See what Mumsnet testers thought of new oral supplement sprays from BetterYou

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who tested products from BetterYou’s new range of oral supplement sprays, for hair, skin & nails, conception, pregnancy and children’s health.

Here’s what BetterYou has to say: “BetterYou is an innovative natural health company specialising in the supplementation of the growing number of key nutrients lost through our dramatically changing diet and lifestyle. Our products stand alone in the marketplace by their unique levels of quality and effectiveness.

BetterYou specialises in the supplementation of those nutrients that have become underrepresented or simply omitted due to our modern diet and lifestyles. Each and every product is developed and formulated to overcome absorption challenges typically presented by traditional delivery methods.

In response to the growing concerns around plastic production and recycling, BetterYou has spent the last 2 years developing a range of recycled and carbon-negative packaging solutions that enables us to drastically reduce our impact on the environment. We are adopting environmental firsts within our industry, and the world...”

More on each product in the range can be found below:

Conception
Conception Oral Spray is an expert blend of seven essential nutrients to support fertility and prepare the body for pregnancy.

Pregnancy
BetterYou Pregnancy Oral Spray is an non-nausea formulation of six essential nutrients to support you and your baby during pregnancy.

Children’s Health
BetterYou Children’s Health Daily Oral Spray provides an expert blend of seven key nutrients that are essential in supporting your child’s immune health, bone growth and psychological development.

Hair, Skin & Nails
BetterYou Hair, Skin & Nails is an expert blend of seven essential nutrients to support the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails.

Testers, please give your feedback on this thread by answering the questions below, as well as completing the short survey we’ve emailed you.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?
2. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?
3. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?
4. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tested the children’s sprays & the hair, skin & nails. My initial thoughts were how convenient they are, especially for the kids, just a squirt and it’s done! No fuss!

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

The kids didn’t like the taste of their sprays, they said it didn’t taste like raspberry like they were expecting, I also found the same with the hair, nails & skin spray, it tasted nothing like the flavours listed, it was almost sour tasting.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

So much more convenient that swallowing or chewing and much easier than having to dissolve in water!

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes I’d use them until they run out, but I wouldn’t repurchase

...just adding; it didn't occur to me to google 'betteryou', d'oh! I've never heard of them. I've been to the website now and can see there is a multi vit with a reasonable range of vit's in there. At £9.99 that's the upper limit of what I would pay but it's not beyond. if you can take tablets, that would be cheaper and there would be a broader range of vits, however, the hard tablets give me stomach problems and I can't take gelatine capsules as I am vegetarian. No mention of Madeleine Shaw on the site either - I'm off to google her now though I suspect whoever she is she is unnecessary. I'd rather know about the absorption research conducted at Cardiff University. Sorry Madeleine. I'm sure you are very lovely in real life.

I tried the Conception spray. I was really excited to try it as I've been using their Vit D spray for a while and I really like that. I'm also bored of taking vitamin pills while TTC so it was brilliant to see a spray for the first time.

I don't really like the flavour of the spray - it's so incredibly sweet!! Not great if I use it just before bed. The Vit D one is a nice subtle mint flavour - I much prefer this.

In the past I have used Pregnacare, and Seven Seas Conception vitamins. I have also tried buying the vitamins separately to get the doses that I want of each nutrient. It would be useful if the ingredients could be printed on the spray itself - they are on the box but I chucked this out when it arrived. I feel as though Pregnacare has a larger variety of vitamins in it, but I am happy to use the spray as the tablets can be huge and difficult to swallow. I really like the way you've included some iron in it.

