Benefits of a good Multi-Supplement (Part 1)
A good multi-style supplement is one of the best health investments you can make. This will ensure your body will have all the nutrients needed to stay healthy and you should be able to notice the difference. In some respects this is the ultimate health-insurance. Yes, we try and do what we can to eat healthily. The problem is that even when we do that there will still be some gaps where micro-nutrient intake is less than we optimally need.
Take one a day…
The vast majority of multi-nutritional products have a one a day dose. This may be appealing but we need to look more closely.
You can only fit so much in one capsule: For example Minerals
The problem with one a day multi-formulas is that many of the bulkier compounds especially minerals are either omitted or included in meaningless amounts. This is because the best minerals are chelated-this just means they are bonded to amino acids.
This does two things: Firstly it sort of tricks your digestive system to think they are proteins. Secondly, and most importantly, good amino acid chelates prevent the minerals from precipitating (becoming solid) out of solution as it leaves the acid bath of our stomach and heads into the much more alkaline small intestine. The minerals need to be still in solution (dissolved) in the small intestine for good absorption.
You need more than one capsule
The challenge is that you may need to add (by volume) 80% amino acids meaning it is very bulky and will rapidly fill a capsule. As an experienced formulator I know it is impossible to provide sufficient nutrients to fit in a one a day product. My Cell-X multi-antioxidant/mineral/vitamin has a dose of 2-4 capsules a day. At this dose you get meaningful amounts that make a real difference.
Trace minerals
A good multi should have all the important major and trace elements. I have real concern about low levels of critical minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper and manganese as these are needed to build our antioxidant defence systems. Many diseases are linked to low levels of trace minerals.
Vitamins
Your multi should have a full B vitamin complex in particular B6, folic acid and B12 as they combine to reduce homocysteine which is a risk factor for heart disease and some forms of dementia. It should have meaningful levels of vitamin D for immunity. Vitamin E should be natural d-alpha tocopherol with at least 200IU daily.
Antioxidants
Finally it should contain the most potent antioxidants especially grape seed extract (OPC).
This is unique among antioxidants in that it actively scavenges oxygen and nitrogen radicals. I know of no single botanical ingredient to have such a positive impact on health. Cell-X contains the major antioxidant groups including trace minerals, vitamins, polyphenols (OPC), bioflavonoids and carotenoids.
I was speaking with a client who had recently added my Cell-X broad spectrum multi antioxidant/mineral/vitamin supplement to her programme and had noticed a significant improvement in energy and well-being. If you have not yet tried Cell-X, I suggest you try it for 3 months. I usually recommend that you start with the maximum dose of 4 capsules daily for 1-3 bottles then reduce to the maintenance 2 daily dose.
Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions or would like personalised advice.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2020
