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Slow Flow

Vitanica

4.2
(2120 ratings)
Vitamin A 5000 IU
Vitamin K 150 mcg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Ginger
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Score 10.0

Slow Flow combines beneficial vitamins (A, C, K) and ginger with several traditional herbs. However, it contains Life Root (Senecio Aureus), a plant known to contain liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which poses a serious health risk. This ingredient overshadows any potential benefits, making the product highly questionable for safety.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Immunity
Vision Support
Skin Health
Bone Health

Score 10.0

Slow Flow combines beneficial vitamins (A, C, K) and ginger with several traditional herbs. However, it contains Life Root (Senecio Aureus), a plant known to contain liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which poses a serious health risk. This ingredient overshadows any potential benefits, making the product highly questionable for safety.

Analysis

Vitanica's Slow Flow presents a complex blend of vitamins and botanical extracts targeting a wide array of health goals. Key beneficial ingredients include Vitamin C (500mg as Calcium Ascorbate), Vitamin A (5000IU as Retinyl Palmitate), Vitamin K1 (150mcg as Phytonadione), Citrus Bioflavonoids (500mg), and Ginger (375mg). These components are well-researched for their roles in immunity, skin health, vision, bone health, and anti-inflammatory support. However, the product contains Life Root Aerial Parts Extract (Senecio Aureus), which is a significant red flag. Senecio species are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds that are hepatotoxic (damaging to the liver) and potentially carcinogenic, leading to severe health warnings from regulatory bodies and nutritionists. Other traditional herbs like Cranesbill, Shepherd's Purse, and Yarrow are included, which may have some traditional uses related to menstrual health and inflammation, but their efficacy and safety for long-term or broad-spectrum use, especially in combination with ingredients that can affect blood clotting, are less established. Shepherd's Purse and Yarrow can influence blood clotting, posing potential interaction risks with Vitamin K1 and any blood-thinning medications. The product attempts to cover a very broad range of goals, some of which (like 'Mood Support' or 'Testosterone Support') are not directly addressed by the listed ingredients. Online reviews (2120) are relatively high, but it's crucial to prioritize safety over anecdotal positive experiences, particularly when a known toxic ingredient is present.

Pros
  • Contains essential vitamins (A, C, K) important for immunity, vision, skin, and bone health.
  • Includes a good dose of Ginger, known for anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
  • Bioflavonoids enhance Vitamin C absorption and provide antioxidant support.
  • Calcium Ascorbate form of Vitamin C is buffered, potentially gentler on the stomach.
Cons
  • Contains Life Root (Senecio Aureus), a plant with toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage.
  • Broad goal claims, such as 'Mood Support' and 'Testosterone Support,' are not adequately supported by the ingredients.
  • Potential interactions between blood-modifying herbs (Shepherd's Purse, Yarrow) and Vitamin K1, especially for individuals on anticoagulant medications.
  • Limited strong scientific evidence for all claimed benefits of the herbal blend beyond traditional use.
Warnings
  • WARNING: This product contains Life Root (Senecio Aureus), which is known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage, including liver failure, and are considered potentially carcinogenic. Health authorities globally advise against consuming products containing Senecio species due to these serious risks. Consult a healthcare professional before use, or ideally, avoid this product entirely due to the grave safety concerns.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition (especially liver or bleeding disorders), or are taking any medications (particularly blood thinners), as some herbal ingredients (Shepherd's Purse, Yarrow, Ginger, Vitamin K) can affect blood clotting.
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Effectiveness for goals

Dosage, timing & forms

Safety & interactions

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) 5000 IU
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) 500 mg
Vitamin K1 (Phytonadione) 150 mcg
Calcium (Calcium Ascorbate) 55 mg
Bioflavonoids (Citrus) 500 mg
Ginger 375 mg
Yarrow (Yarrow) 300 mg
Shepherd's Purse 200 mg
Cranesbill 200 mg
Life Root Aerial Parts Extract (Senecio Aureus Aerial Parts Extract) 150 mg
Gluten Free Vegan Dairy Free Women Women 18–50 Vegetarian
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Categories

The product provides 500mg of Vitamin C in the buffered Calcium Ascorbate form, which is a good dose for immune support and antioxidant benefits, and less acidic for the stomach.
Containing 375mg of Ginger, the product offers a good amount of this ingredient known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
With 5000IU of Vitamin A as Retinyl Palmitate, the product delivers a beneficial dose for vision and immune function.

Goals

Vitamin A (5000IU as Retinyl Palmitate) is crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health. This is a well-dosed and relevant ingredient for this specific goal. However, the overall product safety remains a major concern.
Vitamin K1 (150mcg) and a modest amount of Calcium (55mg from Calcium Ascorbate) are included, both essential for bone mineral density and strength. The presence of a toxic ingredient still makes this product unsuitable.
Ginger is highly effective and well-regarded for its digestive benefits, including reducing nausea and promoting gut motility. This is a strong ingredient for digestive health. However, other herbal ingredients and the overall toxicity concern reduce the viability of the product.
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