Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONSWe are happy to confirm that all our supplement products are made in the UK. Our manufacturer is based in the South of England.
Unfortunately, the law prevents us from being able to comment on prescription medication, as we are not licensed (or medically qualified) practitioners. Sorry.
We always recommend a quick phone call to your GP or dropping in to ask a local pharmacist. They are fully licensed and qualified to guide you properly and safely (and legally) regarding the use of supplements alongside prescription medication.
We are always happy to talk to your GP or medical practitioners to confirm the details of our products if that helps.
If you need any other product or brand-related information, please feel free to drop a line at: contact@birchandwilde.co.uk.
Yes! We are very pleased to confirm that you can. Both bottles, and the lids, of our beautiful bespoke packaging are made from ♳ recyclable PET.
This is the most widely accepted form of recyclable plastic.
Your local council or recycling centre should accept this, or provide information on how and where you can recycle it. Please contact them directly to find out as all areas can vary a little.
Yes! We are very pleased to confirm that you can. The pouches are classed as type 4 recyclable LDPE.
This is a widely accepted form of recyclable plastic. Your local council or recycling centre should accept this, or provide information on how and where you can recycle it. Please contact them directly to find out as all areas can vary a little.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. We also accept PayPal, ShopPay, ApplePay and GooglePay.
It is rare for a card not to work on our site. However, if this does happen to you, please use our contact form (click here) to reach us directly so that we can help.
Orders are dispatched within 2 working days.
UK, NORTHERN IRELAND, ISLE OF MAN, JERSEY & GUERNSEY
Standard shipping is FREE and will take 3-7 days.
Faster shipping options are available for a small additional charge.
Free expedited shipping with DHL is included for orders over £30.
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We are really sorry to hear that. We work as hard as we can to try and ensure that problems don't arise.
Please click here use our contact form and let us know the details of the issue immediately. We can then help to put this right for you ASAP.
We always recommend that you check with your GP, midwife, health visitor or medical professional prior to taking any of our supplements either during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.
Often, it may be fine, and the decision will be yours. However, they know you best, and it's important that they are able to give you their qualified and experienced medical opinion.
Some, but not all, of our capsules can be on the large side. This is because we aim to pack in the very best dosages, and not ask you to take 4-6 capsules per day.
The great news is that all our capsules can be easily opened - just pull them apart! And then you will be able to take them in powder form and still gain all the lovely benefits.
Simply mix with warm water (if you need to take on an empty stomach) or sprinkle into a meal or smoothie if easier.
No. Our ingredients are all derived from non-GMO sources. We carefully monitor all the ingredients used within our supplements as this is very important to us, It means that we can deliver the best to you.
This level of monitoring ensures that we know exactly what is in each and every supplement formula.
Yes, we most definitely are. Our founder, Tara, started Birch & Wilde herself and still remains in a very hands on role on a daily basis.
The company is privately owned and not backed by any larger organisation.
This independent status enables us to offer unique high-quality formulas and to only partner with the very best manufacturers to bring high quality products to you. .
Yes we are. You can find more details of these on our stockists page.
They include Superdrug, Well+ Pharmacy, Medino Online Pharmacy, Revital Health Food Stores and Chemist Warehouse stores across Ireland.
We work with a number or carefully handpicked retailers and wellness practitioners.
We are always open to partnerships that align well with our ethos.
Please contact us via the form at the bottom of our stockists page so we can speak to you directly. Thanks
Marine Collagen Questions
We have purposely chosen Marine Collagen for our collagen product, and this type of collagen (over types such as bovine) is now widely accepted as being more easily absorbed and better assimilated into our own bodies.
After very rigorous research we selected a branded Marine Collagen called NatiCol, which is made by a European company called Weishardt. Their global reputation and clinical testing is world-class, and substantiates the benefits of the product well. You can find out more about them right here.
They also have a page on sustainability and sourcing that will reassure you of how the product is sourced, production standards and operational sustainability - click here to view this.
The marine sources of fish used in our Marine Collagen are selectively derived from the skin and scales of fish. The fish used are a mix of Tilapia and Catfish. NatiCol (Weishardt) are careful to ensure that these are sustainably farmed so as to prevent ecosystem imbalances and to replenish fish sources.
