The Promises of Flo Vitamins
Flo vitamins, produced by the company O Positiv, are marketed as a dietary supplement to alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. The brand offers both a gummy and a capsule version, formulated with a blend of ingredients including Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Vitamin B6, and Lemon Balm. According to the manufacturer, these components work together to help with hormonal breakouts, bloating, mood swings, and cramps. The company often highlights positive feedback and high user ratings in its marketing.
Positive Reviews: A Look at the Success Stories
Many customers have shared positive experiences with Flo vitamins, citing significant improvements in their PMS symptoms. On the O Positiv website and other retail platforms, numerous five-star reviews detail noticeable changes.
Key themes from positive reviews include:
- Relief from Cramps and Bloating: Many users report that their cramps and bloating have been significantly reduced or even eliminated after taking Flo consistently for a few months. One reviewer even noted that they no longer need to take painkillers for their cycle-related discomfort.
- Clearer Skin: Hormonal acne is a major reason many women turn to Flo. Multiple reviews enthusiastically state that their breakouts decreased dramatically or disappeared entirely after consistent use. Some users reported clearer skin within a couple of months.
- Improved Mood Swings: Several women claim that Flo has helped them manage moodiness and irritability more effectively during their cycle, leading to more stable emotional states.
- Regulated Cycles: In some cases, users reported a more regular menstrual cycle. One individual on Reddit noted that after their subscription was canceled, the unpleasant return of their symptoms was a strong indicator that the vitamins were indeed making a difference.
Negative Reviews and Concerns
Despite the positive testimonials, a substantial number of reviews express disappointment or concern with Flo vitamins. These experiences highlight the variable nature of supplements and individual health responses.
Common issues found in negative reviews:
- Ineffectiveness: A significant portion of users reported no change in their PMS symptoms, even after taking the vitamins for the recommended two to three months. One reviewer on Target's website, who had taken the gummies for 4-5 months, still experienced terrible PMS.
- Adverse Side Effects: Some customers experienced negative reactions, including skin rashes on the face, neck, and chest. Others reported digestive issues like gas and frequent bowel movements, while some faced breakthrough bleeding or changes in odor.
- B6 Toxicity Warning: A highly concerning review on the Target website mentioned a potential dosage issue with Vitamin B6. The reviewer claimed to have experienced peripheral neuropathy and numbness due to what they believed was an excessive amount of B6. While the listed 20,000 mg is likely a severe typo on their part or in the review itself, it underscores the need for caution with high vitamin dosages and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider.
- Sugar Content in Gummies: The gummy version of Flo contains ingredients like tapioca syrup and raw cane sugar, which might be a drawback for those monitoring their sugar intake.
The Scientific Debate: Is Flo's Formula Backed by Evidence?
The scientific merit of Flo vitamins is a point of contention. While the company claims its formula is 'scientifically-designed,' independent experts and critics raise serious questions about the product's effectiveness and the dosages used.
Points of scientific skepticism:
- Proprietary Blend: Flo uses a proprietary herbal blend, meaning the exact amount of each herb is not disclosed. Critics argue this opacity prevents proper scientific evaluation.
- Insufficient Dosages: Based on ingredient information, some sources suggest that the doses of key ingredients are significantly lower than what has been found effective in clinical studies. For instance, one analysis noted that Flo's B6 and Chasteberry content were well below clinically effective doses.
- Marketing Over Science: Dr. Jen Gunter points out that citing 'ancient' medicinal use for herbs like Lemon Balm is a marketing tactic, as there is often a lack of robust modern scientific evidence to support such claims. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements for safety or efficacy before they are sold.
Comparison: Flo vs. Other PMS Supplements
To provide context, here is how Flo vitamins stack up against other PMS relief supplements, based on available information.
| Feature | Flo Vitamins (Gummy/Capsule) | Hum Moody Bird | Generic Chasteberry Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Proprietary blend with Chasteberry, Dong Quai, B6, Lemon Balm | Chasteberry, Dong Quai | Typically only Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-Castus) |
| Formulation | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO options available | Vegan, Gluten-Free | Can vary based on brand |
| User Feedback | Mixed, with significant positive and negative reports | Mixed to positive, considered higher end | Specific to brand, but focuses on Chasteberry benefits |
| Price | Moderately priced | Higher-priced option | Can be a more budget-friendly option |
| Scientific Basis | Debated due to low dosages and proprietary blend | Ingredients individually supported by some research | Focuses on one herb with some research support |
Clarification on the Flo App Lawsuit
It is important to differentiate the Flo vitamins from the Flo period-tracking app. The Flo app has faced legal issues, including a class-action privacy lawsuit settled in 2025 concerning improper data sharing. This issue is unrelated to the formulation or effectiveness of the Flo vitamins, but it is a distinct product from a similarly named brand that caused confusion for some users.
Conclusion
Reviews for Flo vitamins paint a picture of a product with highly polarized results. For some, it is a “life-changer” that effectively addresses PMS symptoms like hormonal acne, bloating, and mood swings. For others, it is an expensive supplement that delivers minimal to no benefits, or worse, causes unwelcome side effects. The mixed bag of user experiences is compounded by the lack of strong, independent scientific evidence to support the claims, particularly regarding the proprietary blend and the low dosages of key ingredients compared to clinical studies. Because individual biochemistry plays a significant role in how a person responds to supplements, results are not guaranteed. Anyone considering Flo vitamins should manage their expectations and consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen, especially those with pre-existing conditions or who are taking other medications.
