CHOOSING A MULTIVITAMIN

Multivitamins have become a staple in many Australians daily routine with estimated sales of in excess of $146 million annually. They have been touted for all ages as an essential supplement to our diets; but do we really need them and how do we choose a good one?

The case for multivitamins:

• Typical western diet consists of highly processed and nutritionally deficient foods


• Deficiencies are identified as risk factors for many disease states such as osteoporosis, cancer and cognitive decline; as well as poor immune function, fatigue and reduced ability to cope with stress.


• Many sectors of the community may have a reduced ability to digest food and assimilate nutrients such as the elderly, alcoholics and those with allergies and digestive inflammation.


• During certain phases of life we may require more than what we consume through our diet- such as during pregnancy, highly stressful events, high physical activity, when we are sick or as digestion diminishes.

Most multivitamin dosages are based on the individual nutrients RDI which determines the amount of a nutrient needed per day to prevent disease. Today however, we realise consuming doses greater than the bare minimum can not only reduce disease risk but also help acute needs such as immune enhancement and energy.

What makes a good Multi?

• A balance of vitamins equivalent to the ratios required by the body and to produce a synergistic effect. ie a calcium to magnesium ratio close to 2:1.


• Nutrient forms and bound minerals. For example Natural Vitamin E is better absorbed than synthetic Vitamin E. While citrates, chelates and phosphates provide higher bioavailibility than inorganic salts such as oxides, chlorides and sulphates.


• Non-competing nutrients. For example Ascorbic acid may degrade other nutrients due to its acidic properties compared to calcium ascorbate which is neutral.


• Meeting or exceeding current Australian RDI's

Research:

• A 2002 Study suggested all adults should take a multivitamin daily and an increased dose may be recommended for those at high risk of disease (such as elderly)


• Young men taking a multivitamin in a randomised controlled trial observed benefits for stress, anxiety, energy and concentration (2007)


• Dietary epidemiological study combined with a study on disease state concluded consuming a daily multivitamin far outweighs any potential risk. (2007)

Our Recommendations:

At Evelyn Faye Nutrition we have a range of high quality multivitamins; our staff favorites are:

• Bioceutical MultiEssentials or Women's essentials


• Fusion Advanced multivitamin


• Eagle Tresos B with Selenium


• Body Science Multi VMA