A closer look at what goes in.

What it is

Acerola is a small tropical fruit often called Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry. Despite the common name, it is botanically different from the sweet and sour cherries of the genus Prunus.

Its nutritional role

Acerola is known for its naturally high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient; the fruit's name alone does not tell you how much a finished preparation supplies.

Understanding the form

Fruit powder and a vitamin-C-standardised extract are different preparations. Standardisation specifies a measured proportion of a constituent, such as vitamin C, rather than making every extract equivalent to whole fruit.

A useful detail

Fruit weight, extract weight and vitamin C content are three different quantities. Compare the declared vitamin C per serving rather than assuming that a larger fruit-equivalent number means more vitamin C.

In VECHÉN

Acerola appears in our vitamin C capsules, Greens Blend and Hemp Protein + Greens. The capsule declares 125mg vitamin C; the amounts in the other blends should not be inferred from that figure.

What it is

Beetroot is the swollen edible root of Beta vulgaris. Its characteristic red-purple colour comes from betalain pigments, which are different from the anthocyanins in many red berries.

Its natural composition

Whole beetroot contains carbohydrate, fibre and plant compounds. It also contains naturally occurring nitrate, but the amount varies with growing conditions and preparation.

Understanding the form

Dried root powder, juice and extract are different ingredients. Drying reduces water, while extraction changes which components are concentrated. An extract is not automatically equivalent to a portion of the whole vegetable.

A useful detail

A beetroot-equivalent weight does not reveal the nitrate content. Research using a preparation with a measured nitrate dose should not be treated as evidence for every beetroot blend.

In VECHÉN

Beetroot appears in Greens Blend, Hemp Protein + Greens and Cherry + Beetroot. The capsule declares 2,250mg beetroot equivalent, not a separately quantified nitrate dose.

What it is

Bilberry is a berry related to blueberry. It contains naturally occurring plant pigments, including anthocyanins, which contribute to its dark colour.

Powder and extract

A fruit powder and a concentrated extract are different preparations. For an extract, useful details include the starting material, extraction ratio and any measured constituent. The fruit name alone cannot describe these.

Reading the declaration

Anthocyanins and anthocyanidins are related terms but are not interchangeable: anthocyanins contain a sugar component. When a label declares anthocyanidins, that exact term should be retained rather than silently changing the measurement.

In VECHÉN

Liposomal Vitamin C declares bilberry equivalent to 500mg per serving, providing 1.25mg anthocyanidins. The 500mg equivalent is not the same as 500mg of pigment. Bilberry also appears in Greens Blend, but the liquid’s extract specification cannot be applied to that different ingredient.

NCCIH: bilberry ↗

What it is

Bovine collagen comes from cattle. Hydrolysed collagen has been broken into smaller protein fragments called peptides. This describes the processing of the collagen, rather than a separate added ingredient.

The amino acids

Collagen is rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Their arrangement contributes to the structure of native collagen. The proportions vary with the source and processing, so a generic collagen amino-acid chart should not be treated as a laboratory analysis of an individual product.

Understanding protein quality

Collagen lacks tryptophan, one of the nine essential amino acids that must come from the diet. It therefore does not replace complete proteins such as dairy, eggs or soy. A varied diet remains important even when a supplement supplies several grams of collagen.

In VECHÉN

Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine supplies 10g bovine collagen and 800mg glucosamine hydrochloride per serving. The formula’s glucosamine is derived from crustaceans, which are declared as an allergen.

Collagen structure and stability ↗

What BCAA means

BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids. The name refers to the chemical structure shared by leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are essential amino acids, meaning they need to come from the diet.

Free-form versus protein

In food proteins, amino acids are joined into chains. A free-form amino-acid supplement supplies individual amino acids. It is different from a complete protein source, which provides all nine essential amino acids.

Reading 2:1:1

The ratio describes the relative weights of leucine, isoleucine and valine. It does not describe the total serving weight or mean that the powder is entirely BCAAs.

In VECHÉN

Each 8g serving of BCAA 2:1:1 provides 2.8g leucine, 1.4g isoleucine and 1.4g valine: 5.6g total BCAAs. Other ingredients account for the remaining powder. A BCAA serving should not be counted as an equivalent serving of complete dietary protein.

NIH: amino acids and sports nutrition ↗

What it is

Brown rice protein concentrates the protein fraction of rice. It has a different nutritional composition from a bowl of cooked rice or from rice flour, which contains a larger proportion of carbohydrate.

Understanding amino acids

Rice protein generally contains less lysine than legume proteins. Pea and rice therefore offer complementary amino-acid profiles. This is one reason varied grain and legume foods are useful components of a plant-based diet.

Its nutritional role

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones. The protein amount in a serving is more useful for comparison than the size of the scoop.

