Can these day and night supplement packs help you optimize your health? Can they replace your multivitamins?
If you’re one of the 58% of American adults who take supplements to fill the gaps in a typical “high-energy, low-nutrient” diet, you may be wondering whether your vitamins are enough for you.1 2 With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits your optimal health. And many companies have begun offering “all-in-one” supplements that aim to give you more than you’ll find in a typical supplement or multivitamin.
One such product is Total Human from health and wellness brand Onnit. Packed with a variety of herbal ingredients, adaptogens, nootropics, and more, is this supplement really better than a multivitamin?
Our comprehensive review examines Total Human’s ingredients, safety, cost, and convenience to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Onnit Total Human functions as a selection of the company’s most popular products rather than a multivitamin alternative. Most of the ingredients in each supplement have good research showing that they may be beneficial in one way or another, although the dosages in Total Human don’t quite match the levels shown to be effective in studies. Still, Total Human could be a good option for those looking to enhance their daily diet with unique ingredients. And we love Onnit’s 15 percent subscription discount, generous money-back guarantee, and testing of every batch of supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Produced in cGMP-certified facilities and tested for quality and safety
7-day trial pack available to try it first
Individual day and night supplement packs are convenient
Subscription plans have flexible delivery options and take 15% off
Costs less than purchasing each supplement separately
Shipping is free over $100 (making it free for all options but the trial pack)
Generous “Keep-It” money-back guarantee on your first purchase
Day Pack contains shellfish, and Night Pack contains both shellfish and fish
Testing is performed in-house instead of through an independent third-party
No customization available
Can become costly over time, even with a subscription
You can buy Total Human directly from the Onnit website or Amazon store. We recommend purchasing from Onnit itself. While you may save on shipping costs with the 7-day trial size through Amazon, that trial isn’t a compelling value when Onnit so carefully protects your purchases with its money-back guarantee (without you having to return the product even have to send it back). To get the best value for a 30-day supply or to subscribe, head straight to Onnit where you’ll save 15% when you subscribe. If you sign up through Amazon, you’ll only save 10%, which means you’ll save an additional $7 every month when you buy from Onnit. (The only way to get a 15% subscription discount through Amazon is to include five or more auto-ship products in the same order.)
Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about maintaining their health and living a healthier lifestyle.
For this Onnit Total Human review, our team examined dozens of studies on all the ingredients contained in the supplement packs to determine whether the product is safe and whether or not the company’s claims are valid. Our testers purchased Total Human, tried it for themselves, and spoke extensively with customer service representatives to learn more about the supplement and evaluate the overall customer experience.
In addition, this review, like all health-related content on this site, has been carefully reviewed for accuracy by one or more members of our medical review board.
When evaluating Total Human, we considered several elements that we believe are most important to consumers. In general, most people want their vitamins or supplements to be health-promoting, safe to take, inexpensive, and (as a bonus) easy to use. With this in mind, our criteria for Total Human became effectiveness, safety, cost and convenience.
Rating: 7.6 / 10
Onnit Total Human contains a collection of ten popular Onnit nutritional supplements, divided into a day pack and a night pack:
Stron BONE
Alpha BRAIN
Krill OIL
Total Human B Complex
Shroom Tech Sport
Spirulina & Chlorella
Shroom Tech Immune
New Mood
Virutech
Key Minerals
Although many of the ingredients contained in these supplements provide promising results, most of them are present in amounts below the effective doses found in studies. This problem is partly because all but three of Total Human’s supplements have only half the recommended serving size that you would take if you were to purchase these supplements individually.
For example, typically the recommended serving of Alpha BRAIN is two capsules – and when taken this way, some of the ingredients are similar to those used in studies. For example, a complete two-tablet serving of Alpha BRAIN contains 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of huperzine A, and an ideal average daily dose is 370 mcg (0.37 mg), according to a systematic review.3 In Total Human, the serving is Alpha BRAIN is halved so that the dose of Huperzine A is 200 µg.
In trying to be everything, Total Human runs the risk of not doing enough in many ways. We repeatedly found that the ingredients did not quite correspond to the amounts that had been shown to be effective in studies.
