Work Placement Report

Submitted to

The Department Of Food Business and Development,

University College Cork,

Cork,

Ireland.

As Part of Msc Programme in Food Business 2009-2011

Student Name: Ogunbanwo Saheed Adebayo

Student Number: 109121997

Academic Supervisor: Dr. Joe Bogue

Company Supervisor: Cliona Keohane

Title: Manager

Company: Here’s Health, Cork

Placement Duration: June 2010- July 2010

Date Submitted: August 2010

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All glory and honour belong to Almighty God who has been my source of strength and
inspiration for the past months of academic and working experience journey. He is worthy
of praise to have finally provided a place for me after a very aggressive and laborious
searching for a company to do the placement.

Simply put, I could not have done this work placement and report same without the lots of
help I cheerfully received from my academic supervisor Dr. Joe Bogue, my mentor Dr.
Stephen Onakuse and my company supervisor Miss Cliona Keohane. In fact your hand of
friendships, encouragements and useful advices are greatly appreciated.

The work culture in Here’s Health really motivates and keeps me going to the extent that I
feel satisfied when I am at work all the time. Everybody in the store is such friendly and
cheerful companion that work-stress never comes in at all. I appreciate the hospitality of
all the staff (both part-time and full-time). The unflinching support, cooperation,
information, care and advice given to me throughout my stay in the store by people like
Diane Ward, Katherine Colfer, Alice Forde, Aine Tierney, Laurence Coughlan, Caroline
Murray and Kasia will forever be appreciated.

I would specially like to thank Mr John Philpott the owner of the store for given me the
opportunity to work in his establishment and for not only making the store to be a nice
place to work in, but taking the pain to make the store conducive for all staffs and given
them all the necessary motivations and incentives. I am also highly indebted to the
Assistant Manager Miss Deirdre Roche who assisted me in getting some vital information
about the store when needed and who seemed to have answers to all my questions during
the whole period of the working experience.

Finally, my sincere appreciation goes to the entire specialist in the store starting from the
Acupuncturist; Sinead Casey, the registered Nurse and food sensitivity specialist; Eileen
Butler, the Accountant; Caroline Murray to the Nutritionist; Caroline Noonan for not
hesitating to share some information about their area of specialisation with me whenever I
demanded for such and for their ever-ready action to answer any question I ask them
pertaining to their field of specialisation or any other field I believed they have knowledge
of which I can benefit from also. I wish you all the best in your endeavours in life.

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 Table of Contents

Pages
Title Page......................................................................................................................................i
Acknowledgement.......................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….iii

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..v

List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..VI

1.0 Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
2.0 About the Store…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

3.0 Major Products and Services offered by the Store………………………………………………………………. 6

3.1 Food and Food products………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

3.1.1 Differences between Organic and Natural Foods……………………………………………………….8

3.2 Confectionery……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

3.3 Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Products………………………………………………………………………10

3.4 Homeopathy and Homeopathy products…………………………………………………………………………..11

3.5 Food and Energy Supplements…………………………………………………………………………………………..12

3.6 Body Care products……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

3.7 Health Books…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

3.8 Open (Random) Products………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

4.0 Special Products of the Store…………………………………………………………………………………………….14

4.1 Solgar Products………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...14

4.2 Manuka Honey………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

5.0 Other Services Rendered by the Store……………………………………………………………………………….16

5.1 Own Label Products…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

5.2 Food Sensitivity Testing…………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

5.2.1 Differences between Sensitivity and Allergy…………………………………………………………….17

5.3 Acupuncture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

6.0 Personal Experience and Statement………………………………………………………………………………….19

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7.0 Appendices.........................................................................................................................21
.......................................................................................................................................................

iv
 LIST OF TABLES
Pages

Table 1: Differences between Organic and Natural Foods in terms of parameters......9

Table 2: Manuka Honey Methylglyoxal (MGO) Contents and their uses....................15

v
 LIST OF FIGURES
Pages
Figure 1: Organisational Structure of the Store.......................................................... 5
Figure 2: Percentage of the Products stock by the Store.............................................6

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 1.0 SUMMARY

As part of the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme in Food Business. I did my
work placement at Here’s Health (a natural food and remedies store) in Saint Patrick street,
Cork, which is the head office of all the Here’s Health stores in Cork, Republic of Ireland.
The store has been in existence for the past eleven (11) years and has been providing the
best services to its esteemed costumers. I started the placement in June and end it in first
week of August. Here’s Health provides many services apart from the major sales of
organic foods, natural foods and nutritional or food supplements. The store also have some
qualified specialists such as; Nutritionist, Therapists, Acupuncturist and food Allergy
testing specialist that engages in different forms of testing to customers and provides
information on the use of natural remedies as against the conventional medicine for their
well being when demanded for such in their consultation.

Generally, this work placement has exposed me to various learning and developing
experience as a wide range of new skills and knowledge were acquired in both
professional and personal areas. Regarding the professional skills the placement gives me
the opportunity to practice and utilized some skills that I have learnt in an intensive 6-week
training LifeMatters Programme I did between January and February 2010 organized by
the Student Development and Counseling Department in UCC. Such skills Includes:
thinking skills, decision making skills, problem solving skills, building confidence skills,
communication skills and skills in managing emotions. In terms of personal skills,
although my major role in the store is a sales assistant but due to the way the store operates
virtually all staff must be able to fit in any other area in case the assigned staff to such area
or duties is not available. Therefore, I do performed many other duties such as;
merchandising, looking after deliveries, putting price in new products, sending orders to
customers through regular mail and post, assisting the manager to document some invoice,
taking and checking stocks during and after deliveries and sometimes giving advice on the
health benefit of some foods and supplements to costumers.

My managerial skills assisted me in organizing, coordinating and delegating duties during

team work with other staffs and my communication skills assisted me to have more friends
among the customers and allow me to know more about the packaging, labeling, supplying
and sales of gluten-free, dairy- free, sugar-free, wheat-free, GM-free foods and other

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organic foods which I have hitherto learnt in the college during my previous lectures in
some courses. In addition, not only that I know the suppliers of natural and organic foods
and supplements but also have much information about nutritional supplements and their
functions in the body.

Here’s Health is a store that has a definite role for its entire staff. However, irrespective of
your role as a staff you have to render help and service in other areas if the need arises.
One amazing thing about the store is that the Manager herself does come to assist when the
need arises. The hospitality and the team spirit of all the staff in the store has proven to me
that if a store/company want to ensure maximum success such store/company should
provide incentives to the staffs and encourage co-operation among them. To summarize
Here’s Health is a good place for me to do my placement as it provides me with a valuable
insight into the world of health foods and natural remedies.

