Vitamins & Supplements

The everyday basics, in packs that last. This category covers single vitamins and minerals, plant-based staples and a few products for training.

Vitamins and minerals

• Vitamin B12 (240 tablets). B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It is found almost only in animal foods, which is why it is the one supplement most vegans are advised to take.
• Vitamin C Active (120 tablets). Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin D2 (180 capsules). Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function. D2 is the plant-derived form, so it suits a vegan diet. The body makes vitamin D from sunlight on the skin, which is in short supply in a northern European winter.
• Zinc (240 tablets). Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Magnesium & Taurine (120 tablets), with 100 mg of magnesium and 200 mg of taurine per tablet. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

The statements above are health claims authorised in the EU for these nutrients. They describe what the nutrient does in a normal diet, not a promise about any one product.

Plant-based staples

Spirulina and chlorella are algae, sold as 240 tablets each. Ashwagandha (120 capsules) is a root long used in Indian tradition. Pine pollen tablets are 90% organic pine pollen powder. We make no health claims for these; they are here because people ask for them.

For training

Creatine comes as 120 vegan capsules with 750 mg of creatine monohydrate each. Creatine is among the most studied sports supplements. The EU-authorised claim, that it increases physical performance in successive bursts of short, high-intensity exercise, applies at 3 g a day, which is four of these capsules. The label suggests two a day, so check what you're aiming for.

Thermo Energetic capsules contain 160 mg of caffeine each, about as much as two espressos, plus willow bark. Don't combine them with other caffeine sources, and never take more than the four a day on the label.

Gummies

If you dislike swallowing tablets, the Dr Candy Fit Daily gummies are sugar-free, made with pectin instead of gelatine, and come in 180 g bags. Daily Focus is strawberry-flavoured, with B12, pantothenic acid and folic acid. Daily Sleep is blueberry-flavoured and contains melatonin, so take it only in the evening.

Getting the most out of them

Most of the range comes from Fit4Seasons in large packs of 120 to 240 pieces, which is several months' supply at one a day. A few habits help:

• Take tablets with a meal, as the labels advise.
• Check the percentage of the daily reference intake on the product page, and add up what you get from other products. More is not better, especially with zinc and vitamin D.
• Store them closed, cool and dry.

A supplement adds to a varied diet; it doesn't replace one. Don't go over the stated daily amount, keep supplements away from children, and check with a doctor if you're pregnant or taking medication. Express Highs sends these in discreet packaging with the rest of your order.