When it comes to supplements, it’s tempting to go straight for the highest numbers on the label. More vitamin C, more magnesium, more collagen - so it must be better, right?
Not necessarily. High potency can be effective, but only when paired with smart formulation and bioavailability, meaning your body can truly absorb and use the ingredients.
“High potency means the supplement gives you 100 per cent or more of your daily recommended dose for at least two-thirds of the vitamins and minerals inside,” PhD Nutrition Scientist and Founder of DITTO Daily, Alice van der Schoot, tells The Standard.
“You can check this on the supplement label by looking for the % next to each nutrient (e.g. ‘Vitamin C: 150%’ of daily intake). Those percentages tell you how much of your daily nutritional needs that supplement is covering.”
Why might the standard daily amount not always be enough?
“These standard daily amounts are what most healthy people (about 95 per cent of us) need to maintain their general health. But if you're taking supplements to achieve specific results, you might need more than the basic daily amount to actually see results,” explains van der Schoot.
How can you make sure you’re taking a safe but effective dose?
“The key thing to remember is it can be important to have a higher dose that's optimal for your health goal, but to stay under what experts call the ‘safe upper limit,’” says van der Schoot. “For example, vitamin D: you can safely have up to 4,000 IU (100 micrograms) per day, but go higher and it could start having negative impacts on your health.
Only people who are deficient should go above these limits, and only with their doctor supervising them. It’s important to be aware of this because the supplement industry isn’t well-regulated. Supplements are commonly sold containing doses above the safe upper limits without warning, so you could be taking an excessive dose unknowingly.”
Does the form of the nutrient matter just as much as the amount?
“Bioavailability is huge for effectiveness,” says Alice. “Magnesium is a perfect example: the form ‘magnesium oxide’ is common in supplements because it's cheap, but your body only absorbs 4 - 30% of it. You could be taking what looks like a massive dose on the pack, but you're barely absorbing it. Compare that to magnesium bisglycinate - it will have a much higher impact at the same dose."
From energy and focus to gut health, immunity and glow - these are the ones that really deliver.
We've rounded up all of the best high-potency supplements below
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City Survivor Pollution Protection Multivitamin + Antioxidant Complex
Living in a busy city takes its toll - and that’s exactly what this multitasking supplement is designed to counteract.
City Survivor’s Pollution Protection formula supports your immune system with a potent blend of vitamins A, C, and D, plus minerals like zinc and selenium. It’s packed with antioxidants including alpha-lipoic acid, green tea, and grapeseed extract to help your body fight oxidative stress from pollution.
Designed by a registered nutritional therapist, it’s gentle on the stomach and formulated without unnecessary fillers.
If you’re looking for a smart daily multi that addresses the demands of modern urban life, this is a standout.
Buy now £34.95, City Survivor
Nutravita Joint Complex
Whether you’re lifting weights or just feeling the years, Nutravita’s Joint Complex offers a high-strength formula designed to support joint flexibility and comfort.
It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and turmeric - four powerhouses often used to manage inflammation and promote mobility. You’ll also find rosehip, boswellia extract, and black pepper to boost absorption and efficacy.
The blend is crafted in the UK, with no artificial preservatives or binders, and is a popular pick among active adults looking to protect their joints long-term.
If stiffness and soreness are slowing you down, this supplement’s targeted approach makes it worth a spot in your routine.
Buy now £21.84, Amazon
Nourished Shape Up Stack
If you’re seeking a supplement that works as hard as you do, the Shape Up Stack from Nourished is a clever choice.
Each 3D-printed gummy delivers seven science-backed nutrients - including green tea extract, bitter orange, chromium, and L-arginine - designed to support metabolism and fat oxidation.
These personalised gummies are vegan, sugar-free, and made to order in the UK, which sets them apart from traditional tablets or powders.
Whether you’re on a fitness kick or simply want to feel more energised and balanced, this high-tech stack gives your body what it needs to perform at its best.
Buy now £25.00, Nourished
Revive Active Omega Active
Packed with sustainably sourced omega-3s, Revive Active’s Omega Active is a premium pick for supporting cognitive health, heart function and overall wellbeing.
Each capsule delivers high-strength EPA and DHA in their natural triglyceride form - known for superior absorption - alongside added vitamin D3 for immune and mood support. What sets it apart? Its IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) certification ensures top-tier purity and potency, while the addition of tocopherols helps keep the oil stable and fresh.
