A basketful of seasonal supplements

My basket fills up with all manner of supplements at this time of year.

I don't know about you, but my basket fills up with eucalyptus essential oil, echinacea tinctures, and all manner of supplements at this time of year.

For me, this has more to do with fending off the winter snivels than any post-festive detoxing - although I have those options to explore later this month. We all plan to, then conveniently forget; so I will be your conscience this time around.

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It has to be said that I haven't been off work or laid-up at all since I supplemented my admittedly booze-fuelled pescatarian dietary habits with a stack of vitamins and minerals. Solaray is my go-to brand.

Solaray began in 1973 as a pioneer in formulating and marketing blended herbal products with complementary effects. They focus on encapsulated products for rapid disintegration and easy swallowing. Their rainbow packaging on white is currently available in more than 60 countries.

I indulge in hyaluronic acid, which is a component in the connective tissue that fills the spaces between cells of the skin and other tissues; it is a major ingredient of the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. I consider this to be a triple winner, as it helps my eyes and complexion, plus my bad knee all at the same time (£19.99 for 30 capsules at 20mg: www.solaray.co.uk).

The whole natural health industry is on its guard in Britain. The prospect of political upheaval, plus renewed regulatory activity in Brussels, lead to stark warnings from the Consumers for Health Choice (CHC) parliamentary reception at the House of Commons last month. The annual bash was co-hosted by Kate Hoey, the Labour MP, and Marcus Jones, the Conservative MP, and sponsored by Holland and Barrett. Michael Peet, chair of CHC, says that the focus for 2015 will continue to be the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals.

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Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European Commission's health commissioner, and an influx of MEPs are creating fresh challenges for this sector.

Mr Jones said; 'I think it's completely absurd that that the European Commission can come forward with, and regulate, something that is safe and well-established in our country. If products do not cause harm, I can see no reason why European, or any other, legislative bodies have any good reason to create further legislation.'

For once, I seem to have agreed with the blue side. I really must keep taking the pills.

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