2026 update: I originally published this Vital Factors review in 2011. Since then, the formula, supplement label, pricing, and some of the company’s marketing claims have changed. I have updated the relevant sections while preserving my original review and observations. The maker of Vital Factors asks an interesting question: What if you could turn back the hands of time and regain the energy and vitality you had 20 years ago? This is one of the statements made for MDR Vital Factors, an antioxidant supplement touted to help slow the aging process and help give you more energy. On the infomercial for the product – called Health science Update they actually call Vital Factors “Your fountain of youth”. It’s been a while since I've seen the phrase “fountain of youth” used for a supplement on TV. So in case you were wondering if Vital Factors really could “turn back the hands of time”, I wanted to review it and hopefully answer some of your questions.
Quick Answer: Does Vital Factors Really Work?
Vital Factors provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and nicotinamide riboside, which the company calls Super NAD+. Some of these ingredients have useful research behind them. However, I could not find a published human clinical trial testing the complete Vital Factors formula. The amounts of several of its most heavily promoted ingredients are hidden inside a 3.52 g proprietary blend. Vital Factors may help people who need some of its nutrients, but the available evidence does not prove that the complete supplement improves energy or slows aging.
What Is MDR?
Update: MDR currently says it has made nutritional formulas since 1984 and describes itself as having “42 years of clinical expertise.” The company still lists MDR Fitness Corp. at 14101 NW 4th Street, Sunrise, Florida. However, that does not necessarily mean Vital Factors itself has been tested in clinical trials.
MDR is the company that makes Vital Factors. MDR stands for Medical Doctors Research Group. When I originally reviewed Vital Factors, the company said it had been in business for more than 27 years. Despite its long history, I did not find clinical studies testing the complete Vital Factors supplement.
The Vital Factors Infomercial
Historical note: This section describes the Vital Factors infomercial I watched when I originally reviewed the supplement in 2011. The company’s current website uses different marketing, although Pat Boone still appears as a longtime customer and spokesperson.
The infomercial for MDR Vital Factors I watched was called “Health Science Update. It was your basic talk show format and had 3 people:
1. John Early – the host of the infomercial. I couldn't turn up much on him.
2. Dr Art Jansik. He is called a “physician and athlete” in the infomercial. Dr. Jansik is a chiropractor in Florida. He’s also a pretty fast racewalker from the videos I saw of him on the web.
3. Pat Riley. In the infomercial, Pat is called “a scientist, nutritionist and founder of MDR”. According to her LinkedIn profile, Pat has a BS degree in “Food science/nutrition/chemistry” from the University of Florida in 1976. She is also the CEO and founder of a cosmetics company called Clientele.
Entertainer Pat Boone is also seen in the Infomercial. He says he is 12 years younger because of the nutrients he takes. Unfortunately Pat doesn't say how doctors determined he was 12 years younger. Several other celebrity testimonials are given as well.
Pat Riley says in the infomercial, “People feel rejuvenated and much younger.” But those are just testimonials. Has MDR tested people to see if taking Vital Factors helps people grow younger? I don’t know.
Pat also says at one point in the commercial that there is a “patent on one of the most important ingredients in the Vital Factors formula,”- but she does not say which ingredient that is.
Vital Factors Ingredients
Formula update: I originally reviewed Vital Factors in 2011. The product’s ingredient label and marketing have changed since then. This updated review distinguishes the current formula from the version originally evaluated.
According to its website, Vital Factors has 22 calories in 2 tablets and the following ingredients.
| Ingredient or label item | 2011 formula | Current formula |
|---|---|---|
| Serving size | 2 tablets | 2 tablets |
| Calories | 22 | 24 |
| Total carbohydrates | 0.284 g | 0.48 g |
| Sodium | 386 mg | 274 mg |
| Vitamin A | 100 IU | 30 mcg RAE, as retinyl palmitate |
| Vitamin C | 100 mg | 100 mg, as L-ascorbic acid |
| Vitamin D3 | Not listed | 12.5 mcg, or 500 IU, as cholecalciferol |
| Vitamin E | 10 IU, mixed tocopherols | 10 mg, as d-alpha-tocopherol acetate |
| Vitamin B1 | 3 mg | 3 mg, from thiamin hydrochloride |
| Vitamin B2 | 3.4 mg | 3.4 mg, as riboflavin |
| Niacin | 24 mg | 24 mg, as niacinamide |
| Vitamin B6 | 8 mg | 6 mg, from pyridoxine |
| Folate | 200 mcg folic acid | 200 mcg DFE |
| Vitamin B12 | 200 mcg | 200 mcg, as methylcobalamin |
| Biotin | 50 mcg | 50 mcg |
| Pantothenic acid | 2 mg | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 50 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg | 60 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg | 20 mcg |
| Potassium | 300 mg | 330 mg |
| Lycopene | 2 mg, listed separately | Included in proprietary blend; amount not disclosed |
| Tocotrienols | 10 mg, listed separately | Not listed |
| Proprietary blend | 2.27 g | 3.52 g |
| ↳ L-glutamine | Present | Present |
| ↳ Arginine | Present | Present as L-arginine hydrochloride |
| ↳ Lysine | Present | Present as L-lysine hydrochloride |
