A NUTRITION and supplement brand has raised £566,000 from private investors after turning over £2million in its second year of trading.

DR.VEGAN, which describes itself as one of the world’s fastest growing ethical nutrition and supplement brands, says the injection of capital will enable it to invest in stock, marketing and more staff.

The Winchester-based business was founded in 2020 by a small team including Gordon Lott, 49, whose background spans retail, financial services and ecommerce, including experience with industry brands Nature’s Bounty and Solgar.

He said it was his desire to “clean up” the supplements industry that inspired the business.

Mr Lott said: “Having worked in heavily regulated industries in the past, and with experience in the supplements industry both from a business standpoint and as a keen triathlete passionate about health and fitness, I felt the industry had stagnated.

“Many brands, both expensive and cheap, sell formulas containing a low dosage of functional ingredients whilst also including many unnecessary additives. Additives can not only cause harmful side effects, but are also often animal-derived and provide zero health benefits. On the other hand, DR.VEGAN offers science-backed formulas containing active ingredients with zero additives, which is what each customer deserves.

“We wanted to shake-up the industry through a science-led, natural approach and over-deliver on customers’ expectations. With the right supplements, consumers really can transform their health and wellness, and that’s what we set out to do.

"Our unique formulas are created by expert nutritionists, made here in the UK using clinically studied plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients to support your body and health goals. That means not only are they more effective and better for you, they simply do more and are better for the planet.”

The brand began with seven formulas spanning the categories of “body”, “mood”, “gut health” and “women’s health”. It now includes 23 formulas including an award-winning Daily Multi-Vitamin and a MenoFriend formula to relieve symptoms of menopause, as well as Vegan Nights for better sleep.

Mr Lott added: “If people knew how most supplements were made, I doubt they’d ever choose a non-vegan supplement again. We want to bring consumers ethical products that work, as well as bringing them nutritional clarity and inspiration. Only 10 per cent of our customers are vegan, which doesn’t surprise us, and I think that’s because of how hard we are working to help consumers understand their diet, health goals, nutritional needs and supplements.”

DR.VEGAN offers a diet profile questionnaire on its website which is designed as a “triage for nutrition” so customers can understand their diet. The site attracts an average of 80,000 visitors each month and the firm has sold more than 260,000 products to date.

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