Puritan’s Pride Review: Are Their Claims Too Good to Be True?

Puritan’s Pride offers supplements that may support better immunity, heart health, brain function, and wellness. The brand’s catalog includes over 1,500 products, encompassing vitamins, minerals, herbs, aromatherapy, and personal care items.

Puritan’s Pride also provides personalized vitamin recommendations through their online quiz, helping you personalize your supplement choices as per your health goals.

In this review, we will explore the products offered by Puritan’s Pride while examining the brand’s limitations, advantages, and pros and cons.

About Puritan’s Pride

Founded in 1973 and based in Oakdale, New York, Puritan’s Pride claims that all its products are crafted in U.S.-based, state-of-the-art facilities, following rigorous testing protocols and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Puritan’s Pride promises to deliver affordable, science-backed products that may support a wide range of fitness goals. The brand offers one of the most extensive selections in the supplement space, with over 2,500 products across multiple health categories. These may include minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin D3, B-complex, and Calcium, along with targeted multivitamins for men, women, seniors, and children.

Puritan’s Pride also features herbal supplements such as Milk Thistle, Turmeric, and Ginkgo Biloba. The brand also provides sports and diet products like amino acids and L-arginine, along with a growing range of beauty and personal care items, including Moroccan Argan Oil and Hyaluronic Acid creams.

Puritan’s Pride Products

1. Probiotic 10

   Puritan’s Pride Probiotic 10 could support your digestive and immune health with the help of beneficial bacteria. It provides a potent 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per capsule, representing 10 distinct probiotic strains, which may help promote gut balance, bowel regularity, and immune system function.

   Probiotic 10 by Puritan’s Pride could also help restore and maintain a healthy bacterial balance, particularly essential during periods of stress, dietary imbalance, or after antibiotic use. Each bottle offers a generous four-month supply with 120 gluten-free capsules.

   As per the official website, Probiotic 10 combines clinically relevant probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. These strains could help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive function. They might also help enhance gut microbiota and improve gut barrier integrity.

2. Milk Thistle Extract

   Puritan’s Pride claims that its Milk Thistle Extract formula could support liver health and provide antioxidant protection. It is said to provide the equivalent of 1,000 mg of whole Milk Thistle herb in a concentrated 4:1 extract, standardized for quality and effectiveness.

   Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) contains silymarin flavonoids known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are believed to help protect liver cells from free radical damage and harmful environmental factors. Milk Thistle by Puritan’s Pride might help promote healthy liver function, particularly by supporting the integrity of liver cell membranes and aiding in the natural detoxification process.

3. Q-SORB CO Q-10

   According to the official website, Puritan’s Pride Q-SORB Co Q-10 could support heart health, cellular energy production, and antioxidant protection. Its rapid-release softgel provides 200 mg of Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) in an easy-to-swallow form that enhances absorption and bioavailability.

   Q-SORB Co Q-10 could support mitochondrial function to help generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. This formula might also help neutralize free radicals, which might cause oxidative stress and cellular damage.

   Q-SORB Co Q-10 by Puritan’s Pride could support healthy heart function by promoting circulation, aiding myocardial energy production, and maintaining blood pressure levels already within a normal range. The Q-SORB form used by Puritan’s Pride in this formula is specifically designed to help replenish CoQ-10 levels efficiently.

4. Lycopene 40mg

   Puritan’s Pride Lycopene 40 mg may support heart health, prostate function, and cellular protection. It provides 40 mg of lycopene per capsule, offering a two-month supply in an easy-to-swallow format that fits seamlessly into daily wellness routines. As per the official website, Puritan’s Pride Lycopene 40 mg could help combat free radicals, unstable molecules that might cause oxidative stress and cellular damage if left unchecked. It might also help maintain normal blood vessel function and reduce oxidative damage in heart tissues.

5. Vitamin D3 125mcg

   Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Puritan’s Pride is available in a bioavailable softgel form that may support bone strength, immune health, and muscle recovery. This supplement could be an easy and effective way to help meet your daily vitamin D needs, especially when sunlight is limited.

