<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/03/Supplements440-9a04b96.jpg?quality=90&resize=620,413" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/03/Supplements440-9a04b96.jpg?quality=90&resize=360,239 360w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/03/Supplements440-9a04b96.jpg?quality=90&resize=180,119 180w, " sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" width="620" height="413" class="wp-image-874759 alignnone size-landscape_thumbnail" alt="A woman taking a supplement in a capsule" title="What supplements should I take?" /> <h2 class="p1">What are supplements?</h2>
<p class="p1">Available as tablets, capsules, gummies, sprays or powders, dietary and nutritional supplements are used to complement a diet that may, potentially, be lacking.</p>
<p class="p1">Although increasingly popular, it’s important to remember that in the UK there are <a href="https://www.hsis.org/food-supplements-regulations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">no requirements for supplements to be licensed or registered</span></a> and they don’t need a prescription.</p>
<p class="p1"><b>Check out our</b> <a href="/vitamins-and-minerals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>Vitamins and Minerals Information Hub</b></span></a> <b>to learn more about key nutrients – including whether you’re getting</b> <a href="/howto/guide/am-i-getting-enough-vitamin-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>enough vitamin D</b></span></a> <b>to the</b> <a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-vitamin-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>top 10 healthiest sources of vitamin C</b></span></a><b>, plus</b> <a href="/howto/guide/vital-minerals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>vital minerals</b></span></a> <b>you need in your diet.</b></p>
<h2 class="p1">Why do people take supplements?</h2>
<p class="p1">Many people turn to supplements to enhance or improve their health but it’s important to remember that a <a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">well-balanced diet</span></a> remains the foundation for health and that no supplement can replace the nutritional benefits and advantages of enjoying a varied diet.</p>
<p class="p1">That said, there are occasions when some of us may benefit from a supplement. Reasons for this are varied but may include a poor or restricted diet, increased need such as during <a href="/howto/guide/all-you-need-know-about-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">pregnancy</span></a>, the use of certain medications, a compromised digestive system due to illness or age and an inability to access the outdoors. Add to this the fact that many of the whole foods we eat, including fruit, vegetables and grains, are <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/environment-and-conservation/2022/05/fruits-and-vegetables-are-less-nutritious-than-they-used-to-be" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">less nutritious</span></a> today than they were 70 years ago, and it’s easy to see why some argue the case for supplementation.</p>
<h2 class="p1"><b>Which supplements are the most popular?</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Popular choices include vitamins B12, C, D and folic acid, minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium, as well as fish oils and <a href="/howto/guide/what-are-probiotics-and-what-do-they-do#" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">probiotics</span></a>. Most of us should achieve all our nutritional needs from a healthy, varied and balanced diet but there may be some circumstances when a supplement may be helpful.</p>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/what-vitamin-b12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Vitamin B12</b> </a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">If you have a compromised digestion due to conditions like coeliac or Crohn’s disease, you are elderly or you take <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36268318/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">certain medications</span></a></li>
<li class="li1">If you follow a plant-based or <a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">vegan diet</span></a></li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get B12?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include meat, liver, milk, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals, fortified plant milks, fortified nutritional yeast flakes</li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">Our favourite B12-rich recipes include <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-kale-pesto-pasta"><span class="s2">vegan kale pesto pasta</span></a> and <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sauteed-liver-apple-salad-blackberry-dressing"><span class="s2">sautéed apple & liver salad</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
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<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/what-folic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Folic acid</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">If you’re a woman planning a pregnancy or in your first trimester</li>
<li class="li1">If you take certain prescribed medication including those for epilepsy or a diuretic</li>
<li class="li1">If you have a compromised digestion due to conditions like Crohn’s or coeliac disease</li>
<li class="li1">If you are elderly</li>
<li class="li1">If you consume high levels of alcohol</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get folic acid?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, wholegrains, liver, sunflower and pumpkin seeds</li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">Our favourite recipes rich in folic acid include <a href="/recipes/stir-fried-sprouts-green-beans-lemon-pine-nuts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">stir-fried sprouts with green beans, lemon & pine nuts</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/brussels-sprouts-grain-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">brussels sprouts grain bowl</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/what-vitamin-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin C</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">If you consume <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">high amounts of alcohol, are a smoker, have a poor diet or an eating disorder</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s5">If you h</span>ave type 1 diabetes</li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s5">If you h</span>ave an inflammatory bowel disorder</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get vitamin C?