Vitamins & Supplements

An honest pharmacist's note on supplements

• Vitamin D is genuinely recommended for the UK adult population October–March, per NHS guidance. Particularly important if you have darker skin, are over 65, or cover most of your skin outdoors.
• Folic acid at 400 mcg is essential before conception and through early pregnancy. Higher doses (5 mg) needed for some — diabetes, previous neural-tube defect, certain medicines. Ask us first.
• Iron — only take iron supplements if you've been told you're low (blood test from your GP). Taking iron unnecessarily can cause constipation and other side effects.
• Most other vitamins — if you eat reasonably and get some sunlight, you probably don't need them. A daily multivitamin doesn't replace a good diet but it's a fair safety net.
• What we don't push: high-dose single supplements with grand claims (immune-boosters, fat-burners, brain-booster gummies). The evidence isn't there. We'd rather you saved your money.

Want a 5-minute pharmacist's review of what you're currently taking? Walk in, or phone 0113 244 1551 — it's free.