Dr. Gundry MD Reviews: Do These Supplements Really Work in 2023?

Nov 15, 2023

Dr. Gundry Supplements Review

If you've looked into health and wellness supplements lately, you've likely come across Gundry MD. With popular products like Vital Reds and Bio Complete 3, Gundry MD has made a name for itself in the supplement world.

But do Gundry MD products really work? In this in-depth review, we'll explore what Dr. Gundry's supplements aim to achieve, key ingredients like lectin shield, and whether Gundry MD is worth your money in 2023.

Overview of Dr. Gundry and Gundry MD

Gundry MD was founded by Dr. Steven Gundry, a former surgeon, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author. He’s well known for promoting the “lectin-free” diet outlined in his book The Plant Paradox.

Dr. Gundry believes lectins - a type of protein found in many plants - are responsible for various health issues. By avoiding lectin-containing foods like grains, legumes, and nightshade vegetables, Dr. Gundry claims we can manage weight better, reduce inflammation and receive various health benefits.

While many doctors disagree with Dr. Gundry’s lectin claims, his status as a tenured professor and accomplished researcher does lend him credibility.

Through Gundry MD, his line of health supplements target various goals like gut health, energy levels, and heart health using ingredients Dr. Gundry supports based on his research.

Gundry MD Product Overview

Gundry MD offers several core supplement lines:

Vital Reds

A polyphenol-rich antioxidant supplement powder featuring 34 “superfruits.” Advertised to increase energy, improve gut health, and reduce cravings.

Total Restore

A gut health supplement designed to soothe digestion, strengthen gut lining, and repopulate good gut bacteria.

Bio Complete 3

A probiotic with 25 billion CFUs from 3 strains, plus postbiotics and prebiotics to improve gut microbiome balance.

Energy Renew

An antioxidant-rich supplement pill to boost energy levels, increase fat burning, and ramp up metabolism.

Lectin Shield

A supplement made with lectin-blocking polyphenols to reduce food-related inflammation according to Dr. Gundry.

Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil

An olive oil containing polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol claimed to combat food-derived lectin damage.

PrebioThrive

A prebiotic supplement to support the growth of beneficial bacteria and overall gut health.

Do Gundry MD Products Really Work?

As a whole, Gundry MD supplements generally contain ingredients that may offer health benefits based on various scientific studies. However, experts have raised questions regarding claims made about the products.

For example, Vital Reds contains ingredients like grape seed extract, green tea extract, goji berries, and citrus bioflavonoids. These polyphenols do have antioxidant properties shown to potentially benefit health.

However, claims about dramatic improvements in energy, vitality, cravings, and digestion within 7-10 days are not universally supported by strong clinical evidence.

While users may notice subtle benefits over time, results are likely to vary quite a bit.

Similarly, ingredients like the prebiotic sunfiber and probiotics in Bio Complete 3 may well improve gut microbiome balance. But dramatic leaky gut healing or significant allergy reduction may be an overstatement not backed by rigorous trials.

As with any supplement, individual results will depend on the user’s health status, diet, lifestyle habits, dosage taken, and consistency using the product over months. While Gundry MD supplements contain mostly solid ingredients, relying solely on them without broader dietary and lifestyle changes is not advised.

Key Ingredients: Lectin Shield, Polyphenols, and More

Let’s look closer at some of the patented ingredients and compounds in Gundry MD products said to produce benefits:

Lectin Shield Blend

Lectins are proteins found in many plant-based foods, particularly grains, legumes and nightshades. According to Dr. Gundry, lectins damage gut lining, cause leaky gut, and contribute to various health issues.

His “lectin shield” blend combines plant polyphenols, antioxidants, and phytonutrients claimed to block lectin binding and neutralize lectins. While possible in theory, many experts remain skeptical about significant proven benefits.

Polyphenol Blends

Polyphenols are micronutrients naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and teas. Gundry MD products like Vital Reds contain standardized polyphenol extracts to provide high concentrations.

Polyphenols do exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit health. But the benefits of taking concentrated polyphenol supplements versus eating a healthy polyphenol-rich diet are still unclear.

MCT Oil

Medium chain triglyceride oil provides fatty acids that may boost metabolism and increase satiety. While MCT oil is generally recognized as safe, claims about its effectiveness for weight loss are often overstated.

PrebioThrive

This supplement contains Gundry MD’s proprietary prebiotic fiber blend intended to support growth of healthy gut bacteria. Some strains of useful prebiotics are included, though optimal dosing is still understudied.