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 2.0 ABOUT THE STORE

Here’s Health was established by John Philpott in 1998 at St. Patrick’s Street in Cork and
barely six months after another outlet was opened in Douglas Court Shopping Centre.
However, due to the awareness of health foods and natural remedies among the people of
Cork and the purpose of the company to provide information to the costumers and give
them opportunity to explore and sampled healthy food products which they may not have
either seen or sampled before a third store was opened in Wilton Shopping Centre in the
summer of 2009. The Patrick Street store stands as the head office. Although the two other
branches have their separate organizational structure and each of them has their own
manager that sees to their affairs but there is still some exchange of staffs from the head
office if the need arises.

The store deals with whole foods (natural and organic), Food supplements (vitamins and
minerals), Natural remedies and Food sensitivity testing also referred to as Food Allergy
testing in some cases. The store is also one of the accredited health stores approved by the
Irish Association of Health Stores (IAHS) 1. Apart from the fact that all the products in the
store are natural or organic, the store also provides the mail-order services to their distant
customers all over the globe who buys their products online through the store websites 2.
Customers can order for any products they have seen either online or elsewhere and want
through the store websites and such goods will be sent to them irrespective of their
location in the world provided courier or postal services is available in the country of
origin or location of the buyer. Payments for such goods are done online by credit card
and immediately the confirmation of such payment has been made by the store the orders
get to the customer in the next three to five working days. However, this depends on the
location and the medium of carriage of such goods. The store have its own courier partner
that carries the goods and only charge five (5) Euros for such within Ireland and more than
that outside Ireland. Also special mail order price charges are available for customers that
want their order to be posted to them and such charges are as follows: (a) if the goods
order by the customer is below sixty (60) Euros standard post will be applicable. (b)
Posting of goods ordered by customers between sixty (60) and one hundred (100) Euros
1
(IAHS): Founded in 1986, is a professional trade Association, which represent over 80% of the health
Stores in the Republic of Ireland. It operates under a written constitution and member stores are required
to adhere to a strict code of Ethics.
2
www.solgar.ie opened for the store by Solgar Vitamins in the United Kingdom and www.hereshealth.ie
which is operated by the store.

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has to be registered by such customer. (c) Posting of goods ordered that are over one
hundred (100) Euros the store pay the cost of getting the products registered.

The store consist of three offices; the manager has its own office which is sometimes
shared with the accountant; the owner has one that he also shares with the assistant
manager, there is a consultation room where the specialists use for the treatment of any
patient that are on food sensitivity testing or other form of testing appointment. The store
opens everyday of the week (Monday-Saturday) it opens 9am -6pm but closes by 9pm on
Friday’s. However on Sunday’s it opens by 12.30pm and closes by 5.30pm. There is
specific mode of dressing of staff and all the staffs of the store conform to the uniform
(white top and black trousers). There are about twenty (20) staffs (part time and full time).
Most of the part time staffs are still in one college or the other for further studies on
nutrition and other food and health related courses. However, all the staffs are well-trained
in both customer relations and information dissemination and virtually all the full time
staffs are specialists in either one or the other of the following field and area of studies:
food science, nutrition and dietetics, nursing, herbal remedies and natural health. Among
the staff is registered food sensitivity testing nurse, an acupuncturist, a kinesiology and a
nutritional therapist.

The store vision is to provide a wide range of top quality natural products allied with the best
advice in nutrition, healthy lifestyle, natural remedies and whole foods. While the store
objectives/policies are to: (1) Offer the best food products, from all over the world to their
esteemed and valuable customers. (2) Educate and inform customers about Health products. (3)
Advise customers on the right choice of foods and supplements that are beneficial to them. (4)
Provide the best service to customers by employing a team of worker with an excellent background
in natural food and healthcare. (5) Assist the customers that are on medication to carefully select
and follow the instructions on the products been prescribed to them.

Figure 1: Organizational Structure of the Store

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 Owner

Assistant
Manager
Manager

Food
Sales
Accountant Sensitivity
Assistants
Specialists

3.0 MAJOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE STORE

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There are many products the store stocks. However, the major products in the store are
divided into different sections and categories such as: Food products, Confectionery
products, Supplements (vitamins and minerals), Aromatherapy products, Homeopathy
products, Body care products, Health Books, Solgar products and open (random) products.
Of all the products stock by this store, foods and food products occupy about 50%;
supplements (vitamins and minerals) account for about 30%, homeopathy and
aromatherapy products take about 15% while other products took the remaining 5%. This
is shown in the chart below:

Figure 2: Percentage of the Products Stock by the Store

Others. 5%

Aromatherapy and Homeopathy products. 15%

Food products. 50%

Supplements. 30%

The store orders all its products via the internet at the respective websites of the suppliers
with its own identification code given by the suppliers and such goods or deliveries either
come from United Kingdom or from different counties in Ireland. The goods that come to
the store everyday from different counties in Ireland always come from Dublin, Wicklow
and Galway. Majority of the foods (Organic and Natural) are from the United Kingdom.
However, the biggest order/deliveries always come on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Among
the food suppliers to the store The Health Store (THS) in the United Kingdom is the major
supplier and the store order most of its foods (natural and organic) from this store followed
by Independent Irish Health Foods Limited and Wholefoods Company in Cork and United
Kingdom respectively. The biggest nutritional or dietary supplements also come from
Solgar on Monday’s and every other day while other companies supplements such as;

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Sona Nutrition in Dublin and Viridian in the United Kingdom comes twice or three times a
week. All orders for products that are made online through each company or store website
comes with an invoice in addition to the electronic version of such orders. The lists of the
major suppliers of the store are shown in Appendix (ii).

When order comes, the order form has to be signed in front of the deliverers to prove that
the goods have been received and complete without any addition or omission after which
the goods are then opened and keep face up so as to allow the staff to see the products and
the quantity of each products. Then the staff available will check the goods against the
invoice and if everything is completed without any mix-up such staff then have to sign
below the invoice and take such to the manager for proper documentation. After this the
products will go to their appropriate section in the shelf. If there are excess products
available in a particular shelf such are stored in the cupboard in the storage room in
different sections. Each section of the shelves is checked every moment so as to
merchandise them at interval and to allow the customers to see all the products in their
various shelves. Cleaning is paramount to the store as a health store every week the
shelves are cleaned up and if there is any product that are found to be out of date or that
are opened up such are discarded immediately and no dirt of any form can be seen in either
the store or its surrounding as the store is been monitored at interval.

