Capsules can look like medicine, but in UK law a food supplement is a food. Here is what that means in practice, and how to fit a supplement into your day sensibly.
What a food supplement is
UK law defines a food supplement as a food whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. It is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, and it is sold in dose form: measured small amounts such as capsules, tablets, pills or sachets of powder. The definition is in the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have matching rules.
Because they are foods, supplements are not medicines. The law does not allow a food’s label or advertising to say that it prevents, treats or cures any disease, and no food supplement should be used in place of medical advice or treatment. If you have symptoms or a health condition, speak to your GP.
“Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet”
Every food supplement must carry a statement to this effect. On our product pages it reads: “Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.”
In practice, this means a supplement is an addition to what you eat, never a replacement for it. A capsule is not a meal, and it does not make up for skipped meals or other habits. The NHS says most people should get all the nutrients they need from a varied and balanced diet, though some people may need to take extra supplements. Start with what you eat, then consider whether a supplement makes sense for you.
Building a simple routine
A routine makes it easier to take a supplement as directed, and harder to take too much by mistake.
- Read the directions on the label and take the stated dose, no more.
- Swallow each capsule with a glass of water.
- Take it at the same time each day, alongside something you already do, such as your morning drink.
- If the directions give more than one dose a day, spread them out as described. ACV MetaBoost, for example, is 1 capsule, 2 to 3 times a day.
- If you miss a dose, carry on as normal. Do not take extra to catch up.
If you take more than one supplement, compare the labels before you start. The same nutrient can appear in several products, and the amounts add up.
Storage and children
Store supplements as the label says, usually in a cool, dry place with the lid closed. A kitchen cupboard away from the cooker and kettle is a better spot than a sunny windowsill or a steamy bathroom. Keep capsules in their original pot, so the directions and best-before date stay with them. A best-before date is about quality rather than safety, but we recommend finishing a pot before that date.
Every label must also tell you to store the product out of the reach of young children. Capsules can look like sweets to a small child. Keep pots up high or in a cupboard children cannot open, and do not leave doses out on a table or worktop. If a child swallows capsules that were not meant for them, follow the NHS advice on poisoning straight away and take the pot with you.
When to speak to a GP or pharmacist first
Food supplements are not right for everyone. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife before taking one if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. Do the same if you take any medicine, including medicines bought without a prescription, if you are under 18, or if you are under medical supervision for any reason.
The NHS notes that some medicines do not mix well with herbal remedies, and several of our formulas contain plant extracts. Some products also carry their own warnings. BrainLink, for example, contains caffeine and is not recommended for children or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. A pharmacist can check a label against what you already take.
Each product page lists the full ingredients and warnings for that formula, so you can check them, or show them to your pharmacist, before you order. Browse the range in our shop, read our questions and answers, or contact us if anything on a label is unclear.
