New Natural Business
SUMMER 2024
Fresh thinking for the natural health market
Incorporating
Beter Retailing
Magazine &
Retailing Beter
Online
TRENDS
WHAT’S HOT
TRAINING
RESEARCH
E-COMMERCE
Retailers, wholesalers and the
Queen of Shops on lessons learned
and positive steps for a brighter
future
SPECIAL REPORT
RADICAL
APPROACH
MARKET WATCH
Latest research, industry
trends and the Big Issues
PLUS
FORWARD
THINKING
30 top scientists, a leading journalist and
Patrick Holford can’t be wrong
Future Proofng ▪ Gastro-Intestinal Health ▪ Natural Beauty ▪ Secret Shopper Awards
PREVENTING
ALZHEIMER’S?
NewNaturalBusiness.co.uk
Making, baking,
and cleaning up
shouldn’t cost the earth
Doing the little things better for a healthy home, healthy planet, healthy you.
www.ifyoucare.co.uk
Get in touch
For information about our range, marketing materials, product training and more
Contact Paul Moore e: paulm@ifyoucare.com
Our range of kitchen and household products are made with their
environmental impact in mind. We make choices, from the materials we use,
to where they will end up when their work is done.
So you can care for your home without making a mess for the planet.
WHERE MINDS MEET
@NewNatBusiness
Published by JFN Productions. Produced on environmentally friendly chlorine-free paper derived from sustained forests and supplied on fully biodegradable polywrap.. The content of all advertisements
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Ask anyone what causes Alzheimer’s
and they’ll probably say ‘it’s in the
genes’. In reality, only about one in a
hundred cases is caused by genes.
The PR machine behind the
new Alzheimer’s Prevention Day,
spearheaded by Patrick Holford’s
charity foodforthebrain.org, has
been enlightening.
We didn’t hesitate to splash the
opinions of 30 leading brain health
scientists – although there isn’t
space to report all of their findings
here – and you’ll find coverage in
our research briefing (page 6) and
‘How to prevent Alzheimer’s’ in our
future-proofing article (page 14).
But you can’t beat personal
thoughts from the horse’s mouth, if
journalist Jerome Burne will forgive
the equine trope. That’s why we’ve
run his article on page 31 about his
discovery that he carries the gene
ApoE4 which has been linked to a
raised risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
It’s why he keeps up to speed with
the science that could bring down his
risk and he’s very grateful to those
scientists for their illumination.
Science that’s well worth sharing
with your customers.
World Alzheimer’s Day on
September 21 raises awareness
and challenges the stigma of this
disease and all forms of dementia.
Now the other side of the coin is
marked annually with Alzheimer’s
Prevention Day.
We love a bit of science-backed
hope…
Alistair Forrest, Editor
Summer issue, June 2024. Group Editor Alistair Forrest alistair@jfnproductions.co.uk | Sub Editor Jef Munn-Giddings | Advertising Manager Sharon Munn-Giddings
sharon@jfnproductions.co.uk | Social Media Executive Kara Wells kara@jfnproductions.co.uk | Design & Production Paul Dickson paul@jfnproductions.co.uk
Commercial Director Cathy Norris cathy@jfnproductions.co.uk | Managing Director Stuart Jackson stuart@jfnproductions.co.uk
To advertise in New Natural Business call 01223 894200
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Inside this issue of
New Natural Business
12
BRIEFING
4-9 Industry News, Research, Trends,
Secret Shopper
SPECIAL REPORTS
10-19 Future Proofng, Gastro-Intestinal
Health, Natural Beauty, Hot to Stock
FORWARD THINKING
20-25 Retailer Opinion, Wholesaler
Teamwork and Finding Positives
WORKING TOGETHER
26-29 Your Associations
VIEWPOINT
30-31 Honeybee Alchemists, Jerome Burne
on Alzheimer’s
COVER IMAGE
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?
There are no drugs that work, but nutrition
and lifestyle choices are a diferent mater.
See Research, Future-Proofng and
Viewpoint
NewNaturalBusiness.co.uk
BRIEFING
LIFE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Viridian founder Cheryl Thallon was honoured with a Lifetime
Achievement Award at the Natural & Organics Innovation
Award 2024 ceremony in recognition of her 40 years of
commitment and dedication to the industry.