3.1 Food and Food Products

All the food items in this store are either organic or natural. However, all the organic foods
in the store are certified by Standard Organization in charge of organic foods either in the
United Kingdom or any country of Origin of such foods. This is because as a member of
(IAHS) the store believes that a good diet will optimize health and help to prevent
degenerative diseases. Therefore the primary concern of the store is to provide high quality
unprocessed foods without additives and without genetic modification to its customers
typically called natural foods on one hand and to provide organic foods that are produced,
manufactured and handled using organic means as defined by certifying body Such as; the
Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers Association in the United Kingdom
and Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association in Republic of Ireland. The store
stocks foods that includes; Grains, Flakes, Pulses, Nuts, Seeds and Dried fruits that are
organically produced to avoid traces of artificial chemicals. In addition it stocks a wide
variety of foods for people with particular dietary needs. Such foods include the gluten-

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free, sugar-free, wheat- free and dairy- free alternatives to standard products. Examples of
the organic and natural foods stock by Here’s Health are shown in Appendix (1).

3.1.1 Difference between Organic and Natural Foods

Although many people including myself believe there is no difference between organic
and natural foods but my experience in Here’s Health has given me the opportunity to
know that Organic foods refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled
using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act. While Natural food, on the
other hand, generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in
any form. These are mainly derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is
not necessarily organic and vice versa. However, from my investigations and enquiries
from customers I found out that some people prefer natural foods because they have the
belief that synthesizing a food item results in loss of its nutrients and properties. Hence
they demand for natural foods. Similarly, Organic food fans want their food to be free of
chemical fertilizers, pesticides, additives and preservatives since many diseases that are
attached to the food intake nowadays are believed to result from the use of various
additives and chemical in planting and preserving such foods.
Apparently, people demand for organic food more than natural food because organic food
seals are granted and monitored by the government of some country. However, there is
still the need for an act similar to the Organic Food Products Act for the natural food
products as well, so that the lovers of natural food will also have the same confidence that
their organic counterparts have. To further understand the difference the table 1: below
differentiates them in term of some parameters.

Table I: Difference between Organic and Natural Foods in terms of Parameters

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Parameter Organic Food Natural Food

Organic food refers to items that are produced Natural food items are minimally
Definition
using organic means. synthesized.

Stringent standards for organic food production, Stringent standards do not exist for
Standards handling and processing exist throughout the natural food products in many
world. parts of the world.

The International Association of

Natural Products Producers
Many countries have certification bodies, the
Certification (IANPP) is trying to get the
most prominent being the United States
Bodies definitions for natural food into
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
place. It should be noted that it is
not a certification body.

Organic labels have legal implication. A Natural labels are normally used
Labels manufacturer should follow the specified rules freely by manufacturers due to lack
and regulations before using the organic label. of adequate guidelines.

The demand for natural food is

Demand for organic food is more than the
Demand also increasing; however, not as
demand for natural food.
much as organic food.

There is no evidence to prove that organic food

is healthier than non organic food. People prefer
People prefer natural food because
organic food because they feel it is safer than
Health they believe excessive processing
conventional food as chemicals are not used in
Benefits of food items disturbs their health
its production. However, recent research on the
benefits.
health benefits of organic milk has boosted the
spirits of organic food lovers.

Organic food is priced more than non organic Natural food is also priced more
Price
food. than non organic food

Shelf life of organic food is more than that of Since it is minimally processed in
Shelf life natural food. You can store it for a longer many food items, which have high
duration. water content, the shelf life is low.

Natural food is available at many

Organic food is being sold in almost every super stores that sell organic food. There
market. There are special stores selling organic are some special stores that sell
Availability
food and one can purchase organic food online natural food. Further, many stores
as well. selling health food items also sell
natural food products.

Source: Organic Facts; Available at www.organicfacts.net/organic-food

3.2 Confectionery

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This is the set of food items, delicacies or sweetmeats that have sugar as a principal
ingredient, combined with colouring matter and flavouring and often with fruit or nuts, any
one or type of which is called a confection. However, Modern usage may include
substances rich in artificial sweeteners as against sugar. Different word is used for this
type of food in different countries. In the United States of America for example it is called
Candy, in the United Kingdom it is referred to as Sweets while Australia called them
Lolly. This word is also used for the extensive variety that composes confectionery.
Generally speaking, confections are low in nutritional value but rich in calories. The
products under this category are: Chocolates, Snack foods, Sweets and candy. In recent
time company like Kinnerton's ' has careful produce Chocolate that is dairy-free, nut-free,
gluten-free and egg-free. This Chocolate range is the first for allergy sufferers who until
now have not been able to enjoy chocolate safely. Company like Doves farms also supplies
a gluten-free dark chocolate biscuit which is very nice and always purchased by customers.
For kids products like Ricola sweets which have a unique taste due to the famous mixture
of thirteen (13) herbs and Sesame Snaps (both in chocolate and plane form) are very
soothing, refreshing and good for them as against the conventional chocolates and sweets.

3.3 Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Products

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as
essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mood,
cognitive function or health. Also some refer to aromatherapy as the practice of using
volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological
and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. The Essential oil profiles area details
over 90 essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and Hydrosols are also commonly utilized in
aromatherapy. Although essential oils, CO2 extracts and absolutes are distilled by different
methods, the term essential oil is sometimes used as a blanket term to include all natural,
aromatic, volatile, plant oils including CO2s and absolutes. In addition to essential oils,
aromatherapy encourages the use of other complementary natural ingredients including
cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea
salts, sugars (an exfoliant), clays and muds.

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Products that include synthetic ingredients are frowned upon in holistic aromatherapy. It is
important to note that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils (and usually listed as
"fragrance" on an ingredient label) are not the same as essential oils. Fragrance oils and
perfume oils contain synthetic chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of
essential oils. Company like; Tisserand, Atlantic Aromatics, Absolute and New Vista
supplies the Aromatherapy oils to the store and it comes in different name and Fragrance
such as: Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Lavender, Tea tree, Rosemary, Peppermint and
Sandalwood.

