Vital Reds Review
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By CANDICE GREY ConsumersCompare.org Update: Jul 11, 2024 |
Vital Reds is a wellness superfood supplement created by Gundry MD, and it comes in the form of a powder. This product is marketed to help give you a boost in energy, have better digestion and attain healthier looking skin. The formula is said to be soy free, sugar-free, lectin free, as well as artificial sweetener free.
The founder quotes,
“I developed a formula with 34 unique polyphenol extracts (and over 50 total ingredients) which you can enjoy in a delicious, berry-flavored drink I’m proud to call: Gundry MD Vital Reds.”
The drink mix is available in three different quantities: 30 day supply ($69.95), 90 day supply ($199.36), and a 180 day supply ($377.73). [1] The instructions say you can mix this powder with whatever drink you want and still reap the benefits. Does this product sound too good to be true?
Vital Reds Claims
This product is full of claims as to how it can help you gain control over your weight, attain better health, and get that much-needed boost of energy, but why? They quote on the site that there are four main blends which can give you the tools to attain these results:
Polyphenol Blend
“A Polyphenol Blend with 34 unique superfruits to help boost energy, support your heart, and keep you healthy as you age.
Metabolic-Enhancing Blend
A Metabolic-Enhancing Blend with 7 unique thermogenic ingredients to help naturally support fat-burning and weight management.
Digestive Support Blend
A Digestive Support Blend with 5 strains of probiotics to help reduce gas & bloating and help you enjoy your favorite foods with less digestive discomfort.
Vitamin & Mineral Blend
A Vitamin & Mineral Blend which gives you all 8 principal forms of vitamin B along with several essential minerals.” [1]
When referring to what is actually in the polyphenol blend, there are three different berries that are essential to it. It is quoted about Aronia berries:
“These are also known as chokeberries, and they’re very rich in polyphenols. One study showed that Aronia berries help prevent damage to your digestive system, improve your heart & blood vessel function, and they help balance healthy cholesterol levels.”
The grape seed extract is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, and mulberry extract, which is said to help you manage your weight.
When referring to the Metabolic Enhancing Blend, there are two primary ingredients that are said to enhance effectiveness overall: Bitter melon extract and green tea extract.
“Bitter melon extract showed useful benefit on body weight gain and fat deposition. It can also help maintain normal blood sugar levels.”
“Green tea extract contains large amounts of polyphenols, but it’s in my formula because it helps support fat-burning.”
When talking about the digestive support blend, probiotics come into the mix. Lastly, when referring to the vitamin and mineral blend, there is talk about vitamin B being the giver of energy and contributing to overall better awareness. The bulk of the claims are tied to the ingredients, as well as the theory behind how the formula is said to work in the body.
back to menu ↑Vital Reds Ingredients
The Reds ingredients: Organic carrot, organic apple peel, grape seed extract, Aronia berry extract, organic flaxseed, mulberry fruit, European black currant fruit extract, apple, organic beetroot, cranberry fruit extract, mango, papaya, acai fruit extract, strawberry, grape skin extract, blueberry fruit concentrate, pomegranate, blackberry, acerola fruit extract, apple pectin, red raspberry, pineapple, orange, cantaloupe, grape, watermelon, grapefruit, plum, pear, lemon-lime, cherry, peach, berberine hydrochloride, cinnamon bark extract, ginger root, green tea leaf extract, white tea leaf extract, turmeric rhizome extract, bitter melon fruit extract, black pepper fruit, Bacillus coagulants, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and L. Reuteri.
back to menu ↑Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Vital Reds
So now that this brand has opened itself up to criticism and or praise by including ingredient lists and broad claims, what does science have to say about this product? When looking into the allegations explicitly made about polyphenols, there are a variety of reasons why they are useful in your diet. What are polyphenols anyways?
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
“Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the diet. Their total dietary intake could be as high as 1 g/d, which is much higher than that of all other classes of phytochemicals and known dietary antioxidants. For perspective, this is ∼10 times higher than the intake of vitamin C and 100 times higher than the intakes of vitamin E and carotenoids.” [2]
In this same study, they claim,
“It strongly supports a role for polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The antioxidant properties of polyphenols have been widely studied, but it has become clear that the mechanisms of action of polyphenols go beyond the modulation of oxidative stress.” [2]
What about the studies were done on bitter melon? It has been said to help treat diabetes, and it originates in Southeastern Asia. It has also been reported to treat obesity, gout, jaundice, and kidney problems too. When studied regarding weight loss, they found exciting results with animal testing.
“Several investigational reports suggest that bitter melon can reduce body weight in high-fat-diet-induced obesity in laboratory animals. Bitter melon (0.75% of diet) supplementation prevented the body weight gain and visceral fat mass significantly in rats fed a high-fat diet.” [3]
The same goes for green tea extract, as well as the B complex when you are talking about effectiveness overall. Green tea extract, while better known for giving you energy due to the caffeine, is in a lot of diet products for weight loss too. Is weight loss significant? No, but it is subtle, which should be worth something. Vitamin B’s are said to give you a boost in energy, but is this really the case?
According to Berkeley Wellness, they explain that your body really only needs a certain amount of B vitamins for it to function with energy. Many times people are getting adequate amounts just in their diet alone.
