Seasonal supplement trends mean summer's almost over

During the summer months, consumers' priorities lie with products like querticin, a powerful antioxidant that can be helpful for hay fever, pycnogenol, a pine bark extract that has been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis during long haul flights, a spokesperson for Holland and Barrett told NutraIngredients.com.

Essential oils such as citronella and tea tree, an insect repellent and an antiseptic, are also popular.

And when preparing for their vacation, shoppers may find Holland and Barrett's Tan Tablets helpful. Containing a blend of the amino acids PABA and L-tyrosine, and copper, they are intended to help the skin to tan upon exposure to the sun and provide and extra protect against the effects of harmful rays.

The spokesperson said that antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and zinc and selenium, are also understood to have skin protection benefits.

But while shoppers are still in summer mode, the UK retailer is already preparing its winter catalogue - and that means placing orders for products that can help boost immunity. Some new products are expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Although renowned as a cold-fighting vitamin, vitamin C is a good year-round seller. Since the body cannot store reserves of vitamin C, it is important to ensure a steady supply. It is also thought to be useful for allergies.

Echinacea, commonly used to help prevent winter ailments, is also said to be a steady year-round seller.