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Vitamins

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Big vitamin is coming for your kids. But do children really need supplements?

When it comes to nutrition, vitamins can sometimes feel like a simple fix. But are they necessary? And what are the risks?

  • Lauren Ironmonger

Latest

Kerry Smith had used the popular supplement in the past with no adverse affects.

‘I thought I was going to die’: Perth mum’s near-fatal reaction sparks immune supplement warning

Kerry Smith thought she was doing the right thing when, feeling the early signs of a cold, she took a popular supplement she’d used before.

  • Andrew Du

Hydration trackers and electrolytes: How much water do we really need?

The market for hydration products and electrolyte supplements and sports drinks is growing. But nutrition and exercise experts say there are limits to their effectiveness, and potential for harm.

  • Lauren Ironmonger
Some supplements containing vitamin B6 will be subject to stricter safety controls from June 2027. 

Vitamins to be removed from shelves over poisoning concerns

Customers will need advice from a pharmacist to purchase some supplements after patients reported severe and often permanent health effects.

  • Angus Thomson
A simple form of vitamin B3 may help prevent skin cancers, a growing body of evidence suggests.

How a vitamin in beer and Vegemite could prevent our most common cancer

Scientists have found vitamin B3 may significantly reduce risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. The building body of international evidence has its roots in Australian research.

  • Angus Dalton
  Do libido-boosting supplements for women work?

Libido supplements for women are on the rise. But do they work?

In an era of sex positivity, a flagging libido can be seen as a deficiency. But is it possible for women to enhance desire by taking a simple vitamin? And do they even want to?

  • Lauren Ironmonger
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A pill popping nation.

The vitamin epidemic

We’ve become a nation of pill poppers. How did we become so convinced about vitamins? And what can they do for us and to us?

Can we supplement our way to an improved version of ourselves?

Can you achieve your ‘best self’ with supplements?

The promise that we can optimise ourselves through supplementation is tantalising. Is it too good to be true?

  • Sarah Berry
Test your vitamin knowledge with our quiz.

How much do you know about vitamins?

Test your vitamin knowledge with our quiz.

  • Sarah Berry
Expert advice: what experts think of the most popular vitamins and supplements taken in Australia.

These are the most popular vitamins in Australia. Here’s what the experts say

Along with the perception they are “natural”, the lighter regulation of vitamins and supplements creates a false sense of security among consumers. How do our most commonly purchased vitamins stack up?

  • Sarah Berry