Why You DO Need a Multivitamin and How to Select a High Quality Option

I use our comprehensive nutrient formula in TruMultiV™ as the foundation base for my basic Resilience Formula because it provides a balanced profile of vitamins and minerals in the proper amounts to work cooperatively to provide antioxidant activity with vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene; and to support detoxification.   This comprehensive blend of nutrients is important because imbalances between micronutrients can disrupt this synergistic relationship, and lead to instances of competitive intestinal absorption or displacement at the metabolic/cellular level, which can produce relative excesses and insufficiencies.

Another benefit is that the ingredients are provided in bioactive forms so that they can be adequately absorbed and utilized. TruMultiV™ comes with and without iron but both formulas contain Albion® patented mineral chelates and complexes. Albion is a recognized world leader in mineral amino acid chelate nutrition and manufactures highly bioavailable nutritional mineral forms that are validated by third-party research and clinical studies. TruMultiV™ also contains natural vitamin E, clinically shown to be more bioavailable than synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol, as well as mixed tocopherols providing a full-spectrum vitamin E.

The folate source is methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) which is the most bioactive form of folate in the form of Quatrefolic®. This provides greater stability, solubility, and bioavailability over calcium salt forms of 5-MTHF. Supplementing with bioactive 5-MTHF facilitates the bypassing of steps in folate metabolism which may be especially beneficial to individuals with genetic variations in folate metabolism, such as MTHFR mutations.

Vitamins B2, B6, and B12 are also provided in metabolically active forms. I also appreciate the generous levels of B vitamins which serve as prime coenzymes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and as cofactors in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Sufficient levels of the B vitamins are critical for many functions in the body including energy production, cell growth and division, and support for nervous system function. The balanced presence of B vitamins is essential to their cooperative functioning and are excellent for individuals with stressful lifestyles.

There are significant levels of bioavailable riboflavin, niacin, folate, and B12 present in TruMultiV™ to support phase I detoxification. Beta carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese are present to support tissues when reactive intermediates are formed between phase I and phase II detoxification.

Two additional benefits of TruMultiV include Antioxidant Protection and Detoxification. Vitamins E and C, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, and other contained trace elements provide broad-spectrum antioxidant activity. Their combined presence supports their ability to regenerate each other and maintain consistent levels of antioxidant activity both intra- and extracellularly.

Our TruMultiV formulation also supports the removal of xenobiotics, which include environmental pollutants and medications. Xenobiotics are  synthetic chemicals treated as foreign substances that must undergo biotransformation into molecules that can be easily excreted from the body. Detoxification of xenobiotics is a complex process that requires micronutrients, phytonutrients, energy, and adequate antioxidant support for safe and effective completion.

You can see why TruMultiV™ has become my first choice in multivitamins and serves as my foundational formula for health and resilience. A premium multivitamin and mineral support designed to compensate for dietary nutritional shortfalls and nourish optimal wellness.  These are the crucial Clinical Applications you can address with a high quality, properly formulated multivitamin:
• Foundation of Good Nutrition
• Basic Formula for Wellness and Resilience
• Supports Antioxidant Activity
• Supports Detoxification
• Supports Health in Individuals with Inadequate Nutrient Intake
• Supports Energy Production, particularly under Stress Responses

So, to go back to the original question “Who really needs a multivitamin?”. I would say that more than not most people would benefit from a high-quality multivitamin to prevent nutritional deficiencies and make up for dietary insufficiencies especially individuals who have in certain conditions or fall into certain categories:

• Have food allergies and eliminate certain foods
• Eat lots of junk food
• People that don’t like vegetables and do not eat healthy produce
• Avoid entire categories of food
• Picky eaters or those with a small appetite
• Chronic dieters or those who have had weight loss surgery or follow a low-calorie diet
• Vegans and vegetarians – Some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, are only found in large quantities in animal-based products. People who follow plant-based diets are more likely to suffer from certain nutritional deficiencies such as calcium, iron,  vitamin B12, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
• Older adults become less able to absorb nutrients due to lower levels of digestive enzymes and commonly experience deficiencies of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium. Correcting nutritional deficiencies can help improve memory and cognitive function and can also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
• Growing children and pregnant women typically need to receive higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folate, to prevent birth defects and ensure proper development of unborn and nursing children.
• People with digestive disorders that impact nutrient absorption
• Athletes or physically active individuals
• Standard American Diet (SAD) – According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 (DGA) and additional data from the USDA and other agencies and organizations, is was found that the American diet lacks micronutrients. Mass food production, storage techniques, poor food choices, and nutrient-depleting preparation methods may be contributing to this deficit.

