Alongside taking the best supplements for muscle growth, it’s important to make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins your body needs – and once of the most important is vitamin B12. Part of the B vitamin family, B12 helps the normal functioning of the nervous system, the creation of healthy red blood cells and the prevention of fatigue. It’s present in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy but is missing in plant foods (some, like mushrooms, have trace amounts).

So, if you follow a vegan diet, B12 is one nutrient you ought to supplement. You can do so either by eating fortified foods (with added B12) or by taking vitamin B12 supplements. Luckily for you, we’ve tried and tested the best on the market.

Best Vitamin B12 Supplements

1. VEG-1 Tablets – £12.70 for 180 tablets, vegansociety.com (international shipping available)
2. Sealions B12 Tablets – £5 for a one-year supply, sealions.com (not available in the US)
3. Engevita B12 Yeast Flakes – $14.70 / £9.99 for 50 servings, amazon.com
4. Together Health B12 Mushroom Capsules – £9.99 for a 30-day supply, togetherhealth.co.uk (not available in the US)
5. Boots Vitamin B12 Spray – £12.50 for 25ml (48 days), boots.com (not available in the US)

1. VEG 1 B12 Tablets

Vitamin content: 4.5/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

VEG 1 is a multitasking chewable supplement, developed by the Vegan Society to provide nutritional support to people following a vegan diet. It contains seven nutrients (including B12) which are all harder to get sufficient amounts of if you follow a plant-based diet. Each tablet contains 25 mcg of B12, designed to maximise absorption.

A six-month supply costs just £12.70, making this an affordable option, equivalent to 7 pence a day. The postage and packaging materials are plastic-free and you can recycle or upcycle the tin. To help your body get the most from VEG 1, consume with a meal and chew before swallowing. The tablets are available in orange or blackcurrant flavour.

2. Sealions B12 Tablets

Vitamin content: 4.5/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Sealions’ mission is affordable supplements, achieved by reducing margins and cutting out the middle man. Their one-a-day B12 tablets contain 10 mcg of vitamin B12 – the recommended level for a B12 supplement if you’re not consuming any other B12. The pills are small enough to swallow comfortably. You should consume them with food, so stash next to your oats as a reminder.

The year-long supply (yep, 365 days-worth in a single pouch) costs £5 so these truly are a cost-effective option at under 2 pence a pill. Surprisingly for a low-price supplement, the packaging is also compostable, which is an added plus.

3. Engevita B12 Yeast Flakes 2.2mcg

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Nutritional yeast (or ‘nooch’ as it’s affectionately nicknamed by its fans) is a type of deactivated yeast which is grown on beet molasses and contains a range of B vitamins, including B12. Its parmesan-esque flavour means it’s become a staple ingredient in vegan dishes needing a cheese replacement (sprinkle it on spaghetti, mac ‘n’ cheese or in soup, for example).

Each teaspoon contains 2.2. mcg of vitamin B12, making nooch an easy and reliable way to supplement with this important nutrient. If you’re not consuming any other sources of B12, aim for two servings of fortified food a day.

4. Together Health B12 Mushroom Capsules

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

One for the fungi fans, Together Health’s B12 capsules are produced from freeze-dried shiitake mushrooms, which are grown according to a trade secret to ensure their B12 content. Each capsule provides around 20 mcg of B12 and each batch of supplements is tested to verify nutrient levels, with certification available for anyone to view via the website.

You can take these capsules with or without food. Or, mix the contents with food or drink if you find swallowing capsules challenging. As with the entire Together Health range, supplements come sealed in plastic-free, home-compostable packaging.

5. BetterYou B12 Spray 

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

A pill-free option for those who don’t like taking tablets, Boots B12 spray is delivered straight into the bloodstream via the soft tissues in the mouth, which have a vast blood supply. Some studies have suggested that this type of spray technology enhances absorption, particularly in those where digestive processes are compromised.

A daily dose of 4 sprays contains 1200μg vitamin B12, which is within safe levels, as you excrete excesses. The spray is sweetened with xylitol, making it tooth friendly, but don’t be tempted to get spray-happy as xylitol in excess can have digestive side effects.

