Cold Remedies Shampoo & Conditioner Feminine Care & Nappies Skincare Vitamins Sun Protection See more Ethical Health and Beauty Categories See Vitamins Ethical Comparisons Ethical Health – Vitamins Given that much of the marketing surrounding them seems to play on our desire for wellbeing, some people are understandably cautious about vitamins. However, there are a number of exceptions to the rule that healthy eating is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals we need – although this is very important. Dietary supplements can be of benefit to many people. But there are nuances and caveats, and one should really research what they’re taking and obtain medical guidance. For example, for years multivitamins were all the rave. But a lot of science shows that daily multivitamins have a “lackluster effect” in specific areas. This isn’t to say multivitamins are a complete waste of time, but people should research – and also follow the science – of what they’re taking and why they’re taking them. A summary article that may offer some initial guidance and insight can be found here. In additionally to the practical and genuine medical effects, those who choose vitamins should also know exactly what is in the products they take. A vitamin a day keeps the doctor away? Some people argue that the traditional apple will do a better job. Fruit and vegetables have much more varied benefits than one-dimensional vitamin supplements. For example, a vitamin C supplement is usually made of asorbic acid, whereas food with vitamin C also contains other micronutrients, such as tyrosinase, which play an important role in the prevention of disease. Vitamin C in food also contains bioflavonoids which help the body to absorb the vitamin itself. Similarly, some vitamin B supplements are manufactured from coal tar, which does not work as effectively as natural sources of the vitamin, such as wheat germ. Therefore, a balanced diet remains the best way to enhance your health, and vitamin supplements shouldn’t be used to make up for bad eating habits. But what if you don’t get the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day? Most doctors agree that taking a low dose multi-vitamin and mineral supplement won’t do any harm, and will probably have some benefits. After all, vitamins are essential for a healthy and active lifestyle. Problems only arise if you exceed the recommended dosage. Vitamin supplements are, however, most beneficial if you have special health needs or a particular gap in your diet. Pregnant women, for example, can benefit from taking folic acid supplements, and it is particularly important for adolescents to get the proper intake of calcium, making a supplement worthwhile if they don’t receive the recommended amount through their diet. Advertisements and health editorials commonly target vegetarians and vegans as those who are most in need of supplements. However, both the Vegan and Vegetarian societies argue that a healthy, mixed diet should provide all the nutrients we need. Ingredients When the Food Commission conducted a survey into additives it was shocked by the numbers contained in supplements, as well as by the lack of clear labelling of ingredients. Its survey found a colouring in Redoxon which is banned in virtually all foods. Artificial sweeteners, aspartame and sorbitol, as well as talcum powder, silicon dioxide and anti-caking agents were found in some other supplements. More worryingly, an earlier government survey discovered higher-than-permitted levels of lead and arsenic in a number of supplements. Although the government did not at the time conclude that the products posed a significant risk, manufacturers were required to change their formulations. Information on how supplements should be labelled, and safe dosage levels, are available at www.food.gov .uk. Packaging Many vitamin pills are vastly overpackaged. Some products, such as Seven Seas, are packaged in an outer box as well as the vitamin bottle, while Perfectil vitamins go even further by packaging each individual pill in its own bubble pack. The majority of vitamin bottles are also made from plastic, although a few brands use glass. Viridian is the only company offering recycling of its bottles. People can return their empty Viridian glass bottle to the place of purchase, and receive a 25p refund when it is taken for recycling. The company also makes a charity donation for every sale. See Vitamins Ethical Comparisons Key Research Below you will find links to the key sections of our ethical research in Fashion: Did you find this research helpful? Please consider donating, and keep this website free. Cold Remedies Shampoo & Conditioner Skincare Feminine Care Soap Make-Up Sun Protection Nappies Toothpaste Pain Remedies Vitamins We have created ethical comparison rankings for the following vitamin brands, based on the activities of the company group (see above tables): Neal’s Yard Remedies, Viridian, Boots, FSC, GNC, Holland & Barrett, Perfectil, Quest, Red Kooga, Seven Seas, Centrum, Solgar, Sanatogen, Redoxon Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning we earn commission if you click through and make a purchase. Placement and use of these links has no bearing in terms of the ethical scores that we give to a brand. All commission earned by The Good Shopping Guide is re-invested into the research carried out by The Ethical Company Organisation. 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