They quote,
“In fact, unless you’re severely deficient (because of illness, extreme dieting, or alcohol abuse, for instance), your energy levels won’t be affected at all. That is, taking B vitamins only benefits people who are very deficient in one or more of the vitamins, to begin with. Actually, B vitamins are water-soluble, and any extra that you take simply pass through the body and get eliminated in your urine.” [4]
So there are a few studies out there that prove the ingredients used in the Gundry Redness formula just might have something to it, but I don’t agree with mixing the powder with whatever drink you choose and then expect to see results as marketed magically. So what did the actual customers who ordered the product have to say about its effectiveness for better health and wellness? More on that below.
back to menu ↑Word On The Street About Vital Reds
Annie Bean (2017, 1 star),
“Product taste OK ….can’t feel any difference at all …..but I’m going to say this ….because I think it’s important …..the price keeps changing….. it’s over-the-top, and the marketing is deceitful!! should’ve said it was a 4-ounce jar for this ridiculous amount of money!!! these people are players …. buy this product at your own risk.” [5]
Samuel (2017, 1 star),
“This product is just an overpriced, sweet drink. I haven’t done what the seller claims. If you are having a problem with low energy, go see your doctor because this won’t help you.” [6]
Aether (2017, 1 star),
“Product Taste is a bit difficult to get used; however playing with the amount of water per scoop will vary the taste. I’ve found about 5-6 oz of water per scoop to have the right flavor. As for the packaging, the cost per ounce was off when I purchased this as I was expecting about 8.5 ounces. However, the entire container is 4 oz. Since my purchase, the cost per Oz has been corrected.” [7]
back to menu ↑The Bottom Line: Is Vital Reds Worth A Try?
Risky.This product is not dangerous by any means, but it is expensive, and it does not produce reliable results. The customers who purchased it all had a problem with how much the tiny container ended up costing, and was even more upset when it didn’t work the way they thought it would. The claims are not too farfetched, and there is science behind the ingredients, but it still isn’t enough to convince me that this supplement is worth the high cost. There are no real instructions on how to become healthier aside from adding it to “whatever” drink, which also is a red flag, in my opinion. Try this at your own risk, but the results have been definitely under par for the most part.
Most people are only motivated to comment if they’re not satisfied. For me, this is ideal. Expensive or not, I can’t say, as I’ve been a PTSD victim now for 10yrs and don’t recall what I paid. With this being said, I haven’t been able to care for myself properly for that entire time. My husband works 12hr days and our meals are about speed. Not about nutrition. I have just started using this product again after a long span of forgetting about it. I am grateful for it’s health values and am combining it with flat belly tea in my coffee every morning. Since getting ill, I gained 90 lbs. I was an avid health nut for 40yrs prior with many hrs spent working out at the gym. Since I started this protocol several days ago, I’ve lost 1 lb. for every day since. That will accumulate 30lbs in 30days and that could mean all 90lbs gone in 3months. Even if it takes twice that, it’s life changing for me. I can’t even tell you how amazing this prospect is. Totally worth going the distance. Not telling anyone just letting it melt away and soon adding core strengthening to my daily routine.
Been on vital reds over three years lost 30 pounds healthy definitely a great product it takes time to get all the benefits .
I’m not too sure about product. It does make bowel movements better and energy level better but I have started gaining instead of looking. This morning I tipped scale at 150. 14 pounds more. Does anyone else have this problem? I haven’t changed my eating habits a bit. Vital reds is all I’ve added.
I bought it! It says money back if you are not satisfied. I’m willing to give it a try.Had my first glass today , not too bad, a little chalky. The size of container is very misleading. The box that it was shipped in Was misleading as well. Will give it a proper review after trying for a couple of weeks.
I received Vital Reds, and it was expired 3month from the date I have received !
In addictions, they keep charging in your credit card every month.
The worst Custumer Service I ever seen !
Please do not buy this product!
I ordered four jars of vital reds. I’ve taken this product for six weeks now. I have no complaints about the taste, but I’ve found that it causes me to have headaches, especially at night. It also interferes with sleep and causes constipation. I don’t experience these ailments when not taking vital reds. I’m disappointed as I was looking for something to boost my energy. I plan to return what I have left.
I have taken vital reds and do find that it increases energy and I definitely felt an increase in vitality with my very first glass. I have no complaints. Let’s face it, of course it is high priced, but I consider my energy level is important to me and for me the cost is worth it. I feel more energetic and I’m 70 years old.
Sara
My husband and I both had cholesterol levels that were creeping into Statin territory. A friend told me about Dr. Gundry’s Vital Reds. At our next blood work check, about 60 days later, I had shave 20+ off my cholesterol and my husband was under 200 for the first time in years. I didn’t buy it for the energy or the appetite control…but I naturally eat a healthy diet. No digestive issues here. I mix it in a small mason jar…add some water, add a scoop, add small ice cubes and shake. I shake it several times as I consume it as the polyphenols are dense and sink to the bottom. My husband dumps his scoop into his morning smoothie. We believe in this product – a much better alternative to Big Pharm! For those with customer service/ordering issues, I pick mine up from Amazon and have never had any of these issues.