FAQ

Berberine has several health benefits:

• Berberine contributes to maintaining normal triglyceride levels in the blood*
• Berberine helps maintain a natural blood sugar level*
• Berberine supports the liver's cleansing function*

* Health claims awaiting approval by the European Commission. 

Not every berberine supplement is of the same quality. Want to ensure you're getting the best berberine? Opt for Rebersa®, a patented, high-quality form containing 97–102% berberine salts. You can find which form is used in a berberine supplement on the ingredients list.

Natural menopause supplements often contain herbal ingredients such as sage, soy, hops, or red clover. They are designed to provide support during menopause.

Supplements containing red clover and black cohosh can support with menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and hot flushes*.
* Health claims pending approval by the European Commission. 

During menopause, you may experience (unwanted) weight gain. To understand why this happens and what you can do about weight gain during menopause, read this blog.

The best supplements for menopause are those that cater to your personal needs. Consider menopause supplements with natural ingredients like sage or red clover, possibly supplemented with vitamins and minerals. It's also wise to look for products with minimal additives and fillers, as well as certifications or additional components for enhanced absorption. What works for one person may not have the same effect for another. Therefore, it is advisable to seek proper guidance when selecting the best supplement.

A change in your menstrual cycle can have various causes. Stress, weight loss, excessive exercise, or a hormonal imbalance can all affect your cycle. Certain medications or contraceptives can also disrupt your cycle. If you suddenly have a shorter cycle (for example, 25 days or less), or if your period is absent, it may indicate a change in your oestrogen or progesterone levels. Want to learn more about hormones and hormonal changes? Read more here. Note: this is for informational purposes and in no way replaces medical advice. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider.

The luteal phase is the period between your ovulation and your menstruation. During this phase, the hormone progesterone rises while oestrogen decreases. This can lead to symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, or a dip in your mood. Many women recognise this as PMS. A fluctuating cycle in women and mood often go hand in hand. Want to know more? Read all about hormonal changes here. Note: this is intended for informational purposes only and in no way replaces medical advice. Always consult your treating physician for guidance.

A normal cycle lasts on average 28 days, but anything between 21 and 35 days can be considered normal. Therefore, a menstrual cycle of 25 days is quite common. Pay particular attention to the signals from your body: do you experience a lot of pain, extreme mood swings, or does your cycle vary each month? If so, it might be wise to seek additional support, such as supplements for hormones during menstruation. For instance, Vitex agnus castus (chaste tree), which promotes a normal and regular menstruation*. Please note: this is purely informative and in no way replaces medical advice. Always consult your treating physician.
* Health claim pending approval by the European Commission. 

Yes, that's usually perfectly fine. If you're using hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an IUD, you're influencing your natural cycle, and it might be beneficial to get some extra support from certain vitamins and minerals. Would you like to support your female cycle naturally whilst using contraception? Have a look at our range of supplements for around menstruation or seek advice in-store. Please note: this in no way replaces medical advice. Always consult your doctor for guidance.

Menopause usually begins with subtle changes: irregular periods, warmer nights, or slight mood swings. These signals arise because oestrogen production gradually declines. Want to know more? Read here about what happens in your body during menopause.

Most women notice the first changes between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later. Menopause is different for everyone and can last several years.

The metabolism slows down and muscle mass decreases, causing weight to increase more quickly. Eat a diet rich in protein and fibre, exercise daily, and ensure you consume enough foods with B vitamins that help release energy from food.

Hot flushes occur due to sudden temperature fluctuations caused by declining oestrogen levels. Staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and taking moments to rest can be beneficial.

Hormone therapy directly supplements oestrogen, whereas natural supplements support the body in maintaining its own balance. They contain vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, and do not include synthetic hormones.

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation with a track & trace link from PostNL. This allows you to see exactly where your parcel is and when you can expect it.

You can also always check the status in your Vitaminstore account under My Orders. Don't have an account or haven't received a shipping email? Please check your spam folder.

Not yet dispatched? Most orders are shipped within 1-2 working days:

• Ordered before 23:59 = delivery tomorrow (applies to most products)
• Ordered before 21:00 = delivery the day after tomorrow (applies to specific brands)

Note: During busy periods (such as holidays or promotions), processing and delivery may take a little longer. We will keep you updated via email.
Want to know more about delivery times? See "What is the delivery time for your products/my order?"

The female body is in a constant state of change. Each week brings a different phase in the cycle, during pregnancy, and even after the fertile period during menopause. Each of these phases requires something different from your body, and supplements for women can provide you with the exact support that suits you at that particular moment.

You can delete your VitaminStore account at any time yourself:

1. Go to your account (click on your name at the top right)
2. Click on "Data & Preferences"
3. Click on "Personal Data"
4. Click on "Delete Account"

Note: Deleting your account will result in the loss of your VitaminPoints, VitaminClub level, order history, and active RepeatEase subscriptions.

Do you only want to stop receiving emails? Then adjust your communication preferences under "Preferences" in your account.

Once we have received and inspected your return, we will process the refund within 14 days.

