In conversation with L-COMPLEX founder Laura
The ingredients found in kombucha depend on several factors, including the type of tea used, the culture, and the fermentation conditions. During fermentation, organic acids and other natural fermentation products can be produced.
However, this does not mean that kombucha can generally compensate for a diagnosed nutrient deficiency. A balanced diet and, if necessary, targeted supplementation can help meet individual nutrient requirements.
In this interview, we speak with Laura, founder of L-COMPLEX, about dietary supplements, micronutrients, and when additional supplementation may be beneficial. We also discuss diet, stress, the microbiome, and how to understand different supplements.
“Maintaining a balanced nutrient supply depends on your overall diet, personal needs, and various individual factors. A stressful daily life can make it even harder to eat a balanced and varied diet regularly.”
1. Please briefly introduce yourself and L-COMPLEX. What is the meaning behind the name, and how did you come up with the idea to found L-COMPLEX?
I’m Laura, and I founded L-COMPLEX in early 2019 while working at a Berlin-based startup. I have always been interested in healthy eating. I only discovered dietary supplements after facing a prolonged health challenge. What I realized is that we live in a world full of stressors that can make it harder to incorporate healthy eating, regular exercise, and sufficient relaxation into our daily lives.
Today, more and more people are becoming more mindful about their diet, exercise, sleep, and rest. These factors are all part of a balanced lifestyle, and their relative importance can vary from person to person. I want to help people better understand their bodies and contribute to greater well-being and quality of life through a holistic approach. Dietary supplements can be a useful addition when there is a specific need.
2. Dietary supplements are currently in vogue: What sets your products apart from others?
The dietary supplement market is diverse, and it is not always easy for consumers to navigate. Products differ, for example, in their formulation, origin, dosage, additives, and quality assurance. That is why it is worth taking a closer look at the ingredients and the product information available.
Our products are based on carefully selected ingredients, are tested for purity according to our specifications, and are largely vegan. We manufacture in Germany and prioritize traceable supply chains and quality controls. We use recycled glass for our packaging. We develop our formulations together with experts and base them on scientific evidence regarding the ingredients used. We closely follow new research findings to continuously improve our products.
3. Why do so many people in a developed society like ours need additional supplements?
Shouldn’t a mindful diet be enough to provide the body with the nutrients it needs? In principle, a balanced and varied diet can meet the needs of many people. However, whether additional dietary supplements are beneficial depends on individual factors, such as eating habits, certain stages of life, or a proven nutrient deficiency.
Modern life also presents many people with challenges: work commitments, family, and digital media can cause stress and make it difficult to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can impair well-being. However, they do not automatically mean that there is a nutrient deficiency or that nutrients are generally absorbed less effectively.
It is not possible to make a general assessment of how well someone is supplied with individual nutrients. Dietary supplements can be beneficial when they address a specific need. However, they do not replace a balanced diet or sufficient sleep, exercise, and rest.
4. Your blog also covers stress and mental well-being. What role can diet and a sufficient supply of micronutrients generally play in this?
Mental and physical well-being can be linked in different ways. A balanced diet and a sufficient supply of micronutrients are important components of a healthy lifestyle. Health claims are permitted for certain vitamins and minerals, for example regarding the normal function of the nervous system or immune system. However, whether supplementation is necessary on an individual basis depends on a person’s individual supply status and cannot be determined by stress or anxiety alone.
5. Do you have any tips on how to best support your immune system during the colder months?
Especially in winter, it is worth paying attention to your vitamin D supply. The body can produce vitamin D on its own with the help of sunlight; it is also absorbed through certain foods. How well supplied you are depends on several factors, including the season, sun exposure, diet, and individual factors. Supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not necessary for everyone.
Vitamin C and zinc also contribute to the normal function of the immune system when supplied in sufficient amounts. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and other nutrient-rich foods helps provide the body with important nutrients. Sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and periods of rest complement a health-conscious lifestyle.
6. In your opinion, how important are the microbiome and a healthy gut for nutrient absorption?
The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that is involved, among other things, in digestion and various metabolic processes. A large part of nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine. A varied diet with sufficient fiber supports a balanced diet and can contribute to a diverse range of gut microorganisms. How the microbiome develops is influenced by many factors and varies from person to person.
7. Of course, as kombucha lovers, we find L-COMPLEX’s Active Cultures particularly exciting. Tell us more about them: How valuable do you consider probiotic bacterial cultures to be in our diet?
The gut microbiome consists of a wide variety of different microorganisms and is influenced by numerous factors. Symptoms such as bloating, digestive problems, or intolerances can have many causes and do not allow for a general statement about the composition of the microbiome.
For products containing bacterial cultures, their scientific classification as probiotics depends on several factors, including the specific microorganisms, the strains tested, the amount consumed, and the available evidence. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, miso, and sauerkraut may also contain microorganisms depending on how they are made. However, this does not automatically mean they should be classified as probiotics. Fermented foods can complement a varied diet, but they cannot replace medical consultation for persistent symptoms.
8. Give us a little glimpse into the future: What else do you have planned on your journey with L-COMPLEX?
With L-COMPLEX, I want to create a place where I can help people actively and knowledgeably shape their own health. With the right information and products, I want to help develop routines that can contribute to greater well-being and quality of life in the long term—even during stressful times. In doing so, I am committed to a holistic approach that goes far beyond micronutrients. So you can expect many more exciting projects.
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