Health food shops: vitamin and supplement jargon-buster

• Aloe vera: the juice of this cactus-like plant can be used to treat burns and skin irritations. It's also a popular treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You'll find aloe vera in various forms in health food shops, including creams, gels and supplements.
• B Vitamins: help keep the skin, hair, eyes and liver healthy. You can buy vitamin B supplements in health food shops, while the best dietary sources include liver, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.
• Calcium: a must-have for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is available in foods, including milk and cheese, as well as in supplement form from health food shops.
• Echinacea: a staple of health food shops, this Native American flower taken in supplement form is believed to ward off colds.
• Evening Primrose Oil: used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pains. It's available from health food shops as a capsule or lotion.
• Fish Oils: a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, which guard against heart disease. Readily available in supplement form from health food shops.
• Ginseng: a plant extract used to develop stamina and reduce stress. You can buy it in tablet form in health food shops.
• Glucosamine sulphate: thought to help build and repair cartilage, keeping joints flexible.
• Probiotics: these "friendly" bacteria are taken to improve digestion and are sold as supplements in health food shops.
• Selenium: builds up the body's natural defences, guarding against cell and tissue damage.
• St John's Wort: a natural anti-depressant. You can buy it in health food shops, but check with your GP first.
• Starflower Oil: this is used to treat PMS, endometriosis and period pains.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): helps fight infection and enables the body to absorb iron. You can buy supplements from health food shops but it's also a good idea to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to get your daily quota.
• Vitamin D: Most of the body's supply is produced by the skin's exposure to sun. In winter, you can top it up by eating oily fish, eggs and margarine and with supplements from health food shops.
• Vitamin E: found in olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Available as capsule or moisturising cream from health food shops.
• Zinc: essential in the production of new cells. It also keeps hair, skin and nails looking their best.

Take care

Never exceed the recommended daily amount of any vitamin or supplement. Talk to your doctor about persistent health problems.