Multivitamins for General Health

Some reasons our soil may lack nutrients: 

• NZ soil is considered young and has not developed the mineral-rich density of other parts of the world.  
• Intensive agricultural and farming practices reduce soil nutrients and are not always replenished.  

• The use of nitrogen to speed up the growth of plants helps produce food quicker but with less nutrition and often less flavour too.  
• Soils are no longer alive; instead, they serve as physical media to hold up plants that are watered and fertilised hydroponically. As a result, plants and our food now contain a third of their pre-industrial nutrient content.  

Nutritional supplementation has attained a greater level of acceptance and is finding increasing support in the medical literature.

The lure of scientifically endorsed nutritional supplements should not draw our attention away from the importance of a healthy diet. This can be summarised as one that emphasises high-quality, fresh, seasonal produce; foods that are micronutrient dense, ethically produced and not “pharmed”, modified or adulterated with pesticides or hazardous chemicals. For many, this is not how their current food or diet choices look.  

There may be other factors contributing to nutrient deficits such as taking medications, environmental toxicity, poor digestion inhibiting absorption and chronic stress which so many people are experiencing from our modern lifestyles. A high percentage of people take medications daily and it’s important for them to realise that some of these can decrease levels of key vitamins and minerals.

For example:  

• Antibiotics commonly block the absorption of important minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, by binding to them in the GI tract.  

• Antacids, cholesterol-lowering medicines, drugs used to control high blood pressure and those for diabetes also alter the natural pH environment of the upper GI tract, disturbing the way we metabolize many vitamins and minerals.  

We are all being impacted by environmental toxins through our air, water, food, homes and workplaces. More people today are affected by chemical sensitivities rather than acute toxicity. This hypersensitivity is what is commonly seen in society since individuals are exposed to more frequent and “low levels” of multiple substances, which in combination can make them ill.  

Antioxidants protect the liver from damage, support detoxification processes and counteract oxidative stress by reducing the formation of free radicals. Glutathione is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cells and participates directly in the neutralization of free radicals. For those with higher toxin exposure or body burden, they may become deficient in glutathione as levels decline as conjugation reactions exceed the cells’ ability to regenerate glutathione. Adequate levels of other key antioxidants and nutrients can help to maintain glutathione and glutathione enzyme levels, such as sufficient vitamin C, vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10. Glutathione levels can also be increased through supplementation with n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), protein powder, alpha-lipoic acid, S-adenosyl L-methionine (SAMe), Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and with supplemental glutathione.  

A multivitamin may be a helpful option to support those nutrients needed for detoxification, to increase antioxidant support, or for individuals who have difficulty meeting their daily needs for certain vitamins and minerals through being on restricted diets or who may have greater nutritional needs.  

A lack of certain digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (HCl) can interfere with how nutrients are normally absorbed. This problem is especially common among people with inflammatory bowel diseases or food allergies. Also, as people get older, production of HCl is often reduced which can lead to a reduction in the release of digestive enzymes and bile and thereby further reduce digestive function. Adding supplemental digestive support with enzymes, HCl, Apple Cider Vinegar and digestive bitters can be very helpful for improving digestion and absorption of nutrients from your diet.  

Some of these substances are used by manufacturers to decrease production time and maximize productivity, regardless of an excipient’s impact on absorption or health. Reputable manufacturers will ensure they do not include ingredients that may cause allergic reactions, impede absorption of nutrients or have an undesired effect on patients. Choose brands that have a rigorous quality control process, contain bioavailable nutrients, therapeutic doses and in some cases are tailored to your specific needs based on your age and/or gender.  

At FxMed we supply a range of top-quality multivitamin options, including: 

• Age-specific  
• Gender-specific  
• Food based options  
• Capsules and powders 

Check out some of these options available for clinic or patient orders on our Practitioner Hub.