Your Questions Answered
Q&A with Andy Moore, FoodGrown's Registered Dietitian (MSc Dietetics)
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What makes FoodGrown™ supplements different from regular vitamins?
FoodGrown is unique in the sense that all of our products are formulated using ingredients that are natural or derived from food sources. We hand-select the most bioavailable sources of vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts to create products that your body recognises and absorbs well.
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What should I look for when choosing supplements?
There are so many different options available when it comes to choosing your health supplements. The first is to look for products that contain effectively-dosed ingredients, ideally in the format that your body absorbs the best. For example, synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) starts breaking down after about three months. A natural form such as acerola cherry extract is stable for longer and absorbed better.
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Which product should I take for my specific concern?
We have almost 40 products in the FoodGrown range. Some are developed for everyday use, such as our Omega-3 and Multi-Vita Mineral Complex. We have, however, been introducing more targeted supplements such as our Folate for pregnancy support, our Cranberry-C Complex for UTI prevention and more. The range keeps growing to provide our customers with the perfect products to meet a range of needs.
It is best to identify your individual requirements before going to the store and standing in front of the vitamins section as it can become overwhelming. Our products are categorised by function, e.g. Digestive and GI Health and Cardio Care, to help you find the products that you need.
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Are there natural supplements that support better sleep?
FoodGrown has various options to support better sleep! We have Sleep Support, which is a combination of several ingredients and minerals to help you have more restorative sleep. We also have single ingredients that are known for their sleep and relaxation benefits, namely KSM Ashwagandha, BioMag+ and Lion's Mane. These all work in different ways to aid better sleep and recovery.
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Can supplements really help with digestion or bloating?
Improving gut health is truly the key to supporting and optimising your overall health. Digestive issues are becoming more and more prevalent. Probiotics are a staple for helping to colonise the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria that support digestion and nutrient absorption. There are more than 8,000 known strains of probiotics, each having different roles in the body.
Digestive enzymes are usually produced by the body, unless there is a physiological impairment in the body, and therefore the body usually manages to break down nutrients on its own. However, when it comes to certain compounds like fat, lactose and gluten, the digestive system sometimes struggles and can result in poor digestion, bloating and malabsorption. In these cases, supplementing with digestive enzymes can help.
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What should I use for hormonal balance or PMS symptoms?
Hormonal balance and PMS symptoms are quite complex and multifaceted. When it comes to this, it is important to take a deep look into factors like contraception (if any), insulin resistance, genetics, diet, sleep and stress.
Insulin resistance is often linked to irregular cycles and PCOS. Taking Berberine Complex or Blood Sugar Support may improve blood sugar control and aid long-term hormone balance. It is always recommended to chat to your healthcare practitioner before starting a new supplement regimen, especially during conception.
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Can Lion’s Mane improve mental health and focus?
Lion's Mane is an incredible mushroom extract with so many benefits, particularly on mental health, cognitive function and nervous system function. Lion's Mane mushroom contains compounds that promote nerve growth, which is vital for brain health and neuron conductivity. It is also a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
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Eggshell collagen vs. Grass-fed collagen — which is better?
Eggshell Collagen is a unique product, made using the membrane that lies under an eggshell. This membrane is naturally highly concentrated in nutrients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, which are all known for boosting skin hydration, helping to reduce the signs of wrinkles and lines. Eggshell Collagen has a low effective dose of 300 mg, which makes it a convenient, once-a-day capsule to help you enhance skin, hair and nail health.
Grass Fed Collagen is derived from the hides of cows that are ethically farmed. Bovine collagen is well-known for its benefits on bone and joint health, whilst boosting hair, skin and nail health too. It is more of an all-in-one collagen, with a higher dosage of 10 g, compared to the Eggshell Collagen, which focuses more on anti-ageing.
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Are your supplements safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Several of our products are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is always noted on our packaging if a product is not safe for use during these times. Usually, herbal ingredients, such as Lion's Mane and Ashwagandha, are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is not enough long-term research on these types of ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Generally, any products that contain ingredients that can be found in your daily diet are safe for use (such as probiotics and fish oils), but we always recommend checking in with your healthcare provider first.
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Can I take multiple supplements at the same time safely?
It depends on the product and its intended use. I recommend taking your multivitamins and probiotics at the start of the day so that they can be absorbed and utilised during the course of the day. When it comes to products targeted at aiding sleep, we recommend taking them 20-30 minutes before bed to have the best effects.
It is important to check packaging or pack inserts for instructions for use, but generally many of our products are formulated to complement each other and can be used in conjunction. You are always welcome to reach out to us if you have any specific queries on products that can be used together.