One bottle contains 48 daily doses, working out to just 26 pence per day.

How much vitamin B12 should I take?

UK guidelines state adults need around 1.5 micrograms (mcg) a day, but in supplement form a daily dose of around 10 mcg (or 2000 mcg per week) is recommended for optimal absorption. Even at these larger doses, experts consider supplemental B12 to be safe, as the body doesn’t store excess amounts. It’s well worth finding about the health benefits of vitamin B12.

Related content:

1. Best vitamin D supplements
2. Best fiber supplements for improved digestive health
3. How to build muscle on a plant-based diet

The post We round up the best vitamin B12 supplements appeared first on Men's Fitness.

You might already be using the best supplements for muscle growth, but are you clued up on the best iron supplements for reducing tiredness and supporting muscle metabolism?

Iron is a mineral needed to make haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells which shuttles oxygen from the lungs around the body. Consuming enough iron helps prevent fatigue, supports muscle metabolism and promotes normal immune function. If your levels are low, it could be worth trying one of the best iron supplements to give yourself a boost.

For the most part, men are not an ‘at risk’ group for iron deficiency. However, iron stores do tend to be lower in regular blood donors (which can deplete stores) and plant-based eaters, as iron in plant foods is less readily absorbed than iron from meat and seafood. Men need 8.7 milligrams (mg) a day, but supplements of 17mg a day or less are considered safe.  

If you feel unduly fatigued (despite adequate sleep and rest days), check your iron levels with your GP.

Best Iron Supplements

1. Better You Iron Oral Spray ($14.95 / £6.40 for 48 doses, amazon.com)
2. BlueIron Original (£11.50 for 25 servings, amazon.co.uk – currently unavailable in the US)
3. Active Iron for Men (£20 for 30 servings, activeiron.com – currently unavailable in the US)
4. Vitabiotics Ultra Iron (£3.85 for 30 tablets, amazon.co.uk – international shipping available)
5. Spatone Apple with Vitamin C (£12 for 28 sachets, amazon.co.uk – currently unavailable in the US)

1. Better You Iron Oral Spray

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 4/5
OVERALL: 5/5 

Better You’s Iron spray is a great option if you find pills hard to swallow. Because the iron is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the mouth, it negates the gut irritation that can be common with regular iron supplements. Each apple flavoured spray provides just over 15% of your daily iron needs, and you can take up to four sprays a day, providing 5mg of iron.

You don’t need to take it with food or water, so stick it next to your toothbrush and you’ll be unlikely to forget. Plus, the bottle is bioplastic (produced from sugarcane), so it becomes carbon negative when you recycle it. It’s the top contender on our list of the best iron supplements.

2. BlueIron Original

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5 

BlueIron contains a patented form of iron which prevents it from breaking down in the stomach, negating many of the typical side effects of iron supplements like constipation and heartburn. Instead, the liquid formula delivers iron to the small intestine where the body can absorb it effectively.

Each vegan-friendly dose (2 teaspoons) contains 14mg of iron and you can take it at any time of day with food – handy if you tend to forget your vitamins first thing. Flavoured with pear juice and blueberries, it’s a palatable way to reap the benefits of iron, especially if tablets aren’t your thing.

3. Active Iron for Men

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5 

If you’re looking for multitasking iron supplements, Active Iron (buy now) is your best bet. Each dose contains 14 milligrams of iron, as well as B vitamins (which support normal energy production), plus vitamins D, A and C – making this a good option if you’re a largely plant-based eater or training intensely (which can increase iron losses).

You can take these capsules on an empty stomach, thanks to a unique non-constipating formula which is gentle on the gut and offers maximum absorption – a clever concept, designed with scientists at Trinity College in Dublin. Importantly for competing athletes, Informed Sport has approved these iron supplements for competitive use.

4. Vitabiotics Ultra Iron

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

A cost-effective option for supporting iron intake, Vitabiotics Ultra Iron comes as a one-a-day iron tablet which delivers 14mg of iron together with vitamin C (to enhance absorption), plus vitamin B12, which is a necessary supplement for those following plant-based diets as it’s not found in plant foods.