| ↳ Nicotinamide riboside chloride | Not listed | Present; marketed as “Super NAD+” |
| ↳ Glycine | Present | Present |
| ↳ Monk fruit extract | Not listed | Present |
| ↳ Grape skin extract | Present | Present; standardized to 40% resveratrol |
| ↳ Coenzyme Q10 | Present | Present |
| ↳ Grape seed extract | Present | Present; standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins |
| ↳ Soy isoflavones | Present | Present |
| ↳ Green tea extract | Present | Present; identified as containing EGCG |
| ↳ Fucoidan 85% | Present | Not listed under that name |
| ↳ Laminaria japonica seaweed | Not listed under that name | Present; standardized to 80% polysaccharides |
| ↳ Resveratrol | Present | Present as ResVida resveratrol |
| ↳ Superoxide dismutase and catalase | Present | Present from Extramel melon extract |
| ↳ Lycopene | Not included in the blend; listed separately at 2 mg | Included in the blend; amount not disclosed |
| ↳ Ornithine | Present | Present as L-ornithine hydrochloride |
| ↳ Lotus seed extract | Present | Present |
| ↳ Calcium D-glucarate | Present | Not listed |
Nicotinamide Riboside and “Super NAD+”
The current Vital Factors formula contains nicotinamide riboside chloride, which the label calls Super NAD+. Nicotinamide riboside, usually shortened to NR, is not NAD+ itself. It is a form of vitamin B3 that the body can use to make NAD+, a substance involved in cellular energy production and many other biological processes.
Human studies show that NR supplements can raise NAD+ levels, but that does not automatically mean they slow aging, improve energy, or produce other noticeable health benefits. Another limitation is that Vital Factors hides the NR amount inside its 3.52 g proprietary blend, so we cannot compare its dose with the amounts used in clinical trials.
I have reviewed NR and NAD+ research extensively. See my nicotinamide riboside and NAD+ video playlist for a closer look at the evidence.
Sodium
Why is there so much sodium in Vital Factors? The current formula contains 274 mg per serving, which is 12% of the Daily Value. This is less than the original formula, which provided 386 mg, or 16% of the current Daily Value. Those with high blood pressure should keep this in mind.
The FDA considers 5% DV or less to be low and 20% DV or more to be high. Therefore, Vital Factors is not technically high in sodium, but it is also not a low-sodium supplement.
Vitamin E
The original Vital Factors formula contained mixed tocopherols and separately listed tocotrienols, giving it a broader range of vitamin E compounds than many supplements.
The current formula is different. It provides 10 mg of vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, while mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols are no longer listed. The current product therefore appears to contain a narrower range of vitamin E forms than the version I reviewed in 2011.
Niacin
The current label specifies that Vital Factors contains 24 mg of niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, but it does not have the same cholesterol-lowering effects associated with high-dose nicotinic acid. Therefore, the cholesterol discussion below applies to certain forms and doses of niacin, not necessarily the niacinamide in Vital Factors.
The supplement also has vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid. These vitamins have been shown to reduce homocysteine, which has been implicated in heart disease.
That said, several studies have shown that reducing homocysteine with these vitamins do not reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Heart disease is more complicated than homocysteine.
Vitamin B12
Many energy supplements contain vitamin B12. There are 2 reasons for this:
1. Vitamin B12 is needed for making red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells makes people feel tired from anemia.
2. People often think that B12 supplements give them extra pep or energy. This is why there is so much B12 in energy drinks.
Healthy people have 2-3 years' worth of B12 stockpiled in their bodies. Anyone who eats meat, poultry, or fish regularly is eating B12.
Does vitamin B12 help weight loss? Many people think so. Read my review on B12 and weight loss for the facts. For additional info on vitamin B12, also see my review of TriVita B12.
Watch on my youtube channel.
Lycopene
The original formula listed 2 mg of lycopene. The current formula includes lycopene inside the 3.52 g proprietary blend, so its present dose is unknown.
Lycopene is an antioxidant that we get from foods like tomato sauce. Some research finds lycopene foods reduce prostate cancer . The research on lycopene supplements is less strong.
One study from 2003 noted that lycopene made prostate cancer worse. Other research shows lycopene helps kill prostate cancer cells. Obviously, this is a complex issue. Those with prostate cancer should speak to their doctor about lycopene supplements.
Vital Factors Ingredients
Again, I only want to touch on a few of these ingredients:
Glutamine
The current label does not disclose the glutamine dose. Because the entire proprietary blend contains many ingredients and weighs 3.52 g, it is impossible to know whether Vital Factors supplies an amount comparable to those used in glutamine studies. Read the glutamine review.
Arginine
As we age, men sometimes have erection problems. Arginine helps us make nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels. In theory, this may help erectile dysfunction. This is why arginine is sometimes called “natural Viagra”. Read the report on natural male enhancement supplements for more information.