3.4 Homeopathy and Homeopathic Products

Homeopathy is a type of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). CAMs are
treatments that are not based on conventional scientific theories. Homeopathy is a system
of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given
in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. Homeopathy is
the second most widely used system of medicine in the world. Its growth in popularity in
the United States has been around 25 to 50 percent a year throughout the last decade3.

Homeopathy was devised by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann during the
1790s. Hahnemann had a series of ideas that evolved into the principles of homeopathy.
The first idea was that a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person can be
used to cure the same symptoms in someone who is ill. For example, if somebody is
suffering from insomnia, they can be treated with a homeopathic remedy that contains
extracts of coffee. Homeopaths refer to this as the principle of ‘like cures like’.
Hahnemann’s second idea is that the more you dilute a substance, the more you increase
its power to treat symptoms that it would otherwise cause. Homeopaths refer to this as the
principle of ‘potentisation’. Based on their experience of their symptoms; a homeopath
will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.

The homeopathic products are categorized into the following: Xenobiotics, Liquescences,
Sarcodes, Herbal Tinctures, Herbal essences, symptomatic remedies, single remedies,
Homochords and Allersodes. Company like Weleda, Newera and NewVistas supplies the
homeopathic products to the store. Products that include: Arnica 6, Arnica30, Carbo Veg.
3
According to ABC homeopathy Available at http://abchomeopathy.com/homeopathy.htm

11
30, Sulphur 30, Aconite 30 and Silica 30 which are tablets are supplied by Weleda. While
the liquid form of these products such as; Liquescence and Efflorescence are supplied by
Newera and Newvista healthcare Limited.

3.5 Food and Energy Supplements

These are the products that are sometimes referred to as dietary or nutritional supplements
and they are preparation intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as
vitamins, minerals, fibre, fatty acids or amino acids, which may be missing or may not be
consumed in sufficient quantity in a person’s diet. There are many different definitions of
these supplements across countries while some countries define them as foods, some
defined them as drugs and some regard them as natural health products. Food supplements
are used for different purposes especially to supply needs that one's daily diet is not
covering effectively and also to eliminate toxins from the body.

In an ideal world a well-balanced wholesome diet should provide all the nutrients needed
to maintain health. However, surveys have shown that even in the developed countries
many people still are not reaching the levels required to prevent deficiency in a number of
nutrients. In the busy world we are in today we use processed foods which are high in fats
and low in Vitamins and minerals often to save time. Also our vegetables are frequently
cooked so that their nutrients are either destroyed or poured down the sink. Due to the
aforementioned issues the store stocks the various vitamins and minerals supplement that
can benefit the customers.

The store staff will give information about diet first and if they discover the customer need
supplements then they sell to them. However, many of the supplements preparation are
traditional herbal remedies which have been used safely for hundreds of years and whose
benefits have only recently been discovered. These have been believed to provide safe and
effective alternatives to drugs such as antibiotics, without any side effects often associated
with conventional medication. In the store we never take chances with people’s health as
customer seeking advice about medical condition are always advised to seek professional
help. Similarly, those that are already on medication are advised to consult their doctors
before taking supplements or alternative medicines.

3.6 Body Care Products

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These include a range of pure and natural care products aimed at those who want a natural
solution to their affected skin, teeth, foot and body. These products come in form of
creams, toothpastes, soaps, perfumes, gels and natural hairs. Examples of such are the
Ladycare (an easy magnetic device that has been proved to be good for women at
menopause), Aloe Pura (a natural lotion in different form which has been proven to give
smooth skin and a healthy hair), Blemish cream(which is suitable for: spots, blemishes,
hives, allergies and irritated skin), Rio Rosa Mosqueta( which has been proven to fade
scars, stretch marks and reduce the signs of ageing naturally) and the Aloe Vera paste
without mint suitable for people that are allergic to mint or calcium and under
homeopathic treatment or medication. Also many other products manufactured by Weleda
company which includes; Rose night cream, Lavender Relaxing bath milk , Iris Facial
Toner, Pine reviving bath milk, Wild rose Day cream and Foot Balm are stocked by the
store due to the popular demand by customers.

3.7 Health Books

These are series of books written by nutritionists, scientistists, therapists, acupuncturists or
any medical practitioners to help people in taking the right choice of food, to prevent and
treat all the diseases associated with their food intake. Such books includes; the famous
book of Patrick Holford The Optimum Nutrition series 1-3, the Natural Health Bible for
women by Marilyn Glenville, Food is better Medicine than Drugs by Patrick Holford and
Jerome Burne, Food Nature gifts series by Jan de Vries, Hidden dangers in what we eat
and drink by Shirley Tricket, Osteoporosis: how to prevent, treat and reverse it and Natural
alternatives to antibiotics by Dr john Mckenna. Apart from these books various DVDs and
VCDs of exercises, emotional and stress-relief music are also in stock.

3.8 Open (Random) products

These are all other products that come in to the store at interval and are only stock in
smaller quantity. However, most of them are been requested for by the customers before
they can be bought. Such products include some Probiotics which are store in the fridge
and every new product that comes out which the company wants to create awareness of. It
sometimes includes the new organic juice drinks and yoghurt as against the conventional
drinks and yoghurt. However, all other products that are not in the aforementioned
categories are also classified as random products.

4.0 SPECIAL PRODUCTS OF THE STORE

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There are three special products that are stocked by Here’s Health. The products are the
Solgar supplements, Viridian Supplements and Manuka Honey. These three products are
the most selling products of all the products on the shelves apart from the food products.
The reason is that customers that have been using these products are satisfied with their
efficacies and always come for them. The first two major companies have the best quality
and standard reputation in the food supplements industry While Manuka honey has the
highest quality and standard in the Honey sector. Although there are other supplements in
the store but customers prefer to buy the two major supplements mentioned above with
Solgar supplements having the highest sales between the two. Solgar products and Manuka
honey are briefly described below.

4.1 Solgar Products

Solgar has been innovating and producing fine quality nutritional supplements since 1947.
It has its head office in the United States of America. For more than 50 years Solgar has
been setting the Gold Standard for nutritional supplements. Solgar Vision is to lead the
way to a healthier world while its mission is to provide consumers with top quality,
innovative; science based nutritional supplements to enhance their total health and well-
being. According to the Owner of the Store John Phillpott, “when it came to choosing a
range of products which fitted in with the store philosophy, after assessing the different
ranges available, it was clear that Solgar was the company which most closely matched
the store passion and vision”.

Therefore, Solgar range of products was made the cornerstone of the business, and it has
proved an excellent partnership over the years because they incorporate the highest global
standards for the manufacturing of all their products.