In terms of any pollution factors (such as heavy metals), we are extremely careful in the sourcing of the raw ingredients and this forms part of our decision to use NatiCol, which is fully tested for the presence of heavy metals. For our reassurance, this is then further tested by our own manufacturing facility (so a third party).
Not only would NatiCol not allow anything that failed this test to go to market, but we would not accept it if it had failed (either their test or our own). We understand the serious concerns regarding this type of pollutant and don't want this in our products. It is our ethos to offer only the very best quality and purity.
When it comes to the absorbability (and therefore the benefits or the different Collagens available on the market today), there are many factors at play beyond just the delivery method and mg per day. These include not just the type of collagen (ie, marine or bovine etc, type 1 pure or multi-type complex etc), but also things like the molecular weight, whether the collagen is combined with anything else, and the amino acid profile of the protein peptides that make up collagen.
We choose to stay with capsules as these are generally what our customers want and demand. We work within an ethos of simplicity and making a long term supporting supplementation easy to add to a daily routine (ie, two very quick and easy capsules that are optimised and targeted for specific benefits).
Molecular weight - this is measured in daltons. The most well absorbed (and therefore most effective) collagens have a dalton measure of between 2000-5000. Ours is 4000 making it extremely well assimilated into the body, and ensures it provides its clinically proven results. Many liquids or powders that have a much higher advertised daily mg dose (outwardly making them possibly seem more effective), may also have a much higher dalton weight (eg, 10,000 daltons). So despite them seeming to offer more, they may actually be offering less and be less effective.
Added ingredients - Collagen is best absorbed by our own body when it is on its own (and alongside good hydration). This is a key driver for us ensuring that we use capsule delivery, and that we keep our collagen as pure as possible (ie, no additional nutrients). We also recommend that our capsules are taken on an empty stomach (20 minutes clear of food) to allow for this and to get the absolute best out of our product.
By nature, liquid collagen delivery already has added ingredients that can interrupt this absorption process, and if there are then additional nutrient ingredients added, this further compounds that factor. Our belief is that pure collagen (and a well-balanced diet and good hydration alongside) leads to the best, and most targeted benefits and results.
Also, many liquid collagen requires additional sweeteners, flavourings and other stabilising ingredients and that is something we don't want to add to our product.
Amino acid profile - Naticol have ensured (and clinically tested) the amino acid profile of our raw collagen ingredient to ensure it specifically targets the areas that our customers most want to support. This is defined primarily by the breakdown of the amino acids (protein peptides) that make up the product. We will happily supply the 'amingram' to on request if customers wish to see it.
Cost - our supply of pure marine collagen capsules last two months (making it roughly 40-42p per day based on our RRP) and offers great results, as our many customers, and the NatiCol clinical testing support.
Liquid collagens are usually considerably more expensive (on a per-day basis - sometimes as much as £2+ per day!), they also usually include a lot more packaging, as well as having the factors above that influence their absorption.
We are proud to confirm that our product contains Naticol® Hydrolysed Marine Collagen - this is a Type I Marine Collagen.
Naticol® is renowned for being among the very best in the world in terms of it's purity, quality, sustainability, bioavailability and absorption. All of this means that you have the very best chance of getting the very best results!
Naticol® is a trademarked brand of Marine Collagen - this means that you can relax, safe in the knowledge that the science is there. The 'science bods' at Naticol® have completed all the necessary research to support the benefits of regular Marine Collagen supplementation.
Dalton Molecular weight of Birch & Wilde Marine Collagen
This is measured in Daltons and directly impacts the absorption of any Collagen product into the body (and therefore affects the results seen). The most well absorbed (and therefore most effective) collagen have a dalton measure of between 2000-5000.
Ours is 4000 making it extremely well assimilated into the body, and bring clinically proven results.
Many liquid collagens that have a much higher daily mg dose (outwardly making them possibly seem more effective), also have a much higher dalton weight (eg, 10,000 daltons). So despite them seeming to offer more, they may actually be offering less and be less effective.
