FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions

Questions about ordering:

Questions about the composition and intake:

Questions about personal vitamin status:

Questions about ordering

I am a new customer, how can I register?

If you would like to order products through our online shop, you must first create your own customer account. This is easily done with your first order. If you need support during this process, we are happy to help: Contact Form.

I would like to mention my doctor or therapist, but they are not listed?

Choose "My therapist is not in the list". In the next step, enter the postal code of your therapist and click "Continue". Therapists with the specified postal code will be listed. If your therapist appears in this list, select them. If you do not find your therapist in the list, select the name you entered with the postal code and click "Register". You will then be directed to the shop. If you still have problems with registration, contact us: 069/768 05 698-22.

I forgot my password - how can I reset it?

If you have forgotten your password, you can easily request a new one. In the "Log into customer account" interface, select the link "Forgot password?". Now enter the email address stored in your account and click "Request password". A new password will be sent to you within a few minutes.

If you do not find a message from us in your mailbox, please check if it is in your spam folder.

If you still have problems with requesting a new password, contact us: 069/768 05 698-22.

Where can I change my personal data?

First log into your customer account. Then select "My Account". Here you will have the option to change your password, email address, payment method, as well as billing and delivery addresses.

Do I need to send you my doctor's or therapist's prescription?

No, it is not necessary to send us your prescription.

I do not live in Germany but am sending my products to a German address. Will I receive the VAT back from you?

No, a VAT refund is not possible.

My PayPal payment did not work. How do I get my order now?

Please check your PayPal account. If necessary, get in touch with PayPal's customer service. Of course, you can also order from us using another payment method, including payment by invoice.

I ordered the wrong product. What can I do?

You will find a revocation form in your package. Please fill it out and choose the appropriate reason for the return. Send the package back to FormMed HealthCare GmbH, franked, within the 14-day revocation period.

If you need assistance in choosing the right product, we are happy to help: by phone at 069/768 05 698-22 or by email at info@formmed.de.

Where is my delivery?

If your package has not arrived by the third business day after ordering, please contact our customer service: by phone at 069/768 05 698-22 or by email at info@formmed.de.

Are there other sizes of the products available?

Many products are available in various sizes. However, no other sizes than those specified in the online shop or in the product catalog are available.

How can I request or cancel the product catalog?

A catalog is automatically added to your shopping cart with every order. If you do not want to receive a catalog, you can simply remove it from the shopping cart.

Why is there no bank transfer form included in the package?

Since the introduction of the new IBAN direct debit procedure, there are no pre-printed bank transfer forms anymore. We ask for your understanding that no bank transfer form is included in the package.

Where can I find my customer number?

You can find your customer number on every invoice or on the patient order form that comes with each delivery.

Why is it advisable to consult a therapist before ordering products?

It is important to us that you only take the micronutrients you need and that make sense for you. Therefore, we recommend that you seek advice from a doctor or therapist before ordering our products. Your doctor or therapist is familiar with your medical history and can assess your micronutrient household based on laboratory values. They also warn you about possible interactions between medications and micronutrients, resulting in a safe, well-considered, and individual micronutrient recommendation.

Do I need to register, or can I order as a "guest customer"?

To order in our online shop, registration is required. Ordering as a guest customer is not possible.

 

Questions about composition and intake

Are FormMed products hypoallergenic?

Our products are hypoallergenic with few exceptions, meaning they are free from substances that could possibly trigger allergic reactions:

  • Without colorings, flavorings, additives, or auxiliary substances
  • Free from lactose, gluten, or fructose
  • Free from allergens such as crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sulfur dioxide, sulfites, lupins, and molluscs

Exceptions are products where the allergenic substance is a valuable ingredient: e.g., omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or isoflavones from soy. However, this can be easily determined from the ingredients list of the individual products.

Thus, even if you have allergies, you can safely source micronutrients from us.