Are Gundry MD Products Safe? Potential Drawbacks

When taken as recommended, most of the ingredients in Gundry MD supplements appear relatively safe for otherwise healthy adults. However, some drawbacks exist:

Lack of concrete dosage guidelines: Beyond general ranges, optimal doses aren’t yet established for many proprietary blends.
May interact with medications: Such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. Should be used with physician oversight.
Lack of FDA evaluation: Like most supplements, Gundry MD products aren’t officially FDA approved and evaluation is still limited.
Ingredient purity questions: Independent testing reveals lower concentrations for some ingredients than advertised.
High cost: Roughly $50-$70+ per product making regular use costly. Especially given unproven long-term benefits.

While unlikely to be dangerous for most, those with medical conditions or on multiple medications should be cautious or avoid. For otherwise healthy people, incorporating Gundry MD supplements to a healthy lifestyle may support wellness goals but is not medically necessary.

Gundry MD Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Reviews of Gundry MD supplements vary quite a bit. Some users report significant benefits like reduced joint pain, improved regularity, higher energy levels, clearer skin, and better sleep after starting Gundry products.

Positive testimonials often cite benefits from combining several Gundry MD supplements for a more holistic approach. Certain products like Vital Reds and Total Restore seem to have more satisfied customers than other offerings. Praise for Gundry’s protocols and expertise is also common.

However, there are also many complaints about lack of results, even when trying products consistently for several months. Some reviewers raise concerns about auto-billing practices and difficulty cancelling subscriptions.

While all supplements have mixed reviews, the high cost of Gundry MD products contributes to higher expectations from users. For the price point, many expect faster or more dramatic benefits than occur for most.

Is Gundry MD Worth the Money in 2023?

At the end of the day, is Gundry MD worth the cost compared to other supplement brands? Here are a few key considerations if you’re thinking of trying Dr. Gundry’s products:

1. Benefits May Be Subtle

While Gundry MD supplements include quality ingredients, they're unlikely to be miracle cures. Expect modest improvements rather than dramatic life changes for most users.

2. Adds Up With Multiple Products

Combining several supplements gets expensive. Get the most essential 1-2 for your needs rather than the full range.

3. Compare Active Ingredients

Weigh key ingredients and dosages against less pricey alternatives. In some cases store brands have comparable formulas.

4. Diet & Lifestyle Still Key

No supplement replaces good dietary and lifestyle habits. Focus on these foundations first before adding pricey pills.

5. Start With One

Try a single Gundry MD product like Total Restore or Vital Reds alone before combining multiples to better gauge effectiveness.

6. Know Cancellation Terms

Review cancellation polices carefully before signing up for auto-delivery subscriptions.

For some, Gundry MD supplements provide beneficial support that enhances diet, exercise, sleep, and other positive habits. But make sure to evaluate them critically rather than expecting a quick fix in a bottle.

10 Alternatives to Consider

Interested in trying supplements for goals like gut health, energy, and vitality but want to compare options? Here are 10 alternatives to explore:

Gut Health

1MD Wholemega
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Women's Probiotic
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic

Energy & Vitality

Naturelo Whole Food Multivitamin for Women
New Chapter Every Woman's One Daily Multi 40+
MegaFood Women Over 40 One Daily

General Wellness

New Chapter Every Woman's One Daily 40+
SmartyPants Prenatal Complete Multivitamin
Naturelo Whole Food Multivitamin for Women

Herbal formulations

Traditional Medicinals Organic Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength
Oregon’s Wild Harvest G.I. Complete Psyllium Husk Capsules

Antioxidants

Navitas Organics Cacao Powder
Starwest Botanicals Organic Turmeric Root Powder
Alovitox Vitamin E Natural Concentrate

Explore products with similar ingredients proven to benefit health. But always run options by your physician before starting.

The Bottom Line on Gundry MD: Should You Try It?

At the end of the day:

Gundry MD supplements contain quality ingredients that may support health when used long-term as part of a healthy lifestyle.
However, they are expensive compared to other quality brands with similar ingredients.
While some users report major benefits, results will likely be subtle for most. They are not miracle cures.
Certain products like Vital Reds have more positive reviews, but experiences vary quite a bit.
Speak to your doctor before taking Gundry MD supplements if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.
Make foundational diet, exercise, sleep, and stress relief practices your first focus before adding supplements.

If you identify a specific Gundry MD product that aligns with your goals, give it a try for yourself. But manage expectations appropriately, and make it one part of your broader wellness plans. Lifestyle habits are still the primary driver of good health.