TECHNICAL TOP JOB
Houaida Alawieh is the
new technical manager
at the Health Food
Manufacturers’
Association. She
brings a wealth of
experience with her
specialist knowledge
of food legislation,
regulatory affairs and
industry best practices.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Health Stores Ireland is kicking off the term-targeted Health
Food Institute Diploma 1 course with a view to signing up
a cluster class of candidates to start and finish the course
together. The plan is to have all the class of 2024 cross the
finish line together in September.
See Class of ’24, page 28
NEWS ROUND-UP
4 | New Natural Business
Viridian Nutrition and the charity Food for the Brain Foundation
combined forces to promote nutrition for better brain health around
the country. Thirteen stores took part at the end of May to focus on
the prevention of cognitive impairment from ADHD to Alzheimer's by
adopting optimum nutrition and lifestyle approaches.
The charity’s founder Patrick Holford explains: "Alzheimer’s
may be entirely preventable in those 99% who do not have the rare
causative genes and act early to optimise all diet and lifestyle factors.
Only 1% of Alzheimer is caused by genes.”
The stores taking part were Sheaf Street Health Store, Daventry;
For Goodness Sake, Middlesborough; Tullivers, York; Blackheath
Natural Remedies, London; Alara, London; The Natural Way,
Banstead; Wickford Health Store, Wickford; Whole Health Foods,
Maldon; Healthy Stuff, Marlow; Natural Health Options, Stanmore;
Nature’s Harvest, Leighton Buzzard; Natural Health, Hertford and
Sunshine Health Shop, Stroud.
How to prevent Alzheimer’s – page 14
Jerome Burne, page 31
KING OF ORGANIC
King Charles has agreed to remain as patron of the Soil
Association. Pictured on a farm visit, he has supported the
charity since first becoming patron as Prince of Wales in 1999
and he has also supported hundreds of farmer-led research
trials with the charity’s Innovative Farmers network.
MARC ON THE ROAD
Solaray has appointed Marc Flanagan as UK product
trainer for the brand, providing education and support to
independent health food retailers and pharmacies. He brings
more than 18 years’ retail experience to Solaray’s team,
having worked in health food stores including Fresh & Wild,
Health Zone in Wimbledon, Alara in Bloomsbury and Oliver’s
Wholefoods in Kew.
THE VEGAN LIFE
Vegan Life Live is at London’s Alexandra Palace on October
18-20 and a ticket includes entry to the OM Yoga Show and
Mind Body Soul Experience. To exhibit, contact hannah@
primeimpact.co.uk.
The Viridian International Team and MD Holly Thallon Steenson (centre
lef) received a prestigious King’s Award from Lord Lieutenant of
Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson
Health Stores Ireland has
launched a new look website
www.healthstores.ie.
The Factory, an ethical
and eco design company,
was awarded the contract
having previously completed
a successful Touring Map
of Ireland print project for
the group.
The brief was to use the
themes and messaging from
the touring map, which
highlighted the diversity
and independent nature
of the sector in Ireland.
The redesign also allowed
Health Stores Ireland
to apply its new brand
design package.
THIRTEEN STORES
SPREAD THE BRAIN
HEALTH MESSAGE
NEW HEALTH STORES
IRELAND WEBSITE
ANNOUNCING
THE NEW SECRET
SHOPPER AWARD
@NewNatBusiness | 5
A new video tutorial to assist candidates completing the Protocol for
Customer Care is now available for Irish health store staff.
The video, which features nutritionist and tutor Grace
Kinirons, is produced by Health Stores Ireland’s video partner Big
Adventure Media.
Candidates are talked through the missions and aims of
the Protocol and demonstrate how it can be applied in real life
practical situations.
Erica Murray, one of the authors of the original Protocol, said:
“Grace is an excellent communicator and teacher, and the video
tutorial will be a valuable resource to provide context and reassurance
for new staff.”
Every Health Stores Ireland member store will be requested to
include all elements of the Customer Care Protocol as part of new staff
induction. Following the success of the project, Health Stores Ireland
is planning to add more video and podcast-based training over the
coming months.
Grace Kinirons and her partner and co-star, John Bourke
WHY IRISH CUSTOMER
CARE IS SECOND TO NONE
For nigh on a decade, New Natural Business has been on the hunt
for the very best in health food retailing. Our Secret Shoppers have
scoured the land for everything good about independent stores – or in
some cases the not-so-good.
