Where to buy supplements in Spain: pharmacies, shops and online

Finding your usual vitamins or supplements after moving to Spain can be confusing. Brands are different, labels are in Spanish and the green cross on every corner does not always sell what you expect. This guide explains where to buy, what each type of shop is good for and how to read a Spanish supplement label.

Pharmacies (farmacias)

Spanish pharmacies are everywhere, recognisable by the green cross, and pharmacists are trained to advise on supplements as well as medicines. They are a good first stop if you take medication, are pregnant or want help choosing a dose. Many have a shelf of food supplements next to cosmetics and baby products. Prices tend to be a little higher than online, but advice is included and many pharmacists speak some English in cities and tourist areas. Duty pharmacies (farmacias de guardia) open at night and on holidays on a rota.

Parapharmacies and El Corte Inglés

Parapharmacies sell health, beauty and supplement products but not prescription medicines. The parapharmacy sections of El Corte Inglés department stores are a convenient option in most large cities, with a wide range and staff who can help. LONJEBA is available in El Corte Inglés parapharmacies and in a growing number of pharmacies: use our stockist finder with your postcode.

Supermarkets and health food shops

Large supermarkets and drugstores sell basic vitamins and minerals at low prices, usually with simple formulas. Herbolarios (health food shops) focus on herbal products, organic food and natural brands, and staff are often happy to advise, although training varies. They are good for browsing, less so if you need precise information about doses and interactions.

Buying online in Spain

Online shops offer the widest choice and delivery to your door. Buy from brands’ official websites or well-known retailers, check that the company and its address in the EU are clearly stated, and be careful with products shipped from outside the EU: they may not follow EU rules on ingredients, doses and labelling, and customs fees can apply. On our official online shop, delivery in mainland Spain takes 24 to 72 hours and shipping is free from 30 €.

How to read a Spanish supplement label

Food supplements sold in Spain follow EU rules, so the label must show some key information. These are the words you will see most:

• Complemento alimenticio: food supplement. It must be written on the pack.
• Dosis diaria recomendada: recommended daily dose, for example “2 cápsulas al día“.
• Ingredientes: ingredients, in descending order of weight.
• Por dosis diaria: amount per daily dose. Here you see the milligrams of each nutrient or extract.
• % VRN: nutrient reference value, the Spanish and EU equivalent of %NRV.
• Modo de empleo: how to use.
• Advertencias: warnings, such as “no superar la dosis diaria recomendada” (do not exceed the recommended daily dose) and “mantener fuera del alcance de los niños más pequeños” (keep out of reach of young children).
• Consumir preferentemente antes del: best before date. Lote: batch number.

Only health claims authorised in the EU can appear on the pack, such as “contribuye a disminuir el cansancio y la fatiga” (contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue). If a product promises to cure or prevent a disease, it does not comply with EU rules.

Common products and their Spanish names

• Magnesium: magnesio (bisglicinato, citrato, óxido).
• Vitamin D: vitamina D. With so much sun many people assume they don’t need it, but levels can still be low, especially in winter or if you work indoors. Ask your doctor for a blood test before taking high doses.
• Iron: hierro. Omega-3: omega 3. Probiotics: probióticos.
• Creatine: creatina. Ashwagandha, berberine (berberina), melatonin (melatonina).

Tips before you buy

• Compare the amount per daily dose, not just the price per pack.
• Check that you are not taking the same nutrient twice in different products.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements if you take medication.
• Keep the receipt and the pack: you will need the batch number if there is a problem.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a prescription to buy supplements in Spain?

No. Food supplements are sold without a prescription. Some substances at higher doses (for example melatonin above a certain amount) are medicines and do require one.

Are supplements cheaper in pharmacies or online?

Online is usually cheaper and has more choice; pharmacies include personal advice. For the same product, compare the cost per daily dose.

Can I bring supplements from my home country?

For personal use, small quantities are generally fine, but some ingredients or doses allowed elsewhere are not permitted in the EU. Check before you travel.

Where can I buy LONJEBA in Spain?

In El Corte Inglés parapharmacies, in selected pharmacies and on our official website, with delivery across Spain. Our stockist finder shows the nearest point of sale.

Sources

• Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements. EUR-Lex
• Real Decreto 1487/2009 relativo a los complementos alimenticios. BOE
• AESAN, Complementos alimenticios. aesan.gob.es