Our digestive system is colonised by billions of bacteria and most of them are harmless. However, during times of stress, travel, illness, changes in the diet, and taking antibiotics, the unfriendly, pathogenic bacteria sometimes overwhelm the friendly bacteria. In these situations, practitioners frequently recommend the use of probiotics (capsules containing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum).

An independent study showed that Lamberts Acidophilus Extra was one of few products that lived up to the label claim.The bacteria are freeze dried with an acid stable polysaccaride matrix which surrounds the bacteria helping to protect them from the highly acidic conditions in the stomach.

Aloe vera is the most widely known and used of over 300 aloe species, most of which are native to South Africa but centuries ago became widely distributed via the major trade routes. Today, aloe vera is a popular houseplant and the plant may be used in its simplest form by applying the gel topically. The gel is obtained by simply breaking the thick triangular leaves near their base and squeezing the fresh gel directly onto dry skin, abrasions or burns. The gel spoils quickly but can be made into an ointment, which can then be kept for longer-term use. The juice comes from specialised cells beneath the thick outer skin of the leaves and contains a proportion of gel. Of the many historical uses for drinking aloe vera juice, the herb is best known for its effect in helping to maintain a healthy digestive system, however a more convenient way to take the herb is in the form of capsules.

Aloe Vera is the most widely known and used of over 300 species. The cool, soothing gel from its leaf is the basis of aloe vera juice, which is best known for its effect in helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.

During the teenage years, the body develops and grows dramatically and requires higher levels of energy, protein, calcium, zinc and iron, plus many other nutrients, to sustain these rapid spurts of growth. Unfortunately the teenage years are also a time when a passion for junk food can threaten the nutritional adequacy of the diet. Lamberts® A-Z Multi has an excellent spread of nutrients making it an ideal choice for those 13 years and upwards, especially those at college whose diets may be based on junk food with little fresh fruit and vegetables. This one-a-day formula provides all of the most important micronutrients, many at 100% of the RDA.

As we get older, our bodies begin to slow down and our stomachs are no exception. As we age, Hydrochloric Acid production frequently declines, but remains important for the breakdown of food in the gut. Hydrochloric Acid has several different functions; for example it sterilises the ingested food, acidifies it, activates a powerful protease called Pepsin and allows vitamin B-12 to be extracted from foodstuffs. Following the above process, food then passes into the intestines, where it is further metabolised into the various nutrients. This supplement will help to replace some of the lost acidity in the stomach, thus aiding the digestion of food, and may be favoured by those who wish to ensure a sufficiency of Hydrochloric Acid.

The main antioxidants, such as selenium, and the vitamins A, C and E were assumed to be the main weapons with which our bodies fight ‘free radicals’. New research has shown there to be equally powerful antioxidants in plant materials such as grapeseed, green tea and rosemary and these are combined in Betasec™. We’ve combined effective levels of the standard antioxidant nutrients, plus some of the best sources of natural plant antioxidants, all presented in a concentrated extract form.

This vitamin was first isolated from egg yolk in 1935 and is found in a variety of combined forms in both animal and plant tissues. In the animal it is stored in the liver. Biotin is readily produced by intestinal bacteria. Antibiotics and other medications have been shown to affect the bacterial production of this vitamin. The co-enzyme properties of biotin enable it to metabolise carbohydrate and protein for energy release and to take part in the production of prostaglandins from essential fatty acids. In the body it is primarily used to assist with normal growth and development of the skin, hair, nerves and bone marrow.

Bromelain, an enzyme derived from the stem of fresh pineapples, is probably best known for its use as a digestive aid, especially to assist in the digestion of fatty or high-protein meals. Recent research however, has turned many experts’ attention to its use for helping sports people with sprains and strains. It is believed to inhibit the body's production of prostaglandins associated with inflammation and pain whilst promoting the formation of those with an anti-inflammatory action. Bromelain can also work well when taken in conjunction with turmeric so many practitioners recommend taking the two products alongside each other. Bromelain appears to aid the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.

Pantothenic Acid, or vitamin B5, is essential for the production of cortisone by the adrenal glands. This corticosteroid hormone is needed to help the body cope with stress. For this reason practitioners often suggest it for those with a demanding lifestyle