative to oral supplements for people who have trouble swallowing pills or have difficulty absorbing nutrients in their gut. For example, vitamin B12 is hard to absorb for many people, including older adults, people who take medication to reduce stomach acid, or people who have had gastric bypass surgery. We looked into the research behind these patches. Find out if they are truly a better alternative in our full answer >>

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