Can you take your supplements on a plane?
When you’re heading off on your travels, whether it’s adventure-packed exploration, or a relaxing beach resort break, the last thing you want is to be feeling under par. Keeping up with your supplement regime is one of the best ways to support your health and wellbeing while you’re travelling – so it’s great to know that, yes, you can take your supplements on a plane in the UK.
Supplements can be carried in your checked-in or hand luggage, and it’s important to bear in mind the following guidelines:
- Solid forms (tablets, capsules, gummies, powders): These are allowed in both hand luggage and checked baggage without restrictions on quantities.
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Liquid supplements: Each container must not exceed 100ml.
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Packaging: You can use pill organisers or other containers for convenience. It's not mandatory to keep supplements in their original packaging, however you might prefer to do so in case you are questioned by security.
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Declaration at security: While you don't need to declare supplements at airport security, having them easily accessible can make for a smoother screening process.
Do be aware that if you're flying internationally, other countries may have different regulations regarding the importation of supplements, so it's recommended to research the rules of your destination country to avoid any issues.
Which supplements should I take with me when travelling?
A multi-strain probiotic
Travelling not only exposes us to new experiences and cultures, but also new bacteria through the food and drink we sample. It pays to be prepared and supporting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome can help to support our digestive health, as well as boosting defences against infectious bacteria. Saccharomyces boulardii can also be very helpful to reduce the risk of digestive upset whilst travelling.
A comprehensive multivitamin
Many of us use holidays as a time to let our hair down, which may mean that our healthy diet takes a back seat! A multivitamin and mineral can be a simple way to ensure you are getting optimal nutrition to support your immune health, energy levels, stress resilience and overall wellbeing when travelling.
Protective phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are protective chemicals produced by plants. When we ingest them, they can help protect against infection from microbes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and the stress caused by changes in climate. Consider them your botanical bodyguards.
Skin support
Changes in climate, diet and even the travel itself can all take a toll on your skin – all at a time when you want to show off your sun-kissed glow! Nutrients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, plus powerful plant nutrients can boost your skin's defence system and help to hydrate, soothe and protect your skin from the inside out.
Sleep support
Shifting time zones, long flights, unfamiliar environments and the stress of travel can all disrupt our normal sleep patterns and make it more difficult to get deep, refreshing sleep. Nutrients such as magnesium, L-theanine, Montmorency cherry, glycine and hops can all help to support sleep. You can read more about supporting jet lag in our recent “Ask the expert”.