“Our customers responded positively to having a world class nutritional range readily
available and we are proud to be associated with Solgar” Says the Store Manager (Cliona
Keohane).

Here’s Health is an approved stockists of Solgar products here in Ireland. Solgar has a
particular section on the shelf in the store where all their products are stocked. They also
have a website address run by the store where customers order for their products online
and such will be posted to them. Products from Solgar are majorly classified into the
14
following sections: Multi-nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Essential Fatty Acids,
Sports Nutrition, Antioxidants, Amino-Acids, Digestion Probiotics, Gold specifics and
Specialty. Examples of products on each section are shown in appendix (III). Also the
pictures of the entrance and parts of sections of the products are shown in appendix (IV).

4.2 Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey is a dark, cream honey with unique anti-bacteria qualities. The honey is
harvested by honey bees from the native Manuka tree popularly grown in New Zealand.
Manuka flower have a strong aromatic fragrance and when freshly opened, are full of
nectar and much sought after by the honey-bee. The bush flowers only once a year for six
weeks, so the harvesting period is very short, making this honey a highly valued product.
The reasons why people prefer the Manuka Honey to others is because of the antibacterial
activity that is widely recognized by scientists and the recent studies that identified
Methylglyoxal (MGO) as the principal antimicrobial ingredient in Manuka Honey. The
Honey is used to treat the following ailments: (1) Stomach ulcers (e.g. those caused by h.
pylori) (2) Digestive disorders including irritable bowel. (3) Infected wounds, sores and
leg ulcers (4) bacterial and viral infections, e.g. colds and flu, especially chest/ throat
infections (5) boost the immune system during illness and convalescence. However, the
honey comes in different pack and for different ailments based on the MGO content. The
table below shows the examples of Manuka honey in their MGO form.

Table 2: Manuka Methylglyoxal (MGO) Content and their Uses

Manuka Honey MGO content Uses
MGO 100 100mg/kg Good for general health and
wellbeing, immune support,
colds/sore throats.
MGO 250 250mg/kg Good for a more persistent
coughs and digestive upsets
MGO 400 400mg/kg Good for stomach ulcers and
infected wounds.
Source: Naturalife; Available at www.naturalife.ie.

5.0 OTHER SERVICES RENDERED BY THE STORE

5.1 Own Label Products

15
Since Own label gives retailers the opportunity to brand their own range of products,
without the set–up and maintenance costs normally associated with launching of a new
products. Here’s Health partner with Premier Health Limited in the United Kingdom and
this gives the store the chance to brand their own range of products such as: Evening
primrose Probiotics, multivitamins and minerals, Omega3, Cod liver oil, Vitamin C, Garlic
capsules, Glucosamine, Lecithin capsules and some other products. One unique thing
about the premier Health Company is that for a company to create their own range of
products in partnership with them no contract or set-up fee is required. Also it only
requires some simple steps with complete flexibility.

5.2 Food Sensitivity Testing

Since recent surveys have confirmed that huge number of patients have problems that are
diet related. Sometimes people cannot pinpoint what is causing irritating headache or
ongoing bloating feeling after eating. Studies have shown that Food Intolerance can
contribute to a number of symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating,
tiredness, migraines, digestive complaints, skin conditions or joint pain. Here’s Health also
discovers that many people have not realized neither this food related symptoms nor the
problematic foods. Therefore the store engages in providing the simple, fast and affordable
test to their numerous customers so as to find out if they have food intolerance and
subsequently give nutritional advice.

The first step of food intolerance test is done based on appointment with the Nutritional
therapist or Food sensitivity testing specialist in the store and enables the patient to
eliminate uncertainty and confirm whether he/she has food intolerance by providing a
positive or negative test result. The charge for this service is fifty (€50) Euros and it only
takes between 45-60 minutes with instantaneous result after which advice is given on a
sensible elimination programme. During the consultation over 120 substances which
includes foods and drinks are tested. The instrument use is a bio- electronic analyzer
which measures the body’s electrical resistance to the aforementioned substances. If a
substance is causing a problem then it will affect the body’s electrical resistance. The
whole test is completely painless and is best described as a ball point pen touching the tip
of the patient fingers upon an acupuncture point. At times a vitamin and minerals check is
also provided alongside basic nutritional counseling. In most cases the Nutritionist advice
the patients to revisit her at least a month after the test to allow a follow up appointment

16
and this give her the chance to monitor the progress of the patients whilst carrying out any
eliminations of food from their diets.

5.2.1 Difference between Sensitivity and Allergy

Although many people used the word sensitivity and allergy interchangeably but there is a
difference between the two terms.
A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts, sometimes quite violently, to
certain foods causing much distress to the body. Peanuts, nuts, shellfish and fish
are common lifelong allergies. Therefore it is advisable if someone discovers that he/she
always have a reaction to any food then he/she should not eat it! The body creates certain
antibodies so that the next time that food is eaten it releases many chemicals to protect the
body. This would include histamine.

These chemicals can then cause the body to show allergic reactions such
as vomiting, stomach pains and swelling of the throat which can cause difficulty in
breathing and possibly anaphylactic shock which in turn can lead to hospitalization or even
death. Allergy testing today is usually done through a blood test.

While a food sensitivity or intolerance is an adverse reaction to food that does not involve
the immune system. For instance, a person with lactose intolerance is someone who lacks
an enzyme that is required to digest milk sugar so that when that person eats or drinks milk
products, the reaction is possibly bloating, wind or abdominal discomfort.

5.3 ACUPUNTURE

17
The ancient Chinese art of Acupuncture is over 5,000 years old and is used to help
maintain health and well-being. Acupuncture involves the insertion of pre-sterilized
needles at predetermined energy points on the body's surface to restore health. It is a
holistic therapy that is non-invasive, but creating a state of calm and relaxation.

In Chinese Medicine to be healthy means to have a free and unimpeded flow of Qi (Qi is a
dense form of energy that flows around the body) which not only keeps the body free from
disease but there is more balance of mind, body and spirit, a more relaxed and positive
outlook and a better state of health and well-being overall.
During illness Qi can move less freely or stagnate and stop. Acupuncture restores the free
flow of Qi and re-balances the whole system and for this reason it is effective for lots of
conditions. The acupuncturist in Here’s Health has her main interests in the following
areas; Male and Female Fertility, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Digestive Disorders,
Respiratory Conditions, Weight Loss, Low Energy Levels, Insomnia, Sports Injuries,
Sciatica, Arthritis etc.