Many liquid collagen or collagen powders have a much higher advertised daily mg dose (outwardly making them possibly seem more effective). However, they may also have a much higher dalton weight (eg, 10,000+ daltons).
So despite them seeming to offer more, they may actually be offering less and be less effective.
Added ingredients - why and why not?
Research shows that all types of Collagen are best absorbed by our body when they are own in our digestive system (and alongside good hydration).
This is a key driver for us ensuring that we use capsule delivery, and that we keep our collagen as pure as possible (ie, no additional nutrients).
We further recommend that our capsules are taken on an empty stomach (20 minutes clear of food) to allow for this and to get the absolute best out of our product.
By comparison (and by their very nature), liquid collagen and marine collagen powders already have added ingredients that can interrupt this absorption process. If there are then also additional nutrient ingredients added, this further compounds that factor.
Our clinically backed belief is that pure collagen (and a well-balanced diet and good hydration alongside) leads to the best, and most targeted benefits and results.
Also, many liquid collagen require additional sweeteners, flavourings and other stabilising ingredients and that is something we don't want to add to our product.
We are proud to use NatiCol® Marine Collagen in our product, as it is widely respected as one of the very best Marine Collagens in the world.
As such it is selectively derived from the skin and scales of fish. The fish used are a mix of Tilapia and Catfish. The raw ingredient supplier ensures that these are sustainably farmed so as to prevent ecosystem imbalances.
No Shellfish or crustaceans are included in the production of our Marine Collagen. However, this product is manufactured in a facility that also handles shellfish / crustacean based powders in the production of other products.
We are pleased to confirm that NO Shellfish or crustaceans are included in the production of our Marine Collagen.
However, please be aware that this product is manufactured in a facility that also handles shellfish / crustacean based powders in the production of other products.
We are extremely careful in the sourcing of the raw ingredients for our Marine Collagen product.
We use a branded raw collagen product called NatiCol, which is renowned for being among the very best in the world. NatiCol is fully tested for the presence of heavy metals.
For our reassurance, this is then further tested by our manufacturing facility (so a third party). Not only would NatiCol not allow anything that failed this test to go to market, but we would not accept it if it had failed.
We understand the serious concerns regarding this type of pollutant, and don't want this in our products. It is our ethos to offer only the very best quality and purity.
Yes! We are very pleased to confirm that it is. Our raw ingredient supplier ensures that the fish used in our product are all sustainably farmed so as to prevent ecosystem imbalances.
In short, yes, our capsules are designed to do exactly this if needed. We always recommend, if you can, to swallow them with water on an empty tummy, as this is great for good absorption.
However, we appreciate that the capsules are quite large (as we packed a lot of collagen into them!). So, if you struggle to swallow capsules, our recommendation is always to open them and use the powder. This also helps to keep the dosing spot on, as the capsules are measured amounts.
We usually advise sprinkling them into just a small bit of water and giving a quick stir. The powder is flavourless so there is no taste to it. We suggest this (rather than over food, which is fine if not) because the science shows that Collagen peptides are best absorbed on their own in an empty tummy (and that water or good hydration levels can aid this).
If you can only manage it over the food, then please don't worry - you will still see some great benefits. The empty tummy is just our preferred recommendation for really optimising the potential benefits.
Ashwagandha Questions
Yes! We are very pleased to confirm that this product is completely organic and has received full Soil Association approval and certification.
Our product contains only Indian KSM-66® Ashwagandha - this is a root only extract with a minimum of 5% withanolides.
KSM-66® Ashwagandha is renowned for being among the very best in the world in terms of it's purity and quality.
It is also organic from source in India. All of this means that you have the very best chance of getting the very best results!
KSM-66® Ashwagandha is a trademarked brand of Ashwagandha from Ixoreal - this means that you can relax, safe in the knowledge that the science is there.
KSM-66® is the most clinically studied Ashwagandha available on the market today. Ixoreal is the industry leader in clinical trials and basic research investigating the effectiveness of ashwagandha, and KSM-66 has been evaluated in 22 “Gold Standard” human clinical trials.
This is one of the key benefits of ashwagandha.