I think I will continue to use the Conception Spray when it is available to buy. I will probably keep going with some additional Vit D (Better You spray again) at the same time as I like to take 2-3000 units per day, and there is only 1000 units in the Conception spray.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Pregnancy. I wanted to try a multivitamins but was a bit afraid of the side effects for nausea and stomach aches. I was quite excited to try something so easy to absorb, so I didn't have to compromise

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

I liked it! It feels fresh and perfect for the mornings after breakfast

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I like the fact that is small and you can take it around with you, and seems easier to absorb from the body without the side effects. I really want to tell everyone as it is a major change for pregnancy vitamins! I think it would be really good to provide tests and results to show the absorption of the formula vs pills for peace of mind, especially during a particular time like pregnancy.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes! And also will tell everyone ;)

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Hair skin and nails, and children’s health. I thought it looked really high quality and appealing.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

They were fine, quite artificial but that’s to be expected. Certainly not unpleasant, and my little one likes the children’s one.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I think it’s absolutely great for little ones. My toddler finds the spritz really amusing and loves getting her daily spritz. For adults, I’m not sure the format is any better than say pills.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes!

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tested the conception spray. I thought the packaging looked really high end and I was interested about the flavour and how the spray would work and be applied.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

The flavour of this was so delicious! I actually ended up using it after dinner when I wanted something 'sweet' because it really did taste that good!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I much prefer a spray to taking tablets. It is so much easier and I also think it is more 'fun' so would be great for kids to have this option as well.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes I will certainly continue using this spray.

The only point I would make is that, as someone who has and is struggling to conceive, it can feel a bit misleading that the spray is called conception. It almost made me feel like 'take this spray and poof! You'll get pregnant!' which of course, is not the case. I think it would be more beneficial to describe the spray as something like 'conception support' or 'conception health'

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Children’s and hair skin and nails. Initial thoughts were great packaging, really impressed with the dosage per bottle.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

Lovely, I tried the children’s one too and it’s nicer than the HS&N one but both pleasant and my children LOVE IT!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Really great, super easy. The children seem to take forever to chew and eat their gummies so it’s a thumbs up from me!

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Absolutely! Looking forward to seeing the price as that would be the only thing that would put me off if it costs a lot more than what we currently use. But brilliant concept and really impressed. Thanks for letting us try.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

We tried the Hair, Skin and Nails spray and the Children's Health spray. The packaging looks very nice, especially with the gold details on the Hair, Skin and Nails which makes it look very polished. The bottles are a good size and easy to use. I think the details on what's actually in the spray could be clearer on the packaging. The percentages of NRV seem really odd - for the kids there is nothing near 100% except vitamin D which is 400% (great right now what with it being winter and vitamin D being recommended for fighting covid and I might buy it for that alone if the kids liked it as I can't get the BetterYou kids vitamin D standalone spray anywhere!) For the skin, hair and nails percentages go from 1000% biotin to just 20% zinc. I'd feel like I needed to supplement the supplement if I were taking this alone.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

As I like neither peaches or mangoes, I wasn't convinced I was going to like the Skin, Hair and Nails spray at all but it's not as bad as I imagined. It's very strong and combined with the slightly slimy feel to the liquid isn't really enticing. The kids were OK with the Raspberry flavour of their spray but didn't like the feeling of having it sprayed into their mouths. They much prefer their gummies.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I think sprays are much easier to take than tablets as there is no need to find a drink, it can just be taken there and then. I already use the BetterYou Vitamin D spray as I get SAD so I was used to the delivery method but a bit put off by needing 4 sprays of each into the mouth as the Vitamin D spray is done in 1. 4 was certainly more than the kids were willing to put up with. The vitamin D spray only need 1 spray and seems thinner and fresher. 4 sprays with the skin, hair and nails when it's so gloopy isn't as nice.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

We'll definitely not continue with the Children's spray as neither of the kids liked the feeling of the spray and 4 sprays was more than they were willing to put up with so we'll be going back to their chewy gummies. While I love my BetterYou Vit D spray with it's fresh, mint flavour, I find the Skin, Hair and Nails version just too thick and gloopy, I'm not keen on the flavour and I find 4 sprays to be too much. I try to do 2 on each cheek but for some reason my right is more tickly than my left. I love being able to take it on the go and if it had the taste, consistency and dosage of my Vit D spray, I'd swap in a heartbeat. So, sorry, but I guess that means no to both but it is definitely this spray that puts me off rather than sprays in general so with a bit of tinkering, I could be won over. I'm going to carry on taking my spray until it's used up as I've not had a chance to see if it makes any difference to my hair, skin and nails yet and that was the main reason I wanted to try it. If I really do get my glow back in a couple of weeks then I may decide the flavour and texture are worth it after all.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Tried hair, skin and nails and children's.

