Natural Vitality Calm Gummies Review: Do They Really Work?
In today‘s high-stress world, more and more people are seeking natural remedies to help them relax and unwind. One popular option is Natural Vitality Calm gummies, which contain magnesium and other ingredients that supposedly promote a sense of calm. But do these gummies live up to the hype? I tried them for myself to find out.
In this comprehensive Natural Vitality Calm gummies review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on the taste, texture, ingredients, effectiveness, and value of these widely-used chewable supplements. I‘ll also dive into the science behind the key ingredients and provide some comparisons to other leading calm supplements. By the end, you should have all the facts you need to decide if Natural Vitality Calm gummies are worth a try.
About Natural Vitality
Before we jump into reviewing the Calm gummies, let‘s start with some background on the Natural Vitality brand. Founded in 1982 by Peter Gillham, Natural Vitality is a well-established supplement company on a mission to "to provide alternative health solutions to the problems created by stress." Their signature product is Natural Calm, a magnesium-based anti-stress drink mix that comes in a variety of flavors.
Over the years, Natural Vitality has expanded their Calm line to include Calm gummies, capsules, and powders that combine magnesium with complementary ingredients like L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin to target specific needs like sleep, regularity, and muscle relaxation. The Calm products have developed quite the loyal following and received praise from major media outlets like Vogue, Health, and mindbodygreen.
One thing I appreciate about Natural Vitality is their commitment to quality, transparency, and clean ingredients. All of their supplements are non-GMO verified, gluten-free, vegan, and free of artificial colors or flavors. They also do third party testing on every product batch to ensure purity and potency.
The brand has an informative website with detailed info on each product including supplement facts, pricing, reviews, and an FAQ section. They offer a subscribe and save option for 25% off, as well as a 60 day money back guarantee if you‘re not satisfied. Overall, Natural Vitality seems like a responsible brand that takes pride in their products.
Now that we‘ve covered the basics on the brand behind the Calm gummies, let‘s dive into my full review and experience testing them out.
Natural Vitality Calm Gummies Review
First Impressions
I purchased a bottle of the Natural Vitality Calm gummies in the raspberry-lemon flavor from Amazon. The gummies arrived promptly in a plastic bottle with 120 gummies, which is a 30 day supply if you take the max suggested serving of 4 gummies daily.
The packaging is simple but informative, clearly listing the supplement facts and ingredients on the label. I like that it comes with a child-proof cap since these could be mistaken for candy by kids! As soon as I opened the bottle, I could smell the sweet, fruity aroma of the gummies.
Each gummy is a deep red color (from black carrot extract) and coated in organic cane sugar. They‘re a good size – not too big but substantive enough that you only need to take 3-4 for a full serving. Texture-wise, they‘re softer and chewier than a typical gummy vitamin which I found pleasant.
Ingredients and Nutritional Info
The primary active ingredient in the Calm gummies is magnesium (83mg per gummy), which accounts for about 25% of the recommended daily amount. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in hundreds of functions in the body. Some research has found that magnesium may help with relaxation, stress relief, sleep, and regularity.
In addition to magnesium, the gummies contain organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, pectin, citric acid, and natural flavors from organic fruit and vegetable juice (for color). There are no artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes, or preservatives which I always prefer.
Nutritionally, each gummy only has 7 calories, 2g carbs (1g of which are added sugars), and no fat, sodium, or protein. So while they do contain some sugar, the amount is very minimal especially compared to standard gummy candy.
Taste Test
Now for the moment of truth – how do Natural Vitality Calm gummies actually taste? I‘m happy to report that they are delicious! The raspberry-lemon flavor is vibrant, juicy, and refreshing. I could definitely detect both the sweet raspberry and zesty lemon.
The gummies are pleasantly chewy without being too sticky or tough. The organic cane sugar coating adds a nice texture and extra touch of sweetness. I found them very snackable and enjoyable to take compared to swallowing pills or capsules.
While I only tried the raspberry lemon, the Calm gummies also come in other enticing flavors like orange, watermelon, and cherry. The flavor variety is a nice way to keep things interesting if you plan on taking them daily. I would definitely be open to sampling the other flavor options.
Effectiveness (Does It Work?)
I took the Natural Vitality Calm gummies daily for two weeks (4 gummies per day) to test their effects on my mood, stress levels, and sleep quality. Of course, this is just my subjective experience and your results may vary.
After a few days of consistent use, I did notice I was falling asleep a bit faster than usual and waking up less throughout the night. Getting more restful sleep definitely helps with feeling less stressed the next day. By the end of the first week, I felt that my overall mood and ability to deal with daily stressors and anxious thoughts had improved.
The effects were subtle but definitely noticeable, especially when I stopped taking them after the two weeks and I could sense my tension and stress creeping back up. While they‘re certainly not a "magic bullet" that instantly dissolved my stress or anxiety, I would say the gummies made me feel more chill and resilient.
I didn‘t personally experience any negative side effects like digestive discomfort, but it‘s a good idea to start with a lower dose and consult your doctor if you have any medical concerns before adding a new supplement. Magnesium does have a laxative effect in some people in higher doses.
