{"schema_version":"2026-06-12","source":"https://hervitals.co.uk/api/","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","disclaimer":"Information only, not medical advice, and not a substitute for a registered clinician. Supplements are regulated as food, not medicines, and cannot legally claim to treat, prevent or cure any condition. Only EFSA-authorised wording such as \"contributes to normal ...\" is permitted. Always read product labels and speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medication. Her Vitals earns affiliate commission on some products it links to.","count":12,"supplements":[{"slug":"magnesium","name":"Magnesium","efsa_roles":["contributes to normal muscle function","contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system","contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue","contributes to normal psychological function"],"buying_points":["Check the form: magnesium glycinate (bisglycinate) and citrate are commonly chosen for being gentle on the stomach; oxide is cheaper but less well absorbed.","Read the label for the elemental magnesium per serving, not just the weight of the compound.","Look for a clear UK supplement-grade label with the company and batch details, and avoid blends that hide the magnesium dose inside a proprietary mix.","If you take other medication or have kidney problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting."],"brands":[{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"Magnesium Glycinate","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Tablet (glycinate)","suits":"Wanting a gentle, well-absorbed form","note":"UK brand; glycinate form is often chosen for being easy on the stomach."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Magnesium","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Marketed for women across life stages; food-grown delivery."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Magnesium Bisglycinate","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Capsule (bisglycinate)","suits":"Wanting a no-frills, lower-cost option","note":"Budget-friendly UK supplement supplier; check elemental dose per serving."},{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"Magnesium Sleep Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Topical spray","suits":"Preferring a topical to a tablet","note":"Topical alternative for those who dislike tablets; evidence for absorption via skin is limited."},{"brand":"Form","product":"Magnesium","retailer":"Form","form":"Capsule","suits":"Wanting a vegan-certified brand","note":"Vegan UK brand; check the form and elemental dose on the label."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/magnesium/"},{"slug":"creatine-for-women","name":"Creatine","efsa_roles":["creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise (an EFSA-authorised claim for adults performing high-intensity exercise)"],"buying_points":["Look for plain creatine monohydrate; it is the most studied form and usually the best value.","Prefer a product carrying the Creapure mark or an equivalent third-party purity assurance.","Unflavoured powder lets you control the amount; check the label rather than relying on a scoop.","Creatine is for adults; it is not intended for use in pregnancy without medical advice, so speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive."],"brands":[{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Creatine Monohydrate (Creapure)","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Powder (monohydrate)","suits":"Wanting studied, lower-cost monohydrate","note":"Creapure-grade monohydrate from a UK supplier; unflavoured lets you control the amount."},{"brand":"Form","product":"Creatine","retailer":"Form","form":"Powder (monohydrate)","suits":"Wanting a vegan-certified brand","note":"Vegan UK brand; monohydrate is the most studied form."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Creatine Monohydrate Tablets","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Tablet (monohydrate)","suits":"Preferring tablets to powder","note":"Tablet format for convenience; check the amount per serving."},{"brand":"Myprotein","product":"Creapure Creatine Monohydrate","retailer":"Myprotein","form":"Powder (monohydrate)","suits":"Wanting a widely stocked option","note":"Widely available UK brand; Creapure purity mark on the monohydrate line."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/creatine-for-women/"},{"slug":"collagen","name":"Collagen","efsa_roles":["collagen itself carries no authorised EFSA health claim, so look for products where the supporting nutrient does the work; for example vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin"],"buying_points":["Check the protein source: most are bovine or marine (fish) hydrolysed collagen peptides; marine suits pescatarians, neither suits vegans.","Look for the collagen amount per serving on the label and whether vitamin C is included, since vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation.","Be wary of \"anti-ageing\" or \"skin-firming\" promises; these go beyond what the evidence and UK advertising rules allow.","If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an allergy to fish or beef, check the source and speak to your GP or pharmacist."],"brands":[{"brand":"Vital Proteins","product":"Collagen Peptides","retailer":"Vital Proteins","form":"Powder (bovine)","suits":"Wanting a widely recognised brand","note":"Bovine peptides; check the amount per serving on the tub."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Marine Collagen","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule / powder (marine)","suits":"Preferring a marine source","note":"Marine (fish) collagen; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Hydrolysed Collagen","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Powder (bovine)","suits":"Wanting a lower-cost option","note":"Budget hydrolysed peptides from a UK supplier."