The tablets deliver iron via slow release action, to reduce gut irritation and support the body’s uptake of this important mineral. Simply swallow with a cold drink before a meal. Job done.

5. Spatone Apple with Vitamin C 

Vitamin content: 3/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 1/5
OVERALL: 3/5

Spatone is a naturally occurring mineral water from Wales, which is a source of ferrous iron, an easily absorbed form of the mineral. Each ready-to-drink shot-sized sachet contains 5mg iron, flavoured with apple and combined with vitamin C (which enhances absorption and supports normal immune function).

You can swallow it straight up or add it to a cold drink. Ideally, you should take it before a meal for best results. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, this is a lower dose option which can help maintain iron stores.

Related content:

• Health benefits of zinc
• Should you take multi-vitamins
• Health benefits of iron

The post We round up the best iron supplements appeared first on Men's Fitness.

You might already be taking supplements to boost muscle growth, but are you getting the right nutrients to support your digestion? Getting clued up on the best fiber supplements is a great place to start.

Let’s talk about the ‘F word’ – fiber. Not the sexiest of nutrients, but one we should pay more attention to, since it can significantly lessen our risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Long-term health aside, fiber is also crucial to daily digestive health, helping to prevent constipation and feeding the trillions of microbes that live in the gut.

Despite these benefits, most of us aren’t eating enough: the recommended intake is 30 grams a day, but average intakes are around 20 grams. Along with eating more wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, beneficial fiber supplements can help bridge the gap – here’s our pick of the best.

5 Best Fiber Supplements 2024

1. The Gut Stuff High Fiber Bars – amazon.co.uk (not available in the US)
2. Spoon Happy Gut Granola – spooncereals.co.uk (not available in the US)
3. Bimuno Original – bimuno.com (not available in the US)
4. Bulk Psyllium Husk Powder – amazon.co.uk (not available in the US)
5. Linwoods Milled Flaxseed – amazon.co.uk (not available in the US)

1. The Gut Stuff High Fiber Bars

Best high-fibre snack

Fiber content: 5/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 3/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

If adding fiber to your diet in the form of husks or seeds seems like a faff, look no further than these nifty bars from gut health innovators The Gut Stuff. A tasty mash-up of dried fruit, nuts and chicory fiber (a microbe-friendly prebiotic), each bar contains 10 grams of fiber, meaning you can tick off a third of the recommended daily intake in a ready-to-eat snack.

Available in four different flavours (Peanut Butter, Apple & Cinnamon, Raspberry & Coconut, Cocoa & Hazelnut), each bar contains 120 calories and is suitable for dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free diets. An easy and delicious fiber booster.

2. Spoon Happy Gut Granola

Best high-fibre cereal

Fiber content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

OK, Granola isn’t exactly a supplement, but hear us out. Spoon’s Happy Gut Granola (buy now) is made up of the type of high-fiber ingredients you can supplement with (think oats, nuts, chicory fiber, linseed) but they’re all in one place, in the form of a tasty granola.

A 50g bowl provides almost 7g of fiber. So, if you add a piece of fruit to your bowl too, you’ll be knocking off 10g by the time breakfast is done. Or, it’s equally delicious as a mid-afternoon snack. The home-compostable inner bag gets a thumbs-up, too.

3. Bimuno Original

Best prebiotic fiber supplement

Fiber content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 1/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Bimuno Original (buy now) is a type of prebiotic fiber, meaning it selectively feeds beneficial microbes in the gut. Prebiotics are found in plant foods like garlic and onion, but it’s hard to quantify how much we’re consuming daily. That’s where Bimuno comes in.

Each sachet contains 2 grams of prebiotic fiber. Taken daily, studies show that Bimuno can increase levels of bifidobacteria (a group of helpful microbes with numerous health benefits) within a week. It comes as a flavourless soluble powder that can be stirred into any hot or cold drink, so simply add it to your water bottle or morning brew.

