Buying a supplement

Nutritional supplements are widely available at a number of different types of retail outlet as well as an increasing amount of trade being conducted via mail order and internet companies. Each channel of purchase offers its own advantages and disadvantages, as explained below:

 

Stores like Boots and Superdrug offer a wide choice of independent supplements as well as a comprehensive selection in their own brand. Prices are generally competitive, and there are often ongoing offers and money saving deals on multiple purchases. Stores are spread throughout the UK and are often conveniently located in town centres.

 

Bigger Boots stores now have assistants trained in nutrition who can advise on supplement use - just ask at the instore Pharmacy section.

 

Buying supplements from large superstores like Tesco and Asda often has the advantage of being part of the weekly grocery shop, offering time saving convenience. Supermarkets tend to offer own label supplements at competitive prices as well as the more popular brands. Various discounts based on multiple purchases offer good value for money.

 

These stores offer the advantage of personal and tailored advice for each individual customer. Staff tend to be well informed and place importance on listening to your health needs before advising on which supplements to take. They often stock specific and more complicated products as well as lesser known brands.

 

The biggest advantage of shopping at health food chain stores like Holland & Barrett is the advice shop assistants can offer the consumer. Like independent health stores, they often stock specific and more complicated products and some independent brands in addition to having their own brand labels. They are generally well located in town centres.

 

The key advantage of buying your supplements through a mail order company such as  Healthspan or Goldshield is that the products tend to be good value for money, as there are no retailer associated costs. However, there may be postage and packing costs to be aware of, and delivery can take days or sometimes weeks.

 

When supplementscompared.com ordered supplements from the internet there was frequently a significant delay before delivery with no indication beforehand on the website. So be clear on availability before ordering, either by looking at the website or by contacting the company directly. Buying via mail order tends to restrict one´s choice of brand, as generally only the mail order company´s own brand is available.

 

However, some internet-based ´retailers´ may stock a wider variety of brands. These companies will send a catalogue with their order which can have some informative articles.  

 

Local pharmacies whether individual or chains such as Lloyd´s are generally conveniently located and usually stock a small range of recognisable leading brands in addition to their own label products. The stores are often small enough that their staff have both time and appropriate knowledge to assist customers needing health advice.