We do not believe Onnit’s claim that Total Human is “better than a multivitamin” is valid as it stands. However, in addition to your daily multivitamin, adding herbs, adaptogens, and nootropics to your diet could give you a nice boost on several fronts—provided you talk to your doctor first to make sure you’re not taking too much. a large serving of a specific vitamin, mineral, or other ingredient.
If you’re looking for an “advanced” multivitamin, Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite may be a good alternative. That’s about half the daily capsules (still split into night and day) for a significantly higher vitamin and mineral content, plus a few other ingredients, like plant extracts and carotenoids (a natural pigment and antioxidant).4 And in case you’re interested. Tailored to your body’s needs, Viome could be the ideal option for you.
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Since Total Human contains over ten different supplements, each with its own formula of different ingredients, it is important to speak to your doctor before adding all (or any) of them to your daily diet. Some dietary supplements are not safe for people with certain medical conditions or may interfere with or alter the effects of certain prescription medications.5
For example, people with kidney disease should avoid taking extra vitamins A, E, and K, which means Onnit’s StronBONE supplement in Total Human could be dangerous.6 And the curcumin content of Shroom TECH Immune’s turmeric may cause some antidepressants not working as intended. .7
Aside from possible medical interactions, Onnit supplements are manufactured in facilities that comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).8 And all Onnit supplements are tested internally for safety and effectiveness. However, due to the risk of bias, we would prefer the company to use independent third parties, but any audit is better than none.
In comparison, Thorne also uses its in-house laboratories, while competitors Viome and Care/of contract independent third parties to conduct their tests.
Rating:7.9 / 10
The cost of Total Human is an interesting factor to consider. These supplement packs are certainly more expensive than your typical multivitamin, but purchasing Total Human costs less than all individual supplements. Even though most supplement servings are halved, it is still cheaper.
For example, a one-time purchase of a 30-day supply of Total Human costs $137.95, but a quick calculation of a 30-day supply of each supplement included (taking into account halved servings) brings the total price to over $200 . So if you want to try out all of Onnit’s most popular supplements, this could be a great way to save money, especially if you take out a subscription to get 15% off every order. With a subscription, this 30-day supply costs $117.26 instead of $137.95.
In comparison, a 30-day supply of Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite costs $70 (or $74 if you choose the NSF Certified for Sport version). However, Thorne’s subscription offering is not as good as Onnit’s. There is a 10% discount on every repeat order – this cannot be applied to the initial purchase.
For customizable alternatives, there are competitor Care/of’s vitamin packages, which start at just $7 per month for select minerals and alphabetic vitamins, and Viome’s individual vitamin subscription costs $139 per month (or $118.15 dollars for the first six months with the code INNERBODY15).
Rating: 8.5 / 10
The convenience of Total Human is mainly due to the way the total of 16 pills are divided into day and night packs. Compared to having to buy these supplements in ten different bottles, the sachets are definitely more welcome. However, our testers found taking 16 tablets per day (eight in the morning and eight in the evening) to be far too much, especially if they were already taking other pills – such as prescription medications – at the same time.
It is not uncommon for this type of supplement to require multiple tablets per day, but 16 per day is one of the highest amounts that companies charge their customers.
Compared to some competitors:
Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite requires three capsules in the morning and three at night
Care/of’s customizable vitamin packs leave the serving sizes up to you.
Viome’s tailored supplements require about eight pills per day.
It’s worth noting that all of Total Human’s supplements are exactly the same size (with the exception of the smaller Krill Oil). Our testers found it to be quite easy to take; The pills are fairly standard size.
Ordering Total Human from Onnit is easy, and the auto-delivery subscription option provides added convenience. The company’s return policy is also interesting: the “Keep-It” guarantee allows you to keep your initial purchase of a product and get your money back. However, in order to receive a refund for Total Human, you must first try the product for 30 days (although you can simply keep the product and wait for the required time to pass).
Both Care/of and Thorne have similarly flexible refund policies, with the former offering a 30-day guarantee and the latter offering a 60-day guarantee. Viome supplements are tailored specifically for you, so no returns are accepted; There is no need to try supplements to see if you like them.