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include citrus fruit, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and white potatoes. Take a look at the <a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-vitamin-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">top 10 healthiest sources of vitamin C</span></a></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">Our favourite recipes rich in vitamin C include <a href="/recipes/clementine-vanilla-porridge-citrus-salsa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">clementine & vanilla porridge with citrus salsa</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/mexican-penne-avocado" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Mexican-style penne</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/am-i-getting-enough-vitamin-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin D</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1"><span class="s3"><a href="https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/osteoporosis-leaflet/vitamin-d-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s6">One in five</span></a></span> of us are thought to be low during the winter and early spring months</li>
<li class="li1">If you have dark skin, cover up for cultural reasons or are housebound, you may be at increased risk</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get vitamin D?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include fatty fish such as salmon, trout and sardines, eggs, liver, fortified plant milks and spreads</li>
<li class="li1">Our favourite recipes rich in vitamin D include <a href="/recipes/tandoori-trout" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">tandoori trout</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/mushroom-hash-poached-eggs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">mushroom hash with poached eggs</span></a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/spotlight-high-iron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iron</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">If you are menstruating or <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">pregnant</span></a></li>
<li class="li1">If you have conditions such as irritable bowel disease (IBD) or coeliac disease</li>
<li class="li1">If you follow a poor or restricted diet</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get iron?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include red meat, darker poultry meat such as thighs, liver, lentils, beans such as kidney beans and chickpeas, nuts, dried fruit, fortified breakfast cereals</li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">Our favourite iron-rich recipes include <a href="/recipes/lentil-salad-tahini-dressing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">lentil salad with tahini dressing</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/shepherds-pie-lambs-liver" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">shepherd’s pie with lamb’s liver</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
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<img class="wp-image-874767 align size-full image-handler__image image-handler__image–full no-wrap js-lazyload" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/03/Magnesium700-b3a0054.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C310" width="700" height="350" alt="A sign reading ‘Magnesium’ with foods surrounding it" title="What supplements should I take?">
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<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/what-magnesium" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magnesium</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">If you have conditions such as Crohn’s or coeliac disease</li>
<li class="li1">If you have poorly managed type 2 diabetes or a kidney disorder</li>
<li class="li1">If you are on prescribed medication including diuretics or <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21555654/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">antacids</span></a></li>
<li class="li1">If you follow a restricted diet, low in vegetables and nuts</li>
<li class="li1">If you are under extreme stress</li>
<li class="li1">If you have a high intake of alcohol</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get magnesium?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include wholegrains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds including almonds and sesame seeds</li>
<li class="li1">Our favourite magnesium-rich recipes include <a href="/recipes/smoky-hake-beans-greens" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">smoky hake, beans & greens</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/alkalising-green-soup" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">alkalising green soup</span></a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/am-i-risk-calcium-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calcium</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">If you have a diagnosed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337919/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">milk allergy or lactose intolerance</span></a></span></li>
<li class="li1">Are post-menopausal</li>
<li class="li1">Are female and of reproductive age but not menstruating</li>
<li class="li1">Are a high-performing female athlete</li>
<li class="li1">Have a restricted diet and are adolescent or elderly</li>
<li class="li1">If you follow a plant-based diet</li>
<li class="li1">Are on certain <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25083257/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">medications</span></a></li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get calcium?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include dairy foods, fortified plant-based milk alternatives, tinned fish (with bones), green leafy vegetables, dried fruit such as dates, tempeh</li>
<li class="li1">Our favourite calcium-rich recipes include <a href="/recipes/peanut-butter-date-oat-pots" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">peanut butter & date oat pots</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/saag-paneer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">saag paneer</span></a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-omega-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Omega-3 fatty acids</b></a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">If you have a diagnosed fish allergy</li>
<li class="li1">Are following a restricted diet, including a vegan diet</li>
