12 A Healthy Diet Shouldn’t Require Supplements

Most nutritionists advocate a “food first” approach. As Roberts puts it, “A vitamin C tablet just provides vitamin C, whereas a portion of beetroot provides vitamin C, nitrates, potassium, manganese, fibre, folate…” However, there are some nutrients that it’s hard to get from diet alone. These include vitamin D3 (aim for 10ug a day, from October to March), EPA and DHA fatty acids, unless you’re eating plenty of oily fish (store these in the fridge, as light and heat degrades them), and vitamin B12 for vegans.

Meanwhile, there are supplements that might be useful for athletes, including creatine for muscle mass and strength, and nitrates for aerobic performance. Even the most well-balanced eating plan can be optimised.