Calcium: is important for many processes in the body in addition to bones. Most people get enough calcium from what they eat – especially if they consume dairy products. The problem is that, with some calcium forms, people can absorb as little as 10% of the calcium! The problem is two-fold:
- They may not be consuming enough calcium.
- They may be absorbing as little as 10% of what they do consume!
Calcium absorption may be more important than just increasing the calcium you take. Taking vitamin D-3, boron, magnesium and vitamin K to help absorb more of the calcium you take may be even more important than how much calcium you take! This can help you absorb and use as much as 4 times more of the calcium you are already eating. We make sure to add these nutrients for better calcium absorption in our formula.
As in most multivitamins, the calcium and magnesium is less than the RDA. This is for two reasons: first, the full amount of calcium, in absorbable form, would add several capsules. Secondly, calcium can interfere with the absorption of some of the other minerals. (With calcium supplements, only keep in mind that the body can absorb about 500 mg at a time. Any more, at one time, is wasted.)
Boron: We get some boron in our diets but it helps calcium, magnesium and phosphorus absorption (as discussed in Calcium).
Magnesium: There is a very common lack – especially among older people. In addition, there are also several things that can leach magnesium out of your system so it is a very important mineral to take. It is a strong anti-oxidant and prevents free radical damage to mitochondria. It helps calcium retention in the bones, migraines, artery spasms metabolism, enzyme activity and high blood pressure. Magnesium is also especially needed if a person usesalcohol! It is important to take it in a couple different forms because each form reacts and lasts different amounts of time in your body. This makes us put a higher magnesium / calcium ratio than many other supplements.
Chromium: This is another example of depleting natural resources. Some reports say 90 % of Americans are deficient – and levels decline each decade of your life! Sugar consumption is up – chromium intake is down. It may not be surprising that diabetes is increasing yearly since chromium helps insulin regulate blood sugar. It also encourages the production of anti-aging DHEA, lowering cholesterol, and weight loss. All are reasons for a higher than usual supplementation. (Too much calcium also interferes with its absorption.)
Copper: It is needed for formation of red blood cells, nerves coverings, connective tissue and the immune system. There is a marginal copper deficiency in the US – especially in the west. Our reason to add it is because zinc reduces copper stores in the body. Since zinc is more important than people thought in the past, we are supplementing zinc more. This also requires us to add a little more copper.
Iodine: It helps the thyroid maintain normal metabolism in the cells, helping the skin, nerves and reproductive system. People whose ancestors came from seacoast areas generally require more iodine than those whose ancestors came from inland areas.
Iron: Iron is a common nutrient deficiency in the world. However, the US diet seems to supply all we usually need. Since mildly excessive levels of iron may be unhealthy, most nutritionists today are recommending to not take additional iron unless lab tests show you are deficient. The exception would be a 10 mg supplement during the week of menstrual occurrence. Inorganic iron added to white flour can build up in your system and one of the many reasons to read our oral chelation information.
Manganese: This is our most important mineral source of energy metabolism! It also helps fight free radical damage and helps thyroid function. Trembling hands, seizures and lack of co-ordination may be from manganese deficiencies. It helps bone formation but calcium in milk hinders manganese absorption, so milk drinkers may need additional manganese. Because of its importance, we add a little more than others.
Molybdenum: It helps with metabolism, fat oxidation, cell and enzyme functions. Since it is common, we only add the little that is needed.
Phosphorus It is very common, especially in soda pop so there is no need to add any. (It also deletes calcium so it is a good to moderate your soft drink consumption – or add more calcium.)
Phosphorus: It is very common, especially in carbonated soda so there is no need to add any. (It also deletes calcium so it is a good to moderate your soft drink consumption – or add more calcium.)
Potassium: It is very common in our diet but we add some because of the high US salt consumption. Potassium is an electrolyte that works together with sodium. When you add potassium, sodium levels go down. As such, potassium can help lower blood pressure! (If you take extra potassium because of very high salt use or using diuretic drugs, add extra magnesium and B12 with it.)
Selenium: It works with vitamin E in the antioxidant system to produce glutathione, a natural antioxidant. There is strong evidence that selenium helps prevent many cancers – perhaps up to 50% of them! Poor soil is a common cause of a lack of selenium. Mega doses are not recommended. (If you eat brazil nuts for selenium, only the ones still in the shell are beneficial.)
Silicon: From silica dioxide or from horsetail. It helps the eyes, arteries, hair, nails and skin. It helps fight atherosclerosis and osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density and bone growth. It also protects against toxic aluminum buildup. Very few multi’s have it, but they should.
Trace Minerals: These include cobalt, germanium, vanadium and about 30-plus other micro-minerals needed by our body. The amounts in foods vary depending upon where it is grown and how it is processed. Deficiencies are increasing because of soil depletion. Some excellent sources are bone broths, unrefined sea salt and (believe it or not) some clay. There are special highly mineralized forms of clay used in societies around the world for their mineral content. Azomite clay sounds unusual but it comes from Utah (and is also excellent to use in larger amounts in a vegetable garden). For trace minerals, mix with water and let the particles settle to the bottom. The mineral ions will remain in the water. Congratulations if you use a lot of bone broths but, for most people, we add trace mineral to make sure you are getting them.
Zinc: Mild deficiencies are very common in the developed world. It helps the immune system, colds, infections, acne, brain functions, sperm, joints, tissues and general nutritional needs. There is some evidence for cancer help also. With so many functions and deficiencies, supplementation is necessary. Zinc lozenges also appear to directly kill viruses in the throat (don’t use too many of them or some toxic effects can happen in the 100 mg/day range). If using zinc lozenges for cold, take an extra 1-3 mg of copper.
If you would to return to the Articles.
To find a product, search: Google Search for a Good Multi.