Total Human from health and wellness brand Onnit is a selection of the company’s nutritional supplements divided into twice-daily packets that you take morning and evening. The packs do not contain all of Onnit’s supplements, but do contain some of the brand’s most popular creations, including its flagship product Alpha BRAIN. Supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, botanical ingredients, adaptogens, and other nutrients (like omega-3).
The ten Onnit supplements included in Total Human are:
StronBONE
Krill Oil
Shroom TECH Sport
Spirulina & Chlorella
ViruTech
Alpha BRAIN
Total Human B Complex
Shroom TECH Immune
New MOOD
Key Minerals
Onnit states that Total Human is “not a magic pill,” but rather “better than a multivitamin” due to its “potent, clinically studied ingredients.” To verify the validity of this claim, we reviewed the research on these ingredients and compiled our findings below in the “Does Total Human Work?” section. »
Like all Onnit supplements, Total Human is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility and tested internally for safety and effectiveness. Although testing is welcome, we would prefer that testing be conducted by an independent third party – especially since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements (but does intervene when people are at risk from a dietary supplement).9
On the Better Business Bureau website, Onnit is not accredited, has a D rating, and the company’s current rating is 1 out of 5 stars. However, this page contains very little information and is not very useful for forming an opinion about companies; The review rating is based on a single customer review. And as far as complaints go, there have only been two in the last twelve months (Onnit has not responded to any of them).
Both complaints come from people who experienced side effects from Onnit supplements, one of whom took Total Human. However, everyone reacts differently to different supplements, so you don’t necessarily have a problem because someone else did.10
Now Onnit’s Trustpilot page offers much more information. Compared to the BBB’s individual rating, the Trustpilot profile provided by Onnit has 15,775 points – all resulting in a rating of 2.8 out of 5 with the designation “average”. Over 75% of reviews receive 5 stars and overall only 7% receive 1 or 2 stars. Most negative reviews involve subscription confusion or products not working for some people.
Currently, we believe Total Human is the perfect product for those who want to try several popular Onnit supplements at once at a reduced price. This could also be a good option for people looking to supplement their daily multivitamin with omega-3 fatty acids, botanicals, adaptogens, nootropics, and more. Of course, we recommend that you talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your daily diet – especially considering that taking Total Human means taking ten new supplements.
Onnit’s marketing for Total Human is that it is “better” or “more” than a typical multivitamin, but it is more that Total Human is different from a multivitamin. As we discuss in “How Does the Whole Man Work?” » It contains no more vitamins and minerals than your average multivitamin, although it does contain unique ingredients intended for specific purposes. These unique ingredients might be just what you need, or you might do better with a typical multivitamin.
However, if your search for a “better” multivitamin is due to a nutrient deficiency or you simply want to increase your vitamin and mineral intake, an alternative like Viome or Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite may be a better option.
Onnit Total Human should be safe for most adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. None of the ingredient doses in dietary supplements reach dangerous levels, but some may interact with medications. For example, ashwagandha can interact with anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and sedatives, as well as medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems.97 Because of these possible interactions, it is best to talk to your doctor before trying Total Human.
As for the way Onnit produces Total Human, all of the company’s supplements are manufactured in facilities that comply with current good manufacturing practices.8 And while we would prefer supplements to be tested by independent third parties, Onnit tests its supplements internally . for strength and safety.
In 2021, about 40% of American adults reported eating less than one serving of fruit per day, and about 21% said the same about vegetables.11 While supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet, they can help make up the deficit . Gaps.12
Multivitamins are used by a third of all adults in the United States, and sales totaled around $8 billion in 2020 alone.13 But can an “all-in-one” supplement package like Onnits Total Human provide more benefits than a typical multivitamin?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question will not be the same for everyone; This varies from case to case and depends on each person’s individual reaction. Some people may try Total Human and find that it helps them feel better than any multivitamin, while others may feel the opposite – and still others may find that neither option does anything for them, or that both do help them equally. As with prescription medications14, everyone reacts differently to supplements.10
The answer also depends on your supplement goals. For example, if you are among the 35% of adults in the United States who are vitamin D deficient, Total Human may not provide enough to meet your needs.15 It contains 12.5 mcg (60% of your daily value) , but a You can often do much more with cheaper multivitamins – all of our top picks for the best multivitamins for men cover at least 100% of your daily needs.
