Your frequently
asked questions

In the optimum scenario, our body is able to convert ‘inactive’ substances into ‘active’ substances. However, this conversion doesn’t always happen, or happen as best it could.

Absorption problems, lack of co-factors or various (hereditary) metabolic diseases are all examples of this.

By supplementing biologically active (bioactive) forms, the body is given what you could call ‘bite-sized’ nutrients that can immediately develop properties that are beneficial.

Inorganic mineral compounds have a low absorption percentage (between 0% and 20%). In addition, they prevent proper excretion, causing digestive complaints and accumulation of the mineral in question.

Organic compounds have a lower elemental content, but are absorbed more effectively. This is because minerals bound to an amino acid are more recognisable to the body. The withdrawal percentage is around 90%; transport takes place to the cell.

VitOrtho chooses organic mineral compounds such as citrate, bisglycinate, malate and taurate. For iron preparations, we always work with iron bisglycinate, knowing that other forms may cause constipation.

There are no less than 8 different B vitamins, known to work closely together: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B11 and B12.

We depend on food and supplements for the daily intake of these vitamins, as we can barely store them. There are various substances available in supplements for each B vitamin.

We make a distinction between the biologically active forms and the inactive forms. In particular, B6, B11 (folic acid) and B12 are vitamins used to supplement in the active form. The inactive forms can accumulate and cause complaints.

Choose a folic acid such as folate, B6 as Pyridoxine-5-phosphate, and a B12 in the form of methylcobalamin and / or adenosylcobalamin. This way, the body can use those substances immediately, and it helps prevent any complaints.

D3 is the animal form of vitamin D.

It is absorbed more effectively because the body recognises this form better.

There is also a vegetable vitamin, D3 (extracted from lichen), which is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Vitamin K2 is obtained from a biofermentation process from natto, and has the highest bioavailability of all Vitamin K types – and is stable.

Vitamin K2, like MK-7, has a longer half-life (it disappears more slowly from the blood), and is specifically good for the bones.

Vitamin K1 and K2 are both good for guarding against blood clotting.

Our food contains mainly vitamin K1, especially in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, stronger, basil and parsley.

Vitamin K2 consists of a group of isomers distinguished by the length of the isoprenyl side chains, menaquinones (MK-n), mainly MK-4, MK-7, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10. A longer chain results in greater fat solubility.

These menaquinones are produced by certain bacteria and are not (or hardly present) in our diets, with the exception of butter, cheese, quark and natto (fermented soybeans).

In addition, the colon microbiota produces vitamin K2, but its absorption is limited. The intestinal bacteria that are able to produce menaquinones are mainly located in places where virtually no absorption occurs, partly because the necessary bile is missing.

The recognisable green symbols on our products indicate whether a product is suitable for vegans and / or vegetarians.

Currently more than 75% of our range is suitable for vegans and / or vegetarians.

In 2019 we developed a special supplementation line for vegans, featuring the multi-vitamin ‘All in-1 Vegan’. Its composition is based on the specific nutrients that can be deficient in such a diet. Most vitamins and minerals are omitted, assuming that a vegan eats more vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts.

We offer a number of other supplements specially developed for vegans, including VitOrtho Vitamin D3 and K2.

• A possible side effect of iron is constipation.
• Iron as bisglycinate has been found not to cause this side effect – that’s why VitOrtho always opts for this easily absorbable form.

Another word for additives is excipients. Think of fillers, binders, preservatives, etc.

It’s important to choose supplements that use the best auxiliary substances, which are not harmful to the body.

In liposomal food supplements, the nutrients are ‘packed’ in tiny, fat-like globules, consisting of a double layer of phospholipids: liposomes.

Encapsulation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic nutrients in liposomes has been found to be particularly effective in avoiding certain adverse effects of digestion.

The liposomal ‘packaging’ guarantees excellent absorption, and ensures that the active ingredients enter the body cells faster and easier.

Cell membranes, like liposomes, are made up of a double layer of phospholipids. When liposomes come into contact with a cell membrane, the liposome fuses with the cell membrane, and the contents of the cavity are released into the cell. This means the nutrients are protected from breakdown and oxidation, and the liposome persists until the nutrients are released into the cells and tissues. Research shows that this form of supplement is absorbed 3 to 7 times more effectively.

• Multiple studies have shown that our daily diet, however varied and balanced, does not provide enough of the micro and macronutrients needed for good health.
• Choose a multivitamin, or ‘multi’, with the best recordable connections. This means one with biologically active forms, with easily absorbable mineral compounds.
• You should have optimal dosages. If you take a multi with, for example, 1000 iu (equals 25mcg), you will immediately receive a good basic vitamin D3.
• A high quality product with as few additives as possible is ideal (at least additives that are not harmful to the body).
• VitOrtho offers a range of multivitamins with a high quality, customised composition for every target group.

The period from birth to adulthood is perhaps the most physically tumultuous period. After the first year of life until puberty, a child grows on average 7 cm a year. In puberty this increases to 10-12 cm each year (the so-called growth spurt). In the same period, body weight increases from a few pounds to about 70 kg.

A child goes through various stages of development and undergoes various physical changes. Many micronutrients are involved in all of these growth and development processes.

A good supply of vitamins and minerals is important. Growing children actually need proportionately more vitamins and minerals than adults.

But unfortunately, the diet of many children is not as good as it could be, and they may not be getting enough nutrients from a young age. So supplements can be hugely useful.

GMO stands for ‘Genetically Modified Organisms’.

GMO foods contain components of crops that have been modified using genetic engineering. This adaptation is intended to make the crops more resistant to certain diseases or pesticides; or to contain extra nutrients.

VitOrtho products are 100% non-GMO.

All our products comply with UK and EU legislation on contaminants in food (among others heavy metals). This is mainly achieved by means of supply chain responsibility. The manufacturer of the raw materials must certify that his products comply and our manufacturer must certify that the final product complies. Moreover, once in a while we randomly let analyse products for contaminants ourselves.

What is on the label must also be in the packaging, and vice versa.

Our labels are written and designed in such a way that everything is described clearly and precisely.

All ingredients are listed, including inactive ingredients and potential allergens; as well as science based and permitted claims, health risks, detailed descriptions and the use-by date.

We use as few additives as possible in all VitOrtho products.

We only choose raw materials and additives that the body can tolerate well, and are not stressful.

Most VitOrtho products are packed in PET packaging (polyethylene terephthalate). It’s strong, light, recyclable and durable.

These types of bottle protect the contents against oxygen, moisture, UV samples, dust and bacteria; and ensure a long shelf life.

PET packaging is safe for contact with food.

All VitOrtho packaging is BPA-free (bisphenol A). BPA is a chemical that’s harmful to fertility and can affect the hormone balance.