Complex System Maintenance
Also, since timing is important, when you introduce these compounds is also critical to proper absorption, which is why most supplements will say take with a meal, or spread them out over multiple doses per day.
MultiForma™ was not designed to have equal amounts of each compound. This would seem good on the surface, but would actually be counterproductive. Before deciding on a multivitamin, be sure it provides what you need, and was designed to maximize benefits, not just look good on paper.
Symbiosis and Synergy
Some vitamins work together, as our last post indicated. Vitamin A works with Vitamin E, Iodine, Iron, and Zinc. But vitamin K absorption can be inhibited by A. Vitamin A also decreases uptake of Vitamin D as does Vitamin E. So it wouldn’t make sense to create that competition in a multivitamin formula.
Another combination not used in a good formula is C and B12 together in high amounts. Vitamin C can keep your body from properly using Vitamin B12 which is a critical nutrient that is deficient or below recommended levels in much of the population , and a difficult one to absorb. Since doses of C are recommended to be high, we recommend a separate supplement taken a couple hours apart, so as not to compete for absorption.
Calcium is also wonderful to take with Vitamin D, as they work together, but calcium should not be taken together with magnesium, manganese, and zinc or it will prevent good absorption of all these minerals. (4,5) That’s why we do not include Vitamin D and Calcium in high amounts, and recommend secondary supplementation at a different time of day. These are just a few examples.
Variety, in Correct Proportion
When you see “Daily Values” listed on a supplement, keep in mind these are absolute bare minimums, not optimal levels, and certainly not levels that will build up a deficient system. They are arrived at to help people know what may likely prevent serious deficiencies, but that’s not always enough. Optimal outcomes do not come from merely avoiding deficiency, but from truly giving the body at least what is needed, but hopefully a bit more, so the body can decide what to use.
Daily Values also do not account for interactions between nutrients, or indicate what should and should not be taken together, and at what levels, to maximize effectiveness. They are just basic general numbers. Like calories. If your calorie needs are 2100 calories a day, do you take all of that at one meal? or spread it out? Its no different with other micronutrients.
Often the product also may not tell you what form the nutrient should be in for best absorption, and that matters too.
Having high or equal levels of everything, may actually be a waste of your time and money.
Having lower levels of compounds difficult to absorb, like B12 (depending on Intrinsic Factor), may also be a waste of resources if they can’t be used. It is estimated that you absorb only 10mcg of a 500mcg dose of B12. (1) Levels in some formulas like ours might seem high comparatively, if you don’t know how these compounds work in the body. Thats why we study the science, not just the daily value numbers to make sure its actually a beneficial product and not a placebo.
A Scientific Tool
A tool is also only as good as what its made of. Do you use a rubber hammer to hammer nails? or a forged steel one to check your reflexes? Of course not.
For example there are multiple forms of many vitamins in supplement formulas. Is the Vitamin B12 you take Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin? It matters a great deal because only Methylcobalamin is the active and bioavailable form, while the other must be converted. Is your folate supplement folic acid, or an actual active folate like Quatrefolic? If it is not an active folate it can mask or exacerbate low B12 levels.(6,7)
Is the vitamin A synthetic or natural? The natural 9-cis isomer is a more potent antioxidant than the all-trans, and the synthetic could actually be harmful.(3)
The bottom line is if you compare MultiForma™ to the finest Multivitamins, preferred by Doctors who understand the chemistry, you will find they have similar formulations.