In VECHÉN

Brown Rice Protein provides 16.9g protein per 25g serving and contains cocoa for chocolate flavour. It also lists guarana and green tea extracts. Those are separate botanical ingredients, rather than natural components of rice protein. Their presence should not be used to guess a caffeine quantity when a measured amount has not been declared.

Research: protein amino-acid profiles ↗

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral found in foods such as dairy products, fortified alternatives and some green vegetables. Calcium compounds used in foods and supplements contain calcium together with other chemical components.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral, commonly present as phosphate. It occurs across many foods, including dairy, meat, legumes and grains. A phosphate ingredient may supply phosphorus alongside another mineral.

Understanding the amounts

The declared calcium or phosphorus figure identifies that mineral’s quantity. It is not necessarily the weight of the compound supplying it. Their amounts should be compared separately; one cannot be calculated from the other without the actual ingredient specification.

In VECHÉN

Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine provides 78mg calcium and 33.2mg phosphorus per serving. Soy Protein + Multivitamins declares 154mg phosphorus in Vanilla and 159mg in Chocolate. These values describe the contribution of each finished formula. The presence of a mineral alone does not establish that a product supplies a full daily requirement.

NIH: phosphorus ↗

What it is

Chicory roots contain fructans, a family of carbohydrates that includes inulin. These differ from starch: human digestive enzymes do not break them down in the same way, and they can be fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.

Its place in a formula

Chicory root fibre can add bulk and influence mouthfeel. It is a fibre ingredient, rather than a protein or a vitamin. The total fibre declaration may include contributions from several ingredients.

A useful detail

A blend’s total fibre content does not tell you its exact inulin dose. Likewise, the presence of chicory root fibre alone does not establish a particular digestive benefit. The specific ingredient and amount matter.

In VECHÉN

Chicory root fibre appears in Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Soy Protein + Multivitamins and Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine. People sensitive to fermentable fibres may experience bloating, so tolerance is an individual consideration.

What it is

Citrulline is an amino acid. Malate is related to malic acid. Citrulline malate combines these components, so its declared weight should not automatically be described as pure L-citrulline.

Understanding the ratio

Where a supplier gives a citrulline-to-malate ratio, it helps describe the material’s composition. Without that specification, the exact quantity of L-citrulline cannot be reliably calculated from the total citrulline malate weight.

A useful distinction

Citrulline is not one of the three branched-chain amino acids. Adding it to a BCAA formula does not increase the declared grams of leucine, isoleucine or valine. These are separate quantities.

In VECHÉN

BCAA 2:1:1 provides 0.94g citrulline malate per serving, alongside its 5.6g total BCAAs. The 0.94g refers to the combined citrulline malate ingredient.

NIH: citrulline and sports nutrition ↗

What it is

Cocoa powder is made from processed cacao beans, typically after some of their cocoa butter has been removed. It differs from a finished chocolate bar, which contains its own combination of cocoa ingredients, sugar and other components.

Its role in the formula

Cocoa brings chocolate flavour, colour and some bitterness. A chocolate-flavoured protein powder may therefore combine cocoa with flavourings or sweeteners to balance the taste.

A useful detail

Cocoa powders vary with the beans and processing. The presence of cocoa alone does not establish a standardised flavanol content, a particular caffeine amount or a health benefit in the finished serving.

In VECHÉN

Cocoa appears in Whey Protein Chocolate, Brown Rice Protein Chocolate and Soy Protein + Multivitamins Chocolate. The protein, sugars and other nutrient values belong to the complete recipe. A chocolate flavour should be compared with its own nutrition table rather than assuming it has the same composition as the Vanilla version.

Different roles

Colours help create a consistent appearance. Stabilisers and thickeners influence texture and how ingredients remain dispersed. Carriers help distribute small quantities of an ingredient through a larger blend. These are different formulation jobs.

Examples in practice

Xanthan gum is used to thicken or stabilise a drink. Citric acid adjusts acidity and contributes tartness. Maltodextrin can provide bulk or act as a carrier. Colour ingredients may include beta-carotene, turmeric extract or grape skin extract where listed.

A useful distinction

An ingredient used for colour is not automatically present at a nutritional supplement dose. Turmeric extract used as a colour, for example, should not be assumed to supply a standardised curcumin amount.

In VECHÉN

The exact combination varies by product and flavour. Read these ingredients alongside the main nutrients: they explain how a powder or liquid is made to taste, mix and remain consistent. Their individual quantities should not be guessed where the label does not declare them.

What it is

Creatine is a compound that the body makes and that is also found in foods such as meat and fish. It is distinct from protein and from the BCAA amino acids.

Understanding monohydrate

Monohydrate means that the crystalline ingredient contains one water molecule for each creatine molecule. This is why a serving of creatine monohydrate weighs more than the creatine it supplies.

