A Mother’s Day gift – a guide to informed supplementation for mature women
Mother’s Day is approaching faster than you might think. If you want to give something truly thoughtful – check out the guide to supplements that genuinely support Mum in looking after her health every day. No flowers that last just a day, but pure ingredients that last longer.
A classic bouquet and a box of chocolates have their charm, but if your Mum is the sort of person who reads labels carefully and prefers quality over quantity, a health-focused gift will be much closer to what she’s looking for herself. Women over 45 are a group for whom conscious supplementation is becoming part of their daily routine – just as natural as drinking water or going for a walk. A well-chosen supplement cannot replace a healthy diet or sleep, but it can support areas where the body needs a boost: bones, the nervous system, the heart, and the appearance of skin and hair.
In this guide, we’ve compiled 25 gift ideas grouped into five categories – from beauty to joint support. Each product features a pure formula in a glass jar, free from artificial colourings, preservatives and unnecessary fillers. The choice is yours – we’ll suggest what to bear in mind.
Beauty from within – a gift for Mum who values natural skincare
After the age of 45, the skin produces less collagen and regeneration processes slow down. Supplements can complement your daily skincare routine – not as a replacement for cream, but alongside it. Fish collagen in our range is a hydrolysed, low-molecular-weight form that simply needs to be dissolved in water or added to your morning coffee. Resveratrol and organic silicon are, in turn, options for those who wish to supplement their daily diet with natural plant extracts (research points to the potential properties of these ingredients, although there are no officially approved EU health claims for them – we treat them as a dietary supplement, not as a ‘treatment’).
vitamin C at a dose of 1000 mg is also a sound choice – it contributes to the normal formation of collagen in the body (i.e. it supports processes that already occur naturally in the skin, bones and blood vessels), as well as to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. For a comprehensive effect, it’s also worth considering biotin at a high dose of 2500 µg – it helps maintain healthy hair and skin. It’s a supplement that Mum can easily incorporate into her morning routine.
[product:natural-fish-collagen-350-g] [tip:Collagen is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach or between meals, washed down with water rich in vitamin C. This combination supports the body’s natural collagen synthesis processes.]
A peaceful night’s sleep and less stress – for Mum, who deserves a rest
Sleep after the age of 45 can be unpredictable – it’s easier to wake up during the night, but harder to fall asleep. For mums who find it takes a long time to ‘switch off’ in the evening, it’s worth considering magnesium with potassium and vitamin B6. Magnesium helps reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue and supports the normal functioning of the nervous system; potassium supports normal muscle function; and vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological functions. This is a classic evening supplement, which you’ll easily find in our Minerals category.
For those who find it difficult to fall asleep, melatonin works well. Taken at a dose of 1 mg before bed, it helps reduce the time taken to fall asleep – this is one of the very few claims approved by the EFSA regarding sleep support. Our range includes melatonin in both the 1 mg version and the stronger 4 mg Forte version (for those looking for a higher dose).
The third option is ashwagandha – one of the most popular adaptogens amongst women aged 45 and over. It is a plant traditionally used in Ayurveda. Research points to its potential adaptogenic properties, although there are no officially approved health claims for this ingredient in the EU – which is why we describe it in terms of its composition and traditional use, rather than making any promises. For mums who prefer concentrated plant extracts, an alternative might be 5-HTP 100 mg from Griffonia simplicifolia extract.
[Warning: Melatonin, 5-HTP and ashwagandha are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for people taking antidepressants, sedatives or medication for high blood pressure. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting supplementation.]
Energy and vitality – a gift for Mum, who has a plan for every day
Not every mum aged 45+ dreams of lazing about. Many of them work, run a household, look after their grandchildren – and need a daily energy boost. Coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 100 mg is one of Vitaler’s bestsellers. It occurs naturally in the mitochondria of our cells (i.e. where energy is produced), and its levels decline with age – which is why supplementation is particularly popular among those aged 40–50 and over. Due to the lack of approved EFSA claims, we describe it in terms of its composition and bioavailability, rather than promised effects.
For those who prefer plant-based support, we have two classics: Korean ginseng in the Complex formula and maca at a dose of 600 mg. Both are ingredients with a long tradition of use (ginseng in Asian medicine for over 2,000 years, and maca in Peruvian cuisine and herbal medicine). Cordyceps 500 mg, on the other hand, is an option for mums interested in vitality-boosting mushrooms – this medicinal fungus is traditionally used in Tibetan medicine.