Arginine can affect blood-vessel function and may lower blood pressure in some circumstances. Because the Vital Factors dose is not disclosed, we cannot know whether it would have a meaningful effect.
Green Tea Extract
The current label lists green tea extract as a source of EGCG, while the company says Vital Factors contains no caffeine. The label does not reveal the amount of green tea extract or EGCG, so it is impossible to compare the dose with amounts used in human studies
Coenzyme Q10
We need this to make energy. CoQ10 has many effects in the body. For example, it might lower blood pressure. Some say we need more CoQ10 if we take cholesterol medications (statins). Whether more CoQ10 is needed if you take statins needs more research.
The current formula still includes CoQ10, but the exact amount remains hidden within the proprietary blend.
Fucoidan
Formula update: Fucoidan 85% appeared on the original label. The current formula instead lists Laminaria japonica seaweed standardized to 80% polysaccharides. Because the current label does not specify its fucoidan content, I cannot assume it provides the same ingredient or concentration as the original formula.
What is fucoidan? This is a compound found in brown seaweed. Fucoidan is also an antioxidant. Some test tube research finds that fucoidan can kill colon cancer cells. Other lab animal research has shown that fucoidan has anti-cancer effects as well. This is intriguing.
Fucoidan contains iodine. Iodine helps make thyroid hormone. However, iodine deficiency is not common in countries like the US, Canada, and other industrialized countries
SOD And Catalase
SOD stands for superoxide dismutase. Both SOD and catalase are enzymes that help mop up free radicals. Remember, every cell of your body has both SOD and catalase. You make both of them.
The current formula identifies the source as Extramel melon extract. Vital Factors does not disclose the Extramel dose or show that the complete formula produces meaningful health benefits.
For more on SOD see the review of Protandim.
For more on catalase, see my review of gray hair supplements.
Resveratrol
Vital Factors now appears to contain two resveratrol sources: grape skin extract standardized to 40% resveratrol and ResVida resveratrol. However, the amounts of both are unknown because they are inside the proprietary blend. Therefore, we cannot determine whether the product supplies an amount comparable to doses used in human studies.
Lotus Seed
Another name for lotus seed is Nelumbo nucifera. In the Vital Factors infomercial, Pat Riley says that the lotus seed can live for 1000 years. I don't know if that is true or not but even if it is, that doesn't mean eating lotus seed will extend the lifespan of humans.
Lotus seed remains in the current formula, although its amount is not disclosed.
Previously, I reviewed a bodybuilding supplement alleged to raise testosterone called Pink Magic. One of the main ingredients in Pink Magic was Lotus seed (they called it Nelumbo nucifera). FYI, lotus leaf is found in several weight loss supplements, including Beautiful Slim Body, Phentraburn and Zi Xiu Tang.
Vital Factors Side Effects and Precautions
I could not find published clinical trials that reported side effects caused specifically by the complete Vital Factors formula. Because the supplement contains many ingredients, possible reactions could include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness in some people, but this is speculation.
Vital Factors contains soy, 274 mg of sodium, and 330 mg of potassium per serving. MDR says people with kidney, liver, gastrointestinal disease, or cancer should not take the product. The company also advises people who are pregnant or nursing, take prescription medication, or follow sodium- or potassium-restricted diets to consult a healthcare professional before using it.
How to Contact Vital Factors
You can contact MDR, the company that makes Vital Factors, by phone at:
1-800-637-8227
1-954-845-9500
The company lists this mailing address:
MDR Fitness Corp.
14101 NW 4th Street
Sunrise, FL 33325
USA
The Vital Factors website also includes a contact page and customer account area for questions about orders, shipping, refunds, and subscriptions.
How Much Does Vital Factors Cost?
The MDR website lists the price as $99 per month; however, if you opt for a subscription, the price drops to $89 per month. Shipping is free.
Yearly Cost
$1188.00
$1068.00 (subscription)
There is also an auto-ship program where they send you the product each month. If you choose this option, there is no shipping fee.
My original customer-service experience in 2011. The Vital Factors salesperson I spoke to seemed a little pushy and more concerned with getting me to buy Vital Factors than answering my questions. I felt like I was annoying her – although I only asked 3 or 4 questions. Your experiences with customer service may be different.
How Do You Take It?
The website says users dissolve two tablets in water and follow a five-days-on, two-days-off schedule. It claims the break prevents the body from adapting, but the page does not show clinical evidence for that explanation
Does Vital Factors Work?
It would take research to know for sure, so I can't give a definitive answer to “Does it work?' Personal opinion: Vital F
Does Vital Factors Work?
It would take a clinical study of the complete formula to know for sure, and I could not find one. Some Vital Factors ingredients have research behind them, but the amounts of many of the more interesting ingredients, including nicotinamide riboside, are inside the proprietary blend. So we don't know if it contains the same dosages as used in human clinical trials.
Personal opinion: Vital Factors looks like a fancy multivitamin with added ingredients. It may help someone who is deficient in vitamins or minerals, but there is not enough evidence to say the supplement improves energy, slows aging, or provides all the benefits advertised.
What do you think?