However, a typical multivitamin doesn’t contain the variety of botanical ingredients and adaptogens that you’ll find in Total Human. For example, in a multivitamin, you typically won’t find ingredients like ashwagandha,16 rhodiola,17 and valerian, all of which have evidence of anxiety relief.18
Aside from the Total Human B Complex in the daily pack, the various supplements included in Onnit Total Human packs are not brand new creations from the company – each pack is actually a collection of supplements that Onnit already sells individually.
However, most day and night pack servings are half the recommended amount on each supplement’s bottle when purchased separately. The only ones that reach their full recommended serving size after taking both packs are Krill Oil, Shroom TECH Immune, and Spirulina and Chlorella. This may be because Onnit wants to prevent consumers from consuming too many vitamins or minerals, but there isn’t enough overlap between the nutrients in each supplement to justify this. For example, although the daily supply contains 7,790% of your daily requirement of vitamin B12, it is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning your body excretes excess vitamin B12 in urine.
Whatever the reason Onnit has cut most servings in half, it could result in the potential benefits of these supplements being less pronounced.
That being said, below is a breakdown of the ingredients in each pack, including dosages.
The Onnit Total Human Day Pack contains seven nutritional supplements, divided into a total of eight pills:
StronBONE (one capsule)
Alpha BRAIN (one capsule)
Krill Oil (one softgel)
Total Human B Complex (one capsule)
Shroom TECH Sport (one capsule)
Spirulina & Chlorella (two capsules)
Shroom TECH Immune (one capsule)
StronBONE
Designed to promote bone health, this dietary supplement contains Vitamin E (22 mg or 33.3 IU), Vitamin K2 (30 mcg), Copper (667 mcg), Manganese (667 mcg), Potassium (26 mg), Strontium (226 mg) , BioPerine (1.67 mg). and boron (50 µg).
Alpha BRAIN
Onnit claims that this supplement can improve your memory, concentration, mental processing, and much more. In addition to vitamin B6 (5 mg) and cat’s claw bark extract (175 mg), this supplement contains three branded blends
Onnit Flow Blend (325 mg) contains L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Extract and Phosphatidylserine; Onnit Focus Blend (120 mg) contains Alpha GPC (69.8 mg), Bacopa extract (50 mg) and Huperzia Serrata extract (200 mcg); and Onnit Fuel Blend (30 mg) contains just two ingredients: L-Leucine and Pterostilbene.
Krill Oil
This dietary supplement contains 500 mg of krill oil per capsule, consisting of phospholipids (225 mg), omega-3 fatty acids (120 mg) and astaxanthin (100 mcg). Omega-3 contains 65 mg EPA and 30 mg DHA. And to mask any fishy taste, Onnit adds a little vanilla flavor using the inactive ingredient ethyl vanillin (the main ingredient in the vanilla bean).
Krill oil is not safe for people with shellfish allergies.
As the name suggests, this supplement focuses on B vitamins. A single tablet serving contains thiamine (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), folic acid (400 mcg DFE), biotin (300 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg) and vitamin B1 derivative (150 mg).
Shroom TECH Sport
Targeting cellular energy and cardiovascular support, this supplement contains Vitamin B12 (187 mcg), Chromium (50 mcg), and Onnit Performance Blend (532 mg). The “mushroom” is in the mix. It consists of cordyceps extract, whole cordyceps, ashwagandha extract, green tea extract, rhodiola extract and astragalus extract.
Spirulina & Chlorella
The simplest of the supplements included in Total Human, Spirulina & Chlorella, contains just that: organic spirulina (500 mg) and organic chlorella (500 mg).
Shroom TECH Immune
Another entry in Onnit’s Shroom TECH supplement series, this entry is designed to support immune defense and cellular integrity. This is the only ingredient in Total Human that is made entirely from blends (two, to be exact) and does not contain any individually listed active ingredients.
Onnit Myco-Immune Blend (500 mg) contains organic chaga, astragalus extract, organic Agaricus blazei, organic cordyceps, organic Coriolus versicolor, organic reishi, organic maitake and organic shiitake. The other blend, Onnit Nutri-Immune Blend (202 mg), contains turmeric extract, ginger extract, oregano extract, lemon peel extract and BioPerine.
