Glucosamine sulphate.

An amino acid sugar formed in our tissues from glucose and playing an important role in the making of soft tissue structures such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Age, injury and disease all deplete the body's levels of glucosamine, so injuries heal slowly, if at all. Supplements of glucosamine sulphate top up the body's production of glucosamine and speed healing of these soft body structures. Highly effective at banishing back and arthritis pain, joint stress and speeding the healing of sports injuries. Available in various forms and can be medically prescribed.

Green-lipped mussel.

Green-lipped mussel extract is taken from a species found only in the polluted waters around New Zealand. It is a popular and effective treatment for many arthritis sufferers as it eases pain and helps maintain joint mobility.

Halibut oil (see Fish oils).

Herbal remedies.

Iron.

Good food sources: liver, beef, eggs, dried apricots, wholemeal bread, fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, broccoli, potatoes and soya beans.

Kelp.

The name given to various seaweed species, found on the coasts of Europe and North America. Kelp is a rich natural source of sea minerals, particularly iodine, the important trace element in thyroxine, the hormone made by the thyroid gland. Kelp tablets are popular with slimmers as they stimulate a sluggish thyroid gland and speed up metabolism. Three kelp tablets daily provide between 140-400 mcg of iodine (the RDA of iodine is 150mcg). Kelp should be avoided by pregnant women and those taking thyroxine. Always check with your GP if you suspect your thyroid is underactive.

Lecithin.

Lecithin is made in the liver and found in all body cells, with especially large concentrations in the brain. Its role is to maintain the structure of cell membranes and to transport and digest fat in the body. Lecithin supplements improve the bile's capacity to emulsify cholesterol, so may reduce the risk of gallstones in susceptible people. Lecithin is also a rich source of choline (a nutrient related to the B complex vitamins) and essential for normal brain activity. High intakes of lecithin may slow down brain changes in older people and remove excess fat from the liver. Lecithin is also believed to protect the myelin sheath, which insulates the nerves and is depleted in multiple sclerosis. The normal supplemental intake is about 3g daily in tablet form. Granules for sprinkling on food provide higher intakes for specific health problems.

Magnesium

A vital component of bones and teeth, that helps the body utilise vitamins, calcium and other minerals. When combined with vitamin B6, magnesium ensures that calcium is deposited in the bones and not in the kidneys or blood vessels. Magnesium is vital to many enzyme reactions in the body and is closely involved in energy release and the correct functioning of the nerves and muscles. Deficiencies may cause irritability, anxiety, facial twitches and muscle spasms. Magnesium is one of the most difficult minerals for the body to absorb from food. Supplements supply between 50mg and 200mg per tablet or capsule and may be combined with vitamin B6, or with calcium and vitamin D (when taken for bone health). RDA is 300mg.Good food sources: Brown rice, wholemeal bread, brazil nuts, potatoes, peas and dried fruits like apricots and raisins.

Multivitamins/minerals.

A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables should contain all the nutrients we need to keep healthy. But there are times in life when we may need more nutrients than our diet provides. Taking a multivitamin is an easy and convenient way to guard against deficiencies and ensures we keep a balanced intake of important nutrients. Many groups of people also require extra vitamins and minerals on a long-term basis, including anyone on a restricted diet (diabetics, vegans, food allergy sufferers), people with poor appetites, older people, convalescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, smokers and drinkers (need extra antioxidants), faddy eaters, slimmers, athletes and very active people.

When choosing a multivitamin preparation, check that the product provides high levels of the main antioxidant nutrients - vitamins A, C, E (natural rather than synthetic vitamin E) and beta carotene and that it gives 100 per cent or preferably more of RDA for other vitamins and minerals.