A new study has even shown the key ingredient in Bimuno – the prebiotic Bimuno GOS – can support sporting performance:

4. Bulk Psyllium Husk Powder

Best soluble fiber supplement

Fiber content: 3/5
Ease of consumption: 2.5/5
Sustainable packaging: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

Psyllium husk comes from the seeds of the Plantago Ovata plant. It’s mostly soluble fiber, which soaks up water and forms a gel as it moves through the gut, making it helpful for easing hard stools (which is why it’s a common ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives).

One of the best soluble fiber supplements out there, Bulk’s psyllium husk powder doesn’t have a fancy label, it’s simply the ground husk in a sealable pouch, which you can add to your diet. Start with a small amount (e.g. 2 grams, which is 2 grams of pure fiber) for a few days before gradually increasing if needed. Liquid is a must, too, so it’s best added to a shake, smoothie or juice. 

5. Linwoods Milled Flaxseed

Best for adding to cereals and smoothies

Fiber content: 3/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

Flaxseeds (a.k.a. linseeds) are 28% fiber by weight and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are both important for digestive health. There’s evidence that flaxseeds can help ease bloating and constipation when taken consistently. Plus, they’re also an IBS-friendly fiber choice as they have fewer gassy side effects when compared with other fiber types.

Linwoods’ flaxseed is milled into a powder which is easy to sprinkle on porridge, cereal, or yogurt. A dessert spoon will add 2.5 grams of fiber to your breakfast for around 15p, making this a cost-effective and simple way to boost your fiber intake.

Related content:

• Health benefits of zinc
• Should you take multi-vitamins
• Health benefits of iron

The post We round up the best fiber supplements for digestive health appeared first on Men's Fitness.

You might already be investing in the best supplements for muscle growth, but are you supplementing for the rest of your body? Magnesium is a hard-working mineral. It contributes to bone density, is crucial to skeletal muscle and nervous system function and acts as a cofactor for 300+ reactions in the body by activating hundreds of enzymes. Magnesium supplements help to keep your levels topped so your body can function optimally.

Magnesium naturally occurs in a wide range of foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, wholegrains and fish. So meeting the recommended intake (that’s 300 milligrams a day for men) should be possible with a healthy diet.

However, low intakes are common – data from the National Diet and Nutritional Survey in the UK found around 15% of men in their 30s and 40s had intakes below the lowest target levels. If you’re supplementing, up to 400 milligrams (mg) of magnesium a day is considered safe.

Note: Magnesium exists in supplements in a variety of forms, for example magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. The amount of actual (or elemental) magnesium and bioavailability varies between these forms (magnesium oxide contains 60% magnesium, but is poorly absorbed. Magnesium citrate is 16% magnesium, but more readily absorbed). It’s also worth bearing in mind that your own magnesium status impacts absorption, with absorption increasing when dietary intake is low. Be sure to read the labels to reap the health benefits of magnesium. 

Best Magnesium Supplements for 2024

1. Floradix Magnesium Liquid Formula ($28.99 for 8.5oz / floradixusa.com or £10.79 for 250ml / amazon.co.uk)
2. Inessa Magnesium (£24.99 per 60 capsules / inessa.com – international shipping available)
3. Viridian Magnesium Citrate Powder ($21.52 / £17.56 for 150g / amazon.co.uk)
4. BetterYou Magnesium Oil Body Spray ($15.93 / £13.95 for 100ml / amazon.co.uk)
5. Healthspan Opti Magnesium (£11.95 for 90 tablets / amazon.co.uk – international shipping available)

1. Floradix Magnesium Liquid Formula

Best liquid magnesium supplement

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Floradix offers a sweet, drinkable way to bolster your magnesium levels. The liquid formula has a fruit juice base and contains two types of soluble magnesium – gluconate and citrate – which are readily bioavailable and gentle on the gut.

A dose of 20ml, taken before a meal, provides 250mg magnesium (that’s 80% of your total daily needs) making it an easy way to top up your intake at dinnertime if your daily consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been lacking. Gluten- and lactose-free, it’s vegetarian (but not vegan) friendly, and the glass bottle and cardboard packaging are readily recyclable.

