DEAR DR. GOTT: I have an embarrassing problem and hope you can offer some advice. I seem to have a social anxiety that causes me to basically have an irrational fear of speaking to people out in public. The worst part is that my face turns red in many situations.

I am 40 years old and have no other health problems. I eat well and exercise regularly. I don’t want to be on medication. Is there any vitamin supplement I can try first?

DEAR READER: Based on your statement of “fear of speaking to people out in public,” I take this to mean fear of one-on-one or small-group conversations. I must admit that this is a first for me, with fear of speaking in front of audiences being much more common.

There are several anti-anxiety nutrients that might be of assistance, including kava kava, valerian, St. John’s wort in low doses and ashwagandha. I commend you for considering alternative remedies, but I do not feel qualified enough to recommend any of the possibilities and recommend you speak with your primary-care physician to determine which one might be appropriate for you with the fewest side effects.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Herbs and Healing Fads.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.