Formula 2, explained
Formula 2 Vitamin and Mineral Complex is a daily tablet made in a women's version and a men's version. People take it with meals to add vitamins and minerals alongside their usual diet or a Formula 1 shake.
What Formula 2 is
Each tub holds 60 tablets. Herbalife's label says one or two tablets a day with meals, so a tub lasts between 30 and 60 days.
Both versions list the same 23 vitamins and minerals plus choline, which Herbalife counts as 24 key micronutrients. The difference is in the amounts.
Two women's tablets give 13mg of iron, 324µg of folic acid, 300mg of calcium and 90µg of vitamin K. Two men's tablets give 6mg of iron, 174µg of folic acid, 250mg of calcium and 75µg of vitamin K, with more vitamin A at 1000µg against 800µg.
Herbalife designed Formula 2 to be taken alongside Formula 1. It is a food supplement, so it adds to a varied diet rather than replacing one.
What's in it, ingredient by ingredient
Iron (ferrous fumarate)
13mg in two women's tablets (93% RI); 6mg in two men's tablets (43% RI)Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron used in supplements. In food, iron comes from red meat, beans and pulses, nuts, dried fruit and fortified cereals.
The NHS says women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8mg of iron a day, while men and women over 50 need 8.7mg. The women's tablets carry more than twice the iron of the men's, at 13mg against 6mg.
Why it's in Formula 2: Iron is one of the main differences between the two versions, with more in the women's tablet.
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
The NHS says 17mg or less a day of iron from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. The label asks you to keep the tub out of reach of young children.
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
20µg in two tablets of either version (400% RI)Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Food sources include oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods.
The NHS says adults need 10µg a day and that everyone should consider a supplement in autumn and winter, when sunlight is too weak. Two tablets give twice that amount, and one tablet gives exactly 10µg.
Why it's in Formula 2: Both versions carry the same 20µg of vitamin D.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
The NHS says not to take more than 100µg of vitamin D a day. If you already take a separate vitamin D supplement, add the two together.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
250mg in two tablets of either version (313% RI)L-ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruit, berries, peppers, broccoli and potatoes.
The NHS says adults need 40mg a day. Two tablets give about six times that amount.
Why it's in Formula 2: Herbalife lists vitamin C as a key nutrient in the men's version, and both versions carry the same amount.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
The NHS says taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
Vitamin A (beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate)
1000µg in two men's tablets (125% RI); 800µg in two women's tablets (100% RI)Vitamin A comes in two forms here. Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinol, and beta-carotene is the plant form that the body can convert into retinol.
The NHS says men need 700µg a day and women 600µg. The label figure counts both forms together.
Why it's in Formula 2: Herbalife lists vitamin A as a key nutrient in the men's version, which carries more of it.
Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
The NHS advises against supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) in pregnancy. It also says older men and women past the menopause should avoid more than 1.5mg of vitamin A a day from food and supplements.
Calcium and magnesium (dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium oxide)
Calcium 300mg (women) or 250mg (men); magnesium 113mg in two tablets of either versionThese are mineral salts that supply calcium and magnesium, and dicalcium phosphate adds phosphorus too. Dicalcium phosphate is listed first in the vitamin and mineral mix, so it is the largest part of that mix.
The NHS says adults need 700mg of calcium a day, so two tablets give a third to under half of that. For magnesium the NHS figure is 300mg for men and 270mg for women.
Why it's in Formula 2: Herbalife lists calcium as a key nutrient in the women's version and magnesium in the men's.
Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
Most of your daily calcium still comes from food. The NHS lists milk, cheese and fortified soya drinks as good sources.
B vitamins (B6, B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and more)
Two tablets: B6 2.0mg (143% RI), B12 1.9µg (76% RI), riboflavin 5.0mg (357% RI), pantothenic acid 5.7mg (95% RI)Formula 2 contains all eight B vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, B12, biotin and pantothenic acid. In food they come from meat, fish, milk, eggs, wholegrains and fortified cereals.
The NHS puts adult needs at about 1.4mg of B6 a day for men and 1.2mg for women, and about 1.5µg of B12. Two tablets give more than those amounts.
Why it's in Formula 2: Herbalife lists B6 and B12 as key nutrients in the women's version, and riboflavin and pantothenic acid in the men's.
Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
The NHS says not to take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it. Two tablets give 2mg.
Zinc (zinc oxide)
8.7mg in two tablets of either version (87% RI)Zinc oxide is a mineral salt that supplies zinc. The NHS says men need 9.5mg of zinc a day and women 7mg, so two tablets cover most or all of it.
