A multivitamin & mineral formula contains a wide array of nutrients that are vital for your good health.

Vitamin A

Necessary for the growth and repair of the body, especially epithelial (i.e. skin and organ linings) and mucus surfaces (i.e. lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc. which harbor the antibodies known as, “secretory IgA,” a necessary “first defense” component of the immune system. Vitamin A also prompts secretion of gastric juices which are necessary for proper digestion of proteins. Vitamin A aids in the manufacturing of healthy red blood cells (RBCs), in the healing process, and is important in proper cellular reproduction. Vitamin A supports the immune system – supplementary treatment of vitamin A is reported to protect cells and enhance antibody formation (B cells) and T cell formation.

Beta-carotene

Works in areas of low oxygen tension, making beta carotene a good antioxidant for the lungs and blood, where tissue oxygen exchange is being conducted. Mixed carotenes include beta carotene, as well as other natural carotenoids.

B-complex

Helps give us the energy to function. They are known as the, “catalytic spark plugs” of the body; they catalyze many biochemical reactions because of their role as coenzymes. They provide energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose, and are vital in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Biotin is an example of a water-soluble B-vitamin

Vitamin B-12 (also known as hydroxycobalamin)

Is essential in nervous system function, helps to build healthy red blood cells, increases energy level, stimulates utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is important in DNA and RNA synthesis (the material that makes up our genetic code).

Folic acid complements the actions of B-12 and synergistically boosts its activity, especially in red blood cell formation and homocysteine reduction. Folic acid is important in pregnancy since it is needed for the division of cells in the body. A recently recognized function is preventing neural tube defects in newborns.

Vitamin C

A potent antioxidant which protects all cells, regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E, and guards against the increased production of free radicals (which damage cells). It has a powerful ability to detoxify heavy metals. Vitamin C is a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions, including collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is greatly involved in many aspects of the immune system, such as healing wounds, forming red blood cells, (RBCs), fighting bacterial infections, enhancing white blood cell (WBC) production, reducing inflammation and aiding in phagocytosis (digestion of damaged, dead or foreign cells). Suboptimal vitamin C intake can result in impaired digestion, poor circulation, increased infection, and slow wound healing.

Vitamin D

Increases the absorption of calcium. In addition to the fact that vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, is the fact that many people feel we are in a dire vitamin D deficiency state. Risk for deficiency is increased by low light exposure, diabetes, hypertension, and anti-convulsant drug therapy. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that vitamin D deficiency is common, even in those people exceeding the RDA, and also in those without apparent risk factors for D deficiency.

Vitamin E

Is the major lipid antioxidant in the body. It strengthens capillary walls, stabilizes cell membranes, and prevents lipids, proteins (including hormones such as pituitary and adrenal), and other substances from being oxidized. It contributes to the antioxidant protection of phase I in the liver. Its ability to stabilize cell membranes is critical to cell preservation, detoxification function, and glucose control.

Chromium

Is a blood sugar regulator. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is thought to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Chromium supplementation has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels and obesity. It has been shown to restore glucose tolerance to normal, reduce insulin requirements, and eliminate encephalopathy in doses of 150 mcg/day.

Copper

Is an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of nerve, bone, blood and connective tissue. Copper is a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBC’s), has a crucial role in respiration, facilitates iron absorption, and is involved in protein metabolism and healing processes. The best food source of copper is oysters. Nuts, potatoes, vegetables, dried legumes, cereals and meat also contain copper.

Iodine

Nourishes the thyroid gland. Kelp is a sea plant extract, which is high in natural iodine. Multi-vitamins and minerals may or may not contain a source of iodine.

Manganese

Primary uses include: trauma and injury (sprains and strains), inflammation, ligament support, osteoporosis, epilepsy and diabetes. Manganese is an important component of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), which is an enzyme that battles the damaging free radicals that cause swelling. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more MnSOD to be produced. Repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep up the free radical defense system.

Selenium

Primary uses include: liver support, heart disease, cancer risk reduction, eye disorders, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid support. Selenium, as part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme, is involved with antioxidant reactions. Additionally, however, it has reported antioxidant activity of its own. Studies on the metabolism of phenobarbitol in rats suggest that selenium is needed for normal functioning of the hepatic (liver) microsomal P-450 system, and this function is also independent of glutathione peroxidase. Epidemiological studies suggest that many diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, are higher in areas where selenium is depleted in the soil.

Zinc

Is a constituent of 25 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism. Zinc is a component of insulin, plays a part in carbohydrate digestion, protein metabolism and phosphorus metabolism, is essential for growth and development of the reproductive organs, is necessary for proper functioning of the prostate gland, is important in wound healing and burns, maintains acid-base balance, and is essential to proper immune function. Zinc also has antioxidant properties, plays an important role in taste and smell, and is beneficial in skin conditions.

Amino acids

Such as phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine and glutamic acid are all vital to the protein structures of essential substances in the body, including hormones, enzymes, blood clotting factors, transport factors, cell receptors, and immune antibody formation. Amino acids are building blocks for body tissue, including muscle and many of the glands, such as adrenals and thyroid.

Contraindications

Vitamin A in doses over 10,000 i.u. should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or who are capable of becoming pregnant. Even though there are conflicting studies on the possibility of Vitamin A in large doses causing birth defects, it is better to be cautious. High dosages of vitamin C should not be taken in gout, kidney stone formers, or iron overload disease. Vitamin D is fat-soluble but not toxic in doses less than 2400 IU/day.