},{"brand":"Ancient + Brave","product":"True Collagen","retailer":"Ancient + Brave","form":"Powder (bovine)","suits":"Wanting a single-ingredient powder","note":"Grass-fed bovine peptides; single-ingredient format."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/collagen/"},{"slug":"vitamin-d","name":"Vitamin D","efsa_roles":["contributes to the maintenance of normal bones","contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function","contributes to the normal function of the immune system","contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium"],"buying_points":["The NHS advises that adults in the UK consider a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement in autumn and winter; some people are advised to take it all year.","Check whether it is vitamin D3 (the form usually recommended) and whether the source is vegan if that matters to you, since most D3 is from lanolin.","Compare the amount in micrograms (mcg) and IU; 10 micrograms equals 400 IU.","Higher-strength products exist, but do not exceed label guidance without advice; speak to your GP or pharmacist, especially in pregnancy."],"brands":[{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"DLux 1000 Vitamin D Oral Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray (D3)","suits":"Preferring a spray to a tablet","note":"UK oral-spray format; check the microgram amount per spray."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Vitamin D","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Food-grown delivery; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Vitamin D3 Softgels","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Softgel (D3)","suits":"Wanting a low-cost everyday option","note":"Budget D3 from a UK supplier; check the IU and microgram amount."},{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"DLux Vegan Vitamin D","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray (vegan D3)","suits":"Wanting a vegan source","note":"Vegan D3 spray for those avoiding lanolin-derived D3."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/vitamin-d/"},{"slug":"protein-for-women","name":"Protein powder","efsa_roles":["protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass","protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass","protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones"],"buying_points":["Decide on the protein source: whey is dairy-based and widely used; soy, pea and blended plant proteins suit vegans and those avoiding dairy.","Read the label for the grams of protein per serving rather than per 100g, since serving sizes vary between products.","Prefer products with a short ingredient list and a clear UK supplement label; treat heavily flavoured, additive-rich blends with more caution.","Protein powder is a convenience, not a requirement; most women can meet their needs from food. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have kidney problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist first."],"brands":[{"brand":"Form","product":"Performance Protein","retailer":"Form","form":"Powder (plant blend)","suits":"Wanting a vegan blend","note":"Vegan UK brand; plant-protein blend, check the grams per serving."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Whey Protein","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Powder (whey)","suits":"Wanting lower-cost dairy whey","note":"Budget-friendly UK whey; compare protein per serving, not per 100g."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Protein for Women","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Powder","suits":"Preferring a women-focused brand","note":"Women-focused UK brand; read the label for the source and serving size."},{"brand":"Myprotein","product":"Impact Whey Protein","retailer":"Myprotein","form":"Powder (whey)","suits":"Wanting a widely stocked option","note":"Widely available UK whey; many flavours, check the protein content."},{"brand":"Vivo Life","product":"Perform Plant Protein","retailer":"Vivo Life","form":"Powder (plant)","suits":"Wanting a clean-label plant option","note":"Plant protein with a short ingredient list; suits dairy-free diets."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/protein-for-women/"},{"slug":"omega-3","name":"Omega-3","efsa_roles":["DHA and EPA contribute to the normal function of the heart","DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function","DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision","maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus and breastfed infants"],"buying_points":["Check the EPA and DHA amounts per serving on the label, not just the total fish-oil weight, since these are the omega-3 fatty acids the EFSA claims relate to.","Decide on the source: fish oil is the most common; algae oil is a vegan source of DHA and often EPA.","Look for freshness and quality markers such as a low oxidation level or a third-party purity assurance, and store the product as the label advises.","If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take blood-thinning medication or have a fish or shellfish allergy, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting."],"brands":[{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Omega-3","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (fish oil)","suits":"Preferring a women-focused brand","note":"Women-focused UK brand; check the EPA and DHA per capsule."},{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"Omega-3 Oral Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray","suits":"Preferring a spray to a capsule","note":"UK oral-spray format for those who dislike capsules; check the DHA and EPA amount."},{"brand":"Bare Biology","product":"Life & Soul Omega-3","retailer":"Bare Biology","form":"Capsule / liquid (fish oil)","suits":"Wanting a higher-strength fish oil","note":"UK fish-oil brand; compare the EPA and DHA per serving."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Vegan Omega-3 (Algae)","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Capsule (algae)","suits":"Wanting a vegan source","note":"Algae-derived DHA for those avoiding fish oil; check the DHA amount."