BETTER FOR YOU

“Unlike herbal remedies, which have to meet a standard to get the THR (traditional herbal remedy) certification, the standard of supplements is hugely variable and paying more is no guarantee of a better product,” says Ali. “Many are also sold in doses that are far too high, so it’s best to take advice from a nutritional therapist if you can.”

Vitamin E (from nuts and seeds) beta-carotene (from red, orange and yellow vegetables) potassium (from bananas) and Vitamin K (from green veg) are safest taken as foods, not supplements,” says Ali. “It’s the same for selenium (in Brazil nuts) which can be highly toxic in excess.”

With Vitamin D supplements, stick to low doses of no more than 10mcg/400iu a day to prevent a toxic build-up,” says Ali. Public Health England recommend all adults in the UK take a 10mcg of Vitamin D a day between October and March every year.

Biocare Bio-D 400iu Vitamin D Liquid (£6.49/15ml) from health stores

Avoid drinking tea, coffee or alcohol after taking supplements as they could deplete the nutrients and stop you absorbing what you need.

You’re unlikely to be short on iron post-menopause so check your multivitamin doesn’t contain iron you don’t need. Too much can be toxic, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Try Better You MultiVit Spray (£9.95/25ml) from www.betteryou.com or Holland and Barrett