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Care/of sells tailored supplements based on answers to a health quiz. A person can buy the products singly or via monthly subscription.
This article explores the Care/of brand and its reputation, including what it offers, alternatives, and the benefits and risks of taking vitamins and other supplements.
Care/of halting operations
Care/of states that it is canceling all subscriptions as of June 17, 2024, and will no longer be accepting new orders. Check out our top picks for the best personalized vitamins here.
Established in 2016, the company is headquartered in New York. In November 2020, Bayer announced a majority stake.
Care/of offers personalized recommendations for vitamins and supplements to customers who complete a 5-minute quiz.
People can purchase one-off items or choose a subscription that automatically renews.
Reviews and reputation
At the time of publication, Care/of had an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Around 80% of the reviews awarded the company five stars.
Positive reviews mention convenience, while negative reviews report incorrect orders and shipping problems.
The company claims to be fully transparent about the research behind every product. It also acknowledges that there is not always scientific evidence to support the use of each product.
Moreover, Care/of claims to be open about its supply chain. It says it uses high-quality, effective, and sustainable ingredients.
It uses this grading system:
- Traditionally used: This means that the ingredient has use in traditional or herbal medicine.
- Very strong research: Many reputable studies support the ingredient’s use.
- Strong research: Some high-quality studies demonstrate the ingredient’s efficacy.
- Good research: Not many high-quality studies support the ingredient’s use, or not much evidence is available.
- Emerging research: There is limited up-to-date evidence.
- Limited research: There is very limited evidence of the ingredient’s efficacy.
The company also says that it tests its products before, during, and after manufacturing — but there is no mention of third-party testing.
Care/of sells these products:
- Vitamins: Among these are “letter vitamins,” such as A, B, and C, as well as multivitamins and prenatal vitamins.
- Minerals: It sells iron, zinc, and magnesium, as well as “calcium plus,” which includes vitamins D and K2.
- Herbal supplements: Examples include American ginseng, elderberry, garlic, and turmeric.
- Probiotics: The company claims that its probiotics regulate the digestive system.
- Specialty supplements: These include fish oil, keratin, and ceramide.
- Quick Sticks: These are individually packaged vitamin powders to take on the go. A person empties the contents of the packet directly into their mouth, and allows the contents to dissolve before swallowing.
Care/of asks people to fill out a quiz on its website to help determine which vitamins and supplements would be best.
It asks about:
Care/of app
The company’s app can help a person:
- track their vitamins and supplements
- find out how the products work
- manage their orders
- receive new recommendations as their circumstances change
The company’s service may suit people looking for advice about supplements, and the subscription function may be convenient.
In addition, a person may appreciate the company claims about transparency concerning ingredients and the evidence to support their use. Care/of has a scientific advisory board of healthcare professionals who develop the products.
Benefits of a personalized vitamin services may include:
- Ease: A customer who subscribes receives automatic shipments on a regular basis.
- Convenience: Also, the vitamins come in individual packages, so people may be less likely to forget to take a daily dose.
- Variety: The wide range may help a person find a supplement that they might not have considered otherwise.
The
Taking vitamins and supplements carries risks, including:
- A lack of regulation: The
FDA does not regulate vitamin and supplement manufacturers. This means that companies do not have to submit evidence of the efficacy of their products. - A lack of benefits: As
research confirms, some supplements offer no benefits and could pose a risk to health. - Misleading health claims: A 2006 government investigation found that companies offering personalized vitamins may make misleading health claims.
- Excess vitamin intake: The American Society for Nutrition cautions that taking any supplement could increase the likelihood of consuming more than the recommended daily allowance of that nutrient, which could cause health problems.
- The products are not doctor recommended:The results of an online quiz should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. The FDA recommends consulting a doctor before taking any supplement.
- Cost: Personalized vitamin services can be more expensive than other options.
A 2021 review of studies found that vitamin supplements do not have cardiovascular benefits, for example. The authors of the review state that a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet are more beneficial.
Other personalized vitamin brands include:
- Ritual: This vegan-friendly company sells multivitamins based on a person’s age and biological sex.
- Rootine: This company asks people to complete a lifestyle quiz and offers an optional home DNA test for more personalized results.
- Baze: Customers receive an at-home blood test. Baze then analyzes this and offers personalized advice based on the results.
- vitafive: This company sells gummy vitamins for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.
People might also consider multivitamins. These contain commonly supplemented vitamins and minerals in a single pill that a person takes once or twice a day.
Comparison at a glance
Care/of | Ritual | Rootine | Baze | vitafive | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Products offered | vitamins, minerals, probiotics, herbal supplements, specialty supplements, and on-the-go supplements | multivitamins and protein shakes | personalized multivitamins | vitamins, minerals, and specialty supplements | vitamin gummies and specialty gummies |
Assessment type | online quiz | — | blood test and cheek swab | blood test | — |
Cost | $5–35 per product per month | $20—75 per product | DNA and blood test bundle for around $178, then around $70 per month | around $200 for the blood test, then $20–40 per month | around $13 per product |
Shipping | Ships to: U.S. and verified Canadian addresses Cost: Canadian orders pay a $6 handling fee. | Ships to: U.S. and Canada Cost: Free | Ships to: U.S. Cost: Free | Ships to: U.S. Cost: Free | Ships to: U.S. Cost: Free for orders over $20 |
A person should consider their budget when looking for the best personalized vitamin service. Some companies may offer “premium” products at an extra cost, but this does not necessarily mean they are more beneficial.
Also, check customer reviews on independent websites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
And it may help to look on the company’s website for disclosures regarding safety and testing. Meanwhile, the effects of ingredients such as dyes may outweigh the potential benefits of the supplements.
New customers may also want to consider:
- whether there is a trial period
- the availability of customer service
- the ease of canceling or changing a subscription
Below we answer some common questions about Care/of.
Are Care/of vitamins expensive?
The company’s products may be relatively affordable, compared with products of similar companies. A customer can expect to pay $5–35 each month.
Where is Care/of located?
The company is headquartered in New York, and it has a research, development, and supply office in Vermont.
How do I contact Care/of?
A person can contact Care/of by:
- Telephone: 877-227-3631
- Email: hello@takecareof.com
- Post: 75 Varick Street, New York, New York 10013
Care/of has a personalized supplement subscription service, but a person can also make one-off orders. A person can take an online quiz to receive advice about what to order.
A person may want to consider the benefits and risks of taking supplements and using this type of service before making a purchase.
The FDA recommends consulting a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement.
Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any mobile device applications. These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy by Medical News Today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.