If you want to take some but not all of Total Human’s ingredients, Care/of may be a good option. It offers customizable vitamin packs where you can choose from many similar supplements such as:
Omega-3s
Astaxanthin
Chromium
Adaptogenic mushrooms
Rhodiola
Ashwagandha
Turmeric
In the night pack (six supplements spread over eight tablets) there are some supplements that are identical to those in the day pack:
Shroom TECH Immune
Spirulina & Chlorella
Krill Oil
The Night Pack’s double supplements have exactly the same serving sizes and ingredient amounts as the Day Pack. For this reason, the following table only covers supplements that are unique to the Total Human Night Pack:
New MOOD
ViruTech
Key Minerals
Several ingredients in the Night Pack are designed to promote better sleep, recovery and stress reduction, similar to those in Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite PM formula. For example, Thorne’s supplement contains Relora, a proprietary blend of magnolia and phellodendron (not to be confused with philodendron). Studies of this blend showed that Relora reduced cortisol levels and perceived daily stress while improving participants’ mood.19
New MOOD
On the supplement’s product page, Onnit describes New MOOD as a way to “support a normal response to daily stress.” Although a mix is included, most of the ingredients and their amounts are listed (which we always appreciate). This dietary supplement contains Vitamin D (12.5 mcg or 500 IU), Niacin (15 mg NE), Vitamin B6 (10 mg), Magnesium (20 mg), L-Tryptophan (200 mg) and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (75 mg) .
The blend included, Onnit Tranquility Blend (225 mg), consists of valerian root extract, chamomile extract, lemon balm extract and jujube extract.
ViruTech
This dietary supplement is designed to support your immune system and fight free radicals through antioxidants. Although ViruTech is not as extensive as the ingredient list for Spirulina and Chlorella, it only includes three individual ingredients and one mixture. It contains vitamin C (250 mg), zinc (6 mg) and selenium (75 mcg).
Onnit Vitality Blend (445 mg) contains L-Lysine, Quercetin Dihydrate and Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Key Minerals
Although it’s not obvious from the name, Key Minerals contains fish and shellfish due to the inclusion of organic seaweed. This means that it technically does not contain any actual fish and shellfish ingredients, but the seaweed has likely come into contact with fish and shellfish, so this supplement is best avoided by allergy sufferers.
When we examine whether or not a supplement can potentially work, we usually focus on two main points: the ingredients and their amounts. These are equally important and can make or break a supplement’s potential. For example, an ingredient in a dietary supplement may have some beneficial properties, but the amount is too small to really make a difference for you.
Speaking of ingredients, when reading the additional information about a product, it is important to know that manufacturers are required to list ingredients by weight or concentration. 20 The same applies to mixtures. Even if the components are not listed individually, this allows us to identify which ingredients make up the majority of a particular mixture.
For each Onnit supplement included in Total Human, we cover the individually listed ingredients and some components of each blend (if applicable).
StronBONE
Designed to support bone health, the ingredients in this supplement are a blend of vitamins, minerals and some trace elements (strontium and boron, which have some potential to promote bone health).21 22
Its main component, vitamin E, in the form of D-alpha-tocopherol, or αTF, was once thought to have a negative effect on bone formation.23 However, recent research suggests a positive influence on bone health, particularly bone mineral density.24 Some researchers believe , that the side effects observed in the past (mainly in animal models) are due to particularly high doses of αTF.25 As long as the dose is not too high – and the 22 mg StronBONE is about half or less of the doses used in older studies – it so it should be safe.
The other vitamin and mineral components—vitamin K26, copper27, manganese28, and potassium—all play an essential role in maintaining bone health, formation, and strength, according to health experts.29 According to the National Institutes of Health, most people get enough vitamin K , copper and manganese in their diet. On the other hand, potassium intake is often below the recommended amounts. This is why we want StronBONE to offer more than 1% DV.
This 1% is higher than the 0% in Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite, although Thorne’s formula contains more boron, copper, manganese and vitamin K than StronBONE.