Its established use

Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3g creatine. This claim is intended for adults performing high-intensity exercise; it is not a claim about every type of activity.

In VECHÉN

A serving provides 5g creatine monohydrate, of which 4.4g is creatine. Compare the creatine amount when reading different labels. Follow the product’s daily directions: a measured serving is more reliable than estimating by the apparent size of a scoop.

NIH: creatine and sports nutrition ↗

What it is

Ginger is the rhizome, or underground stem, of Zingiber officinale. It is widely used as a spice and is botanically related to turmeric.

Its plant compounds

Ginger contains gingerols and related compounds associated with its pungent taste. Drying and heating can change this profile, so fresh ginger and dried preparations are not chemically identical.

Understanding the form

Fresh rhizome, dried powder and extract have different concentrations and compositions. An extract's specification matters as well as the familiar ingredient name.

A useful detail

A root-equivalent amount describes the starting material represented by an extract. It does not establish a gingerol dose or make the extract interchangeable with the same weight of fresh ginger.

In VECHÉN

Turmeric + Ginger contains ginger extract with a declared 200mg ginger-root equivalent per capsule. Use the complete formula's directions and suitability information.

What it is

Glucosamine is an amino sugar. Despite the word amino, it is not an amino acid and is not a protein such as collagen. The hydrochloride part of the name identifies the form used in the ingredient.

Why the form matters

Glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulphate are different preparations. Findings about one form, dose or combination cannot automatically be applied to another. A comparison should match the full ingredient name as well as the serving amount.

Reading the label

A stated weight of glucosamine hydrochloride is the weight of that compound. It should not be re-labelled as an identical weight of glucosamine base or glucosamine sulphate.

In VECHÉN

Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine provides 800mg glucosamine hydrochloride per serving, alongside 10g bovine collagen. Its glucosamine is derived from crustaceans, so the finished product carries a crustacean allergen declaration. The bovine collagen and the glucosamine have different animal sources; both matter when assessing suitability.

NCCIH: glucosamine preparations ↗

Guarana

Guarana is a plant whose seeds naturally contain caffeine. A guarana extract is a prepared botanical ingredient; its name alone does not state its caffeine concentration.

Green tea

Green tea comes from Camellia sinensis leaves and naturally contains caffeine and plant compounds including catechins. Extracts differ from a brewed cup of tea in composition and concentration.

Understanding the amount

An extract’s weight is not the same as its caffeine or catechin quantity. A product cannot be assigned an exact caffeine dose from an ingredient list unless the extract specification and amount support that calculation.

In VECHÉN

Brown Rice Protein lists guarana and green tea extracts. Pea Protein, Hemp Protein + Greens and Greens Blend also list green tea. These ingredients should be considered when choosing a routine, particularly by people sensitive to caffeine.

NCCIH: green tea ↗

What it is

Hemp seed protein is made from the seed of the hemp plant. The protein ingredient is different from hemp oil and from extracts sold for their cannabinoid content. The part of the plant and the method of preparation both matter.

Protein and fibre

The finished formula supplies protein alongside fibre. These appear as separate lines in the nutrition table and perform different nutritional roles. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones.

A useful comparison

Compare both the protein per serving and the serving size. A powder that includes fibre, seeds or other plant ingredients can contain a lower proportion of protein than an isolate without the numbers being contradictory.

In VECHÉN

Hemp Protein + Greens provides 13.6g protein and 4.9g fibre per 30g serving. Its other ingredients include plant and algae powders. Those additions are part of the finished blend; they should not be mistaken for the composition of pure hemp protein.

What it is

Hyaluronic acid is a long-chain carbohydrate called a glycosaminoglycan. It is chemically different from collagen, which is a protein built from amino acids. The word acid describes its chemistry; it does not make it an exfoliating ingredient.

Understanding the name

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Both names can appear in information about the same formulation: one identifies the ingredient form and the other the declared constituent.

Reading the amount

Milligrams describe the quantity in a serving. Molecular weight, where specified, describes the size of the molecules. These are different measurements. A molecular-weight figure for collagen cannot be used to describe the hyaluronic acid beside it.

In VECHÉN

STRUCTURA provides 25mg hyaluronic acid per serving, and Marine Collagen + MSM provides 50mg. These are separate quantities from their collagen content. Their inclusion does not establish a skin-hydration or joint-health outcome, and results from a topical skincare product cannot be assumed for an oral formula.

Iodine

Iodine contributes to normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function. Dietary sources include fish, dairy foods and some fortified foods. Its requirement is small, which is why labels commonly use micrograms.

Copper

Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body and the maintenance of normal connective tissues. It is a different mineral with a different role and should not be treated as interchangeable with iodine.

Understanding the units

One milligram equals 1,000 micrograms. A microgram figure cannot be compared directly with a milligram figure. The percentage Nutrient Reference Value helps put each nutrient’s amount in context, but it is not a personalised prescription.