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/omega-3/"},{"slug":"ashwagandha","name":"Ashwagandha","efsa_roles":["ashwagandha carries no authorised EFSA health claim, so any product making one about stress, sleep or mood is going beyond what is permitted in the UK"],"buying_points":["Be cautious of marketing: because there is no authorised EFSA claim, promises about stress, anxiety or sleep go beyond what the rules allow.","Check the extract and the amount per serving on the label; standardised root-extract products state their strength clearly.","Look for a clear UK supplement label with the company and batch details, and avoid blends that hide the amount inside a proprietary mix.","Ashwagandha is not suitable for everyone. The NHS and product labels advise avoiding it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it can interact with medication, so speak to your GP or pharmacist first."],"brands":[{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Ashwagandha","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule","suits":"Preferring a women-focused brand","note":"Women-focused UK brand; check the extract strength on the label."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"KSM-66 Ashwagandha","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Capsule (standardised extract)","suits":"Wanting a standardised extract","note":"Standardised root extract from a UK supplier; note there is no authorised health claim."},{"brand":"Form","product":"Ashwagandha","retailer":"Form","form":"Capsule","suits":"Wanting a vegan-certified brand","note":"Vegan UK brand; check the amount per serving."},{"brand":"Pukka","product":"Wholistic Ashwagandha","retailer":"Pukka","form":"Capsule","suits":"Preferring a herbal-brand format","note":"UK herbal brand; whole-herb plus extract, read the label for the amount."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/ashwagandha/"},{"slug":"iron-for-women","name":"Iron","efsa_roles":["iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin","iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body","iron contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue","iron contributes to normal function of the immune system"],"buying_points":["Do not self-diagnose. Tiredness has many causes, and the NHS advises confirming low iron with a blood test before taking an iron supplement, as too much iron can be harmful.","Check the elemental iron per serving on the label and the form; gentler forms such as iron bisglycinate are often chosen for being kinder on the stomach.","Vitamin C can support iron absorption, while tea, coffee and calcium taken at the same time can reduce it; some products pair iron with vitamin C.","If you are pregnant, the NHS advises addressing iron with your midwife rather than self-prescribing. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting iron."],"brands":[{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"Iron Oral Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray","suits":"Preferring a spray to a tablet","note":"UK oral-spray format; check the iron amount per spray."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Iron","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Food-grown delivery; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Spatone","product":"Liquid Iron","retailer":"Spatone","form":"Liquid sachet","suits":"Wanting a gentle liquid form","note":"Iron-rich water in single sachets; often chosen for being gentle, check the iron content."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Iron Bisglycinate","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Capsule (bisglycinate)","suits":"Wanting a gentler tablet form","note":"Bisglycinate form from a UK supplier; confirm low iron with a test first."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/iron-for-women/"},{"slug":"vitamin-b12","name":"Vitamin B12","efsa_roles":["contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism","contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system","contributes to normal red blood cell formation","contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue"],"buying_points":["B12 has no reliable plant source, so anyone following a vegan diet is specifically flagged by the NHS as needing a supplement or fortified foods, not just \"most vegans\".","Absorption issues are common in older adults and those on certain medications (including long-term metformin or PPIs); if you are in either group and feel persistently tired, mention it to your GP rather than assuming a supplement will fix it.","Forms vary (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin); the amount in micrograms on the label matters more than the form for most people, so compare that first.","Unexplained tiredness, tingling or memory problems should be checked with a blood test before self-treating, since B12 deficiency has specific causes that supplementing alone will not address."],"brands":[{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"B12 Oral Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray (methylcobalamin)","suits":"Preferring a spray to a tablet","note":"UK oral-spray format; check the microgram amount per spray."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown B12","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Food-grown delivery; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Methylcobalamin B12","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Tablet (methylcobalamin)","suits":"Wanting a low-cost everyday option","note":"Budget methylcobalamin from a UK supplier; check the microgram amount."},{"brand":"Vitabiotics","product":"Ultra Vitamin B12","retailer":"Vitabiotics","form":"Tablet","suits":"Wanting a widely stocked high-street option","note":"Widely available UK B12 supplement; compare the microgram amount on the label."