Vitamins

Vitamins are naturally occurring molecules (usually found in food) which the body uses for different physiological processes.

The most common vitamins are A, B, C and D, but they are many more.

And even these vitamins have multiple functions, including the supporting the normal function of  of the skin, maintenance of normal bones and muscle function, supporting  the immune system and converting the food we eat into energy.

Are vitamins for everyone?

Using vitamins is a personal choice.

You may be in a situation where you cannot access certain required vitamins via your daily diet.

People with B12 deficiencies usually also need a regular vitamin supplement.

Vegans or people who are lactose intolerant may struggle to get enough vitamin D and calcium because they are avoiding dairy products, so they could potentially benefit from vitamins.

Likewise, during the cold, overcast months, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from the sun, so that can be a good time to take a supplement.

What vitamins can I use when pregnant?

A 400 microgram folic acid supplement can be taken every day until you are 12 weeks pregnant.

If you are trying to get pregnant, you can start taking this supplement once you stop using contraception.

Folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

You can also consider taking a vitamin D supplement, which helps us to absorb calcium and phosphate. 

We provide various brands and tablet counts for vitamin D, including Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 1000 IU Optimum Level 96 Tablets.

This supplement can also help with normal cell division, the functioning of the immune system, and normal muscle function.

To use, take one tablet a day, and swallow with water or a cold drink. Do not chew the tablet.

When pregnant, avoid taking vitamin A supplements, or any multivitamins with vitamin A in them, since too much vitamin A could harm the foetus.

Which vitamins help with energy, skin, hair, joints, or tiredness?

Apart from those vitamins mentioned above, Vitamin A can help with healthy teeth, bones and soft tissue.

Vitamin A

We provide vitamin A as part of different multivitamin combinations, such as Holland & Barrett Healthy Kids Multivitamins. Aimed at children over 3, those vitamins are soft and chewy and taste like strawberry.

Vitamin A 3300 I.U

We also provide Holland & Barrett Vitamin A 3300 I.U, which comes in a soft gel capsule and includes fish liver oils and vitamin D.

This vitamin can be taken once a day and preferably with a meal.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, contributes to normal red blood cell formation and normal functioining of the nervous system.

Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism, so it would be suitable for people who consume a lot of protein.

Vitamin B12

B12 contributes to energy-yielding metabolism, normal red blood cell formation, and normal functioning of the central nervous system.

For vitamin B, we have various combinations, including Holland & Barrett Complete B Vitamin B Complex.

This product consists of various vitamin Bs, including B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, and folic acid. This one can be taken twice a day, and again, preferably with meals.

Vitamin C

The other common vitamin is C, also called ascorbic acid.

It is an antioxidant and helps with collagen formation for the normal function of teeth and gums, increases iron absorption and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

We provide vitamin C as a caplet, powder, effervescent tablet, and lozenge.

Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin C & Zinc Effervescent, for example, comes in an orange flavour, and can be taken to support functioning of your immune system.