The 8 most popular supplements here

The 8 most popular supplements here



Multivitamins: A tablet typically contains a cocktail of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium and folic acid. Multivitamins provide some insurance against deficiencies.

Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin, also called ascorbic acid, helps repair body tissues. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause a person to bruise easily and dampen his ability to fight infection.

Calcium: This mineral is needed to form bones and teeth, as well as for blood clotting and the transmission of signals to nerve cells. Its role in preventing osteoporosis, or brittle bones, however is probably the most well-known.

Glucosamine: A dietary supplement generally made from amino sugar extracted from shellfish tissue, it relieves pain and inflammation in the joints.

Fish oils: Otherwise known as Omega-3 fatty acids, they are harvested from fish. Benefits are believed to include improved cardiovascular health and brain function.

Essence of chicken: Made from chicken extracts spray-dried into powder and then packaged into pills, it is believed to restore mental and physical energy.

Echinacea: A herbal remedy that comes in the form of capsules, extracts and tea. It is believed to boost the immune system.

Vitamin B Complex: A tablet typically comprises the essential B vitamins and is believed to be an energy booster. It also builds a healthy nervous system and improves digestion. But it is most famously known as a 'stress-buster'.

Prices of these supplements range from $10 to $150, depending on the brand and content.

This story was first published in The Straits Times.