More than a Multi... how some supplements can reach the parts that others cannot reach

Almost all nutrients depend on other nutrients to work properly. Of the currently known essential nutrients, all have interactions with other nutrients and can be said to work in synergy, and some nutrients simply don't work without their synergistic partners. As an example, Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, is useless in the body until it is converted into pyridoxal-5-phosphate, a job done by a zinc dependent enzyme. If you're zinc deficient and supplement vitamin B6 to help relieve PMS it won't make any difference. Studies giving women both zinc and B6 have proven much more effective at relieving the symptoms of PMS. Studies that have measured the effects of multi-nutrient programmes on health consistently get better results than those which give nutrients in isolation.

Looking beyond the list of A-Z of vitamins and minerals will give you a clue as to how comprehensive a supplement is and how much has gone in to its formulation. But how about those added extras - are they worth it? There are many areas of nutritional research that show that these minor nutrients do play a vital role in optimum health. So looking at the additional ingredients in some supplements can help you decide that there's more benefit to choosing them.

What's good about... extra nutrient help

On closer inspection of ingredients you will start to notice that there are a number of additional nutrients listed on quality supplement packs that fail to appear on the more basic multi supplements. While many multis contain the fundamental A-Z of vitamins and minerals, some go that extra mile and include nutrients that help support optimum health.

The average single pill multi cannot contain Essential Fatty Acids, so these must be added to any regime that you want to start. Omega 3 and 6 are not manufactured by the body and therefore called 'essential' and Omega 3 will help with dry skin conditions as well as joint flexibility and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin C is a known antioxidant, but most basic multis only contain levels around the official RDA. This is fine to avoid a deficiency but if you want to achieve optimum health, higher doses supported by extra bioflavinoids to aid absorption and assimilation are recommended. Normal antioxidants, like A, C, E, are found in most A-Z, however quality supplements will include additional antioxidants like Black Elderberry and Resveratrol which add to the fight against cell damage and help repair. Black Elderberry protects cells against damage according to test tube studies and also protects against colds and flu..1 Alpha Lipoic Acid is a 'universal' antioxidant that is soluble in both fat and water and therefore a useful addition to any supplement .

Nutrients that help brain function and energy include CoQ10, which is widely used throughout the body helping to regulate energy (and the body makes less CoQ10 as we age) alongside Gingko, which is known for helping with cognitive function and memory,2 plus Acetyl Carnitine,an amino acid that helps metabolise food and contributes to brain function.3

There are a number of other useful nutrients that you can look for that provide additional assistance to your health and vitality. For example TMG found in fish, beets, and legumes, facilitates liver function and plays a role in protecting the kidneys and Arginine, found in dairy, meat, poultry, and fish, is an amino acid that aids immune function, assisting in wound healing and promoting hormone secretion.4

What's bad about... basic, cheap A-Z multi

As with most things, you pay for quality, so, within reason, price is a place to start. The cheapest supplements are usually so for a reason - cheaper forms of nutrients, or lower amounts, are used. For example, iron sulphate is less absorbable than iron amino acid chelate: and natural vitamin E (called d-alpha tocopherol) is more potent than synthetic.

Omega 3 fish oil should be scrupulously screened for PCBs and other pollutants to ensure maximum purity; this adds to the cost of the product but is worth it!

A reputable company will also list all ingredients and state that the product is free from colourings and undesirable additives. Good quality supplements use the minimum amounts of binders and fillers, and these should be inert or add some benefit.

Taking cheap, basic multivitamins may have little effect on your wellbeing and you may not notice any difference Choosing a better quality supplement with those additional ingredients could make a difference. Most people do notice an improvement in their energy and vitality with a better quality supplement.

We all need a base-line of nutrients, but individual requirements may vary on certain occasions like during pregnancy, those who are trying to lose weight, doing more exercise, those have frequent infections or other specific health issues they would like to deal with. When you have specific requirements even the best quality multivitamin and mineral programme may need some additions. This is when it would be useful to have a personalised consultation and find out how to supplement for your own needs - as long as you keep up with the basics while you are finding out. Choose a multi which has optimal amounts of nutrients in absorbable forms and lots of extras, and you'll be sure to reach the parts other multis cannot reach!

For more information: The New Optimum Nutrition Bible - Patrick Holford £12.99 available from your salon.

ANP presents: Pro Vitality Formula

Pro Vitality Formula is a broad spectrum supplement pack that contains ultra convenient strips containing the ideal baseline supplements suitable for all. Included are vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbal extracts, amino acids, bioflavinoids and co-factors.

In each strip are the 6 daily supplements you need and include:

• A multivitamin
• A Vitamin C with bioflavinoids,
• An anti-oxidant complex
• An ALA & Carnitine capsule
• A brain food capsule
• An EFAs - Omega 3 & 6 - capsule

This is recommended for adults as a dietary support to ensure adequate levels of nutrients required to support a healthy body and mind and promote vitality.

Edited by: Lucy Ibbison

Refs:

4. Park KGM. The immunological and metabolic effects of L-arginine in human cancer. Proc Nutr Soc 1993;52:387-401.