Multivitamins

Modern Multivitamins: active vitamins

Multivitamins containing active nature-identical vitamins have not been around very long. Until a few years ago, only multivitamins with inactive vitamins existed.

In particular, the B vitamins were the problem. These were not identical to the natural forms as they occur in our food and therefore do not have the same effect. The well-known big brands still use these inferior forms. They are less effective and have side effects that the natural forms do not.

Examples of non-natural vitamins and poorly absorbable minerals include pyridoxine HCl (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pteroylmonoglutamic acid (folic acid) cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), DL-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), zinc oxide (zinc), magnesium oxide (magnesium) and selenite (selenium).

Use only a Natural Multivitamin

Does your multi only list "magnesium" or "zinc" and not a specific compound such as magnesium glycinate or zinc bisglycinate? Then they have something to hide and it probably only contains oxides and other poorly absorbable compounds.

Less than 1% of available multivitamins contain these active natural vitamins as well as easily absorbable minerals. Especially the brands known from advertising and the multis in supermarkets, drugstores and even pharmacies, contain the very cheapest forms of vitamins and minerals.

Use in combination with other supplements

Multivitamins can be used well with other supplements. A quality multivitamin provides a good foundation, which means that other supplements will work even more effectively.

See also our loose, natural and well-balanced vitamin B-complexes.

Calcium-magnesium

Most multivitamins contain fairly low doses of the minerals Calcium and Magnesium. This is because there is not enough space in 1-2 capsules/tablets. It is therefore recommended to use a calcium-magnesium supplement in addition to such multis.

Multis that do contain sufficient calcium-magnesium:

• Thorne Advanced Nutrients
• Life Extension Mix™ Capsules
• Life Extension Mix™ Tablets

Is fish oil still necessary?

All multi's contain some calcium and magnesium but fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are rarely found in a multi.

Omega-3 fatty acids also take up a lot of space and there are also technical challenges: fish oil in a multi can only be in dried (powder) form and that is a cumbersome and expensive procedure.

We are often asked whether it is necessary to use fish oil if you are already taking a multi. The vitamins and minerals and any other ingredients in a multi have a very different composition and function than omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids cannot be replaced by other substances.

So if you want to get the complete spectrum of essential nutrients down your throat, a fish oil supplement is needed in addition to a multi.

Multis containing the omega-3 fatty acid DHA:

• Thorne VeganPro Complex® - Chocolate
• Viridian Fertility for Women