In VECHÉN

Soy Protein + Multivitamins declares both iodine and copper. Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine also declares iodine. Read each nutrient separately and include other supplements when considering total intake. More of a trace mineral is not automatically more useful.

NIH: iodine ↗

What it is

Iron is a mineral found in animal and plant foods. Haem iron occurs in animal tissues; non-haem iron occurs in plant foods and many fortified foods. The forms differ in how they are absorbed.

Its nutritional role

Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, normal oxygen transport and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Haemoglobin is the iron-containing protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.

Understanding the amount

An iron compound includes iron combined with other chemical components. The iron figure in the nutrition table identifies the mineral supplied, rather than the whole compound’s weight. Vitamin C can increase absorption of non-haem iron.

In VECHÉN

Soy Protein + Multivitamins and Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine contain iron as part of their wider formulas. They should not be assumed to provide a treatment dose for iron deficiency. If low iron is suspected, testing and individual advice are more useful than selecting a supplement from tiredness alone.

NIH: iron ↗

What it is

Krill oil is extracted from small marine crustaceans. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, together with phospholipids and the reddish pigment astaxanthin.

Its nutritional role

EPA and DHA are long-chain fatty acids found in cell membranes. They are different from ALA, the main omega-3 found in foods such as flaxseed and walnuts.

Understanding the form

In krill oil, much of the omega-3 is carried in phospholipids. This differs from the predominant triglyceride form in many fish oils, but does not justify assuming that every krill oil is better absorbed.

A useful detail

The weight of the oil is not the weight of its EPA and DHA. Compare those two declared amounts when reading labels. Phospholipids and astaxanthin are components of the oil, not additional oil quantities.

In VECHÉN

Each capsule declares 500mg krill oil, including 60mg EPA and 40mg DHA. Krill is a crustacean allergen; the capsule also contains bovine gelatin, so it is not vegan or vegetarian.

What it is

L-glutamine is one of the amino acids used to build proteins. The body makes it, and it is also obtained from protein-containing foods. It is different from glutamate and from the three branched-chain amino acids.

Its role in the body

Glutamine carries nitrogen between tissues and serves as a fuel for certain cells, including cells in the intestine. These normal biological roles do not mean that taking extra glutamine produces an additional benefit in a healthy person.

Understanding the form

A free-form L-glutamine powder supplies an individual amino acid rather than the mixture provided by a complete protein. It cannot replace dietary protein or a varied diet.

A useful detail

Evidence does not establish that taking glutamine alone improves exercise performance. Its presence in muscle is not, by itself, evidence that a supplement builds more muscle.

In VECHÉN

Our L-Glutamine is a single-ingredient powder. A measured 5g portion provides 5g L-glutamine; follow the product's daily directions.

What it is

Magnesium is an essential mineral found in nuts, seeds, legumes and wholegrains. It participates in many enzyme systems involved in the body’s everyday chemistry.

Its nutritional role

Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal energy-yielding metabolism. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Understanding the form

Magnesium compounds contain different proportions of magnesium. The weight of a compound, such as magnesium citrate, is different from the quantity of magnesium it provides. The mineral amount is sometimes called elemental magnesium.

A useful detail

A label declaring 500mg of a magnesium compound is not necessarily declaring 500mg magnesium. Compare the magnesium line in the nutrition table and the recommended serving size.

In VECHÉN

Soy Protein + Multivitamins and Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine contain magnesium within broader vitamin and mineral formulas. Their forms and quantities should be read individually; they are not standalone magnesium products.

NIH: magnesium ↗

What it is

Maltodextrin is made by partially breaking down starch into shorter carbohydrate chains. The source starch can vary, so its botanical source should not be guessed from the name alone.

Why it is used

In a drink powder, maltodextrin can supply carbohydrate and contribute bulk. In a smaller quantity, it can act as a carrier, helping another ingredient disperse through a blend. The same ingredient can therefore have different purposes in different recipes.

A useful detail

The carbohydrate and sugars lines in a nutrition table are not interchangeable. Maltodextrin contributes carbohydrate even though much of it is not counted in the sugars figure. A low sugars number does not mean a product contains no carbohydrate.

In VECHÉN

Electrolytes + Carbs lists maltodextrin first and provides 9.3g carbohydrate per 12g serving. Maltodextrin also appears in selected collagen and soy formulas. Ingredient order helps show its relative place in the recipe, but does not give its exact percentage.

What it is

Collagen is a protein made from chains of amino acids. Hydrolysis breaks its long chains into smaller fragments called peptides. Marine describes the fish source; hydrolysed describes the processing.

The amino acids

Collagen is particularly rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. In the native collagen structure, glycine helps the chains pack tightly, while proline and hydroxyproline contribute to the shape and stability of the triple helix. These describe the protein’s composition, rather than a promise about where a supplement will act.

