Vitamins and food supplements

Health and wellness companies, from vitamins and food supplements to nutraceuticals and fortified foods, face unique challenges. Small issues in formulation, manufacturing, or distribution can quickly escalate in this fast-moving sector.

Understanding vitamins and food supplements industry risk

Partnering with experts who can meet a business’s specific needs helps overcome the inflexibility of traditional insurance, while supporting growth, providing access to funding, and protecting ideas with practical advice in a changing, competitive environment. This ensures operations remain safe and resilient, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities and continue to grow.

Risk landscape

No two businesses are the same, but there are challenges faced by businesses operating within niche life science sectors like vitamins and supplements, whether they manufacture in-house, perform R&D, or manage physical products.

Insights from brokers and customers

Markel’s research into the latest market trends highlighted issues related to insurance placement and additional business support services, both from the perspective of businesses in the sector and brokers serving it.

Modular cover

Tailored and flexible solutions with endorsements that meet specific needs help to overcome the inflexibility of traditional insurance and meet growing businesses with relevance.

How do I get a quote for my vitamins and food supplements client?

However you choose to trade, we're committed to providing the exceptional service and quick decisions you rely on for your vitamins and supplements clients.

Life Science Combined is available to trade manually on the open market. You can request a quote for your client today via the following methods:

Proposal Form
You can download our Life Science Combined proposal form here, and submit it to MarkelUKFinancialLines@markel.com.

Existing Market Presentation
If you have an existing risk profile for your client you can email this into the team at MarkelUKFinancialLines@markel.com.

Telephone
If you wish to discuss the risk with our specialist underwriters, you can get in contact with the team via the phone on 0345 351 2600.

Following broker feedback, we are currently working on an eTrade product for Life Science Combined that will be live in 2026.

If you want to find out more information about Markel UK Online, as well as requesting an account, you can do so here.

Specialist protection for a specialist sector

Our specialist insurance solution, Life Science Combined, is designed to reflect the realities of the life science sector. Specialist insurance solutions that go beyond the policy are essential for vitamins and food supplements businesses navigating the unique challenges at every stage of their life cycle.

Life science insurance solutions that respond

Backed by research and insights from brokers and life science businesses alike, there are seven consistent and shared themes across the life science industry.


While often grouped into the wider life science sector, vitamins and food supplements businesses face distinct operational and commercial realities – supply chain vulnerabilities, controlling operational costs, and regulatory pressures. Product safety is paramount, closely tying in with reputational sensitivity.

Regulatory change and compliance

Vitamins and food supplements businesses face frequent changes in labelling rules, claims substantiation requirements, ingredient restrictions and regulatory oversight. Errors in documentation, advice or process can trigger enforcement action, product withdrawal or legal challenge.

Rising costs and operational overheads

As costs increase, the financial impact of any insured event is magnified. Even a relatively contained incident can cause disproportionate loss when margins are tight.

Product recall and withdrawal

In vitamins and food supplements, product recall is both a safety and reputational event. Issues often arise from contamination, incorrect labelling, ingredient errors or supply chain failures.

More than just cover

Insights and support designed around real-world life science risk.

Download our insight pack

Download our value added benefits sheet

Latest industry news and insights

  • The risk DNA of life science businesses; mapping where exposure really lies


    Mapping the real risks life science businesses face, from supply chains to cyber and compliance.

  • Navigating regulatory and legal risks in life science innovation.


    Exploring where legal and regulatory risks emerge as life science businesses innovate.

  • Seizing growth opportunities in the UK life science sector


    How rapid innovation in life science is reshaping risk, regulation and broker conversations.