   The makers state that their Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) formula could support calcium absorption, potentially helping to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

   Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5,000 IU) by Puritan’s Pride might also support a healthy immune response, contribute to neuromuscular function, and support improved muscle strength and recovery, particularly following intense physical activity.

6. Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine 1,000 mg

   According to the official website, Puritan’s Pride Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine 1,000 mg offers the benefits of turmeric root and curcuminoids. It provides 900 mg of turmeric root and 100 mg of turmeric extract, which is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.

   Puritan’s Pride Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine 1,000 mg could help combat oxidative stress and support joint health, digestive function. It may also help reduce inflammation and support cognitive function.

   The addition of Bioperine® black pepper extract in this formula might help enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, making it more manageable for the body to absorb and utilize the complete benefits of turmeric.

7. Plant-Based Omega-3 Algae Oil

   Puritan’s Pride Plant-Based Omega-3 Algae Oil offers a plant-derived alternative to traditional fish oil, making it a suitable option for people seeking to support their heart, skin, and joint health. The makers state that this algae oil formula provides omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA.

   Plant-Based Omega-3 Algae Oil provides 1,000 mg of algae oil, providing 520 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, including 510 mg of EPA and DHA. These omega-3s in the formula could help maintain normal heart function, healthy skin, and joint mobility.

8. Lutigold Lutein 20mg

   Lutigold Lutein 20 mg by Puritan’s Pride provides a potent dose of lutein, which may support eye health and safeguard vision from the harmful effects of blue light exposure. It provides 20 mg of lutein per softgel, a powerful antioxidant found in the macula of the retina.

   As per the official website, Lutigold Lutein 20 mg could help filter out harmful blue light, which is emitted by computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. It could be particularly essential as prolonged screen time might cause eye strain and discomfort, affecting overall vision health.

   The makers state that Lutigold Lutein 20 mg can enhance your vision, allowing you to see clearly in low-light conditions, such as during nighttime driving. Lutigold Lutein 20 mg comes in a four-month supply with 120 rapid-release softgels.

Puritan’s Pride Advantages

1. Wide Product Range

   Puritan’s Pride offers a wide selection of supplements, covering vitamins and minerals to targeted formulas for heart health, digestion, immunity, and joints. This variety makes it easy for you to find products that match your specific health needs. As per the official website, Puritan’s Pride features Probiotic 10 for gut and immune support, Q-SORB Co Q-10 for heart and energy health, and Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine for inflammation. The brand also offers options like Plant-Based Omega-3 Algae Oil for vegans and Lutigold Lutein 20 mg for eye health in the digital age.

2. Established Reputation

   Puritan’s Pride was founded in the early 1970s by Arthur Rudolph in Long Island, New York. Since its inception, the brand has established itself as a trusted name in the dietary supplement industry, offering a wide variety of affordable products. Its extensive catalog includes over 1,200 products such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other health-related supplements available in multiple formats, including tablets, softgels, capsules, liquids, and powders.

   In 2021, Puritan’s Pride became part of The Bountiful Company portfolio, which Nestlé Health Science acquired. This acquisition helped expand the brand’s reach and resources, further strengthening its position in the market. The company operates various manufacturing facilities across the United States, producing supplements in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure high-quality standards. Among its popular products are supplements like Coenzyme Q10, Lutein, and Lycopene, which have contributed to the brand’s ongoing success.

Puritan’s Pride Limitations

1. Not All Products Are Vegan-Friendly

   Puritan’s Pride has limited guarantees for vegan and allergen-free products, which can be an issue for consumers with dietary restrictions. Many of their supplements contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, fish oil, and lanolin, and are produced in facilities that also process allergens such as soy, dairy, wheat, and nuts. This increases the risk of cross-contamination for those with food allergies.

