There are so many quality vitamin brands to chose from, but there are also some that raise red flags. Vital Vitamins is one that left us with a few questions.
Vital Vitamins is a supplement manufacturer that provides collagen capsules and nootropics, or “smart drugs” intended to enhance brain function (
According to the company, these products claim to help ease mental fogginess, promote vitality, tone and rejuvenate joints, and aid logical processing.
However, though Vital Vitamins boasts a combined total of over 75,000 reviews on third-party retailers like Amazon, there are several concerns associated with the brand and the effectiveness of their products.
This article will take a critical look at Vital Vitamins, including what they are, how they work, and what products the company offers.
Although the company does put its products through third-party testing — a win for transparency in our book — Vital Vitamins also makes unsupported health claims about the benefits of their products.
There is limited high quality research in humans available to support the purported benefits of some herbal ingredients in their Brain Booster supplement, such as ginkgo biloba or Bacopa monnieri (
Furthermore, the company makes multiple health claims about their products, none of which are accompanied by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclaimer on its website.
This is required any time a supplement manufacturer makes a health claim about a product. It is intended to specify that a statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and that a product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease (
Throughout this article, we will take a more in-depth look at Vital Vitamins, along with a few other brands that we feel more comfortable recommending.
Vital Vitamins is a company that claims to specialize in providing sustainably sourced supplements.
Currently, the brand offers two products on their website, including their Brain Booster and Multi Collagen Complex.
The company also offers a few other supplements through third-party retailers like Amazon, including Lion’s Mane and Inositol. However, at the time of publication, those products are not available on the company’s own website.
There is limited information available about the brand’s history and manufacturing process.
The brand often pops up for users searching for “vital vitamins” while seeking information about essential nutrients for supporting health.
Though the company doesn’t provide any resources on health or nutrition, you can read more about some of the most important nutrients for maintaining health here.
Both supplements available on Vital Vitamins’ website can be purchased for a one-time fee of $24.99, which includes free shipping.
The company also notes that you can opt for a recurring subscription, which includes a 10% discount on each order.
According to the company, all products include a 60-day money-back guarantee, though there is limited information available on the terms of this guarantee or how you should request a refund if you’re dissatisfied with your purchase.
Vital Vitamins products are also available through select third-party retailers, including Amazon.
Vital Vitamins currently offers two products on their website: collagen capsules and a nootropic supplement that claims to support brain function.
Multi Collagen Complex
Vital Vitamins’ collagen capsules contain 1,600 milligrams (mg) of collagen in each 3-capsule serving.
They are formulated with five types of collagen and are derived from hydrolyzed bovine hide, chicken bone broth, hydrolyzed fish, and eggshell membrane.
In addition to improving skin elasticity and hydration, research suggests that collagen supplementation could also promote joint function and reduce joint pain (
However, most studies are conducted using higher doses of collagen, ranging from 2.5–10 grams (g) per day. Vital Vitamins contains 1.6 grams (1600 mg) of collagen in each 3-capsule serving, so you would need to take 6 capsules per day to be in range of the higher dose.
Many other popular powdered collagen supplements often contain up to 20 g of collagen per serving (
According to Vital Vitamins, their Multi Collagen Complex includes a digestive enzyme blend to optimize absorption.
The company also notes that it’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and hormone- and cruelty-free sources. They also state that it’s free of gluten, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial ingredients.
Brain Booster
This product contains a blend of ingredients and nutrients intended to support brain health, memory, mental clarity, and mood.
In particular, it contains phosphatidylserine, a compound involved in regulating brain function, which has been investigated for its role in preventing certain neurodegenerative conditions (
It also includes ginkgo biloba, an herb that may be beneficial for brain function in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed (
However, it also contains several ingredients that have limited evidence to back up their potential brain-boosting benefits, including vitamin B12 and Bacopa monnieri extract (
While Vital Vitamins notes that this product is also non-GMO, there is little other information available regarding the sourcing of ingredients.
Vital Vitamins failed Healthline’s vetting process due to concerns regarding unsupported health claims and failure to display the disclaimer on its website that products have not been evaluated by the FDA.
As of the time of publication, Vital Vitamins is also not currently listed with the BBB.
There is no information available about the brand itself, including who founded it, where they’re based, or how they source ingredients.
The company doesn’t publish any online reviews from customers on their website, but products have relatively high ratings on third-party websites, including Amazon.
In fact, their Multi Collagen Complex supplement currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is based on 34,295 reviews. Meanwhile, their Brain Booster supplement has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars and 41,741 reviews.
Positive reviews note that the supplements are easy to take, inexpensive, and effective.
On the other hand, less favorable reviews mention experiencing adverse reactions or issues with inconsistent quality. A few reviewers also reported dissatisfaction with the return policy, as well as the taste or smell of the capsules.
If you’re interested in mixing up your supplement routine and looking for products formulated to enhance brain function or support skin and joint health, there are many other reputable supplement brands available.
For example, Thorne is a high quality supplement manufacturer that provides a wide selection of products, all of which are manufactured in third-party-certified facilities.
Vital Proteins is also a good option if you’re interested in collagen supplements. In addition to powders, the brand also offers collagen capsules and gummies and tests all products using an independent lab to ensure safety and quality.
For people seeking an allergy-friendly option, Pure Encapsulations may also be worth considering. The brand provides an assortment of third-party-tested supplements designed to address a variety of health concerns, all of which are free of unnecessary additives and common allergens.
You can also check out our round-up of the best vitamin brands, which we selected based on factors like ingredients, quality, price, third-party testing, and certifications.
Is Vital Vitamins affiliated with Vital Proteins?
No. Although both companies offer collagen supplements, Vital Vitamins is not affiliated with Vital Proteins.
What are the potential side effects of Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex?
Collagen supplements are generally safe and are not usually associated with any negative side effects (
While Vital Vitamins doesn’t provide any information on side effects of their Multi Collagen Complex, a few online reviewers reported experiencing stomach pain, heartburn, and allergic reactions.
What are the potential side effects of Vital Vitamins Brain Booster?
Vital Vitamins’ Brain Booster contains a blend of ingredients, some of which may interact with other medications.
Certain ingredients, such as ginkgo biloba, can also cause mild adverse side effects, including headache, stomach upset, constipation, or allergic reactions (
Vital Vitamins is a company that offers collagen capsules and nootropic supplements.
Though the brand claims to provide high quality supplements, there is a lack of transparency regarding how their products are sourced and manufactured.
Vital Vitamins also makes questionable claims about the potential health benefits of their products and doesn’t adhere to labeling regulations from the FDA.
There are many more reputable supplement companies available that offer high quality, affordable alternatives, including Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, and Vital Proteins. Visit our Vitamin and Supplement hub to explore high quality products that have the Healthline stamp of approval.
