Biometric Scanners and Safety Precautions

I've seen people talking about the iTovi and Zyto health & wellness scanners and I have to say that I am HIGHLY skeptical that a little device can accurately recommend essential oils, products, and supplements that your body needs based on any actual science. So I decided to do some research because at first I thought it sounded like a really cool and handy product. I have not tested out these scanners personally since the pricing plans are quite high upwards of $40 a month or $799 one time payment.

How do these scanners work? They are handheld devices that use bioelectrical impedance, which is used to estimate various aspects of bodily composition and then based on the scan, they recommend essential oils, blends, supplements, and other products that your body needs according to the scan. It sounds pretty cool, right? But, I have some concerns.... because most people don't always read the disclaimers involved with such products. 

1. My first concern is that the results do not account for the medications a person is taking, their dosages, and any contraindications that produce safety risks. For instance, cinnamon bark essential oil should be avoided internally if you are on diabetic medications. 
2. My second concern is it cannot accurately account for your medical conditions - known or unknown. If someone has GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) they may need to avoid all mint based oils, blends, and products whether inhaled, ingested, or applied topically. 
3. My third concern is that it does not understand the safety precautions for pregnant women during the different trimesters. Some oils should be avoided in the 1st trimester, but are fine in the third trimester. 

I am keenly aware of the science behind essential oils and the applicable safety precautions involved with their use. I am currently taking the Essential Oils Safety Masterclass through the Tisserand Institute led by Robert Tisserand, who, with Rodney Young wrote the book on Essential Oil Safety. I love essential oils a lot and that is why I am educating myself and doing research so that I can pass along those insights to others. 

I spoke with classmates and instructors both through the Tisserand Institute and the New York Institute for Aromatic Studies regarding the safety concerns and science behind biometric scanners of this kind and was told various things from the scanners being utterly useless to there was really no science behind scanners because the results cannot be duplicated and that if someone has a scan and then scans again a few minutes later, they will get different results. Though some folks including certified aromatherapists said that they have had amazing and accurate results from the scanners both on themselves and clients, which is great for those aware of safety precautions, but again my concern lies within the safety considerations based on medical history and prescription medications. I know the companies have disclaimers on their websites, but I don't always know if people are actually aware of them enough to either do research or seek medical attention from a professional.

I am sure that the recommendations from such scanners work well for some people and they have had positive results, but I am still skeptical. My advice is that I always recommend doing research to evaluate the pros and cons and any safety risks that may be involved. If you use one of these scanners on yourself or have had a scan performed by someone else, be sure to follow up with a qualified professional to make sure that there are no contraindications with medications or medical conditions. From what I have seen -- the science isn't really proven and that they seem to be a marketing tool in order to sell products, which on one hand is fine, but on the other hand... safety! safety! safety!

​Thanks with oily love and safety for all!
----
Here are a few articles reviewing the biometric scanners. 
-www.devicewatch.org/reports/itovi/overview.shtml
-www.sandiegocan.org/2017/04/13/scam-alert-zyto-itovi-scanners-might-scammers/
- http://www.essentialninja.com/zyto-scan-or-zyto-scam-must-read-before-you-buy-continued/news/