When the pandemic struck, we embarked on some serious training
articles on how to set up and run a successful online store in tandem
with your physical shops. At the same time, we focused on this aspect
of retailing for our hugely successful Secret Shopper series.
Before the pandemic, those stores with highest marks were eligible
for an award in conjunction with the Health Food Institute. Post-
pandemic, there has been no opportunity to continue this award.
Therefore, we’re reinstating it with an annual award for the Best
Use of an Online Store and Social Media in support of a physical shop
or shops. We’ll bring you more details about the NNB Secret Shopper
Award in due course and announce the winner in our Spring 2025 issue.
The prize is a framed certificate, assets for online use, and a write-
up in NNB. And you might never see our shopper coming, so make
sure your online shop is in tip-top shape!
See the latest spy report – page 9.
SAME
GREAT
PRODUCTS
NEW
PACKAGING
We are thrilled to share the exciting news
of our product packaging transformation.
The new packaging design for our range of Floradix
supplements not only celebrates our rich traditions
but also marks a significant step towards our
contemporary identity.
The packaging facelift will enhance its visual appeal
while preserving the same high quality ingredients
and great taste.
As we continue to invest in our successful
advertising on the high street, take
advantage of the public’s increased
awareness of Floradix.
6 | New Natural Business
Cases of heart disease, stroke, inflammatory
joint and skin conditions, anxiety and depressive
illness, asthma, allergies and migraine have all
risen exponentially.
Over the same time period, a marked decline
in the level of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)
in our diet has also been monitored.
EFAs play direct roles in blood clotting, in
reducing inflammation and in immune health, so
we can clearly see the link.
Our bodies need a 4:1 ratio of omega-6 EFAs
to omega-3. Omega-3 EFAs are only found in
significant quantities in oily fish and flax, hemp
and chia seeds, and consumption is low in the UK.
By comparison, our sources of omega-6
EFAs are many and varied, and the amount we
consume is so high that the ratio now stands at an
estimated 120:1.
This imbalance causes production of
arachidonic acid and the prostaglandin PGE2 to
soar. This, and the action of the leukotrienes also
released, causes chronic inflammation throughout
the body, and the platelets in our blood to clump
together. This can lead to thrombosis and stroke.
Omega-3 EFAs naturally prevent the release
of leukotrienes.
Blood clotting disorders form the basis
of all cardiac events, including stroke,
thrombosis, irregular heartbeat and heart attack.
Omega-3 EFAs promote the dilation of blood
vessels and work to slow the rate at which blood
clots. Omega-6 EFAs increase the hormone
aldosterone which speeds up sodium excretion,
aiding circulation and blood pressure.
Omega-3 EFAs also promote cell membrane
and arterial flexibility. SufÏcient levels of omega-3
ensure that cholesterol, a rigid fat, is taken
out of the blood and incorporated into the cell
membranes, thus lowering serum cholesterol.
Tim Gaunt is a biochemist, chartered
biologist, nutritionist and Chief
Information OfÏcer at Acorn Scientific
Marketing. His LinkedIn profile is ‘Tim
Gaunt, BSc (Hons) CBiol MRSB D.N.’ or
follow the LinkedIn hashtag #timtalks
Balancing Act
TIM’S TIPS
With Tim Gaunt
World-leading brain health scientists
came together to launch Alzheimer’s
Prevention Day in May.
Their aim was to raise awareness
of the scientifically proven ways
Alzheimer’s can be prevented.
Only about one in a hundred cases
are caused by genes, leading the group
to emphasise other factors involved.
“It may be possible to prevent up
to 80% of dementia cases if all known
risk factors, including homocysteine-
lowering B vitamins and omega-3s,
were targeted,” says China’s leading
prevention expert Professor Jin-Tai Yu
from Fudan University in Shanghai.
Professor David Smith, former
Deputy Head of the University of
Oxford’s Medical Science division,
added: “With no clinically effective
drugs and the minimal role of genes,
our focus must be on making diet and
lifestyle changes that reduce risk of
developing dementia.”
His research has shown up to 73%
less brain shrinkage in those given
B vitamin supplements along with
sufÏcient omega-3.
