We all know that women and in particular those at or nearing middle age have many different health and lifestyle concerns.

When the children become adults and fly the nest, this is when they are able to think more about themselves and their own health.

Unfortunately, this is when the skin becomes drier and more prone to wrinkle and along with perhaps lack lustre hair and perhaps the menopause. All this can create turmoil in the mind and body but thankfully there are answers. We highlight below some nutritional female-friendly supplements that we feel would be beneficial:

A quality Multivitamin with iron

A complete daily multivitamin and iron, this will ensure that the optimum levels of nutrients for those approaching middle age are met. This formula contains plenty of anti-ageing antioxidants and trace minerals.

And for those creaky Bones

At this stage of life we must maintain our bone health. It is vital to ensure that we don’t allow ourselves a risk of our bones becoming brittle otherwise, as you can imagine, this could well lead to fractures. During the menopause the levels of the bone protector (oestrogen) decline so we should take care by supplementing.

Supplementing with what?

Generally, women need around 800mg to 1000mg of calcium per day. A mix of calcium & magnesium is beneficial and vitamin D (the RDA of which s found in cod liver oil. Not forgetting that the zinc, copper and boron in your multivitamin will assist calcium absorption. If your joints are painful then get glucosamine with chondroitin and allow a month or two for the full effect to kick in. It is always a concern once the levels of bone-protective oestrogen in the body decline.

For skin and hormonal balance

Products such as evening primrose oil, starflower oils, black cohosh and red clover are rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is metabolised in the body to form hormone like substances called prostaglandins. These play a major role in relieving inflammation, regulating hormonal balance and the immune response of the body and are found in all body tissues. All these products are widely used to help menopausal problems, endometriosis and breast pain as well as to promote cardio-vascular health, reduce blood pressure and help skin problems such as dry, itchy skin, eczema and acne.

Cranberry

Cranberry is a great source of vitamin C and has a particularly beneficial effect on the urinary tract by helping reduce the incidence of infections. Research shows that cranberries contain a specific group of polyphenols that don’t allow harmful micro organisms to stick to the cells of the bladder. According to the NHS, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection managed by GPs, and the incidence increases substantially with age.

Vitamin B Complex

B complex are a group of vitamins that are involved in almost every body system. Vitamin B2 can help improve mental function, Vitamins B5 and 12 are essential for healing and repair and Vitamin B6 and B12 are immune boosting. Overall, vitamin B complex plays a major role in metabolism and is vital for energy release. That can only be a good thing for most busy women but remember, our ability to absorb the B vitamins does decrease with age.

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My Health Articles.co.uk