If you are struggling with sleep, we recommend taking your dose in the evenings approximately 30-60 minutes before you want to go to bed. This will mean that it can work at it's very best while you head off to the land of nod.
It may take 7-10 days before your body adapts to this and you start to see the lasting benefits, so please be patient in the first few days.
Our product uses only the very best KSM-66® Ashwagandha. As such, the withanolide content is guaranteed to be an absolute minimum of 5%.
Our Ashwagandha is KSM-66® has one of the highest percentages of withanolides of all root-only extracts available today.
It has a minimum of 5% concentration of withanolides and this has been measured by HPLC.
If you want to find out more about KSM-66® Ashwagandha specifically, you can click here to visit their website.
Our product gives you a high dose (600mg across 2 x capsules per day) of very good quality organic Ashwagandha. It can be quite powerful stuff!
So, if you have never used Ashwagandha before, we always recommend starting on half a dose (1 x capsule) each day for 7-10 days. This will give your body time to gradually get used to it's adaptogenic qualities.
After that you can then increase to the full dose of 2 x capsules per day.
Please note that some people are quite sensitive to Ashwagandha. If you notice any new symptoms when you increase the dose, then simply drop back down to half a dose (1 x capsule) per day. The great news is that your pot will last twice as long!
One of the best things about Ashwagandha is the many different ways in which it can support different people.
When you first start, we usually suggest taking your Ashwagandha at different times of day (each for a week or so consistently), to work out exactly which is the most beneficial for you and your own individual biological make-up. It will also depend on exactly why you are taking it.
As a general rule, you can follow the guidelines below, depending on the main cause for needing Ashwagandha:
- Stress, anxiety, cognition - most affected during the day - take both capsules in the morning (please note that if you also struggle with fatigue, the next option may be better for you, but this is very individual)
- Stress, anxiety, cognition - generalised - take one capsules in the morning and one in the evening
- Sleep issues - take both capsules roughly 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Ashwagandha is adaptogenic in it's very nature. This is why it can bring such brilliant results. However, it does mean that there are a couple of things to look out for. So, you should check with your GP or medical professional prior to taking it if you also take medication for thyroid or blood sugar related conditions.
D-Mannose & Cranberry Questions
Our D-Mannose with Cranberry Extract product can be used in both of these circumstances!
Our standard dose is designed primarily to aid in preventing nasty recurring UTIs, cystitis and bladder infections. This dose is 1000mg which you will achieve by taking 2 x of our 500mg capsules per day.
This is an optimal dose for prevention, but may be less effective if you already have an infection (particularly a stubborn one) when you start taking it. This would require what we call an 'urgent' dose.
For an urgent dose, if you suspect you may have an infection, you can take an increased amount of D-Mannose. We recommend doubling the 'prevention dose'. So you can take 2 x capsules (giving you 1000mg total), twice per day instead of once per day (once in the morning and once in the evening). Or you may prefer to space the 4 x capsules out throughout the day. You can do this for a few days until the infection clears.
Please see you GP or medical professional if you have no improvement in symptoms after two days.
** The science shows D-Mannose is very effective against UTIs and infections caused by E.Coli. However, further research is needed to fully confirm it's efficacy when it comes to the other bacterial causes of these infections. The good news is that more than 90% of all UTIs, cystitis and bladder infections are caused by E.Coli, giving you a great chance of having a really good result. And, as D-Mannose is completely natural, it can be used on an on-going basis, and be a real game-changer for you! **
The science shows D-Mannose is very effective against UTIs and infections caused by E.Coli. However, further research is needed to fully confirm it's efficacy when it comes to the other bacterial causes of these infections.
The good news is that more than 90% of all UTIs, cystitis and bladder infections are caused by E.Coli, giving you a great chance of having a really good result. And, as D-Mannose is completely natural, it can be used on an on-going basis, and be a real game-changer for you!
D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar in many plants and fruits. Our D-Mannose is sourced from corn, making it completely sustainable.
D-Mannose is a natural simple sugar that is not readily absorbed into your blood stream. That is just why and how it is able to work it's magic and help with UTIs and bladder health.
