Hi, I'm Shubhi. Functional foods sit in an interesting middle zone between supplements and groceries — and the eligibility depends heavily on the underlying medical context.

Short answer. Functional food brands like ARMRA (colostrum), Liquid IV (electrolytes), AG1 and other greens powders, LMNT hydration packets, and Bonafide Health menopause products can be FSA or HSA reimbursable with a Letter of Medical Necessity when there's a specific medical context. The IRS draws a line at "food vs supplement" — a generic protein bar is groceries, but a clinically-formulated medical food (specific brands meeting FDA medical food standards) reimburses. Below is the framework.

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Brand-by-brand fit

• ARMRA. Bovine colostrum. Strong fit for IBS, gut dysbiosis, post-antibiotic recovery, immunocompromised contexts.

• Liquid IV. Hydration powders with electrolytes. Strong fit for POTS, dysautonomia, hyperhidrosis, athletic medical contexts (cardiac rehab on hot days).

• LMNT. Higher-sodium electrolytes. Same fit as Liquid IV; particularly strong for POTS.

• AG1 (Athletic Greens). See AG1 guide. Strong fit for documented nutrient gaps tied to GI conditions.

• Bonafide Health. Menopause supplements (Relizen, Ristela). Strong fit for documented perimenopausal or menopausal symptom management.

• Apothékary. Adaptogen tinctures. Strong fit for documented stress, anxiety, or sleep contexts.

• Blueprint by Bryan Johnson (now Don't Die). Specific products like "longevity mix" — strong fit only when paired with very specific clinical protocols. Mostly not eligible without a tight LMN.

What's eligible with an LMN

• The functional food product itself when tied to a documented context

• Subscription deliveries (recurring while LMN is current)

• Bundle purchases (multi-product) when the LMN context covers each

What's not eligible

• General "wellness" food products. Protein bars, smoothie bowls, branded snacks.

• Functional beverages without a specific medical claim.

• Subscription boxes that bundle non-medical items.

Common reasons people get a functional food LMN

• POTS or dysautonomia (electrolyte support)

• IBS or gut dysbiosis (colostrum, probiotics)

• Documented perimenopausal symptoms (Bonafide)

• Hyperhidrosis or excessive electrolyte loss

• Post-antibiotic gut recovery (colostrum)

• Immunocompromised contexts requiring nutrient support

• Documented GI nutrient malabsorption

A few common functional food FSA/HSA pitfalls

• Treating any "wellness" product as eligible. The IRS line is clinical context. "For health" doesn't qualify.

• Submitting subscription receipts that bundle multiple categories. Itemize when needed.

• Forgetting that some functional foods are FDA medical foods. Products that meet that standard are easier to get approved.

Functional food FSA/HSA FAQ

Is ARMRA HSA eligible?
With an LMN naming IBS, gut dysbiosis, or immunocompromised contexts, yes.

Is Liquid IV FSA eligible?
With an LMN naming POTS, dysautonomia, hyperhidrosis, or specific athletic medical contexts, yes.

Is LMNT HSA eligible?
Same framework as Liquid IV — with documented electrolyte management context, yes.

Are subscription boxes covered?
When the contents are clearly clinical and bundled on a single receipt with the LMN context, yes.

Is the LMN fee itself FSA/HSA eligible?
Yes.

Stop paying full price for clinical foods

If you've got a documented context that fits, the LMN turns the spend into pre-tax. Get yours from Burst in under 5 minutes.

Request my LMN →

If you're not sure whether your situation fits, hit reply on any Burst email or write to support@getburst.com. We read every email ourselves.

Thanks,
Shubhi
Co-Founder at Burst

For the underlying rules, see IRS Publication 502, IRS Notice 2006-69, and IRS Notice 2007-2.

Last updated: May 2026

This guide is not medical advice. Your eligibility depends on your specific situation and your plan administrator's interpretation of IRS rules. Burst's clinicians make eligibility decisions on a case-by-case basis.