What 4,000 Daltons means

STRUCTURA’s collagen has a stated molecular weight of 4,000 Daltons (4 kDa). Daltons measure molecular mass; they do not measure the dose or guarantee absorption or results. Hydrolysed collagen contains a mixture of peptide sizes.

In VECHÉN

STRUCTURA provides 10g collagen per serving, derived from the skin of non-endangered, farmed fish. Marine Collagen + MSM provides 9g marine collagen per serving. Both contain fish. Collagen is not a complete protein and should sit alongside varied dietary protein sources.

Collagen structure and stability ↗

What it is

Montmorency is a variety of sour or tart cherry, Prunus cerasus. It is distinct from the sweeter cherries commonly eaten fresh and from acerola, which belongs to a different botanical group.

Its plant compounds

Tart cherries contain polyphenols, including anthocyanins that contribute to their red colour. The amount and mixture of these compounds vary with the fruit and its preparation.

Understanding the form

Juice, juice concentrate, dried fruit powder and extract are not interchangeable. Processing changes their composition, and evidence from one preparation cannot simply be transferred to another.

A useful detail

A fruit-equivalent weight describes the starting fruit represented by an extract. It does not state the weight of extract or its anthocyanin content. Those need separate declarations.

In VECHÉN

Cherry + Beetroot contains Montmorency cherry extract with a declared 2,250mg cherry-equivalent amount per capsule. This is not 2,250mg of physical extract.

What it is

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, a small compound containing sulphur. It is chemically distinct from collagen, glucosamine and the sulphur-containing amino acids found in dietary proteins.

Understanding the quantity

The declared amount is the weight of MSM itself. It is not a declaration of the same weight of elemental sulphur. For example, 50mg MSM should not be described as 50mg sulphur.

Comparing formulas

An ingredient name alone tells you little about a finished supplement. Check the amount per recommended serving and the other ingredients supplied alongside it. The weight of an entire collagen blend cannot be presented as its MSM dose.

In VECHÉN

Marine Collagen + MSM provides 50mg MSM per serving, alongside 9g marine collagen peptides and 50mg hyaluronic acid. STRUCTURA is a different formula and does not include MSM in its declared ingredient list.

What isolate means

Pea protein isolate is made by separating and concentrating the protein fraction of peas. An isolate differs from pea flour because much of the original starch and fibre has been removed during processing.

Understanding amino acids

Proteins are chains of amino acids. Pea protein typically supplies relatively more lysine and less methionine than many grain proteins. Eating a variety of protein sources across the day helps provide a varied amino-acid intake.

Its nutritional role

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones. Total dietary protein matters alongside the amount supplied by any one shake.

In VECHÉN

Pea Protein provides 18.1g protein per 25g serving. The powder also includes other ingredients, so 25g of the finished powder is not 25g protein. Use the protein line in the nutrition table to calculate your intake. The plant source identifies the protein ingredient; the complete allergen statement remains relevant to the finished product.

Research: protein amino-acid profiles ↗

Two different ingredients

Pre-sprouted barley refers to a grain ingredient, while barley grass refers to the young green shoots. They come from the same cereal plant but have different compositions. The words grain and grass should not be used interchangeably.

Understanding the preparation

Sprouting begins the seed’s germination process. A name such as pre-sprouted describes how the ingredient is prepared; it does not establish a specific vitamin content or a health benefit in the finished blend.

A useful detail

Barley grain contains gluten. A product containing barley grain should not be assumed to be gluten-free because another ingredient is described as barley grass. The finished product’s allergen declaration is the relevant guide.

In VECHÉN

Greens Blend lists barley ingredients, including its first ingredient by weight. This identifies their place in the recipe, rather than an individually declared serving amount. A greens powder containing cereal ingredients is not interchangeable with a powder made only from vegetables.

Why the plant part matters

Root, leaf, seed and fruit describe different plant tissues. Even when they come from the same species, their composition can differ. The plant part is therefore useful information alongside the botanical name.

Understanding powders and extracts

A powder usually describes dried, milled material. An extract is made by drawing selected components out of the starting material. An extract ratio describes a relationship to that starting material; it is not automatically a measure of effectiveness.

A useful detail

Ingredient lists generally show descending order by weight at the point of manufacture. That helps explain a blend’s relative composition but does not give the precise amount of every botanical. A small supporting ingredient should not be assumed to supply a concentrated standalone dose.

In VECHÉN

Roots, herbs and seeds appear in Greens Blend and selected plant-protein powders. The combinations vary. The ingredient list identifies the combination used in each formula.

What it is

Rosehips are the fruits that develop after the flowers of rose plants. A rosehip extract is prepared from plant material and is different from simply adding the same weight of whole dried fruit.

