Vital Reds

What Is Vital Reds?

Vital Reds is a powder mix that is alleged to offer some health benefits through a comprehensive blend of ingredients.

According to Gundry MD, by taking 1-scoop of Vital Reds daily, you can expect the following:

• More energy
• Healthier skin
• Better digestion
• Less bloating and gas
• Better weight management

As Vital Reds packs in more than 50 ingredients, daily use is certainly more convenient than obtaining them from your diet. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's effective, however.

In this article, we'll review the available research examining the proposed benefits of Vital Reds' blend of ingredients.

Is There Any Science Backing Gundry MD's Claims?

According to Gundry MD, Vital Reds' comprehensive blend of ingredients are responsible for the alleged benefits.

Every 1-scoop serving of Vital Reds contains the following:

• Thiamin 1.5 mg
• Riboflavin 1.7 mg
• Niacin 20 mg
• Vitamin B6 2 mg
• Folate 667 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 6 mcg
• Biotin 300 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid 10 mg
• Selenium 70 mcg
• Chromium 200 mcg
• Reds Blend 1,760 mcg – Carrot, organic apple peel, grape skin extract, Aronia berry extract, organic flaxseed, grape seed extract, acai fruit extract, acerola fruit extract, apple, apple pectin, organic beetroot, blackberry, European black currant fruit extract, blueberry fruit concentrate, cranberry fruit extract, mango, mulberry fruit, papaya, pomegranate, red raspberry, strawberry, cantaloupe, cherry, grape, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, watermelon, berberine hydrochloride
• Metabolic Enhancing Blend 365 mg – Cinnamon bark 5:1 extract, green tea leaf extract, white tea leaf extract, ginger root, turmeric root extract, bitter melon fruit extract, black pepper fruit
• Digestive Support Blend 3 billion CFU – Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri
• Fructooligosaccharides 250 mg

Though Vital Reds has not been specifically tested in randomized trials, some of the individual ingredients have been previously studied. In this section, we'll highlight scientific support for a few of the ingredients included in Vital Reds.

Vitamins

Vitamin B deficiency can be associated with a wide array of unwanted effects like itchy skin, impaired mental capacity, and nerve issues. Those that choose a plant-based nutrition plan are most at risk.

Folate is necessary for growth and development. It is especially important in pregnant women as a deficiency can be associated with a birth defect. The RDA for folate in adults is 400mcg, though the dose offered in Vital Reds is sufficient even for the demands of an expecting mother.

B12 deficiency can be associated with anemia as it has a role in supporting proper red blood cell function.

Though they serve important functions, B Vitamins are unlikely to play a role in the proposed energy-boosting effects of Vital Reds as scientific support for this action is limited.

Minerals

Selenium is an essential mineral. It is commonly found in soil, water, and eggs.

200mcg daily over the course of 8 years did not prevent diabetes when compared to a placebo. In fact, those with the highest levels were at increased risk for the disease.

A review of 12 studies did not find a statistically significant improvement in short or long-term regulation of blood sugars.

This mineral may actually negatively impact energy metabolism, particularly in those with diabetes.

You can get chromium in beef, fruits, broccoli, and whole wheat. Thought to boost the function of insulin, this mineral has been well studied in humans.

A review found that chromium did not benefit glucose or insulin regulation at doses ranging from 10-1000mcg daily.

A review found that when chromium is offered as brewer's yeast at doses ranging from 42-1000mcg, it can mildly impact fasting blood glucose in diabetics.

Chromium supplementation in overweight and obese subjects may offer mild weight loss benefits.

Available support for chromium's effect on carbohydrate energy metabolism and weight loss is mixed.

Reds Blend

This blend contains 34 superfruits packed with polyphenols, naturally occurring micronutrient compounds found in plants that give them their color and help protect them from external threats.

Consuming polyphenols can be advantageous in that they offer high amounts of antioxidants.

These act to limit the ability of free radicals to cause inflammation in your muscles, joints, and blood vessels.

Grapeseed extract is thought to be rich in antioxidants.

Oxidative damage was 1.5x greater in healthy subjects that were not treated with 300mg of grapeseed extract.

100mg doses every 6 hours reduced oxidative stress in patients receiving coronary bypass surgery when compared to the control group.

Beetroot is low-calorie, high fiber and thought to offer a number of health benefits.

A review of 43 randomized trials found that beetroot juice doses ranging from 70-500mL lowered blood pressure when compared to placebo. Higher doses were associated with blood pressure reduction comparable to results achieved with a single medication or the DASH diet.

Berberine may offer anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective capabilities. The ingredient reduced body fat and enhanced insulin sensitivity in obese and diabetic mice.

In human subjects, those with metabolic syndrome that were treated with 500mg of berberine three times daily over 3-months had remission of the syndrome, decreased waist circumference.

Ingredients found in Reds Blend may improve carbohydrate energy metabolism, blood pressure, waist circumference, and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Enhancing Blend

Cinnamon bark is thought to offer both antioxidant and disease-fighting benefits.

