[CS6006]

Timed Release / Yeast Free

It’s possible – and preferable – to get your nutrients from a healthy, balanced diet. But surveys show that many people fall short in a variety of key vitamins and minerals. Moreover, recent research has underscored the importance of some of these nutrients, notably vitamin D and folic acid. And some studies suggest that people who take multivitamin/mineral pills have a lower risk of several diseases, including colon cancer and possibly cardio-vascular disease, and may have a better immune response.

Consider taking a multi if you are in one of these groups:

• People over 60. Most don’t get the nutrients they need for a variety of reasons. For instance, aging itself may make it more difficult to absorb and utilize certain nutrients. The major problem nutrients for older people are vitamins D, C, B 6 , B 12 , and folic acid, as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
• Women of childbearing age. They need 400 IU daily of folate (the form is supplements is called folic acid). This B vitamin helps prevent neutral tube birth defects: women need to build up their folate stores at least several weeks before becoming pregnant. The folic acid in supplements and fortified foods is better absorbed by the body than the folate found naturally in food (this is also true of vitamin B 12 ). In addition many premenopausal women do not consume enough iron and can benefit from the amount in a basic multi.
• Pregnant or breast-feedingwomen should probably take a multi, but should discuss their special needs with their doctors.
• Strict vegetarians, who eat no animal products, may not get enough vitamin B 12 , zinc, iron, and calcium.
• People on weight-loss diets, as well as heavy drinkers or smokers, are likely to have a shortfall of vitamins and minerals.
• Anyone not eating a balanced diet (at least five fruits and vegetables a day, as well as whole grains, low-fat dairy, and small servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish) may not be getting enough folic acid, B 6 and B 12 . These B vitamins play a role in lowering homocysteine levels in the blood and thus may help reduce the risk of heart disease and, recent studies suggest, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis (see page 1). Folic acid may also help prevent cervical and colon cancer. Most multivitamin supplements have 100% of the daily recommended intake of these Bs. Not everyone needs a multivitamin/mineral. But the above list includes more than half of all Americans for whom a basic multi may make sense.
• But keep in mind: Even if you take a multi, you still need to have a healthy, balanced diet. These pills are not magic bullets. Foods – particularly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – provide fiber as well as countless beneficial phytochemicals not found in any pill.