Articles by Richard Jenkins

Technology

Less than 1 in 4 people know what is actually in their multivitamins

With an estimated 20 million UK adults taking supplements daily, millions could be unknowingly swallowing excipients like talc, titanium dioxide and carrageenan — additives with no nutritional benefit. The research, of 500 supplement users, commissioned by ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition, found three quarters want to buy vitamins without artificial additives but only eight per cent could define a filler. And fewer than one in four read the full ingredients list. Phil Beard, nutritionist at Viridian, said: ‘There is clear confusion about what is active and what is are artificial additives. A simple, consistent label check can help people buy better.” The findings highlight a label-literacy gap at a time when more people than ever are relying on supplements to plug nutritional gaps. Food crops today are thought to have lost significant amounts of key minerals since 1940 — including potassium (down 16 per cent), zinc (down 59 per cent), magnesium (down 24 per cent), calcium (down 46 per cent), copper (down 76 per cent), and iron (down 27 per cent). But 71 per cent would be willing to pay more for additive-free supplements, suggesting demand for cleaner products is strong. However, many high street supplements contain substances added only to make manufacturing easier. These include Titanium dioxide (E171), which banned in EU foods over safety concerns but still permitted in the UK and Carrageenan (E407) – a capsule thickener linked to gut inflammation. While Magnesium stearate (E470b) – a lubricant that can affect gut microbes – is also used. Cheryl Thallon, founder of Viridian Nutrition, which is offering a month’s supply of its High Five Multivitamin until 30th November using vouchers obtained from their site, said: ‘Additives benefit manufacturers, not consumers. Viridian has never used artificial additives in our formulations and for more than 25 years we have championed supplements that are effective, ethical and pure – and the public is telling us they want the same.” To help shoppers cut through the confusion, Viridian has launched the CLEAN Five Step Supplement Label Check and an information guide available from independent health stores. The booklet called ‘Join The Vitamin Revolution’ shares the independent research on common artificial additives, while the CLEAN check encourages people to flip the pack and check. The C.L.E.A.N. supplement checker (5-step label guide) C — Contains optimal active ingredients What it means: the nutrients that deliver the benefit are clearly named and dosed. Look for: named forms and real amounts per serving (mg, µg, IU, CFU) with %NRV where used; botanicals standardised to actives; probiotics listed by strain and CFU. Avoid: vague blends with no breakdown or token ‘dusting’ doses. L — Leaves out artificial additives What it means: the ‘Other ingredients’ list is short and preferably non-existent. Look for: a list of ingredients you don’t recognise; no unnecessary bulking agents, binders or colour coats. Examples to question: magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (E171), carrageenan, PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), potassium sorbate. E — Ethically sourced What it means: transparent origin and standards from factory to farm. Look for: UK or EU manufacture where possible; GMP, BRC and ISO compliance; non-GMO policy; suppliers confirm no animal testing; provenance and contaminant testing available on request. A — Avoids colours, sweeteners and artificial flavours What it means: no cosmetic add-ons that do not add nutritional value. Look for: plain capsules or simple liquids; light, simple recipes. Examples to question: artificial colours such as E171, E129, E133; artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K; heavy flavouring. N — Nutritionist formulated What it means: developed by qualified practitioners using evidence-based forms and amounts. Look for: clear dosing per serving, sensible totals and any relevant cautions; ‘therapeutic’ rather than extreme dosing. Dr Carol Granger, microbiologist and registered nutrition practitioner, said: 'Look at the labels of most supplements and you will find a list of ingredients you will not expect – from additives to glues. It is crucial to know exactly what is in your supplements.' Phil added: “Supplements are there to provide what you need, not what you don't. So avoiding these additives can reduce your exposure to unnecessary artificial ingredients.”

Technology

Women's biggest barriers to sport include the cost, access and equipment

A poll of 2,000 adults found 46 per cent of women are keen to take up a physical activity but admit there is something hindering them. With other obstacles including confidence, low energy and not having anyone to do it with. While the women polled are slightly more likely to experience dehydration-related symptoms such as dizziness or a lack of motivation. The research was commissioned by Liquid I.V. which also found although 75 per cent recognised that staying hydrated helps improve their performance, a lack of knowledge often affects their focus and drive. It also emerged 38 per cent are in a vicious cycle of not feeling fit enough to join a sports team - but aren't getting fitter, because they’re not doing it. Despite the barriers, 68 per cent feel inspired to take up a physical activity, with many citing the success of the Lionesses and the England rugby side. As figures show 64 per cent of women have taken up a new sport in the last 12 months, including rugby, football and tennis. Former England midfielder Jill Scott, who has teamed up with the powdered hydration brand for the brand-new Hot Seat Series, said: “I know first-hand how important it is to stay motivated and hydrated, and having the right support can make all the difference. “If you’re playing in a big group match or going for a quick run, when you’re working up a sweat, you’re not just losing water – you’re losing essential electrolytes that keep your muscles and mind performing at their best. The study also found that when women do exercise, their typical session lasts less time than a man – with 30 per cent of men working for more than 60 minutes, but only 21 per cent of women doing the same. Women also cited Jessica Ennis as the most inspirational person to get people to try new sports (19 per cent). While men were more likely to select footballers Harry Kane or Marcus Rashford. Jill Scott, added: “Replacing both water and electrolytes, helped me to stay sharp, recover faster, and give my all every time I stepped on the pitch. Even now, staying hydrated is something I make a priority every day.”