I read that vitamin E and vitamin B could be helpful during the menopause, can you explain why? Could you also tell me which B vitamins, and what foods are rich in both these vitamins?

B vitamins can be very helpful during the menopause as they are needed for mood, relaxation, digestion and for converting our food into energy.

There are 8 B vitamins in total but it is best to take a ‘vitamin B Complex’ which will contain them all. A B50 (50mg) is the usual recommended dose but if you are particularly stressed or anxious then you could consider upping your dose to a B100 (100mg) dose initially. I often recommend B50 from a brand called Lamberts.

B vitamins are generally found in wholegrains including brown rice, wholegrain bread, barley, beans, lentils and millet, as well as lean meats including red meat and poultry, and also fish, nuts, seeds and green vegetables.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to prevent damage to our cells by free radicals. This means this nutrient is especially useful for supporting the structure of your skin as well as our cardiovascular health. Vitamin E is usually found in grains such as wheat, nuts, seeds and soya but it is also particularly rich in wheat germ oil. Therefore, taking wheat germ oil in supplement form can help to top up your levels.

Eileen Durward