Natural supplements: vegan vitamins, omega-3 & adaptogens

Choosing natural supplements

Natural supplements come in many formats, so start with the one you will actually take. Tablets and capsules are quick, liquids suit anyone who dislikes swallowing pills, and powders mix into drinks. Check the dose per serving, the full ingredient list and whether the product is vegan. Gummies suit children who find tablets hard to swallow. Vegan vitamin D3 usually comes from lichen rather than sheep's wool, so check the label if that matters to you. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet. The Herbtender makes the most products here, alongside Vivo Life, Omvits, AvaCare and Livewell Naturals. We checked each brand for clear labels and honest claims.

Vegan vitamins and omega-3

Vegan vitamins avoid animal-derived ingredients such as gelatine and fish oil. Omvits makes vegan vitamin B12 tablets, vegan vitamin D3 and K2 tablets, and vegan omega-3 capsules from algae oil, in DHA and DHA plus EPA versions. Vivo Life makes liquid vitamin D3 and K2 and a liquid B12 complex, and Livewell Naturals makes vegan vitamin B complex capsules and vitamin D3 with K2. AvaCare makes a children's multivitamin and minerals. Algae oil is a vegan source of omega-3 fats.

Adaptogen supplements and herbal blends

The Herbtender makes herbal capsules, drops and sample pouches, including Rise and Shine, Daily Defence, Calm and Collected, Doze and Dream and Uplift and Revitalise. Vivo Life makes gelatinised Peruvian maca powder. Adaptogen supplements like these are made from herbs and roots, so check the label for who they suit, and speak to a pharmacist if you take any medicines or are pregnant.

Powders and sports nutrition

Vivo Life makes creatine powder, inositol powder, a collagen builder protein powder and an intra-workout electrolyte and amino acid blend, and Omvits makes a vegan collagen powder. Store natural supplements in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children, and never take more than the stated dose. Taking them at the same time each day, such as with breakfast, makes them easier to remember. Superfood Powders has mushroom and maca powders, Home Health Tests has vitamin D and B12 tests, Men's Supplements has men's nutrition, and How to eat well: A framework, not another diet looks at food first.