Supplements Overview
Understand what health supplements are and how they work in your body. We cover safety, regulations, medical perspectives and practical advice for supplement use.
Can Fish Oils Make My Children Smarter?
Fish oil supplements are popular with parents hoping to boost kids' brainpower, but the science behind Omega-3s and school performance needs closer examination.
Can Soy Protein Reduce Cholesterol?
Soy protein may help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, but recent studies suggest the evidence isn't as clear as once thought.
Consumer Safety Advice on Supplement Use
Before taking any supplement, check with your GP and know exactly what you're putting in your body.
Do Fertility Herbs and Supplements Help?
Fertility herbs like raspberry leaf and ginseng may help with conception, but here's what the evidence actually shows.
Horse Chestnut for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Horse chestnut seed extract relieves leg swelling, pain and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency.
How Can Chondroitin Help My Joints?
Chondroitin keeps cartilage cushioned and resilient, potentially easing osteoarthritis pain and slowing joint damage as you age.
How Do I Know a Health Supplement Is Safe?
Check which supplements are actually safe to take and what you need to know before adding them to your routine.
How Does Melatonin Cure Jet Lag?
Melatonin can help reset your body clock when flying across time zones, but its legal status varies by country.
How Should I Take Supplements?
Getting the timing and method right when taking supplements ensures your body actually absorbs them safely and effectively.
Issues to Consider Before Taking Supplements
Before taking supplements, understand what they actually are and whether you really need them for your health.
Lycopene as a Natural Anti-oxidant
Tomato-rich foods contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Saw Palmetto to Relieve Prostate Problems
Saw Palmetto may help ease urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate, though it won't shrink the gland or treat cancer.
Supplements for Hair, Skin and Nails
Hair, skin and nails all need the same nutrients to stay healthy, and the right supplements can help if you're dealing with breakage, thinning or dullness.
What Are Licensing Laws Regarding Supplements?
How supplement licencing laws work in the UK and what regulations protect the safety and quality of products you buy.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Supplement Use?
Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, but they're not a replacement for healthy eating and come with real safety concerns.
What Is a Health Supplement?
Health supplements fill nutritional gaps in your diet, containing vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids to support better health.
What Is the View of the NHS on Supplements?
The NHS says most people don't need supplements if they eat a balanced diet that meets recommended daily allowance guidelines.
Why Is Glucosamine the Most Popular Joint Supplement?
Glucosamine is the top-selling joint supplement because your body makes less of it as you age, and it may help repair cartilage and reduce osteoarthritis pain.