Harvard-trained psychiatrist
Dr Georgia Ede also recommends
cutting carbohydrates. “Alzheimer’s
is sometimes called ‘type 3 diabetes’
because 80% of cases show insulin
resistance, which makes it difÏcult
for the brain to use carbohydrate for
energy. A ketogenic diet improves
insulin resistance and generates ketones
from fat to help energise the brain,”
she says.
https://alzheimersprevention.info
HOW TO PREVENT
ALZHEIMER’S
Professor Yu
Dr Ede
Professor Smith
@NewNatBusiness | 7
RESEARCH | BRIEFING
Doing the little things right at the right time is
what gives athletes the edge.
Adding just 3% extra speed over a distance
separates the winners from the losers.
A study purports to show that blackcurrant
extract from New Zealand is one such little thing.
On average, runners participating in the
double-blind randomised cross-over design
study ran 3% faster with 900mg (three capsules) of CurraNZ berry extract,
an exciting development for recreational athletes looking to blitz their
next parkrun.
The University of Chester study researched trained male runners and
triathletes, testing the effect of three capsules taken two hours before the 5km
treadmill test.
Findings showed faster completion times in 88% of respondents and
average improvements of 3% (38 seconds), compared to placebo.
The largest study of its kind involving over a quarter of a million
people (267,000) from the UK Bio Bank, has reported 30% less risk of
dementia in those with a higher omega-3 status in their blood.
One of the study authors, Professor Bill Harris from Stanford
University’s Department of Medicine in South Dakota, says, “There is
now overwhelming evidence from no less than four studies this year
that increasing your intake and blood levels of omega-3 is strongly
associated with reducing future dementia risk. Ideally a person wants
to get their blood omega-3 index above 8%”.
This UK study confirmed the results of a US study earlier this year
that found a 49% reduced risk for dementia in those with the highest
omega-3 DHA level (top fifth) in their red blood cells versus the lowest
(bottom fifth).
Oily fish and fish oil supplements contain two kinds of omega-3
fat called DHA and EPA. DHA is the main fat found in brain cells of all
animals. Each 100mg increment of DHA was associated with an 8–10
per cent lower risk of dementia.
This information was sourced from Patrick Holford’s blog
in May. Read the full report at www.patrickholford.com/
omega-3-cuts-dementia-by-a-third
OMEGA-3 AND
DEMENTIA
CoQ10’s role in cognitive health, heart health and anti-
ageing is well documented.
The nutrient is also recommended for those on statins
which are known to deplete CoQ10 levels.
And in 2008, a study in BioFactors reported that HRT
also depletes CoQ10 serum concentrations, indicating a role
in menopausal health.
New data by French research institute Expansion
Consulteam in collaboration with two lifestyle influencers
shows how the ubiquinol form of CoQ10 could alleviate
menopausal symptoms.
Two hundred women aged between 45 and 55 with poor
skin, sleep disturbance and anxiety were recruited to take
200mg a day of Kaneka Ubiquinol for two months.
Of these, 80% reported an improvement in mood and
emotional stability and 70% reported better sleep quality,
less muscular pain and improved wellbeing.
Source: NutraIngredients.com
STUDY SHOWS
UBIQUINOL HELPS
IN MENOPAUSE
RUNNING ON
BLACKCURRANTS
A perfect result in just 10 minutes!
With Willow Extract for UV protection
and to help prevent colour fading
Gentle & long lasting
grey coverage.
Suitable for sensitive skin
Free from: Ammonia, PPD
and Resorcinol
Available from CLF, Jumla,
Dundeis, PharmaPlace
and Natural Dispensary
HAIR DYE ROOT SPRAY HAIRCARE
8 | New Natural Business
TRENDS | BRIEFING
AI TO PUT KELP ON
THE HEALTH MENU?
Kelp seaweed is one of the next big sustainable ingredients
to watch out for in Europe, according to the latest
Mintel research.
Data from Mintel’s new Ingredientscape AI tool reveals
that kelp’s prevalence in new food and drink product
launches across Europe steadily increased between 2005
and 2023.
The analyst is confident that there will be a growing
number of food and drink launches in Europe that include
kelp in the coming year.
Mintel launched Ingredientscape AI as a predictive tool
to help food and drink manufacturers instantly understand
the ingredients landscape to reveal emerging and winning
ingredients within a category and country of interest.