This list covers a lot of people in this country. But even those with a varied diet that’s rich in whole foods, real foods (not processed) such as fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, dairy and lean proteins that should provide all the required nutrients we need, it is still questionable that they are getting what they need from diet alone. Our foods are not them same as they were 40-50 years ago. Modern corporate farming techniques maximizing profit over health with pesticides and herbicides, and genetically modified seeds combined with plastic packaging and food preserving treatments we are not only getting lower quality foods our bodies are bombarded with toxins, even on our “healthy” whole foods. Then there are all the antibiotics and hormones in animal products from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Our foods do not provid the nutrients they once did. That’s why a high quality comprehensive multivitamin helps provide these nutrients.

What what should you look for in a hig quality Multi Vitamin? When choosing a multivitamin supplement, consider the following factors:

1. Nutrient Composition: Look for a multivitamin that includes a broad range of essential vitamins and mi1nerals, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, copper and more.
2. Bioavailability: Choose a multivitamin with forms of nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. For example, methylcobalamin is a more bioavailable form of vitamin B12 than cyanocobalamin.
3. Chelated Minerals: Minerals in their chelated forms (i.e. folate versus folic acid) have improved absorption by the body.
4. Natural sources over synthetic ingredients: Natural vitamins are derived from whole food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products. They are found in the form that the body recognizes and utilizes effectively. Synthetic vitamins are chemicals manufactured in laboratories. They are commonly found in standard multivitamins sold in big box stores and fortified foods. For instance, ascorbic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin C and synthetic vitamin E comes with a dl- prefix whereas d-alpha tocopherol is the natural and most biologically active form. Synthetic vitamins are not only less readily absorbed and utilized by the body, but they are also more likely to contribute to nutrient imbalances in certain people. There are big differences between how the body absorbs synthetic vitamins as compared to natural vitamins because the chemical composition is slightly different.  Many people end up excreting most of the synthetic ingredients in a standard vitamin because they are not absorbed and metabolized as well as natural vitamin forms.
5. Dosage: The micronutrient amounts in multivitamins are based on percent daily values (%DV) which are the minimum amount needed to meet the basic need of a healthy person of a specific age and gender group. The %DV is not always indicative of the amount needed for optimal functioning of all individuals, especially those who are chronically ill. Keep in mind you will not get recommended amounts of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamins D, A, and C (the pills are not big enough!)  – and additional supplementation may be required for certain individuals. This is why it is important to work with your physician to determine what is best for you.
6. Additives and Fillers: Look for products that come in a vegetarian capsule and are free from unnecessary additives, fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Here is where less is best. Avoid hard tablets that are harder to dissolve and artificially colored and flavored “gummies” that have become popular. Liquid or powdered are your best choices.
7. Free of common allergens: Gluten, corn, peanuts, yeast,  dairy, soy, and caffeine
8. Free of herbs: Many products today add a whole list of herbal ingredients more for marketing purposes and to increase the price. But herbs are not needed in a multivitamin and many interfere with liver metabolism of prescription medicines, especially thyroid and other hormones, as well as anticoagulants and antibiotics.
9. Third-Party Testing: Chose multivitamins that have been tested by independent organizations for quality and potency, such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or National Science Foundation guidelines and ones that  are manufactured in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliant facility. Not many supplement makers in the US meet this top quality standard!  The FDA doesn’t strictly regulate dietary supplements, and some may contain higher or lower levels of some nutrients than stated on the label. This is why it is important to make sure you are getting a premium product.
10. Contains Bioavailable Nutrients: Vitamins and minerals in their active form. The body is better able to absorb and use bioavailable nutrients, so they are more effective at addressing deficiencies. Look for differences between the active and inactive vitamins, such as active vitamin D3 instead of inactive vitamin D2; look for folate or methylfolate instead of folic acid, vitamin K2 instead of K1, and methylated B vitamins instead of synthetic B vitamins.
11. Gentle on Stomach: Being gentle on the stomach helps prevent digestive distress and minimize side effects like diarrhea.
12. Beware: Multivitamins can also contain other ingredients like herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids that you may or may not need or that are contraindicated with certain medications. Also,

And to insure optimal health, I encourage you to turn to our natural medicines with our top quality, cGMP-compliant professional formulas for TruImmune™Boost, TruNAC™, TruImmunoglobulin,™ TruC with BioFlav™ (Vitamin C with complete Bioflavonoids), Tru BioD3™, TruZinc™, TruMitochondrial ™Boost and TruProBiotic™ Daily to replenish critical bifidobacteria depleted by COVID shots, viral illnesses, and antibiotic therapy.

To Your good health and improving resilience!
Dr. Vliet

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