This month’s LIVE+ Catalogue takes a closer look at key vitamins – what they do, how they work, and who might benefit from supplementing their diet with specific nutrients. Our goal is to give you clear, fact-based information to help you make confident choices for your health. Come and talk to one of our pharmacists in-store if you have questions or want to learn more.
Our prescribing pharmacists are available at select Alive Pharmacy stores including Willows (Townsville), Innisfail, Smithfield Doctors, DFO Cairns, and Westcourt. You can walk in or book an appointment in-store or over the phone.
Vitamins are essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. There are 13 main ones, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B group (like B12 and folate). Each one plays a different role. For example, vitamin D helps your bones absorb calcium, vitamin C supports your immune system, and B12 is important for nerve function and energy production.
If you eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats, you’re likely getting most of what you need. But some people may benefit from supplements. This includes older adults, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, and those with restricted diets such as vegans or individuals with food allergies. In these cases, the right supplement can help prevent or correct a deficiency.
Most vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine. Water-soluble vitamins go straight into the bloodstream, while fat-soluble ones need some dietary fat to be properly absorbed. Once in your system, they help the body work the way it should. Pharmacists are trained to help you understand how vitamins interact with your body and any medications you may be taking. We can also guide you in choosing high-quality supplements if needed.
Stay well this August. If you have questions, we’re always here to help.
Managing Director
lose it move itOR
STRONG BONES MEAN SMOOTHER MOVES
Bone and joint health are a lifelong investment—the earlier you start, the easier you’ll move in future. Bones are living tissue, constantly breaking down and rebuilding. Joints are like hinges, helping us dance, stretch, and stay active. Over time, ageing, poor diet, and lack of movement can take a toll. The good news? With the right care, you can help keep your bones and joints strong, flexible, and pain-free. Here are some key vitamins to support them.
VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM
Why it matters: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium—essential for strong bones. It also reduces inflammation, supporting joint health. Together, they’re a powerhouse for your skeleton.
Try: Ostelin Calcium & Vitamin D3
Other sources: Sunlight, fortified milks, salmon, and egg yolks
VITAMIN K
Why it matters: Helps regulate calcium, directing it to bones (not joints or arteries). Vital for bone mineralisation and strength.
Try: Swisse Vitamin K2 or Vitamin D2 + D3
Other sources: Leafy greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, fermented foods
VITAMIN C
Why it matters: Needed for collagen production, which supports cartilage and connective tissue. It also helps protect joints from oxidative damage.
Try: Quality Health or Cenovis Sugarless Vitamin C
Other sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, tomatoes
A balanced diet, smart supplementation, and regular movement go a long way in supporting your joint and bone health. Your future self will thank you—whether you’re lifting groceries or dancing at a wedding.
Did you know?
Bone density starts to decline around age 30. It’s never too early to start looking after your skeleton.
FROM BELLY TO BABY
Planning a pregnancy? Your nutrition matters more than ever.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or are newly pregnant, this is a great time to focus on your health. A balanced diet is key, but supplements can help fill important nutritional gaps and support fertility, hormonal balance, and foetal development.
Here are a few of the most important nutrients to support you through this stage.
FOLIC ACID (VITAMIN B9)
Why it matters: Helps prevent neural tube defects, supports DNA synthesis and cell growth, and is one of the first vitamins doctors recommend when trying to conceive.
VITAMIN D
Why it matters: Helps regulate hormones and support immune health. Also plays a role in embryo implantation and your baby’s bone development.
VITAMIN B12
Why it matters:Works alongside folate to support red blood cells and DNA production. Low B12 can increase miscarriage risk and affect fertility—especially in vegan or vegetarian diets.
Exercise can also support fertility and a healthy pregnancy. It can improve mood, circulation, energy levels, sleep, and even help prepare your body for labour. Just be sure to follow safe recommendations and speak with your doctor before starting anything new.
Fun Fact!
Your baby can taste the foods you eat during pregnancy. Garlic, vanilla, and other strong flavours pass into the amniotic fluid—so they might already have gourmet preferences before they’re born!
Always speak to a health professional before taking supplements during pregnancy. Some supplements can affect your health or your baby’s development, interact with medications, or be unsafe in certain doses. A healthcare professional can help guide the right types and amounts based on your personal needs.
Rush Remedy
Balanced energy is key to feeling your best—physically, mentally, and emotionally
When your energy levels are steady, it’s easier to stay focused, lift your mood, boost productivity, and keep fatigue at bay throughout the day. Whether you’re powering through meetings, juggling a busy household, or just trying to feel like yourself before that second cup of coffee, having consistent energy makes all the difference.
While good sleep, nutrition, and movement lay the foundation, certain supplements can provide that extra support to help you feel more energised and alert – without the crash.
Here are some of our go-to recommendations for promoting sustained energy throughout the day.
