Vitabiotics — Frequently Asked Questions
Which Vitabiotics range is right for me?
Vitabiotics is organised by who a formula is for rather than by ingredient, so the quickest way to choose is to start with the person and the life stage. Here is how the ranges we actually stock break down.
- Wellman — everyday multivitamins for men. Start with Wellman Original, with Wellman 50+ for older men and a gummy version if tablets are a chore.
- Wellwoman — the women's equivalent. Wellwoman Original is a well-balanced multivitamin containing 24 nutrients, sitting alongside Wellwoman 50+, Wellwoman Vegan, Sport & Fitness and gummies.
- Pregnacare — from trying to conceive right through to breastfeeding. Pregnacare Original contains 400µg folic acid and 10µg vitamin D, the levels advised by Ireland's Department of Health.
- Wellman Conception — for men who are trying for a baby. Wellman Conception Max includes zinc, which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and selenium, which supports normal sperm motility.
- Menopace — formulated for during and after the menopause. Menopace Original is a one-a-day tablet with 22 nutrients, while Wellwoman Perimenopause covers the years leading up to it.
- Perfectil — skin, hair and nails. Perfectil Original Triple Active includes vitamins B2, B3 and biotin, which help to maintain normal skin, plus selenium and zinc, which help to maintain normal hair and nails. There are also Plus Hair, Plus Nails and Hair Crush gummy versions.
- Feroglobin — gentle iron. Feroglobin Liquid is an iron formula that helps maintain health and vitality, including in relation to tiredness and fatigue. Feroglobin B12 gives you the same idea in a capsule.
- Osteocare — bone health. Osteocare Original combines calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc and is formulated to help with the maintenance of normal bone health and the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium.
- Jointace — joints. Jointace Original contains glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric and a range of trace minerals in a formula designed to help support an active lifestyle and maintain joint health. A 90-pack, a Collagen version and an aromatherapy oil gel are also stocked.
- Immunace — immune support. Immunace Original is a micronutrient formula with vitamin C, zinc and selenium, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Immunace Extra Protection is the higher-strength option.
- Wellkid, Wellbaby and Wellteen — the younger end of the family. Wellkid Multivitamin Smart Chewable is formulated with 21 nutrients and is suitable for children aged 4 to 12. Drops cover babies and toddlers, and Wellteen Him and Her cover teenagers.
- Ultra — single-nutrient supplements when you want one thing at a set strength: Ultra Vitamin D3 1000IU, Ultra Magnesium, Ultra Folic Acid 400µg, Ultra Cranberry and Ultra Sage 1000mg.
How many tablets do I take a day, and when?
Most Vitabiotics formulas are a straightforward one a day taken with your main meal — Menopace Original and Wellwoman Perimenopause are both once-daily tablets, for example. The larger dual packs work differently: Pregnacare Max and Wellman Conception Max each pair a tablet with a separate Omega-3 capsule, so a full day's dose is two items rather than one. The Feroglobin liquids are measured out rather than counted, so go by the directions on the bottle. Always follow the directions printed on the pack you have bought and do not exceed the stated dose.
How long should I take a Vitabiotics supplement for?
Vitamins and minerals work on a topping-up basis rather than as a quick fix, so they are generally taken continuously for as long as the need is there. Give any formula at least two to three months before you form a view on it. Pregnacare is the exception in that it is tied to a stage: Before Conception while trying, Original or Plus through the pregnancy itself, then New Mum or Breast-Feeding afterwards. If you are taking anything long term, it is worth reviewing it once a year with your GP or with us.
Can I take two Vitabiotics products at the same time?
Not two multivitamins, no. Wellman, Wellwoman, Pregnacare, Menopace, Immunace and Perfectil are each complete formulas, so stacking two of them risks taking the same nutrients twice and going above safe intakes. What works better is one multivitamin plus a targeted extra — a single-nutrient product from the Ultra range, or something like Osteocare or Jointace that covers a different job. If you are unsure about a specific combination, ring us or ask at the counter before you buy.
Are Vitabiotics supplements suitable for children?
Some are, and each product states its own age range. The children's options we stock are:
Adult ranges such as Wellman, Wellwoman and Menopace are not intended for children.
Which Pregnacare should I be taking?
It follows the journey, so pick the one that matches where you are:
Take one Pregnacare product at a time. Do not combine it with another multivitamin, a separate vitamin A supplement or cod liver oil without checking with a pharmacist first, and let your midwife or GP know what you are taking.
What is the difference between the Menopace products?
They differ in breadth and in pack size rather than in purpose:
- Menopace Original is a one-a-day tablet with 22 nutrients including vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, and vitamin D, zinc and magnesium for bone health. It also contains 20mg soya isoflavone extract.
- Menopace Plus — a 56-pack dual formula for broader support.
- Menopace with Calcium — a 60-pack that adds calcium for women who want bone cover built in.
- Ultra Sage 1000mg — a high-strength sage extract, taken on its own or alongside Menopace.
- Wellwoman Perimenopause is a once-daily tablet formulated for the perimenopausal years, contributing to normal energy release and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
None of these are hormone replacement therapy and none of them treat the menopause. If symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, please talk to your GP.
I am tired all the time — which one should I look at?
Iron and B vitamins are the usual starting point. Feroglobin Plus Gentle Liquid Iron and Feroglobin B12 capsules are both gentle iron formulas that many customers find easier on the stomach than standard iron tablets. If you would rather one product covered more ground, Wellwoman Original contains vitamin B6, B12, magnesium and iron, which all contribute to energy release. Persistent tiredness is always worth a blood test though — a supplement will not tell you the cause.
Are there vegan, vegetarian and allergen-friendly options?
Wellwoman Vegan is formulated specifically for vegan diets. Osteocare Original is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and is free from gluten, lactose, yeast and preservatives. Menopace Original is vegetarian and gluten free, with no yeast, lactose, artificial colours or preservatives. Feroglobin Liquid is also suitable for vegetarians. It does vary across the range, so check the individual product page before ordering.
Do supplements replace a healthy diet?
No. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. They are there to top up where intake may genuinely fall short. Ultra Vitamin D3 1000IU is especially useful in the winter months, when we have limited exposure to the sun, and supports normal immune function and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. If you have a medical condition, take prescription medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or with our pharmacy team before starting anything new.
Do you deliver Vitabiotics across Ireland?
We do. Inish Pharmacy is a registered Irish pharmacy operating from our pharmacies in Co. Donegal, and we ship the full Vitabiotics range nationwide across the Republic of Ireland and to Northern Ireland. Prices are in euro, orders placed on a working day are picked as quickly as we can manage, and Click & Collect is there if you would rather call in for it. If the pack size you want is showing as out of stock, get in touch and we will tell you when it is due back.
Inish Pharmacy Expert Tip
"Take any iron product, Feroglobin included, with a glass of orange juice rather than with tea or coffee — the vitamin C helps absorption and the tannins in tea work against it. And if Pregnacare is turning your stomach in the mornings, move it to your evening meal instead. That one change solves it for most of the mums who come back to us about it."