What distinguishes FormMed products from those of other manufacturers?

The optimization and development of our products are carried out in close cooperation with doctors and recognized experts in micronutrient medicine. From this, we have derived three principles for our product development:

  • Always the right product
  • Made in Germany
  • Affordable

This combination of attributes is unique to FormMed. In addition, our products meet the following criteria:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • No use of colorings, flavorings, auxiliary or additive substances (with few exceptions)
  • High-quality raw materials with high bioavailability and excellent compatibility
  • Composition always based on the current state of scientific knowledge
  • Many vegetarian and vegan products

Are dietary supplements considered medicines?

Dietary supplements are food items, not medicines. They are subject to food law, not pharmaceutical law.

Are the micronutrients in FormMed products well absorbed and utilized by the body?

It is very important to us to create optimal conditions for the absorption and utilization of micronutrients. Here's how we do it:

Selection of special forms of micronutrients:  
We mainly use folate in its active form (as Metafolin®) in our products. Metafolin® is directly usable by the body without transformation and has a very good bioavailability. Regular folic acid, commonly used in dietary supplements, must first be converted into the active form in the body. However, many people have a deficiency of the enzyme responsible for activating folic acid. In these individuals, a folic acid deficiency can hardly be compensated with standard folic acid.  

In addition to the common form of vitamin K (vitamin K1), we use the significantly more bioavailable vitamin K2. It not only absorbs more easily but is also metabolized more slowly, making it available to the body for a longer time.

Magnesium and calcium are also available in organically bound form. The advantage is that they are better bioavailable.

For plant extracts, we ensure a high content of valuable ingredients and good bioavailability.  

Avoiding interactions:
In the composition of our multivitamin products, we make sure that there are no interactions between ingredients that could negatively affect bioavailability. For example: In our multivitamin products, we use selenium in the form of sodium selenate instead of sodium selenite because vitamin C inhibits the uptake of selenium from sodium selenite, but not from sodium selenate.

Adherence to consumption recommendations:
The conditions of intake significantly affect the bioavailability of some micronutrients: Fat-soluble substances, such as coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, or the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, should always be taken with a fatty meal, as this significantly improves uptake. Other micronutrients are absorbed less efficiently when taken with food. Certain food components bind micronutrients, which are then excreted. In addition, some components of food compete for the same transport systems for absorption.

If you want to ensure that micronutrients are optimally absorbed, please adhere to the consumption recommendation on the container of the product.

Why have spots formed inside the capsule after opening?

Some ingredients, particularly the ingredient L-carnitine, are highly hydrophilic. Each time you open the container, the ingredients come into contact with air humidity. The more moisture that is absorbed, the more the ingredient's color changes. L-carnitine changes from its initial white color to a dark brown hue. To slow down this harmless process, products containing a lot of L-carnitine include a desiccant bag. This should be left in the container so that it absorbs the moisture from the air. Storing the container in a dry place with the lid tightly closed also helps slow down the discoloration process.

Can children also take the products?

For children, the recommended daily intake for most vitamins and minerals is significantly lower than for adults. Therefore, children should not take the same multivitamin products as adults. We have developed products that are tailored to the specific needs of children: [Kid-in-form 4+ multi+](#) (for children over 4 years), [Kid-in-form 10+ multi+](#) (for children over 10 years), and [Attento-in-form® multi+](#). In addition, children from the age of one can take the product [Darm-in-form Flora® Kid](#).

Apart from vitamins and minerals, there are not enough studies on most micronutrients for children, especially at high dosages. Therefore, it is often not possible to make a clear statement about whether certain micronutrients are safe for children or not. Which product is suitable should always be clarified with the treating pediatrician.

Can pregnant and breastfeeding women also take the products?

Certain ingredients in dietary supplements should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are too few studies dealing with the safety of, for example, certain plant extracts in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, no clear statement can be made about their safety. If in doubt, discuss the benefits and risks of taking certain dietary supplements with your gynecologist.