2. Inessa Magnesium

Vitamin content: 4.5/5
Ease of consumption: 3.5/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Inessa’s USP is quality supplements that are free from binders and fillers. Inessa magnesium capsules (buy now) contain three types of magnesium – marine-sourced, bisglycinate and threonate – which research suggests are bioavailable forms. The recommended dose is 1-2 capsules a day, providing 150-300mg of elemental magnesium, so you can choose to either top up your intake or consume the recommended daily intake easily, for £0.20-£0.40 a day.

The capsules are larger than a tablet because the powdered contents aren’t compressed, but they’re comfortable to swallow with a drink. The capsules are Vegan Society approved thanks to the smart plant fibre shell. They’re also suitable if you’re avoiding dairy, soy or gluten. The bottle and cap are made from recycled PET plastic and can be widely recycled again once empty.

3. Viridian Magnesium Citrate Powder

Vitamin content: 3/5
Ease of consumption: 4/5
Sustainable packaging: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Viridian offers a pill-free option in the form of powdered magnesium citrate, which is one of the most easily absorbed forms, according to research. Because it’s highly soluble, you can easily stir it into water, juice or a smoothie. Just add half a level teaspoon a day to your chosen cold drink.

Each dose is equivalent to 60mg elemental magnesium, or 20% of your overall needs, so this works best as a top-up rather than to meet your entire daily needs. One bottle contains 60 servings, working out to about £0.30 a dose. That makes it a more costly option, but there are no fillers and the sustainable packaging consists of a glass bottle and a recycled cardboard shipping box.

4. BetterYou Magnesium Oil Body Spray

Best magnesium body product

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of application: 3.5/5
Sustainable packaging: 3/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

BetterYou’s Magnesium spray is delivered via the skin, which means it bypasses the digestive system, mitigating any absorption issues. Research into the effectiveness of transdermal magnesium is limited, but according to BetterYou’s research (carried out by Pharmacy and Pharmacology Research Team at Cardiff University), magnesium sprayed onto the skin is effectively absorbed.

The recommended dose is 5-10 sprays (10 sprays providing 200mg of elemental magnesium, or two thirds of the recommended daily intake) rubbed into skin after a bath or shower. Tingling on application can happen – if it’s bothersome, try the BetterYou Magnesium Oil Sensitive Body Spray, which isn’t as strong. Lastly, Informed Sport has approved it, making this one a good option for athletes. 

5. Healthspan Opti Magnesium

Best magnesium supplement with vitamin D

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 1/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

Healthspan Opti Magnesium contains magnesium oxide, citrate and malate – a blend of two more absorbable forms, plus one less absorbable but stronger form of the mineral. Two tablets provide 375mg of elemental magnesium (meeting the recommended daily intake) for £0.26, plus half your daily vitamin D needs – a big bonus.

It also contains tiny quantities of inulin, a microbe feeding fiber. Levels aren’t sufficient to benefit gut health – unlike the best fiber supplements – but there’s some evidence inulin may stimulate magnesium absorption, although Healthspan makes no claim on this. Packaging wise, the box is recyclable but the blister packs aren’t sadly. Healthspan says it’s working on it, and in the meantime, some health retailers have a recycling programme.

Related content:

• Health benefits of zinc
• Should you take multi-vitamins
• Health benefits of iron

The post These are the best magnesium supplements you can buy appeared first on Men's Fitness.

You might be clued up on the best supplements for muscle growth, but are you taking the right supplements to support your overall health and wellbeing? Learning about the best vitamin D supplements is a great place to start. 

Essential for bone health, muscle and immune function, vitamin D is unique in that it is naturally synthesised by the body when your skin is exposed to sunshine. Unfortunately, the sun’s rays are a rare thing in the UK – especially in the depths of winter – and coupled with the fact there are few foods naturally rich in vitamin D, a supplement is recommended from October through April, and year-round if you have darker skin (which makes less vitamin D) or spend a lot of time indoors. 

Read on for our pick of the best vitamin D supplements available in 2024, all of which contain vitamin D3, the body’s preferred form, to help you reap the health benefits of vitamin D.

