Simsane, yes I've used the vitamins by themselves, but they don't have as good of a result without the fruit. I do get the doctor's consultation when one of them gets sick soon after being treated for a symptom and/or when one of them are weakened like you suggested. But the meds you give them doesn't help their health bar go up. The fruit will though, and it makes it go up quicker than anything I've tried. It's most effective when you have two or more fruits on hand to give a weakened peep. I buy it up everytime it's in the store and keep it on hand.