5g reduced post-meal blood glucose levels in obese women. A review confirmed these findings, particularly at doses ranging from 120mg/d - 6 g/d over 4 to 18-weeks.

Turmeric may offer anti-inflammatory, heart health, and brain-boosting effects likely related to curcumin, a molecule produced by turmeric plants.

A review found that curcumin dosing ranging from 70 to 3,000mg per day for 2 to 3-months reduced BMI.

Another review concluded that curcumin doses ranging from 250 to 2.4g reduced both BMI and body weight in subjects with metabolic syndrome, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Black pepper may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory benefits, and disease-fighting capabilities.

6mg of black pepper daily reduced BMI and body fat, while improving the insulin sensitivity of overweight subjects.

This spice may also boost the actions of turmeric and friendly gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

The ingredients found in the Metabolic Enhancing Blend may reduce BMI, body weight, and body fat while supporting carbohydrate energy metabolism.

Digestive Support Blend

Probiotic strains play a role in many functions vital for health in addition to offering dietary support. L. acidophilus may relieve diarrhea and bloating while boosting immune function. B. bifidum strains may benefit inflammation, immune support, and allergy relief.

Different strains, dosing regimens, and probiotic combinations were investigated in a review of 20 trials; they concluded that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are associated with fewer sick days due to respiratory infections.

Safety and Side Effects

As many of the ingredients offered in Vital Reds can be obtained from a well-balanced diet, the supplement is generally safe to use.

Still, side effects are always a possibility with any dietary supplement, as are medication interactions, which is why it's important to speak with your doctor before making any purchases.

Even at doses at 1500mcg daily, B12 was without serious side effects. Toxicity is rare, though reported side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and skin flushing.

Chromium dosing up to 1000mcg was without serious adverse events, though diarrhea, headaches, and rash have been reported. No serious adverse effects were reported in 10 randomized trials with cinnamon doses up to 6g/day.

Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, was safe at doses ranging from 3600-8000mg each day for 4-months, with only mild nausea and diarrhea reported.

Black pepper is also generally safe. Doses at 6mg daily were without serious side effects over 2-months.

Also, according to Reed, the green tea extract's caffeine could raise your blood pressure, which is a drawback for someone who already deals with high blood pressure.

Also, probiotics can lead to many of the side effects they're supposed to treat such as gassiness and bloating. These typically subside with lowering the dose or discontinuing use, however.

Despite the risk for harm being minimal with Vital Reds, it's best to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your doctor before taking a new supplement.

What Is the Cost?

Vital Reds' current sale prices are as follows:

• 1 Bottle: $49.95 (regularly $69.95)
• 3 Bottles: $134.85 (regularly $209.85)
• 6 Bottles: $224.70 (regularly $419.70)

If you subscribe, you'll save more.

• 1 Bottle: $44.95
• 3 Bottles: $121.95
• 6 Bottles: $199.95

Keep in mind that by opting for a subscription, you agree to auto-shipments at the corresponding frequency. You can cancel at any time by calling (800) 852-0477.

A 90-day guarantee also backs your order. To process your refund, you'll need to call (800) 852-0477.

Available Alternative

There are many supplements that claim to support overall health and wellness with a diverse blend of ingredients. Products that offer a list of ingredients as comprehensive as Vital Red's are less common, however.

We previously reviewed Athletic Greens at HighYa. While their blend similarly includes vitamins, minerals, superfood extracts, metabolic ingredients, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, 1 pack will cost you nearly $100.

Though this product represents another option, it is a less cost-effective one.

Metabolic Greens is another product that offers a complex blend of green and red superfoods with metabolic extracts, enzymes, and probiotics. At $30-$40 for a 1-month supply, this is a much more cost-effective comprehensive blend.

Alternatively, you can try to regularly consume as many of the ingredients as possible from your diet. This would entail consuming a variety of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fermented foods, and perhaps even another supplement or 2.

This option may save you money in the long run, given the pricing of Vital Reds, though it is a far less convenient option.

The Bottom Line

Vital Reds offers a complex blend of ingredients, many of which have actions that are clinically proven. As comprehensive blends are less common, you'll pay a premium for the convenience.

There are certainly more cost-effective ways of consuming these ingredients. However, it would likely include consuming a variety of fruit, vegetables, fermented foods, and supplements to achieve the same benefits.

Nonetheless, more than 1,350 users rate Vital Reds 4.3-stars at HighYa. Those satisfied report less joint pain, improved leg swelling, more energy, and fewer cravings.

Keep in mind that supplementing vitamins and minerals that you aren't deficient in is unlikely to add benefit. Also, this makes it more likely to consume more than you need. Though side effects are mild, you may experience digestive side effects.

The first step should be seeking the opinion of a medical professional to determine your nutritional status. Together, you can determine a plan of care that safely addresses any symptoms or deficiencies you may have.