Understanding equivalent weight

An extract may be described using the quantity of starting plant material it represents. That equivalent weight is not necessarily the actual weight of extract in the serving. The extraction ratio and any declared constituents help interpret the number.

A useful detail

A food’s reputation as a vitamin source does not establish the vitamin amount in a particular extract. Processing, concentration and the finished formula all matter. Read the vitamin declaration rather than estimating it from the fruit name.

In VECHÉN

Liposomal Vitamin C declares rosehip equivalent to 250mg per serving. This should not be read as 250mg of vitamin C or automatically as 250mg of extract. The formula’s vitamin C quantity is declared separately.

What electrolytes are

Electrolytes are substances that form electrically charged particles when dissolved in water. Sodium and potassium form positively charged ions; chloride forms a negatively charged ion. They occur in food and body fluids.

Understanding the ingredients

Sodium chloride supplies both sodium and chloride. Other salts, such as sodium citrate and potassium chloride, supply different combinations. The weight of a salt is not the same as the amount of an individual mineral it supplies.

Reading the numbers

Sodium and salt are different label quantities. For nutrition labelling, salt equivalent is calculated from sodium using a factor of 2.5. Potassium is a separate mineral and should not be added to the sodium number.

In VECHÉN

Electrolytes + Carbs provides 215mg sodium, 174mg chloride and 56mg potassium per 12g serving, alongside carbohydrate. Its name alone does not establish an authorised hydration claim; the full composition and prepared drink concentration matter.

What isolate means

Soy protein isolate is made by concentrating the protein fraction of soybeans. It differs from whole soybeans and soy flour because much of the original fat and carbohydrate has been removed.

Understanding amino acids

Soy protein supplies all nine essential amino acids. Complete describes this amino-acid profile; it does not mean the product is a complete meal or contains every nutrient a person needs.

Its nutritional role

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones. A supplement can contribute to daily protein intake alongside meals.

In VECHÉN

Soy Protein + Multivitamins Vanilla provides 18g protein per 25g serving, while Chocolate provides 17.8g. The vitamin combinations also differ between flavours, so they should be compared individually. Both contain soy. A plant-derived ingredient does not remove the need to check allergens, and the multivitamin addition does not turn the powder into a nutritionally complete meal replacement.

Research: protein amino-acid profiles ↗

What it is

Lecithin is a mixture containing phospholipids. These molecules have a water-attracting part and a fat-attracting part, which makes them useful where water and fat-based ingredients need to be combined.

Why it is included

Phospholipids can form layered structures in water. They are used in liposomal formulations, where the physical arrangement of the ingredients is part of the product design.

Understanding the terminology

Liposomal describes a formulation approach. It does not identify a separate vitamin or, on its own, establish how much more of a nutrient is absorbed. Claims about superior absorption require evidence for the particular finished formulation.

In VECHÉN

Sunflower lecithin or sunflower phospholipids are listed in Liposomal Vitamin C and Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2. Their purpose differs from the vitamins supplied alongside them. Sunflower lecithin is also distinct from soy lecithin; the source should be read from the ingredient list of the individual product.

Meet the family

The B vitamins are thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), B6, biotin (B7), folate (B9) and B12. B-complex is a collective description, rather than a single nutrient.

Their different roles

Several B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. This means participation in the processes that use energy from food; the vitamins themselves do not supply calories. B6 and B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, while biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin.

Understanding the amounts

Some B vitamins are listed in milligrams and others in micrograms. One milligram equals 1,000 micrograms. Compare each vitamin separately and include any other supplements you already take.

In VECHÉN

STRUCTURA contains all eight B vitamins. Other formulas contain different selections, and even flavours can differ. Soy Protein + Multivitamins Vanilla lists seven B vitamins, while Chocolate lists five. A claim for one vitamin should not be assumed to apply to every member of the family.

NHS: B vitamins ↗

What the group includes

The range includes ingredients such as lucuma, acai, baobab, acerola, apple, blueberry and bilberry. Each fruit has its own composition, taste and colour; grouping them together does not make their preparations equivalent.

Understanding the preparation

A whole-fruit powder, a juice powder and an extract can contain different proportions of the original fruit. Removing water changes the weight, while extracting selected components changes what remains. A product name alone does not tell you the method.

Reading nutrition

A familiar fruit ingredient does not establish a particular vitamin or fibre content in the finished serving. Use the declared nutrition information and distinguish a fruit-equivalent weight from the actual extract weight.

In VECHÉN

Fruit and berry ingredients appear across Greens Blend and selected plant-protein formulas. Greens Blend declares 18.7mg vitamin C per serving. That is the quantity for the finished formula; it is not a measured vitamin contribution attributed to every individual fruit in the blend.