Packaging was nice, good quality, I liked the booklet that was supplied explaining the products. I had to squint a bit to read some of the writing on the bottle.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

They were nice, the hair one is mango and peach, the children's is raspberry. DS (7) liked the flavour.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

It was very easy to use, DS could administer his own. Absorbance through the membranes in the mouth is probably a good way of getting things into the body.

The novelty was popular.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Until they run out! I would buy the children's one as DS is fussy and trying to find a vitamin he will take is a challenge. The other one I'll probably stick to a more complete formula multivitamin.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tried the Conception. At first I thought why would anyone need a spray, but then after a few days I thought this was much easier than having to get a glass of water to take my usual folic acid.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

I thought it was too sweet, a bit like those sour sweets you can get that make you pull a face after eating them!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

It was good, I liked the convenience of it. Not sure how much I trust it compared to my usual conception/folic acid tablet though.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing? Yes, might as well use it up :)

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tested the pregnancy spray, i thought the idea of getting your pregnancy vitamins this way is a great idea especially in those early morning sickness days!

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

Its nice and minty and doesnt leave much of an after taste if used throughout the day, however a few times i sprayed just before bed and had an awful taste in my mouth for my many bathroom trips (probably because of lack of eating and drinking in the night) for this reason the taste is far more enjoyable in the day.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Theres something about it being sooo easy that makes you feel like surely it can't pack as many good things into it as a big tablet does. I would be interested to see some research showing its absorption rate compared to a leading brand pregnancy vitamin. If it compared the same then this hands down is the best suppliment available.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes, i will continue to use what i have left. I have other sprays by this brand and i guess you just have to put your faith in brands that the product does what they claim especially with products like this were there is nothing measurable to show you its working or not. Ive found it far less of a chore than the large tablet i was taking beforehand.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

We tested the Hair, Nails and Skin and the Children’s Health.

We liked the packaging. The kids were excited to use a spray. I was keen to use a spray as I have a sensitive stomach.

2. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

We loved the flavours. I really enjoy the fruity flavour of orange, mango and peach although sometimes if I had it after I cleaned my teeth it felt overly sweet.

The kids enjoyed the flavour - they thought it tasted of oranges... but the flavour isn’t described on the bottle. They said it was a delicious flavour!

3. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Have not tried spray formulations before.

4. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

I have since discovered Better You Iron spray so I think I might use that instead of the hair nails and skin spray as that is more important to me as I’m very anaemic and can’t take normal supplements.

4 sprays a day is quite a lot which puts me off a little bit. Would it be possible to have the Hair, Nails and Skin as a single spray? I’d also have to continue the spray and see if I notice a difference in my nails, hair and skin as I’ve only been using it for 10 days and think it is too soon to see a difference.

The kids spray....I’m not sure. My youngest child (8) prefers the gummy vitamins that we always use so didn’t try the trial spray for long. My eldest (11) liked the spray and would like to continue. But I threw the box away and have no idea which vitamins are in the spray which is a bit frustrating. If I could find out the quantities of the vitamins, I might consider it for him.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I was selected to test the pregnancy product. My initial thoughts were intrigue as I hadn’t heard of this sort of thing as a spray before. I eagerly read the box and was pleasantly surprised to see the spray contained so many nutrients.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

Having been suffering with hyperemesis gravidarium, my nausea and sickness is worse than most people. I can’t say I liked the flavour of it, however I didn’t mind it. It was fine to use but I think it would be good to see the product available in different flavours.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

For me, it’s much better. I often struggle to keep vitamins down, and had lots of issues in my first trimester trying to not vomit my folic acid. This spray solves that problem for me as I don’t actually have a tablet to throw up.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Definitely. I am concerned I am not getting enough of the right nutrients and this seems an easy way to increase that. I’m really happy I was selected to try this product as I have peace of mind I am now having the nutritional support.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tested hair, skin and nails and children's health also.
Initial thoughts were interesting...like the boxed packaging and bottles. Thought I would really like to try this and I knew my daughter would love to try the kids one.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

I didn't like the flavour of the hair, skin and nails at all. The taste just seemed too artificial for me.