Emma Schofield, Associate Director for Global
Food Science at Mintel, says: “Interest in algae such as
kelp seaweed is growing in Europe due to its health and
sustainability benefits.
“Seaweed has already gained popularity in western
cuisine as chefs and food manufacturers explore its unique
flavours and nutritional value. Food and drink brands
have the potential to explore greater options with kelp, for
example in the snack category, creating seaweed-infused
crispy seaweed chips or mixing seaweed into already
popular items such as crackers or popcorn.
“Manufacturers can make seaweed more approachable
for consumers and enhance its adoption by presenting it in
familiar formats. Incorporating environmentally friendly
seaweed into food and drink products can also enhance
the nutrition profile of foods, such as by increasing its
fibre content.”
While the majority of seaweed is currently farmed
in Asia, Mintel thinks that producers should consider
European-grown algae ingredients, tapping into consumer
interest in the economic, environmental and social benefits
of locally grown food.
AYURVEDIC HERBS AND
EFA SUPPLEMENTS SET
FOR GROWTH
The global Ayurvedic herbs market size is poised to register 10.1%
growth between now and 2032, presenting significant growth prospects
for companies operating in the industry.
Analysts VPA Research (marketresearch.com) made this prediction
for Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha), Frankincense (Boswellia),
Indian Gooseberry (Triphala), Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi), Turmeric,
Cumin and Bitter Melon among others.
They took into account their use by form (raw, capsules/tablets,
extracts), by indication (cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases,
diabetes, infectious diseases, auto-immune diseases, skin diseases etc.)
and by distribution channel (B2B and B2C) to make their prediction.
They point to increasing consumer interest in natural and holistic
approaches to health and wellness, as well as rising demand for
Ayurvedic herbs and traditional medicinal plants known for their
therapeutic properties.
Market growth is driven by factors such as growing awareness of
traditional medicine as well as rising prevalence of chronic diseases and
the shift towards preventive healthcare.
The expanding applications of Ayurvedic herbs in dietary
supplements, herbal medicines and personal care products, as well as
the growing adoption of organic and sustainable farming practices,
contribute to market expansion.
“Further, the emphasis on product quality, safety, and regulatory
compliance, along with the integration of Ayurvedic principles into
mainstream healthcare, is expected to further accelerate market growth
in the coming years,” says VPA.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
VPA also sees a rosy future for the global Fatty Acid Supplements
market which is poised to register 6.83% growth (CAGR) over the next
six years.
Marine, algae and flaxseed oils as dietary supplements, functional
food and beverages, infant formulas and pharmaceutical products
were analysed.
For fatty acid supplements, key trends revolve around consumer
awareness, product innovation and the growing recognition of the
health benefits of omega-3s.
“With increasing concerns about cardiovascular health, cognitive
function and overall wellbeing, there is a rising demand for high-
quality, bioavailable fatty acid supplements derived from sources such
as fish oil, algae oil and flaxseed oil,” VPA concludes.
“Moreover, the integration of advanced formulation techniques,
including microencapsulation and nano-emulsification, is enhancing
bioavailability and efÏcacy [and] catering to diverse consumer
preferences and nutritional needs.”
@NewNatBusiness | 9
SECRET SHOPPER | BRIEFING
TOTAL MARKS 45/50
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My first impressions are of a sleek,
professional-looking website, with clear links
to both their online shop and details for their
physical store.
The homepage highlights new and
featured products along with in-store events
– plus extra content to draw me in such
as extracts from their latest recipes and
blog posts.
I quickly see that their webshop is
focused on natural bodycare, supplements
and home care products, rather than on food
and drink. It looks like I should be able to
find a suitable natural bodycare gift here.
VERDICT 9/10
WEBSITE LAYOUT
I find the shop navigation sensibly organised
and easy to use. Shop category pages are
very simple looking, focused on the product
selection without any distractions.
The shop search option could perhaps
be a bit more obvious to spot – but it works
pretty well for me, providing a good selection
of relevant results.
CHECK OUT
I find their shopping basket and checkout
process straightforward to use. Delivery
options (including standard/express delivery
and click & collect) along with their costs are
shown clearly throughout.
Their terms and conditions for online
orders can be viewed directly on the checkout
page, which I find useful. There’s only one
payment option but it’s via a well-known
payment provider.