Why it's in Formula 2: Herbalife lists zinc as a key nutrient in the women's version.
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
The NHS says not to take more than 25mg of zinc a day from supplements unless a doctor advises it.
The tablets also supply vitamins E and K, selenium, chromium, copper, manganese, iodine and choline. Microcrystalline cellulose is a bulking agent that gives each tablet its size. The coating is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose coloured with iron oxide, yellow for men and red for women, and anti-caking agents stop the ingredients sticking together.
Reading the label
Per two tablets, the amount the label lists (one tablet gives half)
- Iron: 13mg women / 6mg men. The women's 13mg is most of the 14.8mg a woman aged 19 to 49 needs each day. The men's 6mg is about two thirds of the 8.7mg men need.
- Vitamin D: 20µg (400% RI). Twice the 10µg a day the NHS says adults need.
- Vitamin C: 250mg (313% RI). About six times the 40mg adults need each day.
- Vitamin A: 800µg women / 1000µg men. Above the NHS daily figures of 600µg for women and 700µg for men.
- Folic acid: 324µg women / 174µg men. The NHS says adults need 200µg of folate a day.
- Calcium: 300mg women / 250mg men. A third to under half of the 700mg adults need each day.
- Vitamin B6: 2.0mg (143% RI). More than an adult's daily need, and well under the NHS supplement limit of 10mg.
- Vitamin B12: 1.9µg (76% RI). More than the 1.5µg a day the NHS says adults need.
- Zinc: 8.7mg (87% RI). Close to a man's daily need of 9.5mg.
- Selenium: 79µg (144% RI). The NHS figure is 75µg a day for men and 60µg for women.
The label only lists amounts for two tablets. If you take one, halve every figure.
%RI is the share of the reference intake, a standard daily amount used on labels. Over 100% means more than that amount, which is common in supplements.
Pick a version
Formula 2 Women 60 tablets
Formula 2 Men 60 tabletsHow to use it
One or two tablets with meals
Herbalife's label says one or two tablets a day, taken with meals.
Taking it with the same meal each day makes it easier to remember. Herbalife made it to go alongside a Formula 1 shake.
Keep the lid closed and store the tub somewhere cool and dry, out of reach of young children.
Good to know
Who it suits
- There is a version for women and one for men, with the amounts set to suit each.
- Herbalife's product page declares no allergens.
Check first
- If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, speak to your GP or midwife first. The NHS advises against supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) in pregnancy, and Formula 2 contains it.
- If you take other supplements or a Formula 1 shake, add up the vitamin and mineral amounts, especially vitamin D, iron and vitamin A.
- If you take medication or have a medical condition, check with your GP or pharmacist before starting.
- Herbalife does not label Formula 2 as vegetarian or vegan.
Questions people ask
Which version should I choose?
Choose the one made for you. The women's version has more iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamin K, and the men's has more vitamin A. The other amounts are the same.
Can I take it instead of eating well?
No. It is a food supplement that adds to a varied diet. It doesn't provide protein or fibre.
Can I take it with Formula 1?
Yes. Herbalife designed it to work alongside Formula 1. A Formula 1 shake has its own vitamins and minerals, so your daily total will be higher than either alone.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Speak to your GP or midwife first. Formula 2 contains vitamin A as retinol, and the NHS advises against retinol supplements in pregnancy.
How long does a tub last?
A tub of 60 tablets lasts 30 days at two a day, or 60 days at one a day.
Does one tablet do anything on its own?
One tablet gives half of every figure on the label. That still includes 10µg of vitamin D, the full daily amount the NHS recommends.
Where these facts come from
- nhs_iron: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/iron/
- nhs_vitd: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
- nhs_vitc: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/
- nhs_vita: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-a/
- nhs_pregnancy: nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/pregnancy-vitamins-and-supplements/
- nhs_calcium: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/
- nhs_vitb: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
- nhs_others: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
- nhc_reg_432: legislation.gov.uk/eur/2012/432
- hl_label_article: herbalife.com/en-gb/wellness-resources/articles/how-to-read-a-nutritio
- f2_men_fs: Herbalife product information and label
- f2_women_fs: Herbalife product information and label
- f2_men_pn: Herbalife product information and label
- f2_women_pn: Herbalife product information and label
- matrix: Herbalife product information and label
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Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Store out of reach of young children. Enjoy as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle. Herbalife images and video are the property of Herbalife. Speak to your GP before changing your diet if you have a medical condition, take medication or are pregnant.
