Top supplements, reviewed and tested

Most people can obtain enough vitamins and minerals from a healthy, balanced diet. Even so, some individuals may benefit from extra supplementation to help support the body and its functions. Age, health conditions and where you live can all play a role. In situations like these, supplements may help reduce the risk of deficiencies and related health problems. For instance, not getting enough calcium can be harmful to bone health, while people who avoid dairy, such as vegans, may be more likely to fall short.

In general, supplements are most useful when they complement a varied, nutrient-rich diet. If you're thinking about taking one, take a look at our guide to the different products available, along with our top picks in each category.

Collagen supplements

Collagen is an important protein for skin, bones and muscles. The body naturally makes less of it as we get older, which can contribute to the visible signs of ageing. Supplementing with collagen may offer several benefits, including helping skin stay elastic and supporting repair and renewal.

See our collagen supplements guide for the best bovine, marine and vegan collagen powders.

Best collagen supplement

Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen Supplement Drink

Available from Absolute Collagen (£33.99)

Star rating: 5/5

These Absolute Collagen gels come in individual sachets, which makes them convenient for use at home, at work or while travelling. They include hydrolysed marine collagen and vitamin C. The sweet, fruity taste stood out in particular, as it did a good job of covering any fishy aftertaste.

After using one gel each day for three weeks, I felt I was beginning to notice a change in my skin. It appeared more radiant and had a more even tone.

Vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones and teeth because it helps the body absorb calcium from food. It is also associated with mood and mental wellbeing, immune health and a lower risk of heart disease.

Learn whether you're getting enough vitamin D and read our guide to the best vitamin D supplements.

Best vitamin D capsules

DRV+ Vitamin D3 & K2

Available from DRV+ (£9.99)

Star rating: 5/5

These capsules provide a high-strength daily dose of vegan vitamin D3. They are tasteless and simple to take with food. The plant-based formula contains no additives or allergens and comes in plastic-free, compostable packaging.

Available from:

• DRV+ (£9.99)

Vitamin C supplements

Vitamin C is essential, but the body does not store it, so it needs to be consumed regularly to avoid deficiency. It plays a number of roles, including helping maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, supporting wound healing and protecting cells as an antioxidant.

Find out what vitamin C is and read our review of vitamin C supplements.

Best vitamin C capsules

Cytoplan Vitamin C 1000mg with bioflavonoids

Star rating: 5/5

Each capsule contains 1000mg of ascorbic acid (1250% RNV) plus citrus bioflavonoids. Our tester found it to be good value and, although it was fairly large, not too difficult to swallow.

Available from:

• Cytoplan (£16.49)

Vitamin B12 supplements

The body needs vitamin B12 to produce energy and keep the nervous system working properly. It is found in foods such as meat, fish and eggs, so people eating a plant-based diet and older adults, who may absorb it less efficiently, may need a supplement.

Best vitamin B12 capsules

ZipVit vitamin B12 1000mcg

Available from ZipVit (£7.49), Amazon (£7.49)

Star rating: 5/5

This high-strength formula contains 1100mcg of methylcobalamin, a natural form of B12, at a very reasonable price. For anyone trying to boost intake without spending too much, it is a strong-value option.

Biotin supplements

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, supports keratin production in the body. Keratin is the protein that helps form the structure of hair, skin and nails. If the diet does not provide enough, symptoms such as dry skin, hair loss and brittle nails may appear.

Best biotin supplement

Paused’s Glow Beauty Complex

Available from Boots (£9.99)

Star rating: 5/5

Paused’s Glow combines 200µg of biotin (400% NRV) with hyaluronic acid, grape seed, resveratrol, CoQ10, vitamins, minerals and botanicals including Japanese knotweed. The capsules are easy to take, have no noticeable taste and are suitable for vegans. Simple, practical packaging and a GMO- and gluten-free formula make it a solid all-round choice for everyday beauty support.

Available from:

• Boots (£9.99)

Mineral supplements

Magnesium supplements

Magnesium helps the body and brain function at their best. Many people take it to help reduce tiredness, support healthy bones or maintain energy levels.

If you're considering a supplement, read our best magnesium supplements review and learn more about the health benefits of magnesium.

Best magnesium capsules

Swallow Pro Magnesium 4 Complex

Available from Swallow (£30)

Star rating: 5/5

This all-rounder provides 300mg of elemental magnesium from four forms: bisglycinate, citrate, malate and taurate. It contains no fillers and is also fortified with 500% NRV vitamin B6 to support absorption and energy release, 500% NRV vitamin D3 for bone support, and 90% NRV zinc. At £1 a day, with discounts available for subscriptions or bulk purchases, it offers strong value.

Available from:

• Swallow (£30)

Calcium supplements

Calcium helps build and maintain bone density, which is especially important for children, older adults and menopausal women because it helps protect against conditions such as osteoporosis. Alongside supporting strong bones and teeth, calcium is also needed for muscle function and blood clotting.

Read our guide to the best calcium supplements.

Best calcium supplement

Together Health calcium

Available from: Together Health (£9.99), Superdrug (£9.99), Bodykind (£9.99)

Star rating: 4.5/5

Two of these easy-to-swallow capsules provide 76% of the NRV. They are affordable and likely to be well absorbed because they contain a blend of trace minerals naturally found in seaweed. Best of all, the supplement is free from additives. It is a strong choice for anyone on a vegan diet who cannot rely on dairy for calcium.

Iron supplements

Iron is an essential nutrient for growth and development. It plays a crucial role because it forms haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in red blood cells.

Read our guide to the best iron supplements and learn more about a high-iron diet.