Informative emails let me know when my
order’s been received and sent. It’s delivered
to me in good time, along with a friendly note
which is a nice personal touch.
VERDICT 9/10
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I was very happy with this online shopping
experience and can see myself ordering from
this store again in the future – and maybe
visiting their physical shop when I’m nearby.
VERDICT 9/10
This Midlands store scored highly in every
category for online shopping and must
now be a front-runner for the 2024 Award
to be announced early next year.
A WINNING
FORMULA
New Natural
Business
Awards
STORE LOCATION: Midlands
ENQUIRY: Natural bodycare gif
The product pages are clearly laid
out, with detailed information including
ingredients available for most products.
My only tiny quibble is that I find the font
colour used for the product details a little bit
tricky to read.
VERDICT 9/10
PERSONAL ATTENTION
I notice that this store has lots of positive
reviews, many of which they’ve replied to,
which helps me feel confident in shopping
online with them.
Their social media accounts are regularly
updated, with a focus on products and a
professional but friendly tone.
Their blog is also updated fairly often,
with well-written articles which tie in with
their product ranges.
The option to sign up to email marketing
is clearly shown across their website,
although I sometimes find it can hide other
useful information. Contact details for any
queries are also easy to find.
VERDICT 9/10
The Secret Shopper Award for excellence in online shopping by an independent health
store will be announced in our Spring 2025 issue.
New Natural
Business
Awards
10 | New Natural Business
he quest for beauty never
ends. It is often hard to know
whether skin issues, including
pigmentation, wrinkles, ageing and
dehydration, occur due to external
elements or internal changes.”
Thus says the introduction to
‘The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health
and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review’
(Nutrients, 2023, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC10385652) which
shows that intestinal microbiota
homeostasis can influence skin health,
demonstrating the existence of a gut-
skin axis.
Probiotics apart, here we look
at two other factors involved in
generating a healthy appearance
and which may assist health store
consumers in their quest for that
glowing look.
THE COLLAGEN FACTOR
There are at least 28 types of collagen
in the human body, making it more
than skin deep in our understanding of
its role in health and wellbeing.
These various types are formed
in ‘tridimensional’ structures, says
Natures Plus nutritionist, Martina
Della Vedova.
“Collagen is a structural protein,
meaning its function is strictly linked
to its tridimensional shape,” she says.
“Different shapes will serve different
tissues resulting in different effects.”
That means we can serve the body
in a more complete way through a
blend of different types of collagen.
The main role of this protein is to
provide structure, strength and
support throughout the body, not just
in skin elasticity.
Types I and III are very present in
bone and skin, type II and X are typical
of joints, tendons and ligaments, type V
is very present in cellular structure and
type IV in muscle and deep skin layers
as well as mucosal layers.
A collagen product delivering a
spectrum of collagen types provides
nourishment to different tissues at the
same time, resulting in a holistic and
synergistic approach.
“An important feature that a
product needs is having a bioavailable
form of collagen,” Martina adds.
“Collagen peptides is the form in which
we can absorb and quickly utilise this
important nutrient. A product that
offers a wide spectrum of collagen
types in a peptide form is the winner.”
THE EFFECT OF LOW IRON
According to WHO, 30% of the
global population are affected by low
WHY LOOKING GOOD
STARTS INSIDE
iron, making it the most common
nutritional deficiency in the world
(BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2022;
9(1): e000759).
“Although it might not be one
of the most talked about signs of
dry, damaged skin, low iron levels
can impact the appearance of skin,
lips and nails,” says Rachel Anthony
from BlueIron.
“For example, insufÏcient iron
intake can impede the production
of haemoglobin, which is the crucial
component of your blood. With these
reduced haemoglobin levels, a
number of problems can arise
including reduced oxygen delivery to
the skin, hair and nails resulting in
visible effects.”
These include paleness in facial
skin and gums, dry and damaged skin
and brittle nails.
“A way to swerve this is by
topping up iron levels, helping
preserve a healthy and vibrant
appearance to the skin and lips.”
Incorporating iron-rich foods
such as meat, fish, lentils, beans
or dark chocolate is one route to
a solution. Another is through
incorporating supplements that
are easily absorbed and gentle on
the stomach.
“
SPECIAL REPORT | BEAUTY
Low iron
levels can
impact the
appearance
of skin, lips
and nails