As such, potential interactions are minimal. However, you should check with your GP or medical professional if you use regular medication for a blood sugar related condition, or regularly take a blood thinning medication such as Warfarin (or similar).
Vitamin B Complex Questions
The B vitamins are a family of water-soluble nutrients that play an important role in almost every biochemical process that occurs in the body.
The B vitamins cannot be stored by your body. It is also important to monitor your B vitamin intake if you follow a diet that does not include meat or fish as some B vitamins, such as B12, are found predominantly in these foods.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and a potent antioxidant. The body cannot store vitamin C, which means it must be a standard part of the diet in order to avoid deficiency.
Vitamin B and C contribute to a healthy diet in many ways.
- Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and C all contribute towards a normal energy yielding metabolism and a reduction in tiredness and fatigue
- Vitamin C contributes towards the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and biotin all contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Vitamin B2, B6 and B12 contribute to the normal maintenance of red blood cells, while B1 contributes to the normal function of the heart.
- Vitamin B1, B3, B12, C and biotin contribute to psychological function, while B5 contributes to mental performance.
So in summary, the main areas of support that Vitamin B can help with are:
Energy & Fatigue
Mood management
Mental performance (thinking, memory, focus etc)
Hormone balance
Each bottle contains 120 capsules. You can opt for either a lower dose of 1 x capsule per day or a higher dose of 2 capsules per day.
This means one single bottle lasts between 2-4 months, making it incredible value too!
Organic Sea Kelp Questions
Organic Sea Kelp refers to a variety of natural seaweeds. Kelp contains large amounts of natural and organic iodine as well as a wide variety of nutrients. This includes complex compounds, vitamins and carotenoids to support general wellbeing.
Traces of most of the minerals and elements that support enzyme reactions in your body can also be found in Sea Kelp.
As well as all the other goodies it contains, the Iodine content of Sea Kelp means it is of great benefit to thyroid function and your body's metabolism.
Iodine is also crucial for good cognitive function (thinking and memory), as well as the health of your skin, and your metabolism.
Iodine supports a number of important areas of your health. These include thyroid function, skin health, your mind and thinking ability, and your metabolism.
So low levels of Iodine can seriously impact daily life, especially around thyroid health, brain fog, metabolism or weight management and normal skin health.
The UK recommended daily amount of Iodine for adults is 150µg. Although a well-balanced diet can contribute 150µg of Iodine per day, there is still a prevalence of iodine deficiency throughout the world.
Our pure sea kelp capsules are an amazing natural source of iodine. This is known to support the production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function, normal healthy and glowing skin, brain fog and cognitive function, energy and metabolism, and your nervous system.
Organic Kelp is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It is also approved kosher and contains no major allergens.
It is grown in the cool waters off the coast of Iceland – cool water is where sea kelp thrives at its best! Our capsules are created using only the best quality ingredients, sourced in an eco-friendly, sustainable way for optimum results.
Organic farming is kinder to the environment, better for you and supports smaller growers.
Products that are certified in this way have been proven to meet the Soil Association’s exacting standards for organic food and farming.
They have been organically grown, avoiding the use of chemical sprays or artificial fertilisers.
Yes, you can. Our pouches are made from type 4 recyclable materials. Please refer to your local refuse collection service to find out how to recycle these in your local area.
Selenium Questions
Selenium is an essential mineral that naturally appears in soil, water and some foods. Whilst we only need a small amount of it, it is essential for the health of our bodies. Selenium is an important antioxidant.
Selenium is a very important contributor to a healthy lifestyle in a number of ways.
It has proven health claims to show that it is essential to the health, strength and normal maintenance of our hair and nails.
It is also very important when it comes to the normal function of the immune system.
Selenium bioavailability (how well absorbed it is) has been shown to be up to 3 times better for organic forms of selenium, rather than synthetic.
For you to see the most benefits and results, it's vital that absorption levels are at their best.
L-Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium rather than synthetic. This is what we use in our in our high-strength selenium supplement capsules to make sure they support you as well as possible.
Yes, you can. Our pouches are made from type 4 recyclable materials. Please refer to your local refuse collection service to find out how to recycle these in your local area.