Acupuncture produces good results for these conditions and is of benefit to Male and
Female Health. She also offers a high quality service unique to each patient. On the first
visit of the patient she will take a medical history, asking questions about diet, lifestyle
relating to the illness the patient wish her to treat for them. From this she will design a
treatment to restore balance using a combination of Acupuncture, Moxibustion 4 and
Cupping5. She will then put in place a treatment plan giving them an approximate idea of
how many treatments will be needed for them.

6.0 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND STATEMENT

4
Moxibustion: is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa or mugworth herb. It is also an
acupuncture technique that burns the herb on the skin to treat diseases or to produce analgesia.
5
Cupping: a treatment in which evacuated cups are applied to the skin to draw blood through the surface.
It is formerly used as treatment to reduce excess blood.

18
Having searched the nooks and crannies of Cork for months to get a company to do my
placement, I reluctantly agreed to work with Here‘s Health store since I have no other
option except to work in such store. In my first day in the store, I was thinking if I will be
able to gain anything in the store or not because firstly, the store is not as big as the other
store I had wanted to work. Secondly I was thinking to work in a food company where I
will be given a managerial role and probably receive a little payment or compensation.
However, my second day in Here’s Health proved me wrong as it was a day when the store
had its big orders from the United Kingdom. It took us almost 20-30 minutes before the
deliveries were off-loaded from the vehicle despite the fact that we are about 6 staffs at
work that day. Having seen this I changed my mind that I have to gain one or two things in
this store. I was later introduced to many things and the aspect I love most is my
delegation of duties to some staff and working together as a team. Although I was not paid
in the store for the whole period of working experience but what I enjoyed most is the 40%
discount given on all the goods bought by staffs of the store as I do most of my shopping
in the store since I am also a fan of organic or natural food. I eventually love the store and
always want to be there because I was able to practice all what I have been taught in terms
of management, communication and problem solving skills.

The day I love most was the day all the staff went for Pizza at Milano and we all dined
together like a family and they took care of me and let me know that they are satisfied with
all my mode of operating things and motivation. Also, in the interview I had with the
owner of the store John Philpott on the 20th of July, 2010. I learnt from his words that
determination leads to success as he frankly told me that he has never get any professional
training or ever be a specialist in food and diet nutrition but his experience and
determination led to the establishment of the store and the other branches in Douglas and
Wilton respectively. Finally, I feel like not leaving the store again at the end because I so
much love some customers with their inquisitiveness about their health and the food that is
good for them. In addition some customers have even taken me as their friend and adviser
in terms of their selection of good foods and health remedies.

I cannot imagine myself giving advice and talking about Supplements (vitamins and
minerals) and other food ingredients as if I have went for a college to learn it. I will like to
say if I have a second chance I will still work in the store because it has exposed me to the
world of natural food, natural remedies and healthy living. I really appreciate the fact that I

19
have my placement done in Here’s Health because it is a kind of store that offers me a
great working experience.

7.0 APPENDICES

20
 APPENDIX I

MAJOR FOOD PRODUCTS STOCK BY HERE’S HEALTH

PRODUCTS TYPES COMPANY
Psyllium Husks Organic Independent Irish Health
Foods Ltd.
Hi –Fibre Cereal Organic/Natural Independent Irish Health
Foods Ltd.
Muesli Seeds Organic The Health Store
Sesame Stick Natural The Health Store
Cranberries Organic /Natural The health Store
Walnuts Organic/natural The Health Store
Porridge Oats Organic /natural The Health Store
Lerida figs Natural The Health Store
Oatcakes Natural Nairns Oatflakes
Soya Milk Organic Provamel Limited
Spelt Flour Organic Doves Farm
Flaxseed Natural Linwoods Natural Foods
Sweetener Natural Optimah Foods
Mega Spelt Bread Mix Organic Sowans organic Foods
Rice Flakes Organic Orgran Foods
Corn Flakes Natural Orgran Foods
Millet Flakes Organic The Health Store
Peanut Butter Organic Meridian Foods
Pumpkin Seeds Organic/Natural The Health Store
Sesame seeds Organic/Natural The health Store
Goji Berries Natural The Health Store
Barley Flakes Natural The health Store
Wheat Bran Organic /natural The Health Store
Sunflower Seeds Organic/Natural The Health Store
Golden Linseed Organic / Natural The Health Store
Soya beans Organic /Natural The health Store
Whole Cashew nuts Organic/ Natural The Health Store
Whole Brazil Nuts Organic/ Natural The health Store
Whole Dried Apricot Organic/ Natural The Health Store
Pecan Nuts Organic /Natural The health Store
Promax Chocolates Natural Promax
Banana Crisp Natural The Health Store
Long/Short Brown Rice Organic/ natural The Health Store
Tomato Ketch up Organic Meridian
Garlic Sticks Natural Independent Irish Health
Foods Limited
Bottle Water Natural Essentials, Eva
Sprout Organic Biona
Yoghurts Organic Provamel
Can/Bottle Juice Organic Biona/

21
Vinegar Natural Bragg
Spaghetti Organic Biona
Biscuits Organic /Natural Premier
Rye Flakes Organic/ Flakes The Health Stores
Fruit and nut bar Natural Tunch Foods Ltd
Gluten Free Double Organic Doves Farm
Chocolate
Swiss Herb Drops Natural Ricola
Sesame Snaps Natural Anglo-Dal Ltd

APPENDIX II

MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF THE PRODUCT STOCK BY HERE’SHEALTH STORE

SUPPLIERS TYPE OF PRODUCTS DESTINATION

Solgar Food Supplements United Kingdom
Nature’s Plus Energy Supplements United Kingdom
Natural Life Whole Foods United Kingdom
The Health Store Foods (Natural and Organic) United Kingdom
Independent Irish Health Health foods, supplements Cork, Ireland
Foods Ltd and body care
Sony Music Entertainment Health CDs United Kingdom
Manuka Honey and Honey Syrup United Kingdom
A.Vogel Herbal products United Kingdom
Wholefoods Foods (Natural and Organic) United Kingdom
Viridian Supplements United Kingdom
Sona Nutrition Nutritional supplement and Dublin, Ireland
Herbal remedies
Lifes2Good Natural Health care products United Kingdom
Quest Nutritional Supplements United Kingdom
Higher Nature Natural health products United Kingdom
Bio Care Nutritional Supplements United Kingdom
Bio- Health Pure Herbal products United Kingdom
Salus Herbal products (organic United Kingdom