The Science Behind Natural Vitality Calm Gummies
It‘s always a good idea to look at what the research says about the ingredients in a supplement and their purported benefits. Let‘s take a closer look at the science behind the Natural Calm gummies‘ two main ingredients – magnesium and L-theanine.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that acts as a cofactor in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a crucial role in energy production, blood sugar management, nerve and muscle function, bone health, and the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Unfortunately, many people don‘t get enough magnesium through diet alone. Studies estimate that close to 50% of Americans don‘t meet the recommended daily intake (400-420mg for men, 310-320mg for women). Low magnesium levels have been linked with a variety of health issues including migraines, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders.
There‘s a growing body of research suggesting that magnesium may help alleviate anxiety, stress, and insomnia due to its calming effect on the nervous system.
A 2017 review published in the journal Nutrients concluded that "existing evidence is suggestive of a beneficial effect of Mg on subjective anxiety in anxiety vulnerable samples." However, the authors noted that the quality of evidence is poor and more well-designed trials are needed.
Another 2017 review found that magnesium supplementation may improve measures of insomnia such as sleep efficiency, sleep time, and early morning awakening, especially in older adults.
While more research is still needed, the available evidence does suggest that magnesium can have a calming and relaxing effect that may help with stress, anxiety, and sleep in some people, likely due to its role in regulating neurotransmitters like GABA.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea leaves. It‘s gaining popularity as a natural supplement for improving mental focus and promoting relaxation without drowsiness.
L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA which influence mood, sleep, and emotional well-being. It may also reduce levels of excitatory brain chemicals linked to stress and anxiety.
A 2019 review of 9 studies concluded that doses of L-theanine between 200-400mg may assist in the reduction of stress and anxiety in people exposed to stressful conditions. However, the authors cautioned that the results were limited by small sample sizes and varying experimental designs.
Another study found that supplementing with 200mg L-theanine "significantly increased sleep duration and improved sleep quality in boys diagnosed with ADHD."
While L-theanine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, more large-scale human studies are still needed to confirm its stress-busting benefits. From the available research, it seems to be a promising natural compound for promoting mental calm and relaxation.
Are Natural Vitality Calm Gummies Right For You?
Now that we‘ve taken an in-depth look at the key ingredients and potential benefits of Natural Calm gummies, let‘s recap the major pros and cons to help you decide whether they‘re a good fit for your needs:
Pros:
– Delicious, fruity taste with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
– Contain a research-backed dose of calming magnesium (75% RDA per serving)
– Also includes the amino acid L-theanine to further promote relaxation
– Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free
– More fun and enjoyable to take than pills or capsules
– Come in a variety of flavors to suit different preferences
– Reputable, transparent brand with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
– A bit pricey at $30 for a 30 day supply (though you can save with a subscription)
– Contain a small amount of added sugar (4g per serving)
– Some people may not like the soft, chewy texture
– Effects can be subtle and aren‘t a "quick fix" for anxiety or insomnia
– High doses of magnesium may cause digestive side effects like diarrhea in some people
– Not suitable for children without consulting a pediatrician
Ultimately, whether Natural Vitality Calm gummies are right for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you‘re looking for a convenient, tasty way to get your daily magnesium and support a greater sense of calm, these gummies are definitely worth considering.
However, they may not be a great choice if you avoid all added sugars, are on a tight budget, or expect immediate, dramatic results for serious anxiety or sleep issues. It‘s also important to remember that these gummies are meant as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for proven stress management techniques or professional mental health treatment.
If you do decide to give Natural Vitality Calm gummies a try, I recommend starting with a lower dose of 1-2 gummies to make sure you tolerate them well before increasing to the maximum dose of 4 per day. And be sure to pair them with other calming activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature for best results.
The Final Verdict
So, are Natural Vitality Calm gummies as good as the hype? Based on my personal experience and the available scientific research on their ingredients – I believe these fruity, calming chews do live up to their promise of promoting relaxation and positive feelings.
While no supplement is a one-size-fits-all solution, the Calm gummies offer a tasty, natural way to boost your magnesium intake and support a better mood and sounder sleep. The addition of L-theanine is a nice bonus for even more chill vibes.
I appreciate the brand‘s commitment to clean, quality ingredients and transparency about exactly what you‘re getting in each serving. The price per bottle is a bit of an investment, but if you struggle with stress or anxiety the potential benefits may be well worth it.
Since the effects tend to be subtle and gradual, I would recommend trying the Calm gummies consistently for at least a month to really evaluate how they work with your body and notice a difference in your overall sense of well-being. Just be sure to stick to the suggested dose to avoid any digestive discomfort that can come with too much magnesium.
The Natural Vitality Calm gummies have definitely earned a place in my supplement and self-care routine. I think they could be a valuable stress support tool for many people when combined with other healthy lifestyle practices. Of course, it‘s always a good idea to check with your doctor before adding any new supplement if you have a medical condition or take medications.
I hope this detailed review of my experience with the Natural Vitality Calm gummies has been helpful and informative as you decide if they‘re worth trying out for yourself! Here‘s to more blissed out, less stressed out days ahead.
