B2 — Upper Intermediate
Vitamin patches are wearable supplements that deliver vitamins through the skin. People usually place the patch on their arm, shoulder, or another area of the body for several hours. These vitamin patches are wearable supplements designed to deliver vitamins through the skin in a simple and convenient way.
Barrière is a company seeking to innovate the supplement industry. Its slogan, “Wear your vitamins,” reflects its focus on wearable vitamin patches as an alternative to traditional supplements.
Watch the video about vitamin patches and how Barriere is trying to disrupt the US supplement market.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the meaning of “cost prohibitive”? ”We’ve done user trials. There’s one trial available, but it’s been cost prohibitive and it’s unfortunately not required to sell in America.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What is the meaning of “clinical efficacy”? “From what I see, we are choosing convenience over clinical efficacy.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “bioavailability” mean? “The assumption is that because they’re so small, they’re going to penetrate the skin. Therefore, you will have bioavailability of these supplements and herbs.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of using vitamin patches?
- What are your thoughts on this supplement? Would you try a vitamin patch instead of taking supplements by mouth? Why or why not?
- Do you trust new health trends easily, or do you prefer to do more research first? Explain your answer.
- The FDA has declared that it plans to end its war on vitamins. What are your thoughts on this?
- How important is marketing for health products like vitamin patches?
- Could wearable health products become more popular in the future? Why or why not?