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/vitamin-b12/"},{"slug":"calcium","name":"Calcium","efsa_roles":["is needed for the maintenance of normal bones","is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth","contributes to normal muscle function","contributes to normal blood clotting"],"buying_points":["Most adults in the UK can get enough calcium from a varied diet (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, tinned fish with bones); check your intake before assuming you need a supplement.","Calcium needs rise while breastfeeding (an extra 550 mg/day above the 700 mg adult RNI); see our life-stage nutrient table for the full breakdown.","Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is why many products pair the two; check whether a calcium product also covers your vitamin D, so you are not double-dosing elsewhere.","Taking calcium at the same time as iron or certain thyroid medications can reduce absorption of the other; space them out and check with your pharmacist if you take either."],"brands":[{"brand":"Vitabiotics","product":"Osteocare Original","retailer":"Vitabiotics","form":"Tablet (calcium + D3)","suits":"Wanting a widely stocked bone-health combination","note":"Widely available UK calcium and vitamin D3 combination; check the calcium amount against the 700 mg adult RNI."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Calcium","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Food-grown delivery; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Calcium Citrate","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Capsule (citrate)","suits":"Wanting a low-cost everyday option","note":"Budget calcium citrate from a UK supplier; citrate is generally well absorbed."},{"brand":"Boots","product":"Calcium & Vitamin D3","retailer":"Boots","form":"Tablet (calcium + D3)","suits":"Wanting a lower-cost high-street option","note":"High-street own-brand calcium and vitamin D3 combination."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/calcium/"},{"slug":"zinc","name":"Zinc","efsa_roles":["contributes to the normal function of the immune system","contributes to normal cognitive function","contributes to normal fertility and reproduction","contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails"],"buying_points":["The adult RNI is 7 mg/day for women (see our life-stage nutrient table); most multivitamins already include some zinc, so check for overlap before adding a standalone product.","Do not exceed 25 mg/day from supplements without medical advice; the NHS caution on high-dose zinc is that it can reduce the amount of copper the body can absorb over time.","Zinc from plant sources (pulses, wholegrains) is less readily absorbed than from meat and shellfish, which is a real consideration for a vegan or vegetarian diet, not just for iron.","Zinc lozenges are commonly marketed for immune support during a cold; the EFSA-authorised claim covers normal immune function generally, not treating or shortening a specific illness."],"brands":[{"brand":"BetterYou","product":"Zinc Oral Spray","retailer":"BetterYou","form":"Oral spray","suits":"Preferring a spray to a tablet","note":"UK oral-spray format; check the milligram amount per spray."},{"brand":"Wild Nutrition","product":"Food-Grown Zinc","retailer":"Wild Nutrition","form":"Capsule (food-grown)","suits":"Preferring a food-grown format","note":"Food-grown delivery; women-focused UK brand."},{"brand":"Bulk","product":"Zinc Citrate","retailer":"Bulk","form":"Tablet (citrate)","suits":"Wanting a low-cost everyday option","note":"Budget zinc citrate from a UK supplier; check the milligram amount against the 7 mg adult RNI."},{"brand":"Solgar","product":"Zinc Picolinate","retailer":"Solgar","form":"Tablet (picolinate)","suits":"Wanting a well-established specialist brand","note":"Long-established UK-stocked brand; picolinate is a commonly used absorbable form."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/zinc/"},{"slug":"probiotics","name":"Probiotics","efsa_roles":["probiotics as a category carry no authorised EFSA health claim, so a product cannot legally state it supports gut health, immunity or digestion in the UK"],"buying_points":["Be cautious of marketing: because there is no authorised EFSA claim for probiotics generally, promises about gut health, bloating or immunity go beyond what the rules allow. The one narrow exception is a specific authorised claim that live yoghurt or fermented milk cultures improve lactose digestion in people who have difficulty digesting lactose.","Check the CFU (colony-forming units) count and the named strain on the label; \"probiotic\" alone tells you very little, since different strains have been studied for different things.","Refrigeration and expiry matter for live-culture products; a product stored or shipped incorrectly may not deliver the CFU count printed on the label.","If you are taking probiotics alongside antibiotics or for a specific digestive condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist, since the right strain and timing depend on the reason you are taking it."],"brands":[{"brand":"Symprove","product":"Original","retailer":"Symprove","form":"Liquid (multi-strain)","suits":"Wanting a well-known UK liquid format","note":"Widely known UK liquid multi-strain product; check the strain list and CFU count."},{"brand":"OptiBac Probiotics","product":"For Everyday","retailer":"OptiBac Probiotics","form":"Capsule","suits":"Wanting a UK brand with strain-specific ranges","note":"UK brand with a range targeted by life stage and use; check the specific strain for your reason for taking it."},{"brand":"Bio-Kult","product":"Advanced Multi-Strain","retailer":"Bio-Kult","form":"Capsule (multi-strain)","suits":"Wanting a multi-strain formulation","note":"UK multi-strain formulation; check the CFU count and strain list on the label."},{"brand":"Boots","product":"Probiotic 7","retailer":"Boots","form":"Capsule","suits":"Wanting a lower-cost high-street option","note":"High-street own-brand probiotic; a lower-cost everyday choice, check the strain and CFU count."}],"url":"https://hervitals.co.uk/probiotics/"}]}