I buy my vitamin D at Hema instead of at the pharmacy. The vitamins are much cheaper there. Are they just as good? And can I also recommend these vitamins to my friends?
Nirmala
Suzan Tuinier, nutritionist
Just like with foodstuffs, there are also ‘brand items’ and so-called private labels with supplements. Several differences can be mentioned.
A difference can be in the quality of the excipients used in supplements. In addition, vitamins are used that are well absorbed by the body.
You will also notice the difference in quality in the factory. Branded products are usually made under Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP. That is a quality assurance system. In addition, manufacturers of the branded products regularly optimize their product by conducting research into the supplements and their use. This means that other raw materials and production methods are used more regularly. Finally, a private label usually has simpler packaging than an A-brand.
All this together entails higher costs, which means that branded products are usually more expensive than private labels.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. They also do not diagnose. You can find the other conditions here.
Suzan Tuinier is a nutritionist with years of experience in nutrition education. She knows a lot about vitamins and minerals, because she is coordinator of the Vitamin Information Bureau. In addition, her mother’s heart beats faster when it comes to infant nutrition.