We have developed a special micronutrient combination tailored to the increased needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding without causing overdosage:

Is there a trick for swallowing capsules and tablets more easily?

Since we are naturally accustomed to swallowing only chewed food, some people find it difficult to swallow capsules or tablets. However, with the simple "Capsule Nod Trick", even large capsules can be swallowed quite easily:

  1. Place the capsule as far back on your tongue as possible.
  2. Take a medium-sized sip of water. Keep the water and the capsule in your mouth at first.
  3. Then tilt your head slightly forward by moving your chin towards your chest.
  4. Now swallow the capsule with your head tilted forward.


The "Tablet Bottle Trick" is recommended for quickly swallowing tablets:

  1. Take a PET bottle filled with still water.
  2. Place the tablet as far back on your tongue as possible and wrap your lips tightly around the PET bottle so that no air can enter the bottle.
  3. Now take a large gulp of water until the PET bottle contracts. This causes a large wave of water to enter your mouth, sweeping the tablet along with it.

Generally, capsules and tablets should be taken while sitting or standing with at least 200 milliliters of water.

Why does changing the position of the head solve the swallowing problem? Changing the head position alters the swallowing dynamics. Capsules should therefore be taken with the head lowered. The reason for this is that capsules are usually filled with some air and therefore float in the water-filled mouth. With the head slightly tilted down, the throat is also at the top. Once the capsule is in the throat, it can be swallowed without any problems. Moreover, a forward-tilted head position widens the esophagus. Conversely, if you tilt your head back, the esophagus narrows. The capsule has less space, and swallowing becomes additionally difficult. Additionally, with this head position, the capsule floats upwards towards the tip of the tongue, lengthening the swallowing path.

Can the capsules be opened?

The capsules of most of our products can be opened. Simply pull apart the two halves of the capsule and mix the powder into some yogurt or other cold to lukewarm foods. Stirring the powder into water is less suitable: vitamins, minerals, and secondary plant substances do not dissolve completely in water. Thus, some of the powder always remains on the glass wall and is not absorbed.

Which capsules are less suitable for opening?

Oil-containing capsules can only be pierced and squeezed out, but some oil remains in the capsule. Furthermore, this procedure is not very straightforward. The capsules can also be chewed and then swallowed. However, due to the sometimes unpleasant taste of the oils, this is not recommended. Therefore, better choose liquid alternative products listed below. Or try the "Capsule Nod Trick" described in the question "Is there a trick for swallowing capsules and tablets more easily?"

Oil-containing capsules with alternative products:

Oil-containing capsules without alternative products:

Which capsules should not be opened?

Gastro-resistant capsules should not be opened, as they are designed to protect the capsule contents from stomach acid and only dissolve in the intestines. If gastro-resistant capsules are opened, they can no longer protect the stomach-sensitive ingredients; in the worst case, this can lead to losing their efficacy.

If the capsules are gastro-resistant, you will find a corresponding note on the label.

The following preparations have gastro-resistant capsules:

Exception: Preparations with bacterial and yeast strains ("Flora")

Preparations with bacterial and yeast strains with the name "Flora" have gastro-resistant capsules to protect the bacteria and yeasts from stomach acid. However, these capsules can be opened if the following is observed: Open the capsules, mix the contents into water, milk, or yogurt and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then take it with a meal. All this increases the survivability of the bacteria and yeasts in the stomach so that they arrive in the intestines. The water or milk must not be hot: Heat would kill the bacterial and yeast strains. This applies to the following preparations:

If you are unsure whether the capsules of a particular product can be opened or not, please call us or write to us. We are here to help. Phone: 069/768 05 698-22, Email: info@formmed.de

Why doesn't FormMed offer effervescent tablets or vitamin powder?

