Better sleep, more energy, a happier gut… there seems to be a supplement for everything. But how do we know what’s actually worth taking?
We spoke to our resident Registered Nutritional Therapist and Functional Medicine Practitioner, Catherine Arnold, about where supplements fit into looking after our health. Her starting point? Food first.
Start with what’s on your plate
Catherine explains that a varied, nutrient-rich diet gives us much more than individual vitamins and minerals. Whole foods bring together fibre, protein, healthy fats and plant compounds, all working together to nourish our bodies.
For Catherine, supplements are “targeted tools rather than insurance policies”: something to meet a particular need, rather than a collection of tablets to take just in case.
Sometimes, we need extra support
Our needs vary depending on our diet, age, lifestyle and health. Catherine highlights that supplements can have a role when requirements increase or our bodies struggle to absorb certain nutrients. Where appropriate, testing can help identify a gap and guide personalised advice.
Vitamin D is one to consider as the days get shorter. NHS guidance recommends that adults consider a daily 10-microgram supplement during autumn and winter.
More isn’t always better
From magnesium to probiotics, Catherine encourages us to ask a more useful question: is this the right supplement for this person, for this purpose?
Her takeaway is reassuringly simple: the goal isn’t to take more supplements. It’s to take what you actually need. Start with food and lifestyle, and seek individual advice when extra support is needed—particularly if you take medication.
Catherine Arnold is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist and a certified functional medicine practitioner based in the UK. She works with individuals online and does inperson talks and workshops at her home in Essex and throughout the UK. To contact Catherine about working with her, please email catherinearnoldnutrition@gmail.com. For all membership enquiries, please email info@mygfbakery.co.uk.