Alpha BRAIN
The most important ingredient in Alpha BRAIN is vitamin B6, which contributes to the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA and glutamate.30 Glutamate in particular is important for regulating mood, memory and cognition.31 And vitamin B6. (along with folate and B12) could reduce blood homocysteine levels, which could slow the rate of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s.32
Similarly, cat’s claw (a plant extract) shows potential in mice and rats as a “plaque and tangles inhibitor” that could help combat memory loss and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.33 However, further research into its effectiveness and Human safety is necessary.
Now let’s look at the potential benefits of some of the ingredients in the three Alpha BRAIN blends. Of course, without knowing the exact amounts of each ingredient, it can be difficult to determine the full potential of each blend.
L-Tyrosine and L-theanine
These amino acids can facilitate task switching,34 improve short-term memory under stress,35 and improve cognitive function.36
Phosphatidylserine
This substance is a naturally occurring phospholipid in your brain that forms most of the myelin sheath to protect the nerve cells in your brain and help them communicate.37 The amount of natural phosphatidylserine in your body decreases as you age, therefore, nutritional supplementation may be beneficial. 38 300 to 800 mg appears to be the effective dose to slow or stop the breakdown of nerve cells, so Total Human probably doesn’t contain enough of it.
Alpha GPC
It is a natural choline compound found in the brain that can increase motivation in healthy individuals at daily doses of about 400 mg (about six times the Total Human dose).
Bacopa monnieri extract
This plant, also called brahmi or water hyssop, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat memory improvement, epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia.41 Most studies have involved animals or human cells, but few studies have been conducted on humans. Tests. A 2014 meta-analysis of 437 human subjects in nine studies found improved cognition and faster reaction time.
Huperzia serrata extract
More research into long-term effectiveness and safety is needed, but huperzine A (a compound found in Huperzia serrata) may improve memory and protect nerve cells. Huperzine A inhibits acetylcholinesterase, making it similar to some medications prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. However, experts don’t know enough about Huperzine A to know whether it is a safe natural alternative.
L-Leucine
More human research is needed, but in mouse studies, L-leucine appears to promote axon regeneration.
Additionally, researchers have tested Alpha BRAIN in some Onnit-funded clinical trials. A study first published in 2015 and again in 2016 found that the supplement appeared to improve verbal memory, and treated people achieved “significant improvements on tasks of delayed verbal memory and executive function” compared to a placebo group .
However, a separate 2018 study examined the mood, stress and accuracy of 43 active-duty U.S. soldiers and found no significant differences between the treated participants and the placebo group.
In the simplest terms, krill oil is one of many alternatives to fish oil for people looking to get additional omega-3 fatty acids into their diet; This can be a good choice for people who can’t stand the fishy aftertaste of fish oil supplements.
Krill oil also contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives krill their red color. More research on astaxanthin is needed, but it appears to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers at doses between 1.8 mg and 21.6 mg per day.47 It may also improve cognitive function in older people when given 6 to 12 mg of astaxanthin receives per day. 48
Unfortunately, Total Human only contains 200 mcg (100 mcg in each krill oil supplement, taken twice daily). However, most krill oil supplements do not contain large amounts of astaxanthin. Our top pick for krill oil supplements, NatureMyst Krill Oil, contains just 1.5 mg – and that’s one of the highest amounts we’ve ever found (it’s still more than seven times the amount in Total Human).
Aside from astaxanthin, the main reason most people take krill oil is to supplement their omega-3 intake. Onnit Krill Oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can potentially improve your health and well-being in various ways, particularly your cholesterol levels49, your cardiovascular health50 and your brain health51.
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to krill oil or just an astaxanthin supplement, Care/of offers both options.
As the name suggests, Total Human B Complex is a combination of several B vitamins with added benfotiamine (a derivative of vitamin B1). This dietary supplement contains 100% or more of your daily requirement of all B vitamins.
Total Human B Complex
As the name suggests, Total Human B Complex is a combination of several B vitamins with added benfotiamine (a derivative of vitamin B1). This dietary supplement contains 100% or more of your daily requirement of all B vitamins.
Thiamine (B1)
Thiamine plays an important role in converting the food you eat into energy for your body. For this reason, it also contributes to the function, growth and development of cells.
