Multivitamins & minerals DESCRIPTION: Why Take a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement? Combination multivitamin and mineral supplements are taken for a variety of reasons. These may include some of the following: To maintain health as ‘health insurance’ Prevention of deficiencies through imbalances in the diet, e.g. a recently diagnosed coeliac may find it difficult to get a sufficiently mixed diet if they are learning how to cope without bread and wheat products in their diet. Helping to improve the Immune System. Vitamin C, Antioxidants and other nutrients commonly found in many multivitamins and minerals have a role in our immune system. To promote a quick recovery following a period of illness. To help meet extra nutritional needs required at certain times, e.g. Iron plus vitamins C and B12 to help reduce risk of Anaemia. Helping to ensure an optimum level of some nutrients in the body. Research shows that the body can use certain nutrients at higher levels than are commonly found in the diet alone. To help ensure that complementary (synergistic) nutrients are present where the diet may be lacking, e.g. Vitamin D for Calcium and Vitamin C for non-haem iron absorption, etc. To ensure optimum use of Essential Fatty Acids, by providing important nutrients (especially Zinc, Selenium, vitamins B6 and C) necessary for conversion of linoleic acid to gamma linoleic acid to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that help regulate hormone balance, blood pressure, and can be mildly anti-inflammatory. Compensates for losses brought about by food production methods, such as: 1. Over-use of soil from intensive farming methods, causing soil exhaustion and depletion of nutrients. 2. The selection of crops for shape, size or colour instead of nutrient value. 3. The use of nitrates, phosphates and so on which impair uptake of minerals. 4. Storage, transportation and time on the shop or customer shelf. 5. Canning, freezing, chopping, peeling, boiling and the use of food preservatives are also known to deplete nutrients; e.g. minced beef containing Sulphur dioxide (preservative) loses 90% of the Thiamin within 48 hours and the Vitamin C content of new potatoes may be 16mg/100mg, but old potatoes only 8mg/100mg. Back to Top   REQUIREMENTS Groups At Risk Who may need extra vitamins and minerals? There are some groups of people who may be particularly at risk deficiency: Pregnant and breast-feeding women People on a narrow or restricted diet: e.g. coeliacs, people with a food intolerance People with poor appetites, such as the elderly People whose diet consists mostly of processed or refined foods Menstruating women Slimmers Smokers and drinkers Children who are faddy eaters Athletes and highly active people A multivitamin and mineral supplement should be a first consideration for people who are feeling generally run down or ‘under the weather’. Additional supplements such as: Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Antioxidants, B complex, or herbs may be safely suggested to complement a multivitamin and mineral. Extra calcium may be suggested as its molecular size is such that it is bulky and may be required in larger quantities than a multivitamin and mineral can usually supply. When recommending a multivitamin and mineral formula, points to consider when choosing between brands include: Type of supplement TIMED RELEASE is suitable for most people, especially if they are healthy and have an efficient digestive system. A protective ‘insurance policy’ type supplement, it provides long term protection for athletes, active people and those slightly under the weather. Timed or slow release formulas extend the time that high levels of water-soluble vitamins B and C are available to the body, and absorption is greatly improved. Timed release formulas should undergo a dissolution test which meets British Pharmacopoeia standards to ensure the tablets dissolve over a six hour period. A timed release tablet must be taken with a main meal. STANDARD RELEASE supplements are ideal for everybody, especially people who are ill, convalescing, eating small meals or those who have digestive problem. A standard release product will release its nutrient content very quickly, allowing optimum absorption and utilisation when taken with a meal. Standard Release supplements are ideal when:   Sudden high levels of physical or mental stress are likely, a standard release multivitamin could be taken two or three times a day, well spaced apart. Where a person’s digestion time appears to be fast, a standard release would be more beneficial than a timed release because the timed release tablet may not disintegrate totally before elimination. Stress decreases digestive efficiency by reducing secretion of hydrochloric (HCl) and slowing transit time. This results in food not being broken down well and therefore overall absorption of nutrients is poor. Relative strength of a product Minerals are as important as vitamins. Particular notice should be taken of the Antioxidants, B vitamins and Zinc content of the product or whichever nutrient of which the consumer wants the most. It may be worth noting that there will never be a lot of any nutrient, especially chelated minerals in a multivitamin and mineral, because they take up a lot of space in the tablet. Suggested intake - one or two per day with food/main meal (depending on directions for use). Efficient absorption of nutrients, particularly minerals is important. Amino acid chelated minerals are absorbed and utilised much more efficiently than other forms, (especially sulphates, fumarates, gluconates, carbonates). This is because the amino acid chelate mimics the body’s absorption process by binding the mineral to protein. The mineral is then absorbed through the amino acid absorption sites, thus increasing the bioavailability of the mineral, and reducing wastage. Range of nutrients included will vary enormously between products. If additional factors are included, are they in meaningful amounts? It may be helpful to read the label thoroughly, and look for factors like choline, inositol, methionine, Bioflavonoids and digestive aids before making a final decision. Quality of ingredients does the label declare that the ingredients are hypoallergenic? Are the formulations free from sucrose (sugar), lactose (milk sugar), salt, yeast, wheat, gluten and peanut derivatives? Related News Stories   Multivitamins and cancer Studies support the use of a multivitamin supplement in reducing the risk of colon cancer.   Multivitamins raise 'good' cholesterol A multivitamin safeguards the intake of essential nutrients and also has a positive impact on blood cholesterol levels.   Multivitamins in pregnancy Taking a multivitamin supplement during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of heart defects in infants.   Micronutrients in Pregnancy Deficiencies in certain nutrients may have links to complications in pregnancy.   Relief from leg cramps Magnesium may help prevent leg cramps in pregnancy Back to top