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Free delivery on orders over €40
Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about food supplements and our Phytocea products.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our dietary supplements

General information about supplements

What is a dietary supplement?

A food supplement is a food product designed to complement a normal diet by providing concentrated nutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace elements, or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. These products are sold in various dosage forms: capsules, tablets, sticks, powders, or liquids.

What is nutraceuticals?

This term refers to "substances extracted from food that have positive effects on health," also known as functional foods. Nutraceuticals lie at the intersection of nutrition and pharmacology.

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the practice of treating or relieving ailments using plants and natural active ingredients. It draws on thousands of years of tradition and is increasingly validated by modern scientific research.

Who needs dietary supplements?

Women trying to conceive benefit from vitamin B9. Vegans and vegetarians require B12 supplementation. The elderly or those with nutritional deficiencies may benefit from supplements. Anyone wishing to supplement their diet for specific needs can also use them.

Can supplements replace a normal diet?

No. These products are designed to complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Good nutrition remains the foundation of good health.

Is our food supply sufficient for our nutritional needs?

It depends on your diet and the season. In winter, for example, vitamin D is often insufficient. The French population also generally lacks omega-3 and DHA, deficiencies that can be corrected with supplements.

Can dietary supplements be dangerous?

Yes, in some cases. Active ingredients can interact with medications or become toxic if the recommended doses are not followed. That's why Phytocea clearly indicates contraindications and potential effects on each product page.

Can supplements replace medication?

Supplements are not and cannot replace medications and specific treatments. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

Our Phytocea products

Can I open the capsules?

You can do this, although it's not always recommended. DR-CAPS gastro-resistant capsules preserve the active ingredients as they pass through the stomach; opening them may reduce their effectiveness.

Where do your formulas come from? Are they exclusive?

Our formulas are created in-house by our scientific advisory board and remain exclusive to Phytocea. Each formula is the result of in-depth research and in-house nutritional expertise.

Who manufactures Phytocea supplements?

Phytocea sources its ingredients and partners with French manufacturers for the packaging of its formulas. We ensure that every step meets our strict quality requirements.

Are your products vegan/vegetarian compatible?

In most cases, yes. However, this is not always the case. Vegan or vegetarian compatibility is indicated on each product page.

Where do your ingredients come from?

Primarily sourced from France, although some ingredients may occasionally be unavailable locally. In all cases, quality is our priority, and we use standardized ingredients.

Are you eco-responsible?

We are working to minimize our environmental impact and are continuously improving our processes. Our packaging is 98% recyclable and our materials are sustainable.

What are probiotic supplements?

These are selected microorganisms that promote the maintenance and functions of the gut microbiota. They contribute to optimal digestive balance.

What are prebiotic supplements?

Prebiotics are the “food” for microorganisms: non-digestible substrates that promote the growth of our good gut bacteria.

What are symbiotic supplements?

Symbiotics combine the characteristics of probiotics and prebiotics in a single supplement, for a synergistic effect on your microbiota.

How effective are your supplements?

All our formulas are developed based on scientific literature (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) and nutritional recommendations, for optimal effect.

What are your capsules made of?

Our capsules are made from plant-based ingredients: Pullulan or Carrageenan. Formulas requiring protection use high-tech vegetarian capsules made of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC).

Are you distributed in pharmacies?

Yes, our products are listed in the Vidal database and distributed in Phytocea's partner pharmacies.

Regulatory framework

What VAT rate applies to food supplements?

The reduced rate of 5.5% applies to food products, including food supplements.

Are dietary supplements regulated?

Yes. European Directive 2002/46/EC and French Decree 2006-352 define food supplements as "foodstuffs complementary to the normal diet." France grants them a specific food status allowing their sale both in and outside of pharmacies. The DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) oversees their regulation.

What are health claims?

These are the messages on packaging or accompanying documents, indicating nutritional or health properties. Regulation 1924/2006 harmonizes these claims at the European level; the EFSA evaluates and validates them.

Who ensures the safety of supplements in Europe?

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) is responsible for assessing food safety at European level, including that of food supplements.

Our shop

How can I contact you?

By email: contact@phytocea.com. By phone: Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 04 12 10 28 82. You can also use the chat on our website.

What payment methods are accepted?

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or PayPal. Payment in 3 interest-free monthly installments is also available, with no minimum purchase required.

What are the delivery charges?

In France, delivery to a collection point costs €3 (free for orders over €40). Home delivery costs €4.20 without signature, €8 with signature. International deliveries are calculated by weight.

What are the delivery times in France?

Orders are processed within 24 business hours of payment. Colissimo deliveries typically take 48 hours after collection by the carrier.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, although delivery times may vary and there is no guarantee of delivery from the carrier depending on the country.

Is there a special offer for my first order?

Yes! Use the code WELCOME to benefit from free delivery with no minimum purchase on your first order.

Do you have any other questions?

Contact us