For those seeking a reliable, brain-boosting omega-3 supplement without the fishy aftertaste, this is a clean, high-quality option worth investing in.
Buy now £22.45, Amazon
Metagenics MetaRelax
Stressed, tense or struggling to switch off? MetaRelax is a targeted magnesium-based supplement designed to promote relaxation and support mood balance.
It contains magnesium bisglycinate - a gentle, highly absorbable form - along with B vitamins, taurine and vitamin D3 to nourish the nervous system and support serotonin production. Users often report better sleep and reduced anxiety symptoms, making it a go-to for high-stress periods or low-mood days. Unlike some magnesium blends, MetaRelax is easy on the stomach and free from unnecessary additives.
It’s a well-formulated, budget-friendly option if you’re looking to feel calmer, more grounded and mentally resilient.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Quest Liposomal Iron 30x 15mg Vegan Capsules
Low iron is leaving you drained? This liposomal formula from Quest offers a gentle but effective energy boost.
Each vegan capsule delivers 15mg of iron in a liposomal form, which helps enhance absorption and reduce the risk of digestive side effects like nausea or constipation - common with traditional iron tablets. It’s a particularly strong pick for women, vegetarians or anyone managing anaemia-related fatigue. Reviewers praise how easily it fits into their routine and how quickly they feel the difference.
Budget-friendly, bioavailable and backed by science - it’s one of the smartest ways to support healthy energy levels.
Buy now £8.95, Amazon
Nutrition Geeks Collagen Glow Up Powder
Glow from the inside out with this collagen-packed powder designed to support strong nails, healthy hair and radiant skin.
Nutrition Geeks’ Glow Up blend contains hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, vitamin C to boost absorption, and hyaluronic acid for added hydration. You’ll also find biotin and zinc - two beauty-boosting essentials - making this a well-rounded option for your daily routine. It mixes easily into water or smoothies with a subtle berry flavour and is free from dairy, gluten and artificial nasties.
Affordable, effective and loved for its visible results, this is a glow-getter’s go-to.
Buy now £16.99, Nutrition Geeks
Get Dopa
et doDpa is a specialist supplement designed with busy brains in mind.
The formula combines 16 carefully chosen nutrients including magnesium glycinate, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, zinc, and B-vitamins, alongside botanicals such as bacopa and ginkgo, plus probiotics.
Each ingredient is selected to support focus and mental performance and help people feel their best. If you’re looking for a nutrient and plant-based supplement designed with busy brains in mind, Get Dopa is a thoughtful blend of nutrients and botanicals worth exploring.
Buy now £50.00, Get Dopa
Inositol Infusion Plus Hormonal Balance
Balancing hormones can feel like a minefield - but Inositol Infusion Plus is a gentle, evidence-based supplement designed to support women with PCOS, hormonal acne, or irregular cycles.
Each serving contains myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol in the ideal 40:1 ratio, alongside folate and vitamin D3 - key nutrients shown to support hormonal regulation, insulin sensitivity and reproductive health. Each tablet is small enough to easily take daily.
Free from fillers and artificial additives, it’s a solid choice if you’re after a clean, clinically aligned solution for hormone support.
Buy now £32.99, Polybiotics
Epetōme Synbiotic duo Cap
This next-gen gut supplement blends prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics in one clever capsule to help restore balance to your microbiome.
Epetōme’s Synbiotic Duo Cap features a delayed-release capsule-in-capsule design that delivers strains like Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis exactly where they’re needed - deep in the gut. Paired with prebiotic fibre and stabilised postbiotics, this all-in-one formula is ideal for those managing bloating, sluggish digestion or the after-effects of antibiotics.
It’s vegan, free from fillers, and designed to be taken daily for long-term digestive support. If your gut needs a reboot, this is a cutting-edge contender worth considering.
Buy now £50.00, Epetōme
Verdict
City Survivor’s Pollution Protection Complex is our top choice for its modern, multitasking formula.
Designed by a nutritional therapist, it delivers comprehensive immune and antioxidant support tailored for urban living. With high-quality vitamins, minerals and plant-based actives, it’s smart, gentle and effective: a brilliantly balanced daily supplement for everyday resilience.