My daughter on the other hand with hers loved the flavour of it!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I certainly like the convenience it is easier to spray one into your mouth a few times rather than popping a pill.

Daughter loved it...i think because it is a bit of a gimmick...she wanted to take hers into school (incase she forgets to spray it in the morning...in other words to show it off).

For me, I am happier taking a supplement in the form of a pill. Now I do buy kids multivitamins which are chewable but my kids can't swallow tablets so at some point sprays may come in.

I also wonder about the price difference between multi vitamins for example and sprays.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Yes we will definitely finish using these sprays. You never know if my hair growth improves I may want to re write this whole review to sing its praises! Too early really to review whether it works!

Thanks so much for choosing us we have both (adult & child) enjoyed it

1. Which product/s from the range did you test?

Hair, Skin and Nails / Children's Health

What were your initial thoughts?
The packaging looks very smart, definitely a bit of a step up from my usual supermarket or Basset-brand vitamins. It was good to see that the plastic bottle is plant based. I agree with a previous comment that it would be good to have more details on the bottle itself, I threw away the cardboard outer and now have no idea what I am taking. I wasn't aware of Madeleine Shaw so I had to go and google her! Liked her website though, some nice recipes.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

My daughter liked the children's one and so did I. I really disliked the taste of hair, skin and nails supplement to the extent that I have to take it with water!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

It is much easier than swallowing some of the quite large tablets that adult vitamins seem to come in. My children are quite keen on the gummy format sadly, they think they are more like sweets.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Dependent on price, I would be keen to keep using both sprays. Whilst I am not overly fond of the flavour of the hair, skin and nails, it is very convenient. Last thing at night, it is so quick and easy and I keep water on hand for nighttime anyhow. I prefer the spray for the children as they do tend to keep the gummy vitamins in their mouth for a long time, and I worry for their teeth!

1. Which product/s from the range did you test?

Conception spray What were your initial thoughts? Nice sized bottle, could put in changing bag or handbag. Easy to use instead of taking tablet forms.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried? I didn’t mind the flavour at all. It tastes a lot better than some tablets I’ve taken in the past. It was actually a nice flavour.
2. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past? Quick and so easy to use. 4 sprays and your done rather than fiddling about taking different tablet forms.
3. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing? Yes I would happily buy this as it’s so much easier to use.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tested the conception one. I felt it had a pleasant taste and made taking vitamins enjoyable. I was also pleased to see there was vitamin D and iron included in the product.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

I quite liked it. It is fruity and sweet. I imagine if you didn't like sweet flavours you would perhaps find it too sweet.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you've tried in the past?

I enjoyed it, I have no issues taking tablets but they can feel like more of a chore to take whereas the spray was a pleasure.

1. Do you plan to continue to use the spray/s you've been testing?

Yes, definitely.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts? The Hair, Skin and Nails one and the Childrens one
2. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried? Really nice and my kids loved their one
3. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past? Great, so much easier than tablet vitamins or effervescent ones, no water needed, will definitely buy in future. My kids loved the spray novelty of their one, I usually give them chewy gum vitamins, I would however probably stick to chewy gum ones after as is slightly easier for me to pop on their breakfast plate than spray their mouths given i have 3 of them but would certainly consider getting the spray again for them.
4. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing? Yes definitely

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Hair Skin & Nails, and the Children's Health. I thought the products were well packaged and it looked very appealing and easy to use.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried? My child seems to like the taste of the children's spray (or at least there were no objections!) We had used the children's VitD spray by BetterYou in the past, so a squirt in the mouth was not a new experience, and the taste seemed to pass muster.

