You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat”, but when it comes to supplements, it might be more accurate to say, “you are what you absorb.”
If you’re spending time and money on supplements but not feeling the benefits, it might not be about what you’re taking, it could be about what’s missing – and that’s where cofactors come in. These often-overlooked nutrients play a big role in how well your body actually uses the vitamins and minerals you’re giving it. Here we break down what cofactors are, why they matter, and how they can be the missing link in your supplement routine.
So… what are cofactors, exactly?
In simple terms, cofactors are helper nutrients - substances like vitamins, minerals, or enzymes that your body relies on to properly absorb, activate, or utilise other nutrients.
Nutrients don’t work in isolation. For your body to convert them into something usable, whether that’s for energy production, brain function, immunity, or cellular repair, it often needs a helping hand – and that is what cofactors do. They kickstart processes, assist conversions, and make sure the nutrients you take actually get to work.
Sometimes, cofactors are essential for transporting a nutrient into your cells. Other times, they’re needed to trigger a chemical reaction that activates a vitamin or mineral in the body. Without them, even the best nutrients might stay inactive, pass through unused, or create imbalances.
This is why thoughtful formulation matters so much in supplements, and why cofactors are far more than just a bonus ingredient. They're often the missing piece that helps your body truly benefit from what you're putting in.
Examples:
Vitamin D + Magnesium + K2 + Boron + Zinc
Vitamin D needs magnesium to be converted into its active form. It also needs vitamin K2 to help shuttle calcium into your bones (instead of your arteries), boron which supports Vitamin D metabolism, and zinc as it enhances immune function and absorption.
So, if you're taking D3 on its own, it may not be doing its full job.
Our Vitamin D3 Complete is the only one on the market to have all the essential cofactors to maximise Vitamin D3 absorption and effectiveness.
B12 + Folate + D-Biotin
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, nervous system health, and red blood cell formation, but it works best when paired with key co-factors. Folate (especially in its methylated form) supports B12 in DNA synthesis and methylation processes, which are crucial for everything from detoxification to brain function. Meanwhile, D-Biotin (a form of biotin) plays a role in converting nutrients into energy and supports healthy skin, hair, and metabolism. Together, these nutrients create a powerful synergy for cellular energy, mood, and overall vitality.
In the absence of these cofactors, symptoms of B12 deficiency - such as fatigue and anaemia - can still occur, even in the presence of normal levels of B12. Our B12 Complete is the only supplement with all 3 cofactors to ensure the proper metabolism of B12.
What happens when cofactors are missing?
When supplements lack proper cofactors, you might experience:
- Minimal results (despite consistent use)
- Digestive discomfort
- Nutrient imbalances
- Wasted money on poorly absorbed ingredients
And let’s be honest, no one wants to be spending money on supplements that just pass through the system without doing their job.
How to spot a supplement that includes cofactors
Here’s what to look for when reading label:
Bioavailable forms – Look for activated or chelated ingredients like “methylcobalamin” for B12 or “magnesium glycinate” instead of cheaper, less absorbable forms like “magnesium oxide.”
Balanced formulas – The best supplements are thoughtfully designed with synergistic ingredients that work together (e.g. calcium + D3 + K2 + magnesium).
Practitioner-developed or backed by science – Good supplement companies invest time in research and formulation, not just flashy packaging.
Why Barefoot Nutrition includes cofactors in every formula
At Barefoot Nutrition, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all wellness, but we do believe in giving your body what it needs to function at its best. That’s why every product is built with cofactors and bioavailability in mind.
We ask questions like:
- Will this nutrient absorb well on its own?
- Does it need a partner nutrient to be effective?
- How do we keep it balanced, clean, and easy for the body to use?
It’s not just about what’s in your supplement, it’s about what your body can actually absorb and use. That’s why we use bioavailable forms of key nutrients (like methylated B12, chelated minerals, and active folate), paired with the right co-factors to maximise their impact.
You’ll find carefully chosen combinations in everything we make - from multivitamins and Omega-3s to B-complex blends and magnesium formulas - because we want you to feel a difference, not just check a box.
Bottom line: supplements should work smarter, not harder
Cofactors are the missing puzzle pieces in a lot of supplement routines. Without them, even the most well-intentioned health habits can fall flat.
By choosing supplements that are formulated with these crucial companions in mind, you’re giving your body a better chance to absorb, use, and benefit from every dose.
So next time you’re browsing the supplement aisle or shopping online, don’t just look for the big nutrients on the front of the bottle. Flip it over. Check the form, the added ingredients, and whether it's built to actuallysupport your health.
Because when your supplements work together - so does your body.
Ready to upgrade your routine with smarter supplements? Check out our ‘Products’ page for the full range of thoughtfully formulated, cofactor-supported products.
https://barefootnutrition.co.uk
https://barefootnutrition.co.uk/pages/100-natural
https://barefootnutrition.co.uk/collections/all
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cofactor_(biochemistry)
https://wholisticmatters.com/minerals-as-inorganic-cofactors-for-healthy-cells/
https://www.healthline.com/health/best-form-of-vitamins-for-absorption#maximizing-absorption
Leave a comment