Most health shops and chemists have aisles and aisles of expensive supplements. In truth, as long as you eat properly, you likely don’t need any of them. However for busy lives and poor food choices in shops, sometimes it’s good to take a simple multi-supplement as a back-up. Choose one based on plants in sustainable packaging, and talk to your GP first, if taking any medication or pregnant/nursing.
NHS recommends folic acid for women trying to conceive (and up to 12 weeks after conception) to prevent spina bifida in babies. Foods to avoid in pregnancy include fish (so avoid cod liver oil) and foods high in vitamin (like pate or liver sausage).
Get Nourished offers quality biodegradable boxes of supplements including pre-natal blends).
Feel is another good brand of therapeutic-dose supplements in biodegradable packaging (the beauty supplements are promoted by Cheryl Cole, though there’s no guarantee they will make you look like her!)
DR.VEGAN supplements are sold on subscription in metal tins, and refills. These have wonderful reviews and start working within days, though they do smell a bit like compost!
Vegums makes fruity gummy vitamins in metal tins, including omega 3 blends. Created by two pharmacists, these are also suitable for older children, who simply take half the dose (not for children under 3 or choking hazard risks).
Ethical Nutrition was founded by a cancer survivor. This affordable range in sustainable packaging includes a , magnesium (for muscles and vegan vitamin D (from lichen, good for bones).
Beauty Kitchen Vitamin D3 Vegan Gummies offer one of the only plant-based versions of this important vitamin, without sheep lanolin. In a paper pouch (no plastic), these are ideal for people to take in winter or if you don’t get much sunlight (say due to being indoors or religious beliefs meaning you cover up part of your body all year round).
Take 1 to 2 gummies a day (adults only – chew and do not swallow whole, nor exceed daily recommended intake). Not to replace a balance diet. Consult your doctor first if pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication or under medical supervision. Stop if advise reactions occur.
Naturally flavoured with lemon, these gummies pack 500% of your RDA daily intake to boost your immune system, support muscle health and help to build strong bones and healthy teach. They use pectin rather than gelatine (animal bones) and are also free from gluten, and artificial sweeteners, colours and fla
Plant-based Omega 3 Supplements
Not everyone needs omega 3 supplements. But for those who take them, know that you don’t have to get them from fish. Not only are they contributing to cruelty (and probably loading you up with mercury), but they also contribute to the fishing waste and by-catch problems. Just get your omega 3s from the same place the fish get them – algae. Also see what supplements do we really need? and zero waste vegan beauty supplements.
If you eat a few nuts, seeds or hemp, you are fine for DHA (for skin and nails). If you need EHA (for eyes, heart, brain etc), avoid fish oil as it may have mercury and causes by-catch (other creatures caught in fishing nets). Each year, this kills 300,000 whales and dolphins, and 250,000 turtles.
Bloom makes omega 3 supplements from the same place that fish get them (algae). Sold in a zero waste jar with metal lid. Their site has full information on administering for pregnancy and/or children. For older children, they recommend splitting the capsule and pouring oil into food or drink. Talk to your doctor if pregnant or on medication.
Vegums Fish-Free Omega 3 are packed with good fats from marine algae, for eyes, skin, heart and brain. These are orange-flavoured, and sweetened with a little beet sugar. Again take 1 or 2 a day, depending on age.
These gums are made from sweetened fruit, so keep them safely away from pets and children. You can reuse the cardboard containers as pen holders, coffee pots or piggy banks. You can also reuse them as plant pots. If so, see pet-toxic houseplants to avoid (also avoid cocoa, pine or recycled rubber mulch near pets). And don’t place foliage near windows (see how to stop birds flying into windows).
FutureKind (USA) offers an omega supplement using pollutant-free and sustainably-sourced algae for EPA and DHA, with no microplastics or mercury. Pregnant or nursing mothers or people under 18 (or with a known medical condition) should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Keep in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.pets.
