Do we really need supplements?

Even for the 5.5% of people that consistently manage to get their 5-a-day, is that really all it takes to get the recommended amount of all 13 vitamins and 16 minerals the body needs? 

Not only do we eat less than our hunter-gatherer ancestors (scientists estimate they were eating 3,000-4,000Kcal a day to fuel their active lifestyles), resulting in a lower intake of vitamins and minerals, some speculate that our food is actually less nutritious than it used to be. According to the Earth Summit Report (1992), the quantity of nutrients in our soil could be up to 85% less than it was 100 years ago as a result of intense modern farming methods. 

Whether or not our diet can provide all that we need for optimal health, there will always be factors beyond our immediate control that affect our individual requirements for certain vitamins and minerals. Environment, lifestyle and even genetic factors influence our individual needs, which is why it’s essential to take a personalised approach when it comes to nutrition. 

Why your supplements need to be personalised

Our nutrient requirements evolve as we age and vary for men and women, but these aren’t the only reason we shouldn’t all be taking the same off-the-shelf multivitamins...

• We all have different dietary requirements 

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, suffer from a digestive issue such as IBS, or simply need to avoid certain foods due to pregnancy or an allergy or intolerance, the amount of vitamins and minerals you get from food will be affected. For example, it’s almost impossible to get enough vitamin B12 on a vegan diet and lactose intolerance can make it more difficult to get enough calcium.

• Where we live can affect our vitamin levels 

Whilst we can get enough vitamin D2 from food, direct sunlight is the main source of vitamin D3. The problem is that the UK is too far from the equator for us to absorb enough vitamin D from sunlight for most of the year. Besides, few of us are likely to get at least 30 minutes of sun every day even in the sunniest of UK summers… 

• We all have different lifestyles

Although the number of smokers has drastically reduced in recent years (which is good news for vitamin C and E levels), the majority of us still consume alcohol. Even a couple of drinks a week can affect our levels of vitamin B12 and vitamin C. And whilst we should all be exercising regularly, sweating can also take its toll on the body, depleting our stores of key minerals such as magnesium and potassium. 

• We all have different health goals 

Perhaps you’ve been feeling a little stressed recently. Did you know that vitamin C can help the body recover from emotional and physical stress by helping to regulate cortisol levels? Maybe you’re looking to improve your energy levels and sleep better? B vitamins help the body to produce energy and magnesium can contribute to sounder sleep. Whatever your health goal, the right supplements can help get you there. 

How do I find out which vitamins I need?

Just by taking a close look at your diet, lifestyle and how you feel day-to-day, a nutritionist will be able to have a very good understanding of which vitamins and minerals you should be supplementing your diet with. But you don’t need to book an expensive appointment to find out. The Vitl consultation is an AI-driven, interactive online consultation developed by nutritionists and based on years of clinical experience. 

How it works

1. Take your free consultation 

It takes around 5 minutes and you’ll answer questions about your diet, lifestyle and health goals. 

2. Get your free expert recommendations

Alongside dietary recommendations, our team of experts will formulate a combination of supplements based on your consultation answers using the cleanest, most absorbable ingredients and absolutely no fillers, artificial colours or preservatives. 

3. Try your personalised supplements for free

Get started with a free 2-week trial and you’ll get your personalised supplements in handy daily strips so you never miss a day. 

You can retake your consultation whenever you want so if your needs change, your personalised supplements will too. After your free 2-week trial, we’ll deliver your supplements fresh each month in letterbox-friendly packaging so you never need to worry about running out. 

Start now

What our customers think

With a 4.7 star Trustpilot rating and thousands of monthly subscribers, we’re constantly hearing from our customers about how their personalised supplements are helping them to live life better: 

"These are great vitamins. I can already feel my energy levels have increased after a few days!" - Olga B.

"Since starting Vitl three months ago, my energy has increased, my skin has cleared and my moods have levelled out. Vitl supplements have literally changed my life for the better!" - Louise M.

"I’ve been taking the vitamins for a week and am conscious that I am sleeping better and feeling more energetic through my shifts." - Marcel K

Because we’re so sure you’ll notice a difference too, we’re offering you a free 2-week trial (which you can pause or cancel anytime) so get started today and discover what it’s like to be you, on a good day, every day!