How to pick an effective and safe Basic Multi-Vitamin
There are very few "off the shelf" Multi-Vitamins that measure up to be considered as effective and safe according to the new vitamin criteria established on this website. Most are incomplete and contain flaws in forms, dosages, and or combinations. Thus, some modifications or additions are necessary to adapt the few Brands coming the closest. This will have to suffice until Brands change multi-vitamin formulas and incorporate proper nutrient forms, dosages, and synergisms.
The major vitamin issues that most existing Multiples fail to address are listed in this article.
The first 15 flawed nutrients and concepts that needs improving are listed here.
Some of these issues are controversial, but enough scientific research exists to suggest a precautionary approach is a wise choice. To see this approach in action, go to this article.
Next: Here are some Multi-Vitamins that come close: Notice the number of pills to take. Only iron free forms are acceptable. Pre-menopausal Women should take iron separately when needed.
*While this brand is a FoodForm vitamin, look at the labels where they mention the family members for the three family vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. See NOTICE below.
Notice the nutrient forms in the recommended Brands and the dosages when taking just the number recommended. Plus, the nutrient formats are pretty good, like natural beta carotene from algae has balance of all carotenoids. You can use these examples to evaluate and compare the nutrient forms of your current multiple vitamin. Use those up first.
NOTICE: One quick survey reveals a lack of the foodform vitamin companies like New Chapter, MegaFood, Garden of Life, PlantFusion, etc. While the formulas are good, the labels do not give enough information as to the form of the nutrients added to the yeast during the growing production cycle. Thus, If you pick one of these, assume they do not have any of the family members for beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These all have to be added separately making them very expensive.
Once a base is picked, check out areas where it is low or incomplete and add those nutrients separately. Like Vitamin C family (bioflavonoids, rutin) and Vitamin E family of alpha, beta, delta, & gamma tocopherols. Best to take same four tocotrienols separately. Since the serving size is reduced, the minerals may be slightly smaller than needed and an extra Multi-Mineral will be needed. For extra nutrients to complement the basic multiple...go here.