A Christchurch health shop owner is fighting against potential plans which could ban certain vitamin supplements available in the UK.

Anna Hanson, owner of The Bay Tree Health Stores in Christchurch and Ferndown is concerned that a decision taken by the European Union over the next couple of months could have a disastrous impact on her business and the health of thousands of customers.

As part of the EU Food Supplements Directive, measures could be introduced that would have a detrimental effect on the well-being of people who boost their health with vitamin tablets by restricting the higher-potency supplements.

Some of the products that could be affected include vitamins C, B6, iron and calcium.

Anna said: “It makes no sense to ban these supplements which help people keep healthy and be less of a burden to an over-stretched NHS. This is more of a European political and bureaucratic issue than a safety issue.

“A nationwide campaign has been mounted and I would like local people to take part and show their feelings. Even if they don’t take supplements themselves they should fight for the rights of those people who rely on them.”

Postcards detailing the campaign set up by Consumer for Health Choice are available at the store or online at consumersforhealthchoice.com.