The 10 nutritional supplements you need in 2007

Look into almost any woman's medicine cabinet and you're likely to find vitamins and supplements of some sort to make up for a less-than-perfect diet, as well as help us feel more energetic, ward off infections, as a preventive measure to keep hearts healthy and joints moving and to help resolve specific health problems.

But do supplements really work? Absolutely, as long as you are taking the right one, for the right reason and in the right dose. We've put together your one-stop top-ten guide to essential nutritional supplements, along with advice on how to take them to see the most benefits.

• On buying vitamins and minerals
• Match your needs to a supplement
• What you need and why you need it

On buying vitamins and minerals
Go into any health food shop and you'll probably be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of nutritional supplements on sale, with so many brands, different formulations and varied potencies. In addition to using this list, don't be shy about asking staff at any health food shop. They should be trained to advise you on different formulas or refer you to a nutritionist, herbalist or your GP as necessary.

Supplement safety is obviously essential - it is always advisable to check with your GP if there are any conflicts between supplements and medicines you may be taking. You should also not take supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding unless you know they are safe.

Match your needs to a supplement Match up your health needs with the right vitamin, mineral or supplement. Then go to What you need and why you need it to find out the specifics of each, what they need to work best and issues to watch out for.

Depression, moods, brain health: B-vitamins, Omega-3s, Zinc
Digestive health: Bowel bacteria and FOS/Inulin
Energy levels: B-vitamins, iron
Eye health: Antioxidants, berry extracts
Fertility: Folic acid/B-vitamins, Zinc
Healing Antioxidants: Zinc
Immune health: Bowel bacteria and FOS/Inulin, antioxidants, Zinc
Heart Health: Folic acid/B-vitamins, Omega-3s
Inflammation: Antioxidants, Omega-3s
Lung health: Antioxidants, Berry extracts
Pregnancy: Calcium/magnesium, Folic acid, Iron, Omega-3s, Zinc
Premenstrual health: B-vitamins, Calcium
Skin, hair and nails: Hair and nail formulas, Omega-3s, Zinc
Stress: B-vitamins, calcium/magnesium, zinc