Pharmacy Turns Human Pee into Vitamins – Demonstrating the Consequences of Supplement Overuse

Nov. 09, 2026

Consumption of dietary supplements has soared globally in recent years following heightened health consciousness and increased focus on preventive healthcare. At the same time, a new nationwide survey in Sweden reveals concerning behaviours. Some consumers exceed recommended doses and are potentially taking supplements unnecessarily which can lead up to serious health consequences.

In response, Sweden’s largest pharmacy chain, Apotek Hjärtat, has developed Vitamin P(ee) – gummies made from vitamin C recovered from human urine. The unexpected initiative is meant to encourage people to rethink their use of supplements.

Annika Svedberg, Chief Pharmacist at Apotek Hjärtat said:

"Taking excessive amounts of iron or fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D and E, can have serious health consequences. With water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, excess amounts are excreted through urine, so it’s literally like flushing money down the drain."

 

Apotek Hjärtat collected excess vitamin C from the urine of a group of consumers. The initiative was developed in collaboration with a researcher at the Biomedical Centre at Uppsala University in Sweden.

 

Annika Svedberg said:

"Vitamin P(ee) is a tangible reminder that more isn't always better when it comes to supplements. We want to draw attention to this often unnecessary consumption and encourage people to be more mindful of their use."