Best iron tablets

Vitabright gentle iron bisglycinate 28mg

Available from Amazon (£8.99), Vitabright (£12.99), Superdrug (£12.99)

Star rating: 4.5/5

Two of these easy-to-swallow tablets provide 200% of your NRV, and the iron is in a form that is easier for the body to absorb. Our testers considered it good value, and the flexible dosage makes it easy to adjust as needed.

Best zinc supplement

Zinc is an essential mineral, but unlike some other nutrients the body does not store it, so regular intake from food is important. Most people get enough from a varied, balanced diet, though certain groups may benefit from a supplement.

For more detail, read our guide to what zinc is and our guide to the best zinc supplements.

Best zinc tablets

BioCare zinc citrate 17mg

Available from BioCare (£7.69)

Star rating: 4.5/5

These small tablets provide 171% of the NRV. Testers felt they offered good value and found them easy to fit into a daily routine.

Available from:

• BioCare (£7.69)

Herbal and botanical supplements

Turmeric supplements

The key active compounds in turmeric are curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most potent. This plant compound has long been used for therapeutic purposes and is known for its health benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Read our guide to the best turmeric supplements, tried and tested.

Best turmeric supplement

Natures Zest Turmeric Curcumin

Available from Natures Zest (£24.99), Amazon (£35.99)

Star rating: 4.5/5

This high-strength turmeric curcumin blend from Natures Zest includes ginger and black pepper. The black pepper extract is there to support curcumin absorption, while each serving delivers an equivalent strength of 7500mg. With 180 tablets per bottle and a once-daily dose, it lasts about six months, which makes it good value for regular use. It is also suitable for vegans.

Ashwagandha supplements

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are substances that help the body adjust to stress and may ease anxiety and nervous tension. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that may help reduce stress by minimising the effects of cortisol, the hormone released by the adrenal glands.

Best ashwagandha tablets

WeightWorld ashwagandha KSM-66

Available from: WeightWorld (£13.99), Amazon (£19.79), Fruugo (£22)

Star rating: 5/5

This provides 1500mg of high-quality ashwagandha, which is above the usual amount. It offers good value because a bottle lasts six months, and the extract used is well researched for its health benefits. The tablets are also small, making them easy to take, especially for people who dislike large capsules.

Health supplements

Sleep supplements

Sleep supplements are designed to support relaxation, ease anxiety and help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, also called the circadian rhythm. They usually contain a blend of ingredients associated with calmness and better sleep quality.

Best sleep supplement capsules

Nutravita Natural Night Complex

Available from Superdrug (£17.99), Debenhams (£17.99), Amazon (£17.99)

Star rating: 5/5

These capsules are taken once a day and contain magnesium, vitamin D3, B12, L-tryptophan, lemon balm and chamomile. The formula is designed to help calm the nervous system and support normal psychological function, making it a good overall wellness option. With four months' supply, it is good value too.

Pre-workout supplements

Pre-workout supplements are blends of nutrients designed to improve performance during exercise by boosting energy or stamina. Some are also intended to support recovery afterwards.

Best pre-workout supplement

ProMix PreWorkout

Available from Healf (£39.99)

Star rating: 4.5/5

This pre-workout has a pleasantly sweet stevia flavour and mixes smoothly with water without clumping. It includes a scoop and is vegan, keto-friendly and free from gluten, soy and artificial additives. Its blend of beta-alanine, caffeine and amino acids makes it a good choice for high-intensity training. At £1.40 per serving, it sits at the premium end of the market, but it performs well.

Available from:

• Healf (£39.99)

Joints supplements

Supporting bone and joint health involves a range of structural components, and certain nutrients may help maintain and repair tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage and the fluid that cushions the joints. Important nutrients include enough protein, vitamins C, D and K, plus calcium, magnesium and silicon.

Find out more about healthy joints and read our joints supplements review.

Best joints supplement

Wild Nutrition Bone + Muscle Support

Available from: Wild Nutrition (£35), Bodykind (£35), Planet Organic (£35)

Score: 4/5

These easy-to-swallow capsules contain food-grown nutrients, including vitamins C, D and K, plus calcium and magnesium to support bones, muscles, teeth and gums. The product also includes anti-inflammatory boswellia extract. The recommended dose is three capsules in total, which can be taken throughout the day with meals.

Creatine supplements

Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that helps replenish ATP, the molecule the body uses for energy. It helps regenerate ATP quickly and can reduce lactic acid build-up. Because muscle cells recover faster, they can keep working, which may improve performance and support muscle growth.

Read our guide to the best creatine supplements.

Best creatine powder

Innermost The Power Booster creatine

Available from Innermost (£19.95), Debenhams (£19.95), Bodykind (£19.95)

Star rating: 4.5/5

One serving contains 166% of the recommended dose. It is flavourless and can be mixed into juice or blended into a smoothie, though it was not especially pleasant with water. The product is also fairly expensive, so it is more of a health investment.

Omega-3 supplements

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce, so it must come from the diet. Foods rich in omega-3 include oily fish such as salmon, as well as plant sources like chia seeds.

Read our guide to the best omega-3 supplements.

Best omega-3 capsules

WeightWorld omega-3 2000mg fish oil

Available from WeightWorld (£19.19), Amazon (£20.69)

Star rating: 4.5/5

These easy-to-swallow fish oil soft gels contain high levels of EPA and DHA from sustainably sourced wild anchovies. The oils are also free from contaminants, which makes the product more expensive, but omega-3 is essential and may be worth the cost. That may be especially true for pregnant or breastfeeding people, older adults and those who do not eat seafood.