Best vitamin D Supplements 2024

1. Tablet-free option: BetterYou Vitamin D 1000 IU Oral Spray (£7.95 for 100 sprays, amazon.co.uk – international shipping available)
2. Vegan vitamin D: Together Health Vitamin D3 (£6.99 for 30 tablets, amazon.co.uk – international shipping available)
3. Vitamin D juice shot: Moju Hot Mango Immunity Shot (£27.80 for 4 x 420ml bottles, mojudrinks.com – not available in the US)
4. Sports tested supplement: Healthspan Elite Vitamin D3 1,000 IU (£9.99 for 120 tablets, decathlon.co.uk – international shipping available)
5. Everyday supplement: Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 400 IU (£3.95 for 96 tablets, amazon.co.uk – international shipping available)

1. BetterYou Vitamin D 1000 Oral Spray

Best tablet-free option

Vitamin content: 4.5/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

A great pill-free option, BetterYou’s Vitamin D1000 Oral Spray is minty fresh. Each spray contains 25μg of vitamin D, 2.5μg more than the UK gov recommended dose. However, this is backed by research suggesting larger doses are needed to achieve optimal levels (and well within safe limits).

Research led by Cardiff University also found absorption of the BetterYou sprays is faster and more effective than a traditional tablet. Each bottle contains 100 doses, costing 8 pence a day. Take any time of day with or without food – leave next to your toothbrush and you’re unlikely to forget. Oh, and the bottle is fully recyclable. 

2. Together Health Vitamin D3

Best vegan vitamin D supplement

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Most vitamin D supplements are derived from lanolin – a waxy substance found in sheep’s wool (yep, really). So, if you’re strictly vegan, you’ll want to know about plant-based options.

Together Health’s Vitamin D3 is extracted from lichen (which is somewhere between an algae and a fungus) and packaged into capsules with coconut oil to assist absorption, since vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient. Each capsule contains 25μg of vitamin D3, with one pouch lasting a month. Plus points for the plastic free, compostable packaging.

3. Moju Hot Mango Immunity Shot

Best vitamin D juice shot

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 5/5
Sustainable packaging: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5

If you’re someone that never remembers to take a supplement, Moju’s Hot Mango Immunity Shots (buy now) could help you buck the trend. A blend of apple, citrus, ginger, and turmeric, each 60ml shot also packs 20μg of vitamin D, sourced from seaweed (which makes them vegan-friendly, too).

Yes, it’s more expensive than a pill, but if you have a bigger budget you’ll quickly become addicted to this punchy little shot as part of your morning routine. Each bottle contains a week’s worth of shots, and Moju offers a handy delivery of four bottles once a month, in recyclable packaging.

4. Healthspan Elite Vitamin D3 1,000 IU

Best vitamin D supplement for athletes

Vitamin content: 4/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3.5/5

If you’re competing in elite sport, then you’ll want to make sure your supplements are free from banned substances. Healthspan’s Elite Vitamin D is informed sport tested so you can be confident it’s been robustly tested.

Each small, easy-to-swallow tablet contains 25μg of vitamin D. This is over the standard daily recommendation, but there’s evidence to suggest that athletes may benefit from higher intakes, particularly those training or competing predominantly indoors. Swallow with water or a cold drink, alongside a meal to support absorption.

5. Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 400 IU

Best everyday vitamin D supplement

Vitamin content: 3/5
Ease of consumption: 3/5
Sustainable packaging: 2/5
OVERALL: 3/5

Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D does exactly what is says on the box; it contains the everyday level of vitamin D recommended by the UK government, which is 10 micrograms (μg) or 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D.

Taken throughout winter, this will support musculoskeletal health and immune function. Plus, a single box will last you three months, making this a cost-effective option and ideal for those who are happy taking a tablet. Swallow with a cold drink and consume alongside your largest meal of the day to maximise absorption.

Related content:

• Health benefits of zinc
• Should you take multi-vitamins
• Health benefits of iron

The post We Round Up The Best Vitamin D Supplements appeared first on Men's Fitness.