<li class="li1">Have a greater need such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get omega-3 fatty acids?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources include salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines, nuts and seeds including walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds</li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s5">Our favourite recipes rich in omega-3 include <a href="/recipes/sesame-salmon-purple-sprouting-broccoli-sweet-potato-mash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">sesame salmon with sweet potato mash</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/chia-pudding" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">chia pudding</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p3"><span class="s2"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-are-probiotics-and-what-do-they-do"><b>Probiotics &</b> prebiotics</a></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><b>Why might I be low?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Those with antibiotic-related diarrhoea</li>
<li class="li1">If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29581563/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">vaginal dysbiosis</span></a></li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Where can I get probiotics & prebiotics?</b></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Food sources of probiotics include bio yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and miso</li>
<li class="li1">Food sources of prebiotics include asparagus, banana, garlic and onions, Jerusalem artichokes</li>
<li class="li1">Our favourite recipes include <a href="/recipes/homemade-kefir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">homemade kefir</span></a> and <a href="/recipes/kimchi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">kimchi</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<img class="wp-image-874768 align size-full image-handler__image image-handler__image–full no-wrap js-lazyload" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/03/pillsfood700-9d3e00f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C310" width="700" height="350" alt="A hand holding out vitamins surrounded by fresh fruit and veg" title="What supplements should I take?">
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<h2 class="p1">Should I take a multivitamin?</h2>
<p class="p1">Many people wonder if they should take a multivitamin on a ‘just in case’ basis. As the name suggests, a multivitamin is a supplement that contains a range of different vitamins and minerals and sometimes other ingredients, such as herbs. Exact formulations will vary depending on the brand and product you choose.</p>
<p class="p1">It’s important to remember that taking a multivitamin will not compensate for poor eating habits and supplementing with high doses of nutrients may be inappropriate and even harmful in some circumstances. Improving your diet with plenty of nutrient-dense, wholefoods is more likely to be an effective approach for your long-term health and wellbeing. That said, those who may benefit include the older age groups for whom a combination of factors such as poor digestion or possibly an inability to get outdoors may leave them lacking in some nutrients such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10448529/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">vitamins B12</span></a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17720017/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">D, as well as the mineral calcium</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p1">For those on a restrictive diet, and this may include <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23356638/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">vegans and some vegetarians</span></a>, a multivitamin may be helpful because it may support your intake of the harder-to-get nutrients, including vitamins B12, D and minerals like iodine.</p>
<p class="p1">That said, for most of us there is inconsistent evidence to support the value of taking a multivitamin and for those diagnosed with a specific nutrient deficiency it may, depending on your circumstances, be more effective to supplement with just the nutrient you are lacking. Speak to your GP for further guidance.</p>
<h2 class="p1">I am pregnant, should I supplement my diet?</h2>
<p class="p1">Yes, during pregnancy your need for certain nutrients increases and you’ll need to <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">supplement</span></a> these. One important vitamin at conception and during pregnancy is folic acid – this vitamin helps to prevent your baby from developing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. For this reason, mums to be are advised to supplement with 400mcg of folic acid daily from when she plans for a baby until week 12 of her pregnancy. If you have diabetes, sickle cell anaemia or take medication for epilepsy, your folic acid needs may be greater still and you should seek further guidance from your GP or registered dietician.</p>
<p class="p1">Another important nutrient during this life stage is vitamin D, which helps your baby’s bones and teeth grow and keeps yours strong and healthy. You should take a supplement with 10mcg of vitamin D daily throughout your pregnancy.</p>
<p class="p1">Top tip – dark green leafy vegetables as well as sunflower seeds and wholegrains are useful sources of folate, the natural form of folic acid.</p>
<p class="p1">Read our expert guide to learn <a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">how to eat well during pregnancy</span></a>.</p>
<h2 class="p1">I follow a vegan diet, should I take a nutritional supplement?</h2>
<p class="p1">Certain nutrients may be hard to achieve from a plant-based diet, and these include <a href="/howto/guide/what-vitamin-b12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">vitamins B12</span></a> and D, <a href="/howto/guide/what-iodine#" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">iodine</span></a> and <a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-omega-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">omega-3 fatty acids</span></a>. Adding fortified foods to your diet and, if necessary, taking a vegan-appropriate supplement(s) may help to complement a balanced, varied <a href="/howto/guide/spotlight-vegan-diets" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">vegan diet</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p1">Fortified foods, such as some plant milks, spreads and nutritional yeast flakes, can provide a source of vitamins including B12 or D. If you’re achieving 3mcg of vitamin B12 daily from these sources then you may not need to supplement – if you don’t regularly eat enough of these foods then you may benefit from a supplement providing 10mcg of vitamin B12 daily. Check labels on fortified foods so you know which nutrients are fortified and in what amounts.</p>
