New to supplements
The supplements UK health bodies advise, who each is for, and what it costs per dose.
UK health bodies advise a short list of supplements: vitamin D for everyone in autumn and winter, folic acid when trying for a baby, vitamins A, C and D for young children, and vitamin B12 for vegans. The Food Standards Agency says food supplements are not intended to replace a varied and balanced diet. Below is who each is for, how much, and what it costs per dose.
Food Standards Agency: Check with your GP before taking a food supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take regular prescribed medicine.
Each line below is a short summary of what the named source says, with a link to read it in full. None of it is medical advice.
Advised
Vitamin D
A vitamin the body makes when skin is in sunlight. Oily fish, eggs and fortified foods have some; supplements come as D3 or D2.
- NHS: Everyone should consider 10 micrograms a day in autumn and winter.
- NHS: All year if rarely outdoors, in a care home, or usually covering your skin.
Also covered by British Dietetic Association and Food Standards Agency.
Folic acid
The man-made form of folate, a B vitamin found naturally in green leafy vegetables.
- NHS: 400 micrograms a day when trying for a baby, until 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Also covered by Food Standards Agency and British Dietetic Association.
Cheapest per 400 µg · Folic acid1pCompare 16 productsVitamin B12
A vitamin found almost only in animal foods, and added to some plant drinks and breakfast cereals.
- NHS: Vegan sources are limited, so a B12 supplement may be needed.
- British Dietetic Association: Lists 10 micrograms a day for people on a vegan diet.
Cheapest per 1 mg · Methylcobalamin2pCompare 27 productsVitamins A, C and D for children
Vitamin drops made for babies and young children, with vitamins A, C and D together.
- NHS: Daily vitamins A, C and D for every child from 6 months to 5 years.
- NHS: Not for babies having more than 500ml of infant formula a day.
Also covered by NHS Healthy Start.
Limited evidence
Omega-3
Fats found in oily fish, and in some plant oils, nuts and seeds; supplements come from fish, krill or algae.
- British Dietetic Association: For the UK general population, the evidence on supplements is inconclusive.
Things to check
- Food Standards Agency: Do not take more than the recommended dose, or high-dose supplements unless a GP or specialist advises it.
- NHS: Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day.
- British Dietetic Association: Check you are not doubling up on a nutrient, for example a multivitamin with vitamin D as well as vitamin D.
- NHS: Many multivitamins contain vitamin A; if you eat liver every week, do not take supplements containing it.
- NHS: Do not take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day in supplements unless a doctor advises it.
- Food Standards Agency: Beware counterfeit products, particularly online when the price is much cheaper than elsewhere.
- NHS: Check with a pharmacist before taking a herbal medicine if you already take any other medicine.
- Food Standards Agency: Tell your doctor about any food supplements you take if you are prescribed a medicine.
If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, check with a pharmacist or GP first.
Sources
- Food supplements guidanceWhat food supplements are, when they are recommended, and buying and taking them safely.
- Vitamin DWho should consider a vitamin D supplement, how much, and the most to take in a day.
- B vitamins and folic acidEach B vitamin and folic acid: where they come from, how much people need, and how much is safe.
- Vitamin AWhere vitamin A comes from, how much adults need, and the risks of too much.
- Vitamins for childrenWhich vitamins babies and young children should have, and where to get them.
- Getting vitaminsFree vitamins for eligible families in pregnancy and for young children.
- The vegan dietPlanning a vegan diet, and vegan sources of calcium, vitamin D, iron, B12 and omega-3.
- Herbal medicines and complementary therapiesWhat herbal medicines are, who should avoid them, and checking them with a pharmacist.
- SupplementsWhether you need supplements, who may need which, how to choose one, and the risks.
- Vitamin DWhere vitamin D comes from, who is at risk of low levels, and supplements.
- Omega-3Omega-3 fats, where they come from, fish advice and supplements.
Sources checked 28 September 2026. Prices checked 20 October 2026, ranked purely by price per dose. Which sources these pages use.