We mainly offer our dietary supplements in capsule form, as this allows us to avoid additives and auxiliary substances (with few exceptions). Without additives and auxiliary substances, most vitamins, minerals, and secondary plant substances do not dissolve in water. Therefore, they are included in effervescent tablets or soluble powders.

Also, capsules do very well without flavors and sweeteners. Effervescent tablets and powders, however, cannot do without them, as the unpleasant taste of many micronutrients must be masked.

Microorganisms - to be taken with or between meals?

We offer microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) in capsules and as powder for dissolving in fluids. The capsule preparations containing microorganisms are surrounded by gastro-resistant capsules. They can be taken both between and with meals. However, it should be noted that the residence time of the capsule in the stomach depends on many different factors and varies from person to person. If the capsule's residence time in the stomach exceeds a certain duration, any gastro-resistant capsule will eventually dissolve. If this happens on an empty stomach, most bacteria will not survive the passage through the stomach because the gastric juice of an empty stomach is very acidic. During a meal, the pH value increases significantly, the stomach content is not as acidic. Therefore, bacteria survive the passage through the stomach better, should the capsule dissolve while still in the stomach. Hence, we recommend taking the capsules with a meal.

The powder preparations with microorganisms should also be taken with a meal and never on an empty stomach. During the meal, the stomach content is less acidic. The bacteria thus survive the journey through the stomach and arrive unharmed in the intestines.

What is special about cellulose capsules?

Our cellulose capsules are made exclusively from Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and are therefore suitable for vegans. In contrast to other HPMC capsules, they contain no additional substances such as gelling agents. Compared to standard cellulose capsules, they dissolve much faster after ingestion. This has the advantage that the ingredients are optimally released. Another advantage of the rapid dissolution time of the capsule shell is that it is better tolerated: capsules that linger longer in the stomach push against the stomach wall like foreign bodies, which can cause stomach pain and nausea in sensitive individuals.

Why do some preparations contain cellulose powder as a filler and is it safe?

For capsules that are only slightly filled due to the low use of raw materials, the use of fillers is necessary. FormMed uses cellulose powder in the form of microcrystalline cellulose for this purpose. These are microparticles. Absorption via the intestine is not possible due to their size, unlike the smaller nanoparticles, which are not included. The microcrystalline cellulose is therefore excreted from the body unchanged. In addition, the cellulose we use has GRAS status ("Generally Recognized As Safe"). This means that the substance is generally recognized as safe.

Do products containing algae, fish, or krill oil contain iodine?

Algae, fish, and krill oils, as well as algae powder, contain only traces of iodine:

The product Omegaform® 230 DHA Concentrate vegan with algae oil contains about 0.25 µg of iodine per capsule. In our liquid algae oil product, Omegaform® DHA/EPA+ vegan liquid, there is approximately 1.6 µg per tablespoon. Due to the cultivation of algae in closed systems, the algae cannot accumulate iodine, so only traces of iodine are expected.

Fish oil contains approximately 0.50–1.0 micrograms of iodine per gram of fish oil. This is only about 0.25–0.50 micrograms of iodine in a capsule of Omegaform® 375 EPA+ Concentrate, which corresponds to about 0.2% of the recommended daily iodine intake. Also, a tablespoon of our liquid fish oil variant Omegaform® EPA+ liquid contains only about 2.6 µg iodine. A capsule of Omegaform® 350 DHA Concentrate contains just 0.47 µg iodine.

The iodine content in Krill oil is also very low: 0.80 micrograms of iodine per gram. A capsule of Omegaform® 330 Krill contains about 0.32 micrograms of iodine. This corresponds to 0.20% of the recommended daily intake.

The algae Chlorella vulgaris contains 0.20 micrograms of iodine per gram of Chlorella powder. With a tablet of Phytoform® Chlorella 400, only 0.08 µg of iodine are ingested, representing 0.05% of the recommended daily intake for iodine. The iodine content of the algae Spirulina platensis is also negligibly low. The product Phytoform® Spirulina 400 can be taken without concern even if iodine must be avoided.

