St John’s Wort is a popular and effective herb which has been used with great success in the US in the treatment of depression, where it has been used in place of some standard pharmaceutical antidepressants. St John’s Wort is not just a herb for depression. It has also been used to help in the treatment of cancer and AIDS and was originally used to help with liver disorders. St John’s Wort is also very effective at helping to relieve the effects of both stress and anxiety. This action is related to its main chemical constituent, hypericin which is well known for its mood enhancing effects.

Licorice is another well known herb which is often used in stress related conditions. Licorice contains a number of chemical constituents, the most famous being glycyrrhetinic acid, which can help improve the function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are used by the body to moderate its response to stress. Any herbs, or supplements which help support adrenal function can be very beneficial in cases of stress.

There are a number of B group vitamins which are essential for the correct function of the adrenal glands. These include vitamin B5, B6 and B3, any deficiencies in any of these vitamins could lead to an poor adrenal function and an increase response to stressful stimuli.

Ginkgo biloba is the oldest surviving tree on earth. As a healing herb the leaves are valued for the treatment of conditions associated with blood circulation. Ginkgo improves circulation to the brain and extremities (legs, arms), making it useful for improving memory and concentration, and spreading nutrients throughout the entire body. Studies show that short-term memory and reaction time is improved "very significantly" after ginkgo administration.

Guarana is a herb which has been recently popularised in the western world. It was originally used by the Amazonian Indians for treating a variety of disorders. Traditional use involved chewing the dried seeds to provide energy and to reduce stress. Guarana is also thought to have mood elevating properties, making it a unique and useful herb with widespread applications.

Calcium phosphate is a mineral which for a variety of body systems. It is essential for the healthy function of the circulatory system, and also helps build healthy bones so is therefore used primarily in the prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium diphosphate being a soluble form is able to be absorbed even when there is reduced stomach acid. The phosphate also has the advantage of being essential for the formation of bone, as bone is a calcium/phosphorus mix which is deposited onto a matrix of protein.

Ferrous fumerate is a very absorbable form of iron. Iron is essential for the formation of haemoglobin which carries oxygen from the lungs to every cell of body. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, hearing disabilities, impaired immune function, decreased energy levels and physical performance. Women are particularly at risk of iron deficiency.

Selenium Chelate is an easy to absorb, organic form of selenium. Selenium functions primarily as a component of the powerful antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase which works in preventing free radical damage to cell membranes. Low levels of selenium are linked to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, premature aging, cataract formation and poor immune function. Selenium levels are low in New Zealand soils.

Vitafit Optima - Women’s Multi also contains all of the vitamins that are required every day for complete nutrition, such as the vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin D has also been included to help with bone formation, as vitamin D is essential for the deposition of calcium on bone. Optima further contains the minerals boron and silica as both of these minerals are essential for the correct formation of bone, and can increase calcium’s ability to strengthen bone.