What the group includes

Green powders can combine several kinds of material. Spinach and parsley are leaves; cereal grasses are young shoots; chlorella is a microalga; and spirulina is commonly grouped with algae in food descriptions, although it is a cyanobacterium.

Understanding the preparation

Drying removes water and concentrates the remaining material by weight. It does not mean that every nutrient from the fresh ingredient is retained in the same proportion. The finished powder’s declared nutrition is the useful measure.

A useful detail

A long list of greens is not a count of vegetable portions. Without individual quantities, the ingredient list cannot tell you how much spinach, spirulina or another component a serving provides.

In VECHÉN

Greens Blend combines several green ingredients. Hemp Protein + Greens includes alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, parsley and spinach, while Pea Protein also lists spirulina. Their roles and amounts differ between formulas. These powders can add ingredients to a routine but do not replace the variety and texture of vegetables in meals.

What they are

Mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom. Greens Blend lists Agaricus blazei, chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi and shiitake. They are different organisms, rather than seven interchangeable versions of one ingredient.

Powder versus extract

A powdered fungal ingredient and a concentrated extract are different preparations. A full specification may identify the part used, such as fruiting body or mycelium, the extraction method and any measured constituents.

A useful detail

The number of species in a blend does not reveal the amount of each. Nor does it establish an extract strength or a beta-glucan content. These details need an actual specification rather than an assumption based on the ingredient name.

In VECHÉN

The seven ingredients form part of Greens Blend. Each contributes to the formula’s mix of fungal and plant ingredients.

Three distinct types

Steviol glycosides are sweet compounds obtained from stevia leaves. Sucralose is a high-intensity sweetener used in small quantities. Xylitol is a polyol, also called a sugar alcohol; the term does not mean it contains drinking alcohol.

Why formulas differ

High-intensity sweeteners provide sweetness in small amounts, while a polyol can also contribute bulk. Their flavours and behaviour differ, so they are not necessarily interchangeable within a recipe.

Reading the label

The presence of a sweetener does not establish that the complete product is sugar-free or calorie-free. Other ingredients can contribute carbohydrate, sugars or energy. Polyols can cause digestive discomfort or a laxative effect when consumed in excess.

In VECHÉN

Selected protein and collagen powders use steviol glycosides. Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 lists xylitol. BCAA 2:1:1 and Electrolytes + Carbs list sucralose. Compare the finished formula and flavour rather than assuming every product uses the same sweetener.

NHS: sweeteners ↗

What it is

Turmeric is the rhizome, or underground stem, of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. It is commonly called a root and is used as a golden-yellow culinary spice.

Its plant compounds

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, a group of compounds that includes curcumin and contributes to its colour. Curcumin is one constituent of turmeric, not another name for the whole plant ingredient.

Understanding the form

Ground rhizome powder and a concentrated extract differ in composition. A standardised extract can declare a curcuminoid amount, whereas a powder weight does not establish that amount by itself.

A useful detail

Root-equivalent weight, actual powder weight and curcuminoid content measure different things. Adding them together creates a misleading total. Nor does a higher equivalent weight, on its own, establish greater effectiveness.

In VECHÉN

Turmeric appears in Turmeric + Ginger, Cherry + Beetroot and Greens Blend. The capsule preparations differ. In Turmeric + Ginger, organic describes the turmeric powder ingredient, not certification of the whole formula.

What it is

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Foods can supply preformed vitamin A or certain carotenoids that the body can convert to vitamin A. These are related nutritional sources, but they are not identical ingredients.

Its nutritional role

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and vision. Its role in normal vision is distinct from a claim that a supplement will improve eyesight beyond normal function.

Understanding the declaration

Vitamin A quantities are commonly expressed in micrograms of retinol equivalents. This accounts for differences between sources. A beta-carotene ingredient used for colour should not automatically be counted as a declared vitamin A dose.

In VECHÉN

Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine provides 528.2µg vitamin A per serving. Soy Protein + Multivitamins also includes vitamin A. Compare the declared amount alongside other supplements, especially if they contain retinol. During pregnancy, follow NHS advice to avoid supplements containing vitamin A as retinol unless specifically advised by a clinician.

NHS: vitamin A ↗

What it is

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that your body cannot make. Peppers, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits and broccoli are familiar food sources.

Its nutritional role

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage. It is involved in the enzyme reactions used to make collagen. It also increases iron absorption; this is particularly relevant to non-haem iron found in plant foods.

Understanding the form

Ascorbic acid and mineral ascorbates, such as calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate, supply vitamin C. A plant-derived source does not automatically mean better absorption. Liposomal describes a formulation approach, rather than a different vitamin.

A useful detail

The percentage absorbed falls as the dose increases. A higher number on the front of a pack does not mean proportionally more vitamin C reaches the body.

In VECHÉN

STRUCTURA provides 180mg vitamin C per serving. Other formulas use different amounts and combinations; compare the vitamin C quantity per recommended serving rather than the weight of the whole powder or liquid.

