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Widely known as the sunshine vitamin, there is a reason vitamin D is so easy for our bodies to synthesise in the summer months — we need it for a huge variety of functions. Yet, chances are that you are low in it, since it is estimated around one billion people worldwide are deficient or have insufficient levels. So what is vitamin D? Interestingly, it is not simply a fat soluble vitamin that is produced endogenously when UV rays reach our skin at the correct angle, it is actually also a hormone. Its various forms have a range of names; including calcitriol, ergocalciferol, calcidiol, and cholecalciferol.

Iron is the main component needed for the production of haemoglobin, the pigment within our red blood cells, where it is required for oxygen transportation from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and the carbon dioxide transportation from the tissues to the lungs. In addition to transporting oxygen through the bloodstream Iron is also a component of myoglobin, a pigment which functions in the muscles in a similar fashion as haemoglobin in the blood therefore allowing muscle cells to retain oxygen.

Iodine is combined with the amino acid ‘tyrosine’ in order to manufacture active thyroid hormone. This is the main function of iodine in the body. Although iodine’s activity is essentially linked to thyroid function, a deficiency in iodine can lead to a variety of symptoms and disorders. The main deficiency in this mineral can lead to ‘goiter’ which shows as the enlargement of the thyroid, causing swelling at the base of the neck.

It is not uncommon for women to have cysts on the ovaries. Very often ovarian cysts go unnoticed as they are often quite small and cause no pain or discomfort. They usually disappear of their own accord within a couple of months and are generally not harmful.

Summer often brings long balmy evenings sipping chilled white wine alfresco, delicious barbeques, ice cream cones, creamy salads, beer gardens and holiday cheer.

Healthy shiny hair is very appealing and is very much a reflection of inner health and adequate nutrient intake.

Dry eyes is a very common condition that occurs when the quantity and quality of the tears fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated.

Iron is the main component needed for the production of haemoglobin, the pigment within our red blood cells, where it is required for oxygen transportation from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and the carbon dioxide transportation from the tissues to the lungs.

Healthy shiny hair is not only beautiful and desirable, it can also be a reflection of inner health and adequate nutrient intake.

It is not uncommon for women to have cysts on the ovaries.