Daily energy levels can also be supported by vitamin B12 (in a new, enhanced dose of 950 µg in a pack of 120 tablets) – it contributes to normal energy metabolism and helps reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue. This is a particularly useful ingredient for those following a plant-based or plant-and-fish diet.
[note: All Vitaler’s supplements are packaged in elegant Pharma Jar glass jars – making them suitable as gifts without the need for additional wrapping. All you need is a ribbon and a flower.]
Heart health and natural support – a classic gift for Mum, who thinks long-term
Cardiovascular prevention is an area where women aged 45 and over actively seek tried-and-tested solutions. A classic choice here is Omega-3 FORTE 1000 mg – EPA and DHA fatty acids sourced from deep-sea fish, purified and in a stable form. At a daily dose of 250 mg of EPA + DHA, they contribute to the normal functioning of the heart. Mum takes one capsule with a meal and enjoys daily support.
For those who prefer a liquid form and a traditional flavour, we have two Norwegian fish oils: the classic version with 1200 mg of Omega-3 and one enriched with vitamin D3 2000 IU in an orange-flavoured version. Vitamin D3 contributes to the normal functioning of muscles and the immune system, and the combination with fish oil is one of the most popular choices amongst Polish senior women. For more omega options, take a look at the Omega Acids category.
Bergamot 500 mg is an extract from the fruit of Citrus bergamia, standardised for its bioflavonoid content. Research into bergamot in relation to the lipid profile is promising, although there are as yet no approved health claims for this extract within the EU. We describe it as a standardised plant-based supplement – without making any promises. Similarly, rutin 350 mg – a plant flavonoid traditionally associated with supporting blood vessels, which has a long history of use but lacks approved health claims.
[products:omega-3-forte-1000-mg-120-capsules, norwegian-fish-oil-omega-3-1200-mg-vitamin-d3-2000-iu-orange-250-ml, coenzyme-q10-100-mg-60-capsules, ashwagandha-600-mg-60-capsules, vitamin-c-1000-mg-120-capsules, vitamin-d3-4000-iu-120-capsules]
Joints, bones and good posture – a gift for Mum who wants to stay active for longer
Physical activity after the age of 50 is an investment in independence. Supporting this activity starts with the bones. Calcium 120 mg + Vitamin D3 1,000 IU is a classic combination – calcium is needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth, whilst vitamin D3 contributes to its proper absorption and to the maintenance of normal muscle function. For mums who want a concentrated formula, an alternative is vitamin D3 4000 IU on its own or in combination with vitamin K2 MK-7 (75 µg) – vitamin K2 contributes to the maintenance of healthy bones and normal blood clotting.
To support soft tissues and comfort during everyday activities, there are two popular choices: curcumin with piperine and MSM 1000 mg (organic sulphur). Curcumin is a standardised extract from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, whilst piperine from black pepper increases its bioavailability. MSM is a natural sulphur compound found, amongst other places, in connective tissue. Neither ingredient has health claims approved by the EFSA – which is why we describe them in terms of their composition, standardisation and traditional use, without making any specific promises regarding joints.
[products:natural-fish-collagen-350-g, magnesium-100-mg-potassium-150-mg-vitamin-b6-10-mg-120-capsules, melatonin-1-mg-240-tablets, curcumin-piperine-60-capsules, MSM-organic-sulphur-1000-mg-120-capsules, calcium-120-mg-vitamin-D3-1000-IU-120-capsules]
How to choose a gift for a specific mum
The simplest way to make the right choice is to start by asking: what is Mum already taking and what is she missing? If she takes Omega-3 and vitamin D3 every day, consider adding evening magnesium or collagen to the set. If she complains of cold hands and low energy levels, vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10 are a safe bet. If she values natural extracts, go for ashwagandha, curcumin or bergamot.
For mums with more traditional preferences, the classic trio works best: vitamin D3, Omega-3 and collagen. For physically active mums – magnesium, collagen and vitamin C. You’ll find the full range in the All Supplements, and if you’re looking for individual vitamins to add to your set, take a look at the Vitamins section.
A gift from Vitaler’s doesn’t need a decorative box. The glass jars with their light-coloured labels look elegant in their own right – all you need is a linen ribbon and a card with a few words. If you order in advance, the gift will arrive before 26 May and Mum will open it knowing that someone has really thought about what she needs. And that – despite the seriousness of the subject of health – is perhaps the most important part of the day.