1. Echinacea

Echinacea is considered to be an excellent supplement to take in winter. Many people swear by it to ward off colds and flu. If you´re plagued by colds, give this a go – it´s worth trying to avoid the misery of sneezing and coughing your way through winter!

2. Vitamin C

Some people believe that a high dose of Vitamin C also helps to prevent you catching colds. There is no proof that it does, of course, but a daily vitamin C tablet is a useful health supplement, just to make sure that you are getting enough. But don´t forget to eat fruit and vegetables as well.

3. Folic Acid

Folic acid is one health supplement that doctors definitely recommend, in fact it is considered essential if you are planning to get pregnant, for its role in preventing babies being born with spina bifida. Start taking it three months before stopping contraception.

4. St John´s Wort

St John´s Wort is popular as a herbal remedy for mild depression. It should, of course, not be used in more serious cases; and always see your doctor if the feelings persist. Do be careful if you are on prescribed medication, as it is known to interact with some of them.

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D may be of benefit to anyone living in a colder climate. You don´t need much exposure to the sun to produce enough of the vitamin naturally, but it is common for people in northern countries to be deficient. So taking a tablet is often advisable in this case.

6. Iron

Who can benefit from taking iron tablets? Quite a lot of people. Any woman or girl who is menstruating, particularly if she experiences a heavy blood flow. Vegetarians can also find this a useful health supplement, since meat is the best source of iron.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics have become popular in recent years, as they are considered to boost the levels of ´good bacteria´ in the gut. They are available in the form of yoghurt and yoghurt drinks, but the easiest and cheapest way of taking them is in tablet form. Probiotics are especially recommended while taking antibiotics, which can reduce the amount of ´good bacteria´.

8. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba (not the easiest name to spell!) is believed to be useful for many conditions, and has been the subject of many studies. One of its main uses is in boosting brain function and blood flow, and it is potentially of use in treating Alzheimer´s.

If you are taking prescribed medication, do check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking health supplements, as the absorption of the medication or supplement may be affected. For example, St John´s Wort can prevent other pills from being properly absorbed. Plenty of people swear by supplements though, and are convinced that their health is improved through taking them. Which health supplements work for you?

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