   Several Puritan’s Pride products are not vegan, including the Super Biotin 5000 mcg, Vitamin D3 5000 IU Softgels, Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000 mg, and CoQ10 100 mg Rapid Release Softgels, which contain animal-based ingredients. Even their vegetarian or plant-based options, like the Green Source Multivitamin and Deva Vegan Flaxseed Oil, are exceptions and may not be fully vegan-certified or clear on allergen handling.

2. Misleading Value Perception

   Puritan’s Pride’s use of offers like “Buy 1 Get 2 Free” often creates a misleading sense of value. The base prices are usually inflated, making the discounts look bigger than they are. These promotions are always available, which creates a false urgency. Customers may feel pressured to buy more than they need, thinking the deal is time-sensitive when it’s not. This leads to unnecessary spending and stockpiling of products that aren’t needed. The lack of clear pricing and flexibility with promo codes adds to the confusion. Customers can have trouble comparing prices or understanding the true cost per unit, which reduces transparency. A class action lawsuit in 2017 alleged that Puritan’s Pride violated FTC guidelines by advertising permanent prices as temporary sales.

Puritan’s Pride Alternatives Brands

1. Nature’s Way

   Nature’s Way is a U.S. supplement brand that achieves TRU-ID™ certification, which uses DNA testing to verify the authenticity of plant-based ingredients. In contrast, Puritan’s Pride does not currently employ DNA verification or disclose similar independent authentication measures for its herbal products.

   Nature’s Way standardizes many of its botanicals, such as turmeric standardized to 95% curcuminoids or ashwagandha standardized to 2.5% withanolides, to deliver consistent, evidence-based dosing. These standardized extracts are critical in research-backed supplementation, as therapeutic effects are often dose-dependent on specific active constituents. On the other hand, Puritan’s Pride offers a variety of herbal ingredients, including both standardized extracts and whole herbs. Their standardized extracts, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola, and Turmeric, ensure consistency and potency by containing specific percentages of active compounds like flavone glycosides, rosavins, and curcuminoids.

   Nature’s Way adheres to U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) standards on several formulations and maintains GMP certification, with some products bearing NSF or other third-party seals. This is particularly relevant in categories like probiotics, where Nature’s Way offers strains with defined CFU counts backed by stability studies, such as in their Primadophilus® line. Puritan’s Pride is GMP-certified, ensuring that its products meet strict manufacturing quality standards. The company conducts in-house testing, with a focus on raw material and finished product quality. However, Puritan’s Pride does not provide detailed information about its testing methodologies, bioactive content verification, or third-party audit results.

2. NOW Foods

   NOW Foods offers a broad range of products, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and personal care products. The company manufactures in GMP-certified facilities and is known for its commitment to transparency, offering third-party testing for some products.

   Puritan’s Pride specializes in vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Like NOW Foods, Puritan’s Pride manufactures in GMP-compliant facilities, but not all of its products undergo third-party testing. This lack of consistent third-party verification may be a concern for more discerning customers.

   NOW Foods is committed to product quality and safety, regularly submitting its products for third-party testing and certification. For example, NOW Sports voluntarily participates in the Informed-Sport program, which screens products for banned substances and ensures that they meet rigorous anti-doping standards. Some of NOW Foods’ products, including sports nutrition items like protein powders, CoQ10, and vitamin D3, are tested and certified through ConsumerLab’s Quality Certification Program, which verifies label accuracy and product quality.

   While NOW Foods claims to adhere to third-party testing, they are not listed under the NSF Certified for Sport® program. Puritan’s Pride, on the other hand, is compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). While the company does not publicly publish Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on its website, these documents are available upon request. Consumers and distributors can contact Puritan’s Pride directly to obtain the COAs for specific products, ensuring transparency and access to product-level quality data.

   NOW Foods often formulates its supplements with more bioavailable and clinically studied compounds. For example, many of NOW’s magnesium products feature magnesium bisglycinate chelate (TRAACS®), a form shown in studies to offer superior absorption and gentler gastrointestinal effects compared to magnesium oxide. In contrast, several of Puritan’s Pride magnesium supplements use magnesium oxide, which, while higher in elemental magnesium, has significantly lower intestinal absorption.

