Caption: Viridian Nutritionist Phil Beard discusses No Junk vitamins on BBC Morning Live.
The Viridian Nutrition No Junk campaign expands to national BBC TV.
The BBC Morning Live show has been investigating the hidden world of additives in food supplements with Viridian helping viewers identify the ingredients they should avoid.
It comes amid rising concerns over the use of ingredients such as fillers, binders, glazing agents and anti-caking additives being used in supplements marketed as ‘healthy’ formulations.
In the interview with TV presenter Justine Jones shown on 22nd May, qualified Nutritionist Phil Beard is asked to share his knowledge on what to look out for when identifying a clean formulation compared to supplements with additives. Phil explains some of the key ingredients Viridian avoids such as magnesium stearate and talc and drives home the message of choosing clean formulation supplements which avoid binders, fillers, additives or any other nasties. These junk ingredients, used as manufacturing aids have no nutritional value, explains Phil.
"They are inactive ingredients and provide no health benefit whatsoever," says Phil.
The presenter also talks to the general public to understand whether they recognise these ‘filler’ ingredients. Those asked are very surprised to find out that binders and other excipients are used in health supplements with one person saying: “Yes that's quite shocking.” And another confirming they’ll be “more cautious about what they get.”
Another independent expert explains the potential impact of additives to the gut, which can cause bloating and digestive discomfort symptoms. She says: “That's why it's really important to do your own research, read the labels and look for certification” and advises people to always check the ingredients in supplements.
Viridian was an obvious choice to be involved in this discussion. On appearing in the film Phil says: “Since starting our No Junk campaign and working to highlight what to look for in a clean formulation supplement, we are delighted to be chosen as the featured company in this educational TV segment.
“We believe the public’s concerns over ultra processed ingredients in our everyday foods is justified. However, the fact that so many additives can be found in other supplements is sadly often overlooked. Supplements are often made up of fillers, binders, anti-caking agents, glazing agents, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavours, sweeteners and other additives – the list goes on! These have no health benefits and research has shown they can have detrimental effects.
The fact that so many additives can be found in other supplements is sadly often overlooked.
“Our Viridian No Junk initiative encourages people to dig deeper by reading the label on all supplements to check whether ‘filler’ ingredients are used. You can visit your independent health store for advice on choosing the right supplements for you.
“We applaud the BBC Morning Live programme for sharing the stark realities of additives in supplements and fast-vitamin manufacture. We are very grateful to the team for raising awareness of this topic to the wider public.”
We applaud the BBC Morning Live programme for sharing the stark realities of additives in supplements and fast-vitamin manufacture.
The vitamin segment is available to watch on BBC iPlayer Morning Live Series 7: 22/05/2025 View from 14 minutes and 9 seconds.
For more information, head to the No Junk on the Viridian website and download a copy of the Viridian Dejunk Your Life Report
Morning Live is an informative magazine style programme which attracts up to 1.5million viewers, with more on iPlayer and connects with peoples’ real-life concerns offering advice from experts.
Viridian Nutrition is an ethical supplement manufacturer. Since 1999, Viridian supplements have been formulated with exclusively active ingredients, avoiding the commonly used fillers and additives which have no health benefits but speed up manufacturing. All Viridian supplements are developed by qualified nutritionists to be effective, ethical and pure.
Useful resources
The No Junk Campaign
‘No Junk’ is a hard-hitting initiative by the ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition to highlight the negative impacts of an ultra-processed diet and additive laden supplements. 57% of the average western diet is made up of ultra processed foods and the campaign aims to share knowledge to help people protect their own health. Find out more here.
Read the Viridian Dejunk Your Life Report
Independent Health Stores. A vital community resource championing self-care through diet and lifestyle. The trained staff can advise on diet, supplements and lifestyle changes that can support people to better health and happiness. You can find your nearest independent health store at www.findahealthstore.com
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