<p class="p1">Getting adequate amounts of iodine can be tricky, this is because the amount of <a href="/howto/guide/what-iodine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">iodine</span></a> in plants varies depending on the soil they are grown in. Some, but not all plant milks are fortified with iodine but you will need to check labels. For those who need to supplement, look for a product that provides 150mcg iodine daily.</p>
<p class="p1">Nuts and seeds are useful sources of the essential <a href="/howto/guide/best-sources-omega-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">omega-3 fatty acids</span></a> but they don’t provide the readily absorbable form of this fat. For this reason, a supplement from a micro-algal source may be useful, especially for infants and pregnant people, as well as breastfeeding mums.</p>
<p class="p1">Top tip: if you enjoy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213178/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">mushrooms</span></a> in your diet, put them in a bowl on your kitchen counter and leave them in direct sunlight – this helps enhance their natural vitamin D levels.</p>
<p class="p1">Read our guide to find out more about how to follow a <a href="/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">balanced vegan diet</span></a>.</p>
<h2 class="p1">My elderly relative is housebound – should they be taking a supplement?</h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="/howto/guide/healthy-diet-over-70s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elderly people</a></span> who may be <span class="s1">less able to </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27492302/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">access the outdoors</span></a> may be at greater risk of a vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately, very few foods are a good source of this vitamin, making it hard to meet our needs.</p>
<p class="p1">The <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">UK Government</span></a> recommends all adults and even children over the age of one consider a vitamin D supplement providing 10mcg per day during the autumn and winter months (from early October to April). Some groups, such as the housebound, as well as those who cover their skin for cultural reasons and people with darker skin pigmentation, may need to take a <a href="/howto/guide/am-i-getting-enough-vitamin-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">vitamin D supplement</span></a> all year round.</p>
<p class="p1">Top tip: taking your vitamin D supplement with your <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20200983/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">largest meal of the day</span></a> or with a source of fat may improve absorption.</p>
<h2 class="p1">I’m in mid-life – would a collagen supplement be helpful?</h2>
<p class="p1">Collagen is a protein found in the body and is important for <a href="https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgg/a/fk95TfhxB7mPsmqYRDdHH8K/?format=pdf&lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">strong, healthy bones</span></a>, nails, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566884/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">muscles</span></a> and joints, it may also help us look <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213755/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">more youthful</span></a>. As we age we become less efficient at producing collagen which also plays a role in keeping our <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658958/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">heart healthy</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p1">Several foods provide collagen including beef, pork and fish. However, supplements typically provide a more absorbable, hydrolysed form.</p>
<p class="p1">Top tip: there are <a href="/howto/guide/collagen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">different types of collagen</span></a>, so if you’re considering a supplement, check whether it provides the form that is appropriate for your specific needs.</p>
<p class="p1">Check out our review on the<span class="s2"> best <a href="/reviews/best-collagen-supplements-tried-and-tested" target="_blank" rel="noopener">collagen supplements</a></span></p>
<h2 class="p1">Are supplements safe for everyone?</h2>
<p class="p1">Supplement use in high-risk groups such as the young, elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients who are immune-compromised, those due to undergo surgery or who are on prescribed medication should always be discussed with your GP. This is because certain groups may need to avoid some products.</p>
<p class="p1">For example, pregnant women should avoid supplements that contain vitamin A in the form of retinol as well as fish liver oil capsules. This is because high levels of this vitamin may be harmful for their developing baby. If you’ve been advised to reduce your salt intake, you should avoid fizzy vitamin supplements because they contain high levels. Similarly, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21975503/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">iron supplements</span></a> may be <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21987192/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">harmful </span></a>for people who don’t need them.</p>
<h3 class="p1">Enjoyed this? Now read…</h3>
<p class="p1"><a href="/howto/guide/five-nutrients-every-woman-needs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Five nutrients every woman needs</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/collagen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collagen supplements: do they work?</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/am-i-risk-calcium-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Am I at risk of calcium deficiency?</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/am-i-getting-enough-vitamin-d#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Am I getting enough vitamin D?</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-are-b-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What are B vitamins?</a></p>
<p class="p1"><b>If you are considering a supplement, first consult your GP to ensure you can do so without risk to your health.</b></p>
<hr>
<p class="p1"><i>This article was reviewed on 12 February 2024 by Kerry Torrens.</i></p>
<p class="p1"><em>Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. Find her on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kerry_torrens_nutrition_/?hl=en">@kerry_torrens_nutrition_</a></em></p>
<p class="p1"><i>All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website </i><a href="https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions"><span class="s1"><i>terms and conditions</i></span></a><i> for more information.</i></p>
What supplements should I take?
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