The money will be automatically refunded to the account or payment method you used. Depending on your bank, it may take 1-3 working days for the amount to appear in your account. Is it taking longer than expected? Please contact our customer service at info@vitaminstore.nl.

Not satisfied with your order, our service, or a product? We understand that this can be frustrating and are here to assist you.

Submitting a complaint
Send your complaint to info@vitaminstore.nl for the attention of Customer Service

In your message, please include:

• Your order number (if applicable)
• A clear description of the issue
• Any photos to support your claim

We will contact you as soon as possible to work together on finding a suitable solution.

Formal complaints procedure
If we can't resolve it together, you can make use of our formal complaints procedure. A dedicated complaints handler will investigate your complaint and propose a solution. The process is free of charge and you will receive a response within 4 weeks.

If this does not lead to an agreement, you can present your complaint to the court in Amsterdam.

Returning in-store: Bring your product(s) to one of our stores, no need to pack them.

Returning via courier service: Carefully pack the products in their original packaging with the protective materials. Many of our products come in glass jars, so always use the original protection to prevent breakage during transport. Attach the return label to your package (ensure the old label is unreadable) or use the QR code at a staffed PostNL parcel point.

For products where hygiene is important, such as tablets, capsules, powders, drinks, creams, and oils, these products cannot be returned for health protection reasons if the seal has been broken after delivery. If you have damaged products during use, we may charge you for this.

You can easily adjust your communication preferences in your account:

1. Log in to your account
2. Go to Data & Preferences → Preferences
3. Here, you can tick or untick what you'd like to receive by category:
   • Newsletter: general offers, products, and healthy lifestyle  
   • Promotional emails: personal offers, discount vouchers, and promotions
   • VitaminClub mail: personal discount vouchers and invitations to exclusive events
   • Vitaminstore Magazine: inspiration to work on your health goals
4.  Click on "Save Preferences"

Please note: It may take up to 48 hours for your preferences to be processed.

Yes, paying at Vitaminstore is 100% safe. We utilise:

• SSL certificate (https) for encrypted connections
• Mollie as a reliable payment provider
• PCI-DSS certified systems
• Secure payment environment

We do not store credit card details on our servers. All payment information is processed directly and securely by our payment partner.

Your hormones move in a natural rhythm - and you can feel it. In each phase, the balance between oestrogen and progesterone changes, which can affect your energy, mood, appetite, and focus. That's completely normal. By getting to know your cycle better, you'll find it easier to understand why you feel powerful at some moments and at other times have a greater need for rest.

Your hormones respond to a variety of factors: sleep, nutrition, stress, exercise, medication, and even your daily routine. If any of these elements are out of balance for a prolonged period, it can reflect in your cycle, energy, or mood. Fortunately, with small adjustments - such as getting enough sleep and relaxation, regular exercise, and nutritious food - you can provide a great deal of support.

Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats help your body function well. Think of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and plenty of proteins. You might notice different needs during each phase of your cycle — this is quite normal. For instance, your calorie needs are higher during your luteal phase and menstruation. So, listen to your body and eat enough. Tip: Do you have many (unhealthy) cravings? Try combining them with something healthy. For example, enjoy your favourite chocolate with a bowl of grapes, or crisps with some cucumbers. This way, you don't have to forbid yourself anything, but you still make it a nourishing moment.

During the luteal phase, your body is working hard and often uses a bit more energy. As a result, you may feel hungrier, reach for snacks more quickly, or crave sweet things. It's all part of the process. Make sure you get enough proteins, fibres, and healthy fats - these will help you stay fuller for longer and support your energy levels.

Multi Woman is specially formulated with vitamins and minerals that cater to the needs of women. For instance, it includes magnesium for muscles, B vitamins to support energy levels, and zinc for normal hormonal balance. A regular multivitamin often has a more general composition. As a result, Multi Woman is better suited to provide the daily support that the female body might require.

In most cases, you can safely use supplements alongside contraceptives. Vitamins and minerals serve a different function in your body compared to (hormonal) contraceptives. If you have any doubts about your situation, are taking medication, or have specific concerns, it's always a good idea to seek advice from a specialist or your GP.

RDA and RI are both terms for the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

RI (Reference Intake) = Reference Intake
The current European term indicating what percentage of the recommended daily allowance is contained in the product.
For example: "Vitamin C: 80 mg (100% RI)" means you receive the full daily recommended amount.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Dutch term meaning the same as RI.

What do the percentages mean?

• 100% RI = exactly the recommended daily allowance
• Less than 100% = supplement contains part of the daily requirement
• More than 100% = supplement contains more than the daily requirement

For example: Vitamin D: 25 mcg (500% RI) = 5x the recommended daily allowance. This is often safe and even recommended in cases of deficiency.

