Soluble supplements that actually work: Experts debunk claims about soluble miracle cures that supposedly stop baldness, snoring and acne

From sublingual vitamins to anti-snoring strips that melt in your mouth, there is now a wide range of dissolvable health products. But do they offer the extra effectiveness that manufacturers claim? CAROLINE JONES asked experts to evaluate some of the latest offerings, which we then rated.

ELIMINATE ACNE

Preserving Beauty by Dissolving ZIt Strips, £18 for six strips, spacenk.com

SAY: These strips are made with “nanodot technology,” meaning the active ingredients (salicylic acid and niacinamide) are broken down into tiny molecules, which the manufacturer says ensures they penetrate the skin three times deeper than standard spot treatments. Hold the strip in place, moisten with a damp cloth, and allow it to dissolve into the skin.

EXPERT VERDICT“Salicylic acid and niacinamide are effective at combating dark spots,” says Dr Maham Khan, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic in London.

‘Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, penetrates the pores and dissolves excess oil and dead skin cells. Niacinamide has strong anti-inflammatory properties, reduces oil production and helps improve the skin barrier.

‘In theory, the smaller molecular size facilitates better penetration into the skin, reaching deeper layers where blemishes can form, but compared to tried-and-true prescription treatments like benzoyl peroxide, these ingredients aren’t as potent and would only be suitable for mild acne or occasional breakouts.’ 7/10

ELECTROLYTE MIXTURE

Humantra Berry Pomegranate Electrolyte Drink, £28 for 20 sachets, humantra.co.uk

SAY: This powder, which contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, chloride and potassium and is dissolved in 500 ml of water, “hydrates four times more effectively than water alone,” claims the manufacturer.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Electrolytes are essential nutrients that play an important role in keeping the body well hydrated,” says Dr Lindsy Kass, a sports scientist and nutritionist at the University of Hertfordshire.

‘They ensure that water reaches our cells and is stored there, and not simply eliminated as waste.

‘But electrolytes are found in many foods, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, so expensive electrolyte powders like this one aren’t needed as most of us will get enough from a normal diet.

‘There is no additional benefit to having them dissolved in water unless you are seriously dehydrated, such as having a severe stomach upset or exercising in very hot conditions, for example.

‘This also contains sodium (i.e. salt), which is linked to high blood pressure and kidney problems, so it’s not good to consume it regularly.’ 4/10

Stop snoring

Snoreeze Snoring Relief Strips, £8 for 14, boots.com

SAY: These mint-flavored strips are said to target “the root cause of snoring” and “moisturize the soft tissue at the back of the throat,” providing relief for up to eight hours. Place one on the roof of your mouth before bed.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Snoring occurs when air flows through relaxed throat tissues, causing them to vibrate as you breathe,” explains Dr Nisa Aslam, a London-based GP. “The strip dissolves in the mouth, so it’s a handy way to administer it. It contains peppermint oil, which could act as a nasal decongestant to make breathing easier, also reducing snoring, and glycerine, which may improve snoring somewhat by providing lubrication to the throat tissues so they vibrate less.

“But I’m not sure this effect will last all night. It also doesn’t address the causes of snoring, such as sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts while you’re asleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can affect your blood pressure and mood.” 6/10

VITAMIN STRIP

Diso M-Vit Soluble Vitamin Strips, £11 for 30 strips, boots.com

SAY: The strips contain multiple vitamins, including vitamin C “for body growth and repair” and vitamin B for energy and “ensuring healthy red blood cells,” and minerals such as magnesium, “a muscle relaxer that is good for the head (both mentally and physically) and prevents constipation.” They “dissolve quickly in the mouth.”

EXPERT VERDICT: “The idea is that these vitamins are absorbed ‘transmucosally,’ meaning they pass directly through the thin lining of the mouth into the bloodstream,” says Aidan Goggins, a pharmacist and independent consultant to the supplements industry.

‘Unlike most oral vitamins, they bypass the gut, which in theory means they are absorbed faster and more completely since they don’t have to compete with food in the digestive system.