How Did We Evaluate Puritan’s Pride?

1. Consumer Feedback

   We based our evaluation on direct feedback from customers on Trustpilot, and the results were overwhelmingly negative. Many people report missing items, delayed shipments, and poor service. Even when reaching out for help, they’re met with offshore support that can’t resolve basic problems. Some say they never received replacements or refunds, even after multiple follow-ups.

   Several users received products that were expired, close to expiring, or caused unwanted side effects. One person became seriously ill from a contaminated product and only found out months later that it contained E. coli. Others pointed out questionable ingredients like titanium dioxide and magnesium stearate, which they felt shouldn’t be in health supplements.

   Frequent stock issues also frustrated long-time customers. Items advertised in promotions were often unavailable, and automated orders failed even after payment was processed. Some buyers were unable to change account details like addresses without jumping through excessive verification steps.

2. Brand Reputation

   To evaluate Puritan’s Pride, we looked at several key factors such as brand age, history, background, and customer reviews, especially on platforms like Trustpilot. The brand has been around since 1973, giving it over five decades in the supplement space. That kind of longevity suggests industry experience and wide distribution.

   However, on Trustpilot, Puritan’s Pride has a rating of 1.4 stars, which raises serious concerns. This score reflects widespread customer dissatisfaction, often tied to issues like delayed shipping, poor customer service, or questions about product quality. Despite its strong legacy, the brand appears to struggle with meeting customer expectations.

3. Refund Guarantee

   We looked closely at Puritan’s Pride’s refund policy to see how it supports you as a customer. The 90-day money-back guarantee is more generous than what many supplement brands offer, giving you plenty of time to try a product and decide if it’s right for you. They also accept returns on opened items, which shows confidence in their products and lowers your risk when trying something new. If you return within the 90-day window, they refund the full purchase price.

   We also considered the limitations and how reasonable they are. For instance, if you buy multiples of the same item, you can only return one opened product, and the rest must be sealed. That’s a fair way to prevent misuse while still letting you sample the product. Kits must be returned in full, which is standard and easy to work with if you’re organized.

   However, if you’re sending back products from multiple orders, you have to ship them separately. That could be a hassle if you order frequently. There’s also the risk of a restocking fee, up to 25%, if you don’t follow the return instructions exactly. This could frustrate some customers, especially if the original packing slip is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Puritan’s Pride products manufactured in the USA?
   Yes, Puritan’s Pride products are manufactured in the USA, ensuring they adhere to strict quality standards and regulations.
2. Does Puritan’s Pride offer personalized supplement recommendations?
   Puritan’s Pride doesn’t offer personalized testing or consultations, but their website features helpful quizzes and guides to recommend products based on your goals and lifestyle.
3. Do they offer eco-friendly or recyclable packaging?
   Puritan’s Pride uses recyclable plastic bottles and encourages sustainable packaging where possible, although not all materials are biodegradable.

Conclusion

Puritan’s Pride offers a wide selection of supplements that may support various fitness goals, such as immune function, digestive health, cardiovascular wellness, and cognitive support.

The brand focuses on scientifically formulated products with clinically relevant doses and emphasizes bioavailability and potency. Its use of ingredients like BioPerine® for improved absorption highlights its commitment to effective supplementation.

However, the brand’s pricing structure, particularly promotional offers like “Buy 1 Get 2 Free,” may create a misleading sense of value due to inflated base prices, leading to unnecessary purchases.

While Puritan’s Pride offers various supplements to support your health, it’s important not to rely on them alone. For long-term wellness, consider combining natural options like eating a variety of whole grains, leafy greens, and legumes to support digestive health and boost your immune system.

Foods that are rich in omega-3s, such as flaxseeds and walnuts, can also complement the brand’s offerings for heart health, while antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like berries and spinach could help enhance cognitive function.