A Multi Made For You

If you’re a woman…
Start with a good multivitamin and remember to take it with your meals. A good woman’s formula should include nutrients that protect your bones, heart, reproductive organs, skin, heart, and mind; vitamins and minerals to combat stress, PMS or perimenopausal challenges; and plenty of antioxidant help to balance your immune system. Our favorites have a whole-food base or at least whole or raw foods support. Look for the following in your supplement:

* For breast health—Vitamins D and E
* For your reproductive system—Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
* For healthy bones—Vitamins A, C, D, K, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
* For healthy skin—Vitamins A, C, Copper, Iron
* For heart health—Vitamin B Complex, Vitamins C, E, and K
* For optimal digestion—Live Probiotics and Enzymes, Vitamin D
(source: thevitamincode.com)

Additional supplements to take:
* Omega-3 fatty acids: Extremely important for women of all ages, omega 3s reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, calm inflammation, and decrease risk of cancers, heart disease, and memory loss. Take separately from your multi and make sure you get your omega 3s from fish oil. (1 to 2 g)
* Coenzyme Q-10: If this is not in your multi, consider adding it to your supplements. CoQ10 has shown great promise for regulating heart function, boosting energy, and strengthening immunity. May also help if you have migraines.

If you’re a man…
You need antioxidants and other nutrients to support a healthy heart, guard against cancers, and slow the not-so-pretty aspects of aging. Beyond that, however, a men’s multiple should include vitamins and minerals to support prostate health and to increase energy and mental focus.
* Prostate Health—Vitamin E, Lycopene, Selenium, Zinc
* Heart Health—Vitamin B Complex, Vitamins C and E
* Mental and Physical Energy—Vitamin B Complex, Chromium
* Optimal Digestion—Live Probiotics and Enzymes, Vitamin D
* Stress Response—Vitamins A, C and E, B Complex
* Vision Health—Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc
(source: thevitamincode.com)

Additional supplements to take:
* Coenzyme Q-10: If this is not in your multi, consider adding it to your supplements. CoQ10 has shown great promise for regulating heart function, boosting energy, and strengthening immunity.
* Zyflamend: An anti-inflammatory supplement that has shown great promise in promoting prostate health.

For your children
Look for a supplement that sources organic ingredients, if possible. The last thing kids need in their daily diet is more dyes, artificial ingredients, or pesticides. They need vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will build strong bones, support their growth, and give them good immune support.

* Heart Health—Vitamin B Complex, Vitamins C and E
* Mental and Physical Energy—Vitamin B Complex, Chromium, Iron
* Immune Support—Vitamins C, A, Selenium, Zinc
* Optimal Digestion—Live Probiotics and Enzymes, Vitamin D
* Eye Health—Vitamins A, C & E, Zinc
* Joints and Bones—Vitamins A, C, D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
(source: thevitamincode.com)

Look for the March 2009 issue of Natural Solutions for more vitamin advice and a list of our favorite vitamin brands!