Vitamins & Supplements
Looking to buy vitamins and supplements? We stock a wide range, perfect for helping you keep your health high through a wide variety of health concerns. Read through our information on vitamins and supplements to discover the differences, how they can help you, and which are the best ones to buy to add to your balanced diet.
More about vitamins & supplements
Are vitamins and supplements the same thing?
Vitamins and supplements are not the same thing, although some vitamins can come in supplement form. Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs to function and stay alive. Supplements are products that you’ll take to add nutritional value to a balanced diet. These could include multivitamin supplements, minerals, herbs or even nutrients like fibre and omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils.
Taking vitamins and supplements can support a healthy lifestyle, which should include a balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of water. It’s always best to get your vitamins and nutrients from the food you eat, but we know that’s not always possible. If you’re looking for added support from vitamins and supplements, read our piece on the 13 vitamins your body needs.
What can vitamins and supplements help with?
Vitamins are necessary for us to stay healthy because without them, we wouldn’t be able to function. Different vitamins and supplements play different roles in your body and can help with many different concerns.
Vitamins and supplements for energy
One of the most well-known vitamins and supplements to give your energy levels a boost are the B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. This vitamin helps to release the energy from food, so it’s more readily available for you to use.
Another supplement that’s thought to help with energy is ashwagandha. It could potentially do this by enhancing your body’s resilience to physical and mental stress.
Vitamins and supplements for hair
Amongst others, vitamins A and C can play an important role in keeping your hair looking healthy. Vitamin A is needed for cell growth, which includes your hair – the fastest growing tissue on your body. It also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum, which moisturises your scalp to keep hair looking healthy.
You probably know vitamin C as the one to take when you’ve got a cold. However, it’s also a powerful antioxidant and is used by your body to create collagen, which is an important part of your hair structure.
Vitamins and supplements for bones and muscles
Getting a bit of sunshine can help your bones and muscles. The vitamin D that your body produces when exposed to direct sunlight helps to regulate calcium and phosphate. In turn, these nutrients help to keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. The NHS recommends you take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months when you’re not exposed to enough direct sunlight to produce this essential vitamin.
Vitamins and supplements for pregnancy
There are a number of vitamins that are beneficial during pregnancy, including folic acid supplements. Folic acid – also known as vitamin B9 – helps the body to make healthy red blood cells. It’s also used to help your unborn baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly. If you’re pregnant or even trying for a baby, the NHS recommend you take folic acid supplements until you’re 12 weeks pregnant.
What vitamins and supplements should I take?
Apart from the vitamins and supplements recommended for you by your GP, pharmacist or the NHS, you should try to get all your vitamins through a healthy, balanced diet. However, if you know you’re not getting enough of something specific, like iron, calcium or magnesium, you could buy vitamins and supplements to keep you topped up. If you’re looking for an all-rounder to make sure you’re getting enough of the essentials, you might want to try multivitamin supplements. The ones you take will depend on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. It’s a good idea to chat to a pharmacist or your GP before deciding which vitamins and supplements to take. They’ll be able to give you the best guidance and advice.
If you’d like more information about vitamins, minerals and supplements, you can read through one of our guides, such as what are the best probiotics for women or what are the 13 vitamins your body needs. If you’re in any doubt, get in touch with us for expert advice.
