What’s in that Multivitamin ... and Why?
Although ingredients in multivitamin and multimineral supplements vary slightly, they
tend to contain the same basic
nutrients.
VITAMINS
Vitamin A (or beta-carotene):for
normal and night vision.
Vitamin B1:for carbohydrate
metabolism and energy production.
Vitamin B2:for energy production;
may also help with migraines.
Vitamin B3:for energy production;
high doses may be helpful in treating mental illness and
lowering cholesterol.
Vitamin B6:for making serotonin and
other neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B12: for protecting genes
against damage.
Vitamin C: for immunity; high doses
may reduce fatigue and improve mood.
Vitamin D: for utilizing calcium;
important for immunity and reducing cancer risk.
Vitamin E: for reducing risk of
coronary heart disease and some neurological disorders.
Vitamin K: for normal blood
coagulation, bone formation, and glucose tolerance. (Find a multiple without
this if you take warfarin.)
Folic Acid:for reducing risk of
heart disease,stroke, and cancer.
Pantothenic Acid: for making adrenal
hormones, which help us deal with stress.
Biotin: for regulating blood sugar
levels.
Choline:for normal brain development
and function.
Inositol:for mental health; high
doses may help relieve depression and anxiety.
MINERALS
Calcium:for making bone; best used in con junction with magnesium and vitamins D and K.
Chromium: for normal regulation of
insulin and blood sugar.
Copper:for normal immunity and
blood-vessel repair.
Iodine:for making thyroid hormones,
which regulate metabolism.
Manganese: for normal blood sugar
and connective tissue health.
Magnesium:for bone and heart rhythm regulation.
Phosphorus:for normal bone
formation—but deficiencies are rare.
Potassium: for maintaining normal
electrolyte balance; may offset large amounts of dietary
sodium.
Selenium:for making some of the
body’s own antioxidants; can reduce cancer risk.
Zinc: for immunity; healthy skin and
eyes.
USANA's Multivitamin: ESSENTIALS
