My darling husband has been coughing badly for the past week, day and night. He’s so worn out that he’s taken the afternoon off to rest in bed. I have a history of respiratory illnesses, but I haven’t been affected at all. Maybe it’s got something to do with all the Vitamin D I get from my daily walks, or the fresh fruit and vegetable juice I make every morning, the immune system boosting herbal teas I like, or the high-quality health supplements I take everyday. Andrew goes for walks daily too and he drinks the juices I make as well as the herbal teas, so he attributes my healthy immune system to the health supplements, which I’m now making him take.

I love fruits and vegetables, but it’s difficult to eat enough to get all the vitamins and minerals I need to stay healthy and keep sickness at bay. Detoxifying, nourishing and fortifying the body is particularly important for those who are dealing with illness or disease. With H1N1 sweeping the world and claiming more lives, supplementation with antioxidant-rich vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids and enzymes becomes more essential.

What should a good-quality health supplement of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contain? At the very least, it should have a combination of the following ingredients found in my favorite formula:

* High ORAC value fruit extracts – Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity is the standard measure of antioxidant power. My liquid mineral and vitamin blend includes concentrated extracts from strawberry, elderberry, green tea and orange for superior anti-oxidant support.

* Vitamins – several essential vitamins including vitamins B12 and B6, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid.

* Minerals – my supplement features 52 naturally occurring trace elements plus standardised amounts of key minerals including macro minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and micro minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium. These minerals are collected from rich deposits in the Great Salt Lake and blended together in an ionic form, for quick and easy absorption by the body.

* Amino Acids – these are the building blocks of proteins, and they are essential to nearly every function of the body. Protein substances make up the organs, muscles, tendons, glands, hair and nails. The essential amino acids must be ingested every day or protein degradation can result.

* Phytochemicals – phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plant foods which work with nutrients and dietary fibre to protect against disease. Studies show that phytochemicals are anti-aging and reduce the risk of many diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, cataracts, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. Phytochemicals have antioxidant effects, modulate detoxification enzymes, stimulate the immune system, modulate the hormone metabolism, and also have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Brightly-colored fruits and vegetables like raspberry, blueberry and beetroot generally contain the most phytochemicals and nutrients. These, of course, are found in my favourite multi-vitamin and trace minerals formula.

* Prebiotic – Inulin in the form of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) support vital intestinal flora in order to aid digestive health and mineral absorption. Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants, such as garlic, onions, Jerusalem artichokes and leeks. Inulin increases calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption. As a prebiotic, inulin promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the body’s intestinal system.

* Fructooligosaccharides – these are special carbohydrates which increase the beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine, thereby enhancing the digestion and absorption of nutrients, detoxification and elimination processes, and the immune system. Fructooligosaccharides may help to relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.

All this goodness is blended together in my favorite formula in a liquid, ionic form, for easy assimilation by the body. Just 15 ml (roughly half a capful) of Neways’ Maximol Solutions gives me a healthy dose of the antioxidant and immune system boosting nutrients required daily. Consuming a variety of supplements from assorted bottles is a hassle, so this is really convenient.

Prevention is better than cure. How nutrient-rich and powerful is your vitamin and mineral supplement? If you’re going to take a health supplement, check that you’re getting the very best, or save your money.