Everything You Need To Know About Supplements

There’s been a noticeable surge in supplement usage, partly fuelled by social media marketing. Layla emphasises that it’s crucial to understand what your body actually needs before diving in. “Most supplements are poor quality, and only a few brands are trustworthy,” she says. Zein adds: “Our bodies need 13 essential vitamins to function, which primarily come from the foods we eat. The real challenge is ensuring proper absorption and utilisation, which depends on factors like gut health and mitochondrial function. In my practice, I follow the motto ‘Food first every day.’ Every bite you eat has information and energetic frequency that shapes your health and overall wellness. Supplements are secondary.”

The increased need for supplements nowadays is attributed to nutrient-depleted soils; modern agricultural practices have led to soil depletion and reducing nutrient content of crops. Zein explains: “Processed foods, environmental toxins, dietary restrictions and increased stress levels are also crucial factors that contribute to the growing need for supplements.”

When faced with the vast array of supplements in pharmacies, it’s easy to feel confused about what to take. Essential supplements are those that provide nutrients necessary for basic physiological functions and overall health, such as vitamin D, B complex and vitamin C. Specialised supplements, on the other hand, are designed to target specific health conditions, gut restoration or address particular needs. Both experts advise that it's important to personalise your supplement intake. "Get a full blood count done once or twice a year to determine what your body actually needs," advises Layla. This approach ensures that you’re not taking unnecessary supplements and can focus on what your body truly lacks.

According to Layla, understanding your body’s state through regular blood tests is key. Zein echoes this, advising clients to keep a food journal, define health objectives, and review medical history before starting any supplement regimen. “It’s important to test, not guess,” says Zein, stressing the need for a personalized protocol developed with a health professional. “It is also very important to note that there are certain drugs that cause nutrient depletion; long term use of certain medications can deplete certain nutrients from your body as they interfere with the absorption, storage, metabolism, or synthesis of vital nutrients in the body. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to weakness and fatigue, immune system impairment, digestive issues, cognitive and mood disturbances.”

Both Layla and Zein agree on the importance of quality and bioavailability. Layla suggests focusing on high-quality, food-based supplements and making small but effective diet and lifestyle changes first. Zein advises ensuring supplements are third-party tested, free of additives, and stored correctly. “Bioavailability is crucial; certain brands may be more expensive but ensure active effects on the body.” 

According to Layla, berberine and magnesium glycinate are often overlooked but highly beneficial. “I tried berberine almost ten years ago when I was going through insulin resistance.” Berberine helps control blood sugar levels, while magnesium glycinate offers numerous health benefits. Zein adds to this list with trace minerals, electrolytes and butyrate for gut health, as well as beta glucans for immunity and CoQ10 for cardiovascular health.

“Nitric oxide has had a lot of attention recently, which is a molecule produced naturally in the body that is important for vascular health, blood vessel dilation and improves blood flow. The most well researched supplements to improve NO levels include L-arginine, L-citrulline, and beetroot juice,” says Zein. 

Layla cycles through supplements, always keeping probiotics, wellness pills, ashwagandha, and L-theanine in her rotation for gut health, immunity, and mood support. Her latest discovery, Clear Stem, has been effective in clearing hormonal breakouts. “I found it about eight months ago as I was dealing with a few hormonal breakouts which were bothering me. It is essentially a high dose of vitamin A and a few other ingredients that really help in clearing any acne.”

Zein, on the other hand, always has a good multivitamin, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and CoQ10 on hand. Recently, she’s been microdosing on psilocybin and Kanna for enhanced creativity and focus. “I have experienced a significant shift in my nervous system, found an ability to be more present and increased my creativity and focus,” says Zein. 

Best for energy… 
Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets, AED 149 | LMNT

Best for enhanced focus... 
Liposomal Phospholipid Complex, AED 315 | BodyBio

Best for protein… 
Organic Whey Protein, AED 315 | Simply Tera’s 

Best for collagen...
Whole Body Collagen Powder, AED 470 | Designs For Health

Best for gut health…
MegaSporeBiotic, AED 320 | Microbiome Labs 

Best for overall digestion...
Fodmate Enzymes, AED 320 | Microbiome Labs 

Best for immunity...
Immune Defence Pack, AED 325 | Metagenics

Best for sleep...
Reishi Mushroom, AED 250 |  Dirtea  and Magnesium (Glycinate), AED 159 (was AED 240) | Pure Encapsulations 

Best for energy... 
Basic B-Complex, AED 124 | Thorne

Best for protein... 
Clean Lean Protein, AED 204 | Nuzest

Best for collagen...
Bioactive Collagen Jelly, AED 295 | Health Nag

Best for gut health...
Probiotics For Women,  AED 165 (was AED 300) | Dr. Formulated

Best for immunity... 
Wellness Formula, AED 210 | Source Naturals

Best for sleep... 
Magnesium (Glycinate), AED 159 (was AED 240) | Pure Encapsulations