My initial reaction to the Hair Skin & nails spray was that it tasted lovely- however this was a fleeting experience as the aftertaste was unpleasant. Nor only was it metallic tasting and lingering, it made the back of my throat feel quite tingly and uncomfortable. I've taken to using it right before I eat breakfast now, so that some scratchy toast can get to work on removing the coating from my mouth and throat.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past? I have always used Better You VitD for adults and never experienced the same aftertaste, so I would say that the Hair/Skin/ Nails formulation was worse for me. However, I do find the spray format- in general- easier to remember / follow through with than taking pills. I'll sometimes think 'oh time for a vitamin pill' but be in the wrong part of the house to go and fetch a glass of water, so I won't bother #lazy. Keeping the spray on my bedside table has been great for ensuring I have no excuses!

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing? We will finish our bottles- I will definitely repurchase the Children's Health one. The jury is still out on the Hair variety- I really need to ascertain whether I can get past the unpleasant sensation it leaves in my mouth

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Pregnancy vitamins, I liked the packaging and was interested in finding an alternative way to get something nutritious because food is a struggle right now.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

It was unbearably sweet but I do have morning sickness which makes everything taste horrible.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I prefer a tablet, the spray made me gag.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Maybe when the sickness eases, I can’t manage it currently.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I was lucky enough to receive both the Children’s Health and the Hair Skin and Nails vitamin sprays. Initial thoughts were that these are a very good way of quickly getting ( and remembering to take) extra vitamins this winter..

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

Both sprays tasted good! Child was very happy having the Child spray, and said it tasted yummy!

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Much much better ! I was already using BetterYou Vitamin D and B sprays, purchased before the Mumsnet trial. I have previously bought vitamin tablets..and never got into the habit of taking them regularly. These sprays are different for some reason, and I can spray and go!

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Absolutely yes! Thank you! Hoping to see good results of the Hair Skin and Nails spray in the next few weeks too.

1. Which product/s from the range did you test?

Children’s Health and Hair, Skin & Nails

What were your initial thoughts?
It was strange to use a spray as its not something ive ever used before

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

It was okay not the best

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Its easy to take but i am not sure how effective it is.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

No as the taste is not good

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

Pregnancy, I was rather dubious anout this as how can a spray provide you with these benefits.packaging was noce tho and encouraging

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

Nice minty fresh flavour

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

Much easier and quicker than a tablet.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

I think I would, I do still worry the vitamins aren't getting in my system but I also think thats just a mind issue that I will get over.
It would be interesting to see the retail pric

1. Which product/s from the range did you test? What were your initial thoughts?

I tried the conception daily oral spray. I thought the packaging was lovely and very compact.

1. What did you think of the flavour of the spray/s you tried?

The flavour was pomegranate, it was very sweet (a little too sweet for me) but faded quite quickly. The aftertaste was iron like which hung around for a while but didn’t bother me too much.

1. How would you compare spray supplementation to other formats you’ve tried in the past?

I have been taking separate individual supplements before trying this which can be a little much, this made it quite a bit easier to take everything altogether. I also found the iron to not irritate my stomach like the tablets do which is great. I usually have to take liquid iron with orange juice.

1. Do you plan on continuing to use the spray/s you’ve been testing?

Once available I will probably look out for it and buy it.

I tested the Conception spray.

Given I've only been using for a few weeks, I can't report on the effectiveness unfortunately!

I found the taste a little too much personally. It was fruity, which I liked, but very sweet, overwhelmingly so. I would have preferred it to be more citrussy and refreshing rather than indeterminate sweet fruit.

I actually found the feel in my mouth quite odd - it felt syrupy and coated the inside of my mouth, which given the taste I found a little too much. It made me want to have a drink or rinse my mouth, but presumably doing so straight after taking would somewhat defeat the object!

I found the spray to be ok to use, and can see why it would be beneficial to those who struggle with tablets, or uncooperative children! I was hoping I would find keeping a spray next to the bed would help me with taking vitamins regularly supposed to having to remember to take a tablet, but in reality it made little difference and I had to activelt remember to take each day.

I'm not 100% convinced a simple spray in the mouth could be effective as tablets, but certainly think it was worth a try.

I would contemplate continuing using the spray, but would be interested to know the cost. I already avoid expensive conception vitamins in favour of the same formulation from a supermarket usually, and imagine the spray would be at the top end of the vitamin price range.