Food supplements can support a normal diet, but they must be chosen and used carefully. This guide answers common questions about servings, labels, interactions and storage.
What a food supplement is
UK guidance defines a food supplement as a concentrated source of a vitamin, mineral or another substance with a nutritional or physiological effect, sold in dose form to supplement the normal diet. Food supplements are regulated as food, not as medicines.
A supplement must not be used to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease. If you have symptoms or a medical concern, speak to an appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on a product description or customer review.
How to read a supplement label
Check the product name, ingredient list, recommended daily amount, warnings, allergens, storage directions, best-before date and business details. The label should also tell you not to exceed the recommended daily dose, to keep the product out of children's reach and not to use supplements as a substitute for a varied diet.
Look at the amount in the full daily serving rather than the largest number on the front of the pack. A displayed amount may refer to a compound, while the nutrition panel may state the amount of the relevant nutrient supplied.
Who should seek advice before taking supplements
Speak to a doctor, pharmacist, registered dietitian or other suitably qualified professional if you take prescribed medicine, manage a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are preparing for surgery or are buying for a child.
Botanical extracts, amino acids and familiar vitamins can still interact with medicines or be unsuitable at certain amounts. Natural does not mean risk-free. Take the product label or a photograph of it to your appointment so the professional can see the full ingredient list.
Avoiding excessive or duplicated intake
Using several products can duplicate ingredients. Check powders, capsules, multivitamins, fortified foods, pre-workouts and energy drinks together. Pay particular attention to vitamins, minerals, caffeine and botanical extracts.
More is not automatically better. Follow the recommended amount and never increase it to chase faster results. If you miss a serving, do not double the next one unless a qualified professional or the product directions tell you to.
Safe storage and product condition
Keep supplements in their original labelled packaging and store them as directed. Close powder containers tightly, keep scoops dry and protect products from moisture and heat. Keep every supplement out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use a product if the seal is unexpectedly broken, the packaging is damaged or the contents appear contaminated. Contact the retailer with the product name, batch details and photographs. Do not use a supplement after its stated use-by date; follow label and retailer guidance for best-before dates.
Supplement safety FAQs
Are food supplements medicines? No. UK food supplements are regulated as food and must not be presented as treatments for disease.
Are raw powders safe to measure with any scoop? No. Use the labelled method. Scoops measure volume, and different powders have different densities.
Can I take supplements with medication? Do not assume so. Ask a pharmacist or doctor to check the exact products and amounts.
Can I take several supplements together? It depends on their ingredients and your circumstances. Check overlap and obtain professional advice when needed.
Are supplements suitable during pregnancy? Some are not. Seek professional advice before taking any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can children use adult supplements? Do not give an adult supplement to a child unless an appropriate healthcare professional has advised it and the product is specifically suitable.
What should I do after an unexpected reaction? Stop using the product and seek medical advice. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice in the UK, or call 999 in an emergency.
How can I report a product problem? Contact the retailer with your order number, product name, batch code and clear details. Serious adverse reactions should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Reliable sources of information
Use the product label and reputable public-health sources. NHS guidance explains that most people should obtain necessary vitamins and minerals through a varied and balanced diet, although some people may need specific supplements.
Commercial health claims in Great Britain must be authorised on the Great Britain nutrition and health claims register. Search popularity, influencer content and customer reviews do not replace this requirement or establish that a product is suitable for you
Sources
GOV.UK Food supplements guidance
Great Britain nutrition and health claims register