VITAMIN B (B12 OR B6)
Why it matters: B vitamins—especially B12 and B6—help convert the food we eat into usable energy by supporting your body’s cellular processes. Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function, both of which are tied to how energized you feel. Meanwhile, Vitamin B6 helps regulate mood and cognitive function, so you stay sharp, not sluggish. A deficiency in either can leave you feeling drained, foggy, and fatigued.
Supplement Recommendations: Swisse Vitamins Range Other Sources: Beef liver, fish, chicken, or wholegrains.
ASHWAGANDHA
Why it matters: Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps your body adapt to physical and mental stress by balancing cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for your fight-or-flight response. Lower cortisol means a calmer mind and more consistent energy throughout the day.
Supplement Recommendations: Bioglan Ashwagandha
MATCHA
Why it matters: The coffee alternative everyone’s talking about, matcha offers a steady, balanced energy boost. It’s rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness. When combined with natural caffeine, it delivers focus and energy—without the jittery side effects. Matcha is also rich in antioxidants to support overall wellbeing..
Supplement Recommendations: Nutra Organics Matcha Latte Other Sources: High-quality matcha green tea.
To keep your energy levels high, start with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Stay hydrated – dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. And don’t forget to prioritise quality sleep. With the right habits and smart supplement support, you can power through your day feeling sharp and energised.
Nurofen
Nurofen
Natio Glow Lips 15g Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish Top Coat Range
SAY HELLO TO SCALP AND NAIL CARE
Healthy hair starts at the roots, and strong nails start at the cuticles. Give your scalp a gentle massage with nourishing oils to boost circulation and encourage growth. For nails, don’t forget to moisturise your cuticles regularly – happy cuticles mean stronger, less brittle nails. It’s like a mini spa treatment for your hair and nails, right at home.
1 4 FUN & FABULOUS TIPS FOR HAIR AND NAILS
BIOTIN: YOUR HAIR AND NAIL BFF
Let’s face it—our hair and nails don’t always cooperate as they used to. That’s where biotin steps in like a trusty sidekick. This B-vitamin helps keep your strands strong and nails less prone to breakage. You’ll find it in everyday foods like eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes, or in supplements if you want to keep it simple. Who says ageing can’t come with fabulous hair and nails? Biotin might just prove otherwise.
EAT THE RAINBOW, LITERALLY
Think of your plate as your personal beauty salon—what you eat has a powerful impact on how you look and feel. Vitamin C from oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers boosts collagen (hello, strong nails and shiny hair). Don’t forget leafy greens for iron and zinc, which keep your locks luscious and your nails tough. A rainbow diet will help give you a glow from the inside out.
OIL UP, BUTTERCUP
Let’s talk about hair oils, a beauty ritual that’s as luxurious as it is beneficial. Not only do they leave your locks smelling incredible, but many natural oils also deliver a host of scalp and hair health benefits. Oils like coconut, argan, and tea tree aren’t just popular for their scent or shine—they’re packed with natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation, reduce flakiness, and support a balanced scalp environment.
If your hair is looking more “meh” than marvellous, or your nails resemble tiny, brittle tree branches, don’t panic. Let’s talk about some vitamin-powered tricks and tips to get your hair and nails shining like the crown jewels.
DON’T SKIP YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE
Use shampoos and conditioners packed with vitamins like E, B5, and keratin. Using the right shampoo or conditioner for your specific hair type will help give it volume and a fresh appearance for longer. Pro tip: a cold water rinse after each wash helps seal and tighten your hair cuticles for extra shine.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Healthy hair and nails don’t happen overnight. Stick to a balanced diet, vitamin routine, and hair and nail care for a few months, and watch your beauty game level up. For a quick bit of background knowledge: our scalp contains thousands of hair follicles, each going through these phases at different times – that’s why you don’t lose all your hair at once. Nails grow from the matrix, the tissue under your cuticle, where new cells are made. These cells harden and push out, forming the visible nail. On average, nails grow about 3 millimetres per month, but growth can be influenced by age, diet, and health.
WASH HANDS WITHOUT WRECKING NAILS
We all know washing our hands is a must, but frequent washing can dry out your nails and cuticles faster than you can say “moisturise.” After washing your hands, show your nails some love with a good cuticle cream or vitamin E oil to keep them hydrated and strong. A good-quality polish (especially base coats and topcoats) can act as a barrier between your nail and environmental stressors like water, detergents, and dry air. This can help reduce peeling, splitting, and breakage.
As we age, it’s completely natural for hair and nail growth to slow down. This gradual shift is often due to changes in hormone levels, reduced collagen production, and slower cell turnover, all of which are part of the body’s ageing process. Just as important is establishing a consistent self-care routine that includes regular moisturising, gentle grooming habits, and targeted supplements if needed. With patience, nourishment, and a little extra care, you can feel confident and radiant at every stage of life.