Riboflavin (B2)
Like thiamine, riboflavin contributes to healthy cell function but also helps your body metabolize fats and medications.
Folate (B9)
Folate — not to be confused with folic acid, a different form of B9 — is necessary for your cells to divide and for your body to create DNA.
Biotin (B7)
Mostly found in protein, biotin is an essential nutrient that your body needs to metabolize amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids.
Pantothenic acid (B5)
As with other B vitamins, pantothenic acid helps your body break down food into energy. It also aids in both breaking down and synthesizing fats
Benfotiamine (B1 derivative)
Benfotiamine is a synthetic or laboratory-produced form of thiamine with enhanced bioavailability. According to studies, it appears to be well tolerated by humans. Suggested benefits include reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell damage. It may also have the potential to protect against and treat neurodegenerative diseases, but larger studies are needed.
Thorne and Care/of both offer vitamin B options as alternatives. Multi-Vitamin Elite offers about twice the amount of B vitamins as Total Human, while Care/of also contains niacin, inositol and B6 in its B complex.
All of the mushroom ingredients in Onnit’s Shroom TECH supplements are included in blends, but the two non-mushroom ingredients in Shroom TECH Sport are listed separately and are:
Vitamin B12:
Similar to folate, vitamin B12 aids your body in the production of DNA. It also helps keep your blood and nerve cells working properly.
Chromium
Experts no longer feel this mineral is essential for good health, and they aren’t entirely sure what it does to the body. Chromium might help you to metabolize protein, carbs, and fats, but more research is needed
All ingredients in Onnit Performance Blend have been the subject of at least one or two small clinical studies that suggest they may improve athletic performance. For example, cordyceps appears to improve physical performance (in older adults) and tolerance to high-intensity exercise. 61,62 And a systematic review of Rhodiola rosea found that participants experienced less pain and muscle damage after exercise.
If you want to purchase these ingredients individually or just try them out, Care/of offers capsules with B12, chromium and adaptogenic mushrooms.
Spirulina & Chlorella
With only two active ingredients, this is the most basic of all Total Human ingredients. Spirulina and chlorella are both nutrient-rich algae that have become popular ingredients in dietary supplements. For example, many green powders often contain high amounts of spirulina and chlorella.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that contains large amounts of proteins, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids (a type of natural pigment and antioxidant)4, and essential fatty acids.64 And commercially produced chlorella contains more vitamins and nutrients than other plants. derived foods, including folic acid, iron and vitamin D and B12
More research is needed on the potential benefits of both algae, but they may be able to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and more.67
Shroom TECH Immune
This Shroom TECH supplement is designed to support your immune system through a mushroom blend (Onnit Myco-Immune Blend) and a botanical blend (Onnit Nutri-Immune Blend).
The main ingredient in the Onnit Myco-Immune blend is organic chaga. Studies suggest that this mushroom has benefits ranging from lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol to fighting cancer. 68 69 However, most studies with chaga involve testing on mice or human cells rather than real ones People. Although Chaga appears “promising,” one study notes, we are curious to see how future human testing goes before declaring it as useful as it appears.70
The turmeric contained in Onnit’s Nutri-Immune mixture is just as promising. Most studies focus not on turmeric but on curcumin, the antioxidant that gives turmeric its yellow color.71 As with chaga, more research is needed, but some studies suggest that curcumin may act as an immunomodulatory agent that increases antibody responses may improve.72 Others note that it may also have antimicrobial effects.73
Additionally, ginger and lemon peel appear to have immune-boosting properties.
New MOOD
This Total Human Night Pack supplement is designed to support your stress response and promote relaxation. It contains several individual ingredients and a blend, the Onnit Tranquility Blend.
Vitamin D (if your levels are low)76, niacin (in moderate doses)77 and vitamin B6 (in high doses) are all the subject of research suggesting that supplementation may help with depression or depression anxiety78. Unfortunately, the effective doses used in the studies do not match those in New MOOD.