22
 teas and Health food Iron
supplement)
The National Institute of Herbal teas United Kingdom
Medical Herbalists( NIMH)
Biona Organic Organic foods and juices United Kingdom
Bragg Health products and Books United State of America
Meridian Foods Organic and Natural Foods United Kingdom
Pukka Organic Herbal teas and United Kingdom
supplements.
Seven Seas Vitamins, Minerals and United Kingdom
Supplements
Weleda Homeopathic Products. United Kingdom
New chapter Nutritional supplements United Kingdom
Doves Farm Flours (Organic and Gluten United Kingdom
free)
Premier Health products Vitamins and Health United Kingdom
supplements
New Era Homeopathic products United Kingdom
Hildergard Health Organic spelt flours Galway, Ireland
Orgran Natural foods Foods (Organic and natural) United Kingdom
Kallo Foods Organic, gluten and wheat United Kingdom
free foods
Ecover Cleaning products United Kingdom
(ecological and powerful )
Bia Nua Flours( Bread and Baking) United Kingdom
Holford Supplements, Foods and United Kingdom
Health Books
New Vistas Homeopathic products Limerick, Ireland
Somerset Entertainment Health Tips CDs United Kingdom
Arnicare Homeopathic products United Kingdom
Lepicol Health Probiotics and Prebiotics United Kingdom
products
Bio- Fair Teas, quoina flakes and United Kingdom
Animal products
Qi Herbal products Herbal teas United Kingdom

Neem Body care products United Kingdom

Nature aids Aromatherapy and food United Kingdom
supplements
Provamel Organic and Natural foods United Kingdom
Linwood Organic and Natural Foods United Kingdom
Lane Health Products Food Supplements United Kingdom
Xylobrit Sweeteners (natural) United Kingdom

23
Sowans Organic Organic Spelt Bread mix United kingdom
Volvic waters Bottled Waters United Kingdom
Whole earth Foods Organic Drinks United Kingdom
Tisserand Aromatherapy products United Kingdom
Absolute Aromatherapy oils United Kingdom
Naturally Nature Aromatherapy Products United Kingdom
Atlantic Aromatics Aromatherapy products United Kingdom
Neem Aromatherapy products United Kingdom
Nature Knows Aromatherapy products Limerick, Ireland
Clarity Skin Care Aromatherapy products Cork, Ireland
Kinetic Enterprises Ltd Homeopathic Products United Kingdom
Rio Amazon Body Care United Kingdom

APPENDIX III

SAMPLES OF SOLGAR PRODUCTS STOCK BY HERE’S HEALTH

Products Categories Information/Function Type Qty

Formula Vm 75 Multinutrients High potency Multiple Capsules 30

24
 vitamins and minerals.
Omnium Multinutrients Rich multiple vitamin Capsules 30
Phytonutrient and Mineral formula.
Male Multiple Multinutrients Advanced high potency Tablets 60
multivitamin and
Mineral Formula for
Men with Lycopene.
Female Multiple Multinutrients Advanced high potency Capsules 60
multivitamin and mineral
formula especially for
women.
Prenatal Nutrient Multinutrients Multivitamin and Tablets 60
mineral Formula for
Pregnant and Lactating
Women.
Formula Vm 2000 Multinutrients A Multinutrient System Capsule 30
with Herb for the 21st
Century.
Dry vitamin A 5000, Vitamins Vitamin A may help with Capsules 100
IU (1502mcg). growth and development.
Also evidence to support
its benefit for eye health.
Norwegian Cold Vitamins Shown to support healthy Softgel 100
Liver oil Vit A & D. joints and can help
maintain a healthy
cardiovascular system.
Megasorb Vitamin Vitamins Easily absorbed B- Capsules 100
B complex Complex. May help to
support a healthy
nervous system. Solgar's
best selling B-Complex.
Ultimate B+C Vitamins High Potency Vitamin Capsules 30
Complex (Stress B+C formula with Rose
Formula) Hips and Bioflavonoids.
Biotin 300 mcg Vitamins Studies have shown that Tablets 100
Biotin supplementation
may help to maintain and
improve the health of
hair, skin and nails.
Ultimate Bone Minerals Calcium complex that Tablet 120

25
Support may help support healthy
bone density.
Calcium Citrate with Minerals Calcium complex that Tablets 60
Vitamin D. may help support healthy
bone density. Added
vitamin D for maximum
absorption.
Chewable Calcium Minerals Calcium complex that Tablets 60
Wafers 500mg may help support healthy
bone density.
Standardized Full Herbs American Ginseng is an Tablets 60
Potency (SFP) adaptogen that may help
American Ginseng the body respond well to
Root Extract. stress triggers and can
help support the adrenal
glands.

Full Potential (FP) Herbs Research suggests that Capsules 100

Aloe Vera Aloe Vera acts as a
digestive tonic which
may be of benefit in the
treatment of digestive
problems.
FP Chinese Herbs Research suggests that Tablets 100
Astragalus Root Astragalus may help to
speed recovery from the
common cold. Clinical
studies have shown it to
be a good immune
stimulant and it may also
increase the body's
tolerance to various
stressors (e.g. physical,
mental and
environment).
FP Echinacea Herbs Research suggests that Tablets 100
Echinacea may help to
boost the immune

26
 system. Other studies
have shown it to contain
anti-bacterial and anti-
viral properties. One of
the most popular herbs
worldwide.
Whey To Go Protein Sports Nutrition A scientifically advanced Powder 454g
Powder (Natural formulation with ion-
Chocolate) exchanged, micro-
filtered and hydrolyzed
whey protein powder,
free-form l-glutamine
and free-form branched
chain amino acids
(BCAAs) Important for
blood sugar control.
Celadrin 525 mg Sports Nutrition Solgar's most advanced Softgel 525mg
anti-inflammatory,
Celadrin is a natural
matrix of esterifed fatty
acids derived from beef
tallow. Clinical trials
suggest a role for
Celadrin in reducing
inflammation
Peak ATP 150mg. Sports Nutrition Research has shown that Tablets 60
Peak ATP may help
support optimal cellular
function and vascular
health.
Enhanced Creatine Sports Nutrition Ideal for all athletes and Tablets 180
Complex sportspeople looking to
gain muscle. Contains
Creatine and Siberian
Ginseng.
Glucosamine Sports Nutrition Solgar's leading joint Tablets 60
Chondroitin MSM protector. A high
tablets (Shellfish strength combination of

27
free) Glucosamine and
Chondroitin which
research has shown may
be of benefit for joint
protection and repair.