Note: The RI is based on average adults. Your personal needs may be higher or lower. When in doubt: consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Questions about dosage? Contact us via info@vitaminstore.nl

Proper storage ensures that your supplements remain as effective as possible:

General storage tips

• Store supplements at room temperature (15-25°C)
• Keep them dry - avoid moisture (so not in the bathroom!)
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Always seal containers tightly after use
• Keep out of reach of children

Specific supplements

• Probiotics: often need to be kept cool (refrigerator), check the label
• Omega-3/fish oil: store in a dark and cool place, can be refrigerated
• Vitamin D drops: protect from light
• Powdered supplements: ensure they are sealed tightly to keep out moisture

Each product will have the recommended storage conditions listed. Follow these instructions for the best quality.

How long you can stay in the sun without burning or suffering deeper skin damage varies according to skin type. There are four skin types:

• Skin Type 1: This skin burns very easily and hardly tans. People with this skin type often have very fair skin, blonde or red hair, and many freckles.
  Advice: use at least SPF 30 to spend about three hours in the sun. Using SPF 50 is safer.
  
  

• Skin Type 2: This skin burns fairly quickly and tans slowly. People with this skin type often have fair skin, blonde hair, and light eyes.
  Advice: use at least SPF 20 to spend about three hours in the sun. Using SPF 30 is safer.
  
  

• Skin Type 3: The skin rarely burns and tans easily. People with this skin type often have brown hair and dark eyes.
  Advice: use at least SPF 15 to spend about three hours in the sun. Using SPF 20 is safer.

• Skin Type 4: The skin hardly ever burns and tans very well. People with this skin type often naturally have a brown skin tone. 
  Advice: use at least SPF 10 to spend about three hours in the sun. Using SPF 15 is safer.

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, which offers several health benefits:

• Vitamin C contributes to a strong immune system

• Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells

• Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from food and increases iron levels in the blood

• Vitamin C helps to reduce fatigue

• Black garlic is beneficial for the heart and blood vessels*  
• Black garlic helps maintain a normal and responsible cholesterol level*  
   * Claim(s) pending approval by the European Commission.

Magnesium is involved in several important processes in the body, including:

• Magnesium is beneficial for the muscles, the skeleton, and is important for maintaining strong teeth

• Magnesium contributes to learning ability, memory, and concentration levels

• Magnesium helps release energy from food and is beneficial in cases of fatigue

• Magnesium plays a role in the cell division process

• Magnesium helps in protein building

• Magnesium is important for the nervous system

Spirulina is popular as a supplement because it is a highly nutritious algae. Spirulina naturally contains various nutrients such as:

• Proteins 

• Essential amino acids

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin K2

• Omega 6 fatty acid GLA

• Vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6

• Vitamin B12

Some MSM supplements are combined with other substances, such as vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C and manganese offer various health benefits:

• Vitamin C is beneficial for cartilage; it plays a role in the production and maintenance of healthy cartilage

• Vitamin C supports the skeleton; it plays a role in bone formation and the maintenance of strong bones

• Manganese is important for the composition of bones

• Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue

Resveratrol offers several health benefits:

• Resveratrol supports the heart*

• Resveratrol is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels*

• Resveratrol protects healthy cells and tissues*

*Health claims pending approval by the European Commission.

Boswellia has several properties:

• Boswellia helps to keep joints supple*

• Boswellia is beneficial for normal stomach and intestinal function*

 * Health claims pending approval by the European Commission. 

Echinacea supports the entire immune system*
*Health claim pending approval by the European Commission

Ginkgo biloba offers several health benefits:

• Ginkgo biloba supports healthy blood circulation

• Ginkgo biloba is beneficial for concentration

• Ginkgo biloba is good for memory

Ginseng offers several health benefits:

• Ginseng contributes to normal cognitive function*.

• Ginseng helps reduce fatigue and supports normal energy metabolism*.

• Ginseng supports the normal functioning of the immune system*.

• Ginseng helps maintain normal blood sugar levels*.

• Ginseng contributes to maintaining normal blood pressure*.

*Health claims pending approval by the European Commission.

• Turmeric supports the liver's cleansing function*
• Turmeric has antioxidant properties*
• Turmeric contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system*
• Turmeric: helps maintain flexible joints and contributes to the maintenance of strong bones*
• Turmeric supports heart function and circulation*
• Turmeric plays a role in digestion* 
  *Health claim(s) pending approval by the European Commission  

Maca offers several health benefits: 

• Maca helps to relax the body and mind*

• Maca contributes to normal resistance against stress*

• Maca supports energy levels*

• Maca helps with fatigue*

*Health claims pending approval by the European Commission

Milk thistle offers various health benefits:

• Milk thistle supports the liver's cleansing function*

• Milk thistle supports liver function*

*Health claims pending approval by the European Commission

Rhodiola offers several health benefits:

• Rhodiola provides support during challenging times and in stressful situations*

• Rhodiola aids with mental pressure and exertion*

• Rhodiola helps relax the body and mind*

• Rhodiola is a natural calming agent*

• Rhodiola contributes to normal mental performance*
  
  

* Health claims pending approval by the European Commission

Saffron contributes to a positive mood*. 

*Health claim pending approval by the European Commission.

Scutellaria is used for its soothing properties and is especially popular during spring when trees, grasses, and plants are in bloom. Most scutellaria supplements are combined with vitamin C and zinc, both of which support the immune system.