As we lose count of heatwaves and hosepipes become a thing of the past, it’s easy to catch yourself slipping in this last lap of summer – so why not ask for a helping hand? Whether you’re forgetting to stay hydrated or need some extra UV protection, I spoke to Nutritional Scientist Tobias Stöckmann to discover the best supplements for summer 2026
No matter the time of year, hydration, nutrition and recovery should be priority for any active lifestyle – and it’s especially important during the hotter months. But when it comes to stocking up your summer medicine cabinet, keeping it simple is key.
“During the summer months, I like to keep supplementation simple and focus on what the body is most likely to benefit from as routines naturally change,” says Tobias Stöckmann, Nutritional Scientist and Research & Innovation Lead at More Nutrition.
“Our nutritional requirements don’t change dramatically throughout the year, but our environment, activity levels and daily habits often do,” he adds. “Rather than changing supplements based on the season alone, it’s worth considering whether your current lifestyle or training routine has changed and whether there are any nutritional gaps that need addressing.”
Tobias says that taking supplements shouldn’t be based on trends but should focus on how your routine changes throughout the year – and should fill in the nutritional gaps you might start to notice.
“I’d encourage people to assess what their body needs based on their current lifestyle,” he adds. “Someone training for an event over summer may have very different nutritional priorities to someone spending most of their day indoors.”
Electrolytes
During the summer, it’s hard to resist the temptation to get outdoors for some fresh air fitness – which is naturally going to introduce much more sweating. Staying well hydrated is going to become an even greater priority, and drinking enough water will be the most important step.
“One of the first things I’d recommend focusing on during the summer months is simply staying well hydrated, particularly by drinking enough fluids throughout the day,” says Tobias. “As we tend to sweat more in warmer weather, our fluid needs can increase, and for many people, increasing water intake will be enough to support hydration.”
But for those exercising intensely, sweating heavily or spending extended periods in the heat, electrolyte supplements can be a useful addition to help replace minerals lost through sweat.
“Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium that help support fluid balance, muscle function and normal nerve function,” he adds. “While replacing these minerals can be beneficial in situations where sweat losses are significant, many people already consume sufficient amounts through a balanced diet, especially key electrolytes such as sodium and chloride.”
For most people, prioritising decent fluid intake should be the first step, with electrolyte supplements being a useful addition when your needs are higher.
Vitamin D
Although a winter essential, vitamin D can also be an important addition during the summer months.
“Vitamin D is often associated with supplementation during the winter months, when sunlight exposure is naturally lower,” says Tobias. “However, some people may still require vitamin D throughout the year depending on factors such as lifestyle, sun exposure and individual levels.”
“The best way to understand your needs is to check your vitamin D status through appropriate testing and adjust supplementation accordingly,” he adds.
Creatine
“Creatine is one of the few supplements I’d recommend all year round,” says Tobias. “It’s one of the most extensively researched sports supplements available and has consistently been shown to improve strength, power and exercise performance. By helping your muscles regenerate energy more efficiently during high-intensity exercise, creatine allows you to train harder, perform more repetitions and maximise the benefits of your workouts over time.”
Protein
If this heat is making you crave salads, juices and greens, you aren’t the only one – but keep it up and you might start to lack some of the nutritional intake you otherwise would get from a hearty winter meal.
“A high-quality protein supplement can be a convenient and refreshing way to help meet your daily protein requirements if you’re struggling to get enough through food alone, whilst also helping to keep you hydrated,” says Tobias.
Daily habits
And while supplements can offer that helping hand, they should always complement healthy daily habits, rather than replacing them altogether.
“During summer, I’d recommend making hydration your first priority, particularly if you’re exercising outdoors or spending time in warmer temperatures,” says Tobias. “Alongside this, try to maintain a consistent exercise routine alongside a regular supplement regime to support overall fitness throughout the year.”
“Nutrition is also equally important, so aim to include a good source of protein with each meal to support muscle maintenance and recovery, while also eating your daily serving of fruit and vegetables to provide fibre, vitamins and minerals,” he adds. “It’s also worth remembering that hot weather can sometimes reduce your appetite, making it even more important to plan meals that provide enough nutrients to support your activity levels.”
Tobias also suggests never underestimating the importance of recovery during this season.
“For anyone focused on performance, consuming enough energy and nutrients through a well-balanced diet will have a far greater impact than almost any supplement,” he says. “Alongside adequate nutrition, prioritising good quality sleep, staying hydrated and allowing enough time to recover between training sessions are all essential for supporting long-term progress.”
Try these 6 summer supplements

ESN HydroLoad Electrolytes
Women’s Fitness verdict
Not only will these powerhouse electrolytes help you perform at your best in the heat, but they’re also perfect for dosing up on the essentials after a day in the sun (festival hangovers included)- Electrolyte-carbohydrate powder with 5 electrolytes in an optimal ratio
- 5-fold electrolyte matrix: high-dose sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium & chloride
- Carbohydrates from dextrin & dextrose3 – fructose-free
- Support for water absorption & endurance performance

Nuda Nutrition Marine Collagen Powder (Type 1)
Women’s Fitness verdict
Intense UV rays and heat break down skin proteins and cause dehydration – so this Marine Collagen powder is an essential for extra hydration, elasticity and skin support during the summer months- 100% Marine Collagen
- 10g collagen per serve
- Source of protein
- Beauty & skin support
- Boosts gut, joint & tissue health

Viridian Nutrition Astaxanthin
Women’s Fitness verdict
Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant known for its ability to help protect skin from UV damage. Formulated in a base of marigold flower, it filters harmful blue light and neutralises free radicals- Sourced from fresh water microalgae, one of the richest sources of natural astaxanthin
- Naturally rich in the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin
- Suitable for vegans with 100% active ingredients

Efamol High Strength Evening Primrose Oil capsules
Women’s Fitness verdict
Each capsule provides 115mg of omega gamma-linolenic acid, extracted from an exclusively grown seed, and combined with a natural vitamin E to protect skin cells from damage caused by oxidative stress- Helps maintain skin barrier function and hydration
- Offers hormonal support during hot weather
- Soothes summer skin flare ups and stress caused by free radicals, including UV rays

Wild Nutrition Food-Grown® Natural Glow
Women’s Fitness verdict
This smart supplement not only stimulates your skin’s natural sun defences to support against premature ageing, but also enhances a healthy glow with an exclusive ingredient: Melaline®- Supports collagen formation and skin pigmentation
- Boosts antioxidant support
- Provides nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable forms

More Clear – Clear Whey Protein Lemonade
Women’s Fitness verdict
Not in the mood for thick and filling protein shakes in the heat? This whey isolate is refreshingly clear and tastes like a fruity juice, iced tea or lemonade – ideal support for a summer diet- Up to 25g protein
- Free from sugar, fat & lactose
- Refreshingly clear protein alternative to creamy shakes
- Comes in 7 fresh flavours
Top tip: Remember that supplement choices should always be based on lifestyle, activity levels and nutritional needs rather than what season it is. Supplements are designed to help fill any nutritional gaps where needed, but they are not a replacement for a nutritious diet or a shortcut to better health.
More Nutrition work with an interdisciplinary team of experts who approach nutrition holistically. With products created in collaboration between nutrition scientists, food technologists, medical professionals and product developers, they craft every formulation with scientific precision to make nutrition simpler, healthier and more enjoyable. Find out more at https://morenutrition.co.uk/

