A tasty, home-cooked and nutrient-rich meal of salmon teriyaki rice with avocado and spinach.

Are supplements better than food?

Are supplements better than food? Many people turn to food supplements every day to support their health, yet questions remain about whether they really make a difference. Some people take supplements religiously, while others remain sceptical about whether these products provide meaningful benefits beyond what a balanced diet offers.  One reason for this uncertainty is…

Amber sea glass spells out ‘Vitamin D’ and an image of a sun on a beach next to a pair of pink heart-shaped sunglasses.

Can you take too much vitamin D?

Can you take too much vitamin D? If you’re thinking about starting a vitamin D supplement, you’re probably looking forward to experiencing the benefits. Many people use supplements to cover periods with low sun exposure, particularly during winter months in the UK, or if they’re unable to get outside enough to boost their levels naturally.   At…

A woman holds her abdomen in pain from a stomach ache, a possible side effect of vitamin B1.

Does vitamin B1 have side effects?

Does vitamin B1 have side effects? Starting any supplement often brings a mix of emotions along with it: the hope for benefits, yes,  but also concerns about whether there might be unwanted side effects. When you’re considering taking vitamin B1 (thiamine), it’s completely understandable to ask “What could go wrong?” This article outlines the possible…

A wooden spoon holding dozens of folic acid tablets, an excessive dose.

Can You Take Too Much Folic Acid?

Can You Take Too Much Folic Acid? Even the most beneficial nutrients can have unwanted effects if taken in excessive amounts. Folic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin, is vital for overall health, supporting red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, mental health and, most famously, foetal development during pregnancy.¹  While folic acid supplementation is generally safe,…

A spread of healthy foods, including some that are high in vitamin D, around a chalkboard that reads ‘vitamin D’.

Which Foods Contain Vitamin D?

Which Foods Contain Vitamin D? Vitamin D, sometimes known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is crucial for supporting your immune system, muscle strength, and bone health. While sunlight is the major source of vitamin D, it is not always sufficient, especially in the winter months or in regions where sunlight is restricted. Considering the detrimental effects…

A woman stands in a sunny field, spreading her arms wide and facing the sunset.

How do you get vitamin D?

How do you get vitamin D? Vitamin D is essential for supporting bone health, muscle function and the immune system.¹ You may have heard it described as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ since it’s well known that getting out in the sunshine helps your body to produce vitamin D – but how exactly does this work? And,…

A selection of healthy foods including sources of thiamin, surrounding a chalkboard that reads ‘vitamin B1’.

Which Food Contains Vitamin B1?

Which Food Contains Vitamin B1? Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is a vital nutrient that supports energy metabolism, the nervous system and overall heart function. Ensuring sufficient intake of vitamin B1 is crucial for maintaining healthy energy levels and supporting the body’s ability to convert food into usable energy.  Most people can obtain enough…