Frequently Asked Questions
The BIOVIT blend contains 12 micronutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, folate, and iodine. These 12 micronutrients were chosen as they include some of the most commonly deficient micronutrients for individuals in the UK1-3.
These 12 micronutrients are also sourced from reputable suppliers of high-quality, organic, plant ingredients. Cost and availability constraints limit the inclusion of other micronutrients in the blend.
The BIOVIT blend is not intended to be used as a meal substitute. Instead, it serves as a fortification tool, enhancing the nutritional value of food and drink products more sustainably and naturally than is currently available.
1. Public Health England. Statistical Summary: National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Years 1 to 9 of the Rolling Programme (2008/09 – 2016/17): Time trend and income analyses. 2020. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5fd23324e90e07662b09d91a/NDNS_UK_Y9-11_report.pdf (Accessed March 2024)
2. Derbyshire E. Micronutrient Intakes of British Adults Across Mid-Life: A Secondary Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Front Nutr. 2018. 19;5:55. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00055. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060686/ (Accessed March 2024)
3. Magee PJ, McCann MT. Micronutrient deficiencies: current issues. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2019;78(2):147-149. doi:10.1017/S0029665118002677
Vitamins and minerals are sensitive to food processing techniques like high and low temperatures. However, the BIOVIT blend has been designed by expert food scientists to withstand these processes and provide as much of the nutritional profile at the end of its’ shelf life as possible.
It’s important to us to prioritise delivering a product with optimal nutritional value, so we’re actively working to obtain comprehensive data on nutrient retention of the BIOVIT blend in various applications. Currently, we’re gathering rigorous data in collaboration with Swansea University, and we’ll share the results soon.
Food labelling regulations allow for a tolerance level for nutrient losses during processing and shelf life compared to the amounts declared on the label. For vitamins and minerals, the tolerance for nutrient reductions is set at 35%1. We’re confident that the BIOVIT blend will meet and comply with these regulatory standards.
1. European Commission Health and Consumer Directorate-General (EC). Guidance document for competent authorities for the control of compliance with EU legislation on Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 with regard to the setting of tolerances for nutrient values declared on a label.https://food.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2016-10/labelling_nutrition-vitamins_minerals-guidance_tolerances_1212_en.pdf (Accessed March 2024)
Shipping times vary depending on your location. Typically, orders are processed within 1-2 business days, and delivery can take anywhere from 3-10 business days. You will receive a tracking number once your order has been shipped.
The ingredients in the BIOVIT blend are sourced from the UK where possible, with 73% currently coming from UK suppliers and the remaining imported from India and Europe.
We’re working with the UK Research Institute (UKRI) on developing domestic supplies of our ingredients to reduce our environmental impact and reliance on foreign sources.
The BIOVIT blend is created using organic plant and fungi extracts that come from trusted suppliers. These plants are grown using certified organic methods, and an organic extraction process is used to make the plant extracts.
The plant extracts are blended in the UK by a manufacturer accredited by BRC (British Retail Consortium) and certified by the Soil Association.
100% of the micronutrients in the BIOVIT blend are sourced from naturally grown, organically certified plants and fungi—for example, iron from organic curry leaf extract and vitamin B12 from organic shiitake mushroom extract.
Since the BIOVIT blend contains extracts from real plants, this means it will provide more than just the nutrients on the label. This is beneficial for several reasons. Plants naturally contain substances like fibre and antioxidants, which work synergistically to optimise the utilisation of the nutrients in the body1. Additionally, these compounds contribute to our health; for instance, polyphenols play a crucial role in supporting immune function.
1. Lichtenstein and Russell. Essential Nutrients: Food or Supplements? Where Should the Emphasis Be? JAMA. 2005;294(3):351-358. doi:10.1001/jama.294.3.351