Flaxseed Oil 1250 Essential Fatty (Linseed Oil) Hexane Softgel 100
mg Soft gels Acids Free. Flax seeds are a
good source of Omega 3,
6, 9. (100)
Omega Advance Essential Fatty Solgar's most advanced Liquid
Blend 2:1:1 (150ml). Acids Omega oil formula.
Solgar's exclusive
combination of
blackcurrant seed oil,
flax seed oil, sunflower
oil, organic olive oil and
DHA offers a full
spectrum combination of
Omega 3. 6. and 9 in a
2:1:1 ratio which many
experts recommend as
the best ratio to promote
optimal health.
Fish Oil concentrate Essential Fatty A concentrate of omega Softgel 120
1000 mg Acids 3 rich fish oil.
Omega -3 “700”mg Essential Fatty 700mg Omega 3 from Softgel 60
Acids 1200mg Cold Water Fish
Oil Concentrate. Solgar's
leading omega 3 this
high strength and high
quality omega 3 capsule
which may be of benefit
for cardiovascular
support and brain health.
Lecithin 1360 mg Essential Fatty Lecithin provides a Softgel
acids natural source of
polyunsaturated

28
 including choline and
inositol which studies
have shown, may be of 100
help in lowering
cholesterol. Good liver
support.
Resveratrol Antioxidants A naturally occurring Capsules 60
Vegicaps compound found in red
wine, red grapes and the
plant Polygonum
cuspidatum. Has anti-
ageing actions and a
study in 2003 found
Resveratrol may help
"turn on" sirt genes
which are involved in
DNA repair. Studies
have also shown it to be
a powerful antioxidant
and acts as a natural anti-
inflammatory.
AC- 11 Vegicaps Antioxidants AC-11 is a unique plant Capsules 60
that was discovered in
the Amazon rainforest. It
is more commonly
known as Cats Claw but
it is the outer bark that
contains a powerful
natural activator of DNA
repair critical to cellular
health and vital to
longevity. Studies have
also shown it to have
anti-inflammatory
properties and immune
enhancing properties.
Lutein Carotenoids Antioxidants 15 mg Lutein with Capsules 30
Complex Natural Source

29
 Carotenoids. May act as
an eye health protector.
(30)
Alpha Lipoic Acid Antioxidants Studies have shown ALA Capsules 60
120 mg to be a good antioxidant
which may help support
cell protection. Can help
slow down the ageing
process by protecting
collagen from free
radical damage.(60)
Oat Bran 750 mg Specialty A Natural Source of Tablets 100
Soluble Fibre which may
help to promote good
bowel health.(100)
Psyllium Husks Specialty A Natural Source of Capsules 120
Fibre 500 mg Soluble Fibre which may
Vegetable Capsules help to promote good
bowel health.
Multiple Fibre Specialty A synergistic blend of Capsules 120
Formula Vegetable natures best soluble and
insoluble plant fibres.
Lecithin“95” Specialty Lecithin provides a powder 454gm
Granules natural source of
polyunsaturates
including choline and
inositol which studies
have shown, may be of
help in lowering
cholesterol. Good liver
support.
Maximized Caprylic Specialty A fatty acid, this Tablets 100
Acid compound is derived
from oils such as palm
and coconut oil. Studies
have shown that it may
have anti-candida and
anti-fungal properties.
Advanced Multi- Digestion The most advanced of Capsules 60

30
Billion Dophilus -Probiotics Solgar's Probiotics
(Non Dairy) designed to help promote
healthy digestive
function and intestinal
tract. Ideal for use after
antibiotics.
Bromelain Digestion- Supplying natural Tablets 30
Probiotics digestive enzymes from
fresh pineapple,
Bromelain can assist the
enzymes that the body
naturally produces to
carry out digestion.
Studies have also shown
it to have anti-
inflammatory properties
also.
Lactase 3500 Digestion- A chewable digestive aid Tablets 30
Wafers Probiotics necessary for digestion
of milk sugar lactose.
Natural vanilla flavour.
Vegan Digestive Digestion- Chewable pleasant Tablets 250
Enzyme (Chewable) Probiotics tasting. Enzymes can
help improve digestion
and maximize nutrient
absorbtion.250.
L- Cysteine 500mg Amino Acids An amino acid useful in Capsules 60
liver detoxification and
as a liver protectant.
Carnitine Complex Amino Acids This unique formulation Tablets 60
helps to optimise cellular
energy production. This
combination of carnitines
has been shown to
significantly increase
peak running speed, total
work load and VO2 max
in athletes compared to

31
 both placebo and
individual carnitine
ingredients. Studies have
shown that it can help
adults recover from
physical, mental and
emotional fatigue.60
Taurine 500 mg Amino Acids Studies have shown Capsules 50
Taurine may give
cardiovascular support.
May also help support
the lowering of
cholesterol.
L-Arginine500 mg Amino Acids Many studies appear to Capsules 50
support the value of
Arginine for athletes. It
may be of benefit for
muscular energy
production, muscle
growth and repair.

Gold Specifics Gold Specifics Advanced phytonutrient Capsules 60

Prostrate Support and mineral formula,
Solgar's Prostate Support
formula provides
nutrients and herbs that
have been shown to
support prostate health.
Gold Specific Joint Gold specifics Advanced multi-nutrient Tablets 60
Support Modulator and herbal supplement.
Solgar's Joint Modulators
provide a combination of
amino acids, vitamins,
minerals and Phyto-
nutrient to give a broad
spectrum approach to
joint support.
Gold Specific Gold Specifics With vitamins B6, B12 Capsules 60

32
HomoCysteine and Folic Acid. This is
Modulator an advanced combination
of nutrients that may
help the cardiovascular
system.
Gold Specific Gold Specific Advanced multi-nutrient Tablets 60
Glucose Modulators and herbal supplement
Solgar' Glucose
Modulators provide
herbs and nutrient
metabolism.

APPENDIX IV

PICTURES OF SECTION OF SOME PRODUCTS IN THE STORE

THE ENTRANCE OF THE STORE

33
PART OF SOLGAR VITAMINS AND MINERAL SECTION

34
 PART OF ORGANIC AND NATURAL FOODS SECTION

PART OF NUTRITION AND ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS SECTION

35