Also, the red algae used in Calcioform® 300 Alge D3/K2 and Calcioform® 300 Alge D3 contain small amounts of iodine – about 4.5 µg per capsule.

Is the plastic of the product containers safe?

The plastic containers are safe. They are suitable for direct contact with food and medicines and do not contain plasticizers.

Why are the capsules in the new container lighter/darker than those from a previous container?

The color of the capsules may vary slightly between old and new batches. Variations in the color of the capsules are a sign of the naturalness of the raw materials used. Over time, some raw materials also darken during storage. Other manufacturers sometimes use colorants to compensate for such natural color variations in raw materials. However, FormMed largely refrains from using colorants and other auxiliary and additive substances.

Why do the capsules have such an intense smell?

Some ingredients have a very intense, specific smell that can be perceived as chemical or unpleasant. In particular, some amino acids (L-Methionin, L-Cystein) or L-Carnitin have an unpleasant own smell (e.g., sulfuric or fishy). Green tea and curcumin extract often cause a very pungent smell. The food-grade product containers also have a slight plastic smell. Smells are often perceived more intensely at higher temperatures. As we refrain from using flavoring agents, the smell cannot be avoided.

Why is there a desiccant bag in some product containers?

The desiccant bag protects sensitive micronutrients from moisture. Some micronutrients have a strong tendency to bind water, changing their color and sometimes their stability. The desiccant bag absorbs moisture like a sponge. It protects the micronutrients from humidity. Always leave the desiccant bag in the container to maintain protection.

How long is the product shelf-stable after opening?

Unless otherwise indicated on the label, the product can be consumed until the printed expiration date. If a product should be consumed within a shorter period after opening, you will find a corresponding note on the label (for example, "Use within 8 weeks after opening.").

How long can the products be used after the best before date has been reached?

Up to the best before date (BBD), the content and stability of the active ingredients are guaranteed. After the BBD, the content and stability of the active ingredients are no longer ensured.

What is the best way to store the products?

Store the products protected from heat, sunlight, and high humidity. The stability of the micronutrients may suffer under these conditions. It is best to keep the capsules in the original container, where they are protected from light and moisture. If you place the capsules in a medication dosing aid, note that the protection against moisture is not optimal. The capsules in a medication dosing aid should be consumed within a week.

What does the recommendation "between meals" mean?

"Between meals" means that the capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, i.e., at least one hour before eating or two hours after eating. This recommendation is given for ingredients whose absorption would be impaired by the presence of food components. Gastro-resistant capsules should also optimally be taken on an empty stomach, as they pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestine. An exception to this are preparations that contain microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts.

Are the vitamin D products suitable for vegetarians/vegans?

Most vitamin D products are suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans. The vitamin D we use is extracted from sheep's wool, known as lanolin. The sheep are only shorn, not killed, so vegetarians can take vitamin D without any concerns.

Vegan vitamin D is contained in the products [D-form® 2.000 vegan](#) and [D-form® 2.000 K2 vegan](#) as well as the product [Multi-in-form® vegan multi+](#). In these, the vitamin D is extracted from lichens.

Are the Vital Shakes also suitable for diabetics?

The Vital Shakes are suitable for diabetics – provided that the carbohydrate content or bread units of the shakes are taken into account. The shakes contain between 17 and 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving (equivalent to 1.4 to 1.8 bread units).

Are there any taste samples of the Vital Shakes?

No, unfortunately, we cannot offer you samples of our products.

 

Questions about personal vitamin status

How can I determine my personal needs?

Your personal needs for micronutrients can best be determined by a doctor or micronutrient expert.

Can FormMed provide medical advice regarding the products?

For legal reasons, we are not allowed to answer medical questions. Please consult a medical professional who is knowledgeable in micronutrient therapy.

 

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+49 (0) 69 / 768 05 698-22

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