Vitamins

Individual vitamin supplements covering the full range from vitamin A to K, made additive-free in Wales. Most vitamins carry authorised EU health claims relating to their established roles — the specific claims for each are set out on the product pages. Like everything we make, our vitamins contain no magnesium stearate and are supplied as capsules rather than tablets; where a low-dose vitamin would otherwise leave a capsule looking empty, we use a small amount of rice flour rather than a synthetic filler.

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Frequently asked questions

What are vitamins? Popular
Vitamins are essential nutrients the body needs in small amounts to function normally. With few exceptions the body cannot make them itself, so they must come from the diet or from supplements. There are thirteen vitamins in total, each with its own roles.

They fall into two groups. Water-soluble vitamins — the B vitamins and vitamin C — are not stored in large amounts and need to be replenished regularly. Fat-soluble vitamins — A, D, E and K — are stored in the body's tissues, which means they do not need to be taken as frequently but also that intake should not greatly exceed recommended levels over time.
Which vitamins carry authorised health claims?
Most do, relating to their established roles. For example, vitamin C and vitamin D contribute to the normal function of the immune system; the B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal muscle function; and vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. These are authorised EU health claims.

The specific authorised claims for each vitamin are set out on the individual product pages, as they differ from one vitamin to the next.
What's the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins?
Water-soluble vitamins — the B vitamins and vitamin C — dissolve in water and are not stored by the body in large amounts, so any excess is generally passed in the urine and they need to be replenished regularly through the diet.

Fat-soluble vitamins — A, D, E and K — dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's tissues. This means they do not need to be taken as often, but it also means intake should not greatly exceed recommended levels over long periods. Fat-soluble vitamins are generally best taken with a meal containing some fat, which helps absorption.
Do I need to take a vitamin supplement if I eat well?
A varied, balanced diet is the best source of vitamins, and someone eating well across all food groups will meet most of their needs from food. Supplements are intended to support intake where diet may fall short, not to replace a good diet.

There are some well-established exceptions. In the UK, government advice is that most people should consider a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, when there is not enough sunlight for the body to make its own. Beyond that, whether an individual vitamin is worth taking depends on your diet and circumstances, and is worth discussing with a GP or pharmacist if you are unsure.
What's the difference between folate and folic acid?
Both relate to vitamin B9. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in most supplements and in food fortification. Folate is the form found naturally in food; L-methylfolate is a form the body can use directly.

For most purposes they serve the same role. Health Leads supplies folic acid and folate (as L-methylfolate) so you can choose the form you prefer. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, NHS advice refers specifically to folic acid, so follow that guidance and speak to your GP.
Why does Health Leads make vitamins as capsules rather than tablets?
Tablets require excipients to work — binders, disintegrants and lubricants such as magnesium stearate — which hold a tablet together and move it through manufacturing machinery but add nothing nutritionally. In cheaper products these can make up a significant proportion of the tablet.

We make capsules instead, which lets us fill each one with the vitamin itself and little else. We do not use magnesium stearate, and where a low-dose vitamin would otherwise leave a capsule looking empty, we use a small amount of rice flour rather than a synthetic filler. It is part of our additive-free approach.

Vitamins and Their Authorised Roles

Vitamins are essential nutrients the body needs in small amounts to work normally. With few exceptions the body cannot make them itself, so they come from the diet or from supplements. There are thirteen in total, and they divide into two groups: the water-soluble vitamins (the B vitamins and vitamin C), which are not stored in large amounts and need replenishing regularly, and the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), which the body stores in its tissues.

Most vitamins have established, authorised roles in the body. Vitamin C and vitamin D each contribute to the normal function of the immune system; the B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal muscle function; vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision; and vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. These are authorised EU health claims, and the specific claims that apply to each vitamin are set out on the individual product pages.

A varied, balanced diet is the best source of vitamins, and for most people it supplies most of what they need. Supplements are there to support intake where diet may fall short. The clearest exception is vitamin D: in the UK there is not enough sunlight between around October and March for the body to make its own, and government advice is that most people should consider a vitamin D supplement over the autumn and winter.

Our vitamins are made additive-free in Wales. We do not use magnesium stearate, and we supply capsules rather than tablets so each one can be filled with the vitamin itself and little else — where a low-dose vitamin would otherwise leave a capsule looking empty, we use a small amount of rice flour rather than a synthetic filler. For anything specific about your own needs, a GP or pharmacist is the right source of advice.