‘A substance called “pullulan” is used, which helps the strip dissolve quickly in the mouth, releasing the active nutrients.

‘But to be fully absorbed through the mouth, it needs to be in contact with a mucous membrane (the tissue that lines the inside of the cheek, or under the tongue, rather than on it, where most vitamins will simply be swallowed with saliva and absorbed in the standard way in the gut.

‘The vitamin content is also low, and nowhere near the amounts or spectrum of nutrients you’d get in most multivitamin pills.

And it’s expensive: a month’s supply costs £11, compared with £6.60 for a six-month supply of Boots’ own-brand multivitamins. 3/10

HELPS MENTAL ACUITY

Bodyhealth H2 Infuse Molecular Hydrogen, £54.49 for 60 tablets, health.com

SAY: Dissolved in water up to three times a day, these tablets “provide potent concentrations of hydrogen” that “enhance cognitive acuity,” the manufacturer claims.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Hydrogen can activate the cells’ own antioxidant response, known as Nrf2, which switches on over 250 genes to protect and revitalise our cells, keeping us healthier from head to toe,” says Aidan Goggins.

‘Nrf2 activity decreases with age (it can be halved by age 40), so stimulating it could have many benefits for the body.

‘Early research supports the theory that hydrogen-enriched water activates Nrf2, but we need to confirm this and determine the optimal dosage and frequency of consumption.

‘It’s worth noting that although water already contains hydrogen, it’s not in a form that the body can absorb. But these tablets, added to water, produce hydrogen particles small enough to penetrate cells, giving them a gentle workout.

‘To save money, use it just once a day (you’ll get enough hydrogen) or exercise regularly and follow a Mediterranean-style diet. Both options have the same effect.’ 5/10

PREVENT TOOTH CARIES

Superteeth Dental Probiotics, £29.69 for 60 tablets, health.com

SAY: These sugar-free, fast-dissolving probiotics (i.e., they contain beneficial bacteria), used immediately after brushing, create “an environment in which harmful bacteria have a hard time thriving,” the manufacturer says. Dissolve one tablet in your mouth once or twice a day.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Some studies suggest that using alcohol-based mouthwashes could kill off ‘good’ and protective bacteria in the mouth, allowing ‘bad’ bacteria to flourish and lead to poor oral health in the long term,” says Jasmine Piran, a dentist in London.

‘This product contains three strains of beneficial bacteria: Lactobacillus paracasei (thought to stop bacterial “biofilm” on teeth), Streptococcus salivarius (potentially anti-inflammatory on gums), and Lactobacillus reuteri (possibly helpful in combating gum disease).

‘Research on dental probiotics is in its early stages, but using a product like this won’t do any harm and may prevent gum disease and cavities, as long as the ingredients are given enough time in your mouth to work before being washed away by saliva.’

‘Follow the manufacturer’s advice not to eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards to allow beneficial bacteria a chance to colonise your mouth.’ 8/10

STRENGTHENS HAIR

Philip Kingsley Vitamin C Jelly, £30 for four sachets, philipkingsley.co.uk

SAY: Adding water to this powder sachet creates a gelatinous consistency that removes impurities from your hair and leaves it “soft and strong.” Use before shampoo and conditioner, every two to three weeks.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Two of the key ingredients, panthenol and betaine, are common humectants already used in thousands of shampoos and conditioners,” says Eva Proudman, trichologist and founder of UK Hair Consultants.

‘However, the amount of vitamin C in this product is not insignificant, and there is good research showing that vitamin C can prevent follicle damage, stimulate hair growth, and protect the hair and scalp from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, produced by pollution, UV rays from the sun, and an imbalanced scalp microbiome.

‘Jelly is a novel introduction, but other products are more cost-effective, such as Aveda’s Botanical Repair Treatment, which contains vitamin C and similar conditioning ingredients (£30 for 100g, compared to £30 for just 20g here).’ 5/10