NIH: vitamin C ↗

What it is

Vitamin D3 is also called cholecalciferol. Vitamin D can be made in the skin following sunlight exposure and is found in a limited range of foods, including oily fish and fortified foods.

Its nutritional role

Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function and the normal function of the immune system. It also contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.

Understanding the units

Vitamin D may be stated in micrograms or international units. One microgram equals 40 IU, so 100µg equals 4,000 IU. This is a unit conversion, not a different strength of vitamin.

In VECHÉN

Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 supplies 100µg vitamin D3 per 1ml serving; Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine supplies 3.3µg per serving. These are substantially different amounts. The liquid’s 100µg serving equals the NHS adult daily upper limit, so it should not be casually combined with other vitamin D supplements. Follow the label and seek advice if unsure which intake is appropriate.

NHS: vitamin D ↗

What it is

Vitamin E is a family of related compounds, including tocopherols. Alpha-tocopherol is the form used to meet human vitamin E requirements. Food sources include nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

Its nutritional role

Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This is a normal nutritional function; it does not mean that a product prevents ageing or disease.

Understanding the form

Names such as d-alpha-tocopherol describe a particular vitamin E form. Tocopherols can also be used within a formulation to help protect ingredients from oxidation. A formulation role and a declared nutritional dose are different things.

In VECHÉN

Vitamin E is declared as a nutrient in Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine and Soy Protein + Multivitamins. D-alpha-tocopherol also appears in the liposomal liquids. Where it is included without a quantified nutritional declaration, its presence should not be used to invent a vitamin E serving amount.

NIH: vitamin E ↗

What it is

Vitamin K includes K1 and a group of K2 forms known as menaquinones. MK-7 stands for menaquinone-7; the number refers to its chemical side chain, rather than a dose or potency score.

Its nutritional role

Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and to the maintenance of normal bones. K2 is therefore more than a companion ingredient to vitamin D, although the two are often included in the same formula.

Understanding combinations

Combining D3 and K2 does not mean that K2 cancels the risks of taking excessive vitamin D. Each nutrient’s amount needs to be considered separately.

In VECHÉN

Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 provides 100µg vitamin K2 per 1ml serving. The vitamin K is supplied as MK-7. If you use warfarin or a similar vitamin K antagonist, discuss vitamin K supplements with your prescriber before changing your intake; consistency of intake can matter to treatment.

NIH: vitamin K ↗

The liquid base

Water provides the base in which the other ingredients are combined. Glycerol, also called glycerine, can help with texture and moisture retention. These names describe formulation ingredients rather than extra vitamin doses.

Acidity and preservation

Citric acid helps control acidity and contributes a tart taste. Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative to help limit the growth of certain microorganisms, particularly yeasts and moulds. Each serves a different purpose.

A useful distinction

The word potassium in potassium sorbate does not make it an electrolyte supplement. The ingredient is included for its preservative function, and a nutritional potassium amount would need to be declared separately.

In VECHÉN

The two liposomal liquids contain different combinations of supporting ingredients. Follow the storage instructions for the chosen bottle, including any directions after opening. The presence of a preservative does not mean the product can be stored indefinitely, and a liquid’s total volume is different from its vitamin content.

What it is

Whey is one of the main protein fractions in milk. Whey protein supplies all nine essential amino acids, including the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine.

Concentrate and isolate

The names describe different degrees of processing and protein concentration. Whey isolate generally contains less lactose and fat than concentrate, but the composition of a finished shake also depends on its other ingredients.

Its nutritional role

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones. The amount of protein is distinct from the total weight of the powder.

In VECHÉN

Whey Protein Vanilla provides 23.2g protein per 30g serving; Chocolate provides 22.0g. Both are milk-derived. The listed whey isolate also includes soy lecithin. An isolate ingredient does not automatically make the complete product lactose-free, and milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance. Use the finished formula’s ingredient and allergen information when choosing.

Research: protein amino-acid profiles ↗

What it is

Zinc is an essential trace mineral: the body requires it in relatively small amounts. Dietary sources include meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Its nutritional role

Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis and to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails. These describe normal physiological functions; they do not mean that extra zinc makes hair grow faster.

Understanding the form

Zinc citrate and zinc sulphate are different compounds that supply zinc. The zinc amount in a nutrition table refers to the mineral supplied, rather than the total weight of the compound. The form and the quantity answer different questions.

In VECHÉN

Marine Collagen + MSM provides 10mg zinc per serving, Soy Protein + Multivitamins provides 2.5mg, and Bovine Collagen + Glucosamine provides 1.7mg. Compare the serving amounts alongside any multivitamin you already use. The presence of zinc in one collagen formula does not mean it is included in every collagen product.

NIH: zinc ↗