Vitamin D
Anxiety 1,600mg per day 12.5mcg (0.0125mg)
Niacin
Depression 36mg per day 15mg
Vitamin B6
Depression and anxiety 100mg per day 10mg
The Onnit Tranquility Blend appears to focus on relaxation and sleep. It includes valerian root79, chamomile80, lemon balm81 and jujube82, all of which have been shown in research to be sleep aids. However, as with other New MOOD ingredients, the effective dosages do not match those in the blend. For example, one study found that 530 to 600 mg of valerian helped improve sleep quality, but the entire Onnit Tranquility blend only contains 225 mg.79
The effects of Thorne’s nighttime ingredient Relora were similar to those of New MOOD’s ingredients; In one study, it reduced salivary cortisol levels in treated subjects compared to placebo and reduced general feelings of stress, tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion.19
ViruTech
ViruTech, similar to Shroom TECH Immune, is intended to support your immune system. If you’re curious about the difference between the two, Onnit clarifies this by saying, “Shroom TECH Immune is designed for everyday immune support… On the other hand, ViruTech is what you should look for when you’re on a travel or not occasion.” if you need an extra helping hand to boost the immune response.
Interestingly, most of the ingredients in ViruTech are more commonly associated with immune system support than those in Shroom TECH Immune. The three individual components of ViruTech that have long been known to play a role in immune system function are:
Vitamin C
Zinc
Selenium
All three ingredients in the Onnit Vitality blend have good research supporting their potential to support or improve immune system function.
L-Lysine
This essential amino acid is commonly supplemented to potentially reduce herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks or symptoms, although research on its effectiveness is inconsistent.
Quercetin dehydrate
Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in onions, grapes, berries, cherries, broccoli, and citrus fruits.87 Like all other antioxidants, this one can neutralize free radicals.
More human research is needed, but quercetin appears to have an “anti-allergic immune response” in animal models – it appears to inhibit histamine release and eosinophil activity. For this reason, some researchers believe that quercetin may be useful in treating asthma.89
Alpha-lipoic acid
Not to be confused with alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that your body produces and helps convert glucose into energy. Because alpha lipoic acid, like quercetin, is an antioxidant, it can help eliminate free radicals
Most commonly, the effective dose of alpha lipoic acid in studies is 600 mg per day, but some studies use doses between 100 mg and 1,800 mg per day.
Key Minerals
This two-capsule supplement (which contains fish and shellfish) is designed to provide you with “all the basic minerals your body needs but doesn’t get from food alone.” The four minerals and one trace element contained in Key Minerals are:
Calcium
Iodine
Magnesium
Molybdenum
Boron
In the United States, a significant percentage of the population does not meet their daily needs for calcium (44.1%) or magnesium (52.2%).2 However, deficiencies of iodine92, molybdenum93 and boron are rare.94 This is important minerals Since this supplement only contains 20% calcium and 30% magnesium, it does not seem to be sufficient.
Even in this case, Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite isn’t much better. It contains less calcium (13%) and only slightly more magnesium (40%). Care/of contains a similarly dosed magnesium supplement, but Calcium Plus provides 37% of your daily requirement, plus vitamin D3 for better absorption.95
When should I take Total Human?
Onnit’s recommended instructions for use state that the day pack should be taken in the morning or early afternoon and the night pack should be taken in the evening before going to bed.
Should I take Total Human with food?
Yes, with a light meal or snack (as recommended by Onnit) that contains some fat. Some supplements in Total Human packages contain vitamins E, D, and K. These vitamins (along with vitamin A) are fat-soluble, meaning they are absorbed into your bloodstream from the fats you eat.96
Is Onnit Total Human vegan-friendly?
Not quite; Both packs contain nutritional supplements with animal ingredients. However, most capsules are vegetarian. You can avoid taking krill oil and important mineral capsules if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Is Onnit Total Human allergy-free?
No, the Total Human Day Pack and Night Pack contain shellfish (krill, lobster and shrimp) and the latter also contains fish (cod and herring). Although these are just a few of the supplements included, we recommend proceeding with caution due to the risk of cross-contact exposure. And it’s always a good idea to discuss with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you suffer from allergies.
We at Faye’s Home Style offer genuine opinions on fashion, style, and home décor. Learn how to show off your individual style!
We at Faye’s Home Style offer genuine opinions on fashion, style, and home décor. Learn how to show off your individual style!