Multivitamins---THE Powerful First Step Lowered Heart Attack Risk is only the Beginning!

Definitely not 'rocket science' here, but definitely worth reminding ourselves (if we've gotten off-track) about the HUGE difference a simple (SAFE!) daily step can make in our long-term health. The study referenced below followed a group of over 30,000 women of varying ages for 5 years

Daily Multi Vitamin Use Lowers Heart Attack Risk by 41%
The results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides evidence that taking a multi vitamin can have a critical impact on heart disease risk. Women who took a high potency multi vitamin over a 5 year period were found to lower their risk of a heart attack by 41% compared to women who didn`t supplement.
http://www.ajcn.org/content/92/5/1251.abstract

Multivitamins are to be taken Every Day---just like we eat and sleep Every Day. "Since the 1980's, proper scientific studies using Multivitamin supplements have shown that they boost immunity, increase IQ, reduce birth defects, improve childhood development, reduce colds, stop PMS, improve bone density, balance moods, reduce aggression, increase energy, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and basically promote a long & healthy life." The New Optimum Nutrition Bible: P. Holford, 2004.

So...it's fairly obvious that it's not a question of 'Should I take a Multi' -- rather 'How on earth do I figure out which Multi to take when there are endless choices?'

A few pointers:
->Cheap vitamins AREN'T worth it---and usually contain multiple 'fillers' of things you would NEVER consider consuming, like sand, cork, polyethylene glycol (antifreeze!), chemical dyes, glue, shellac... So the next time you see a 'Sale' for a bottle of 100 Multivitamins for $10, just say 'no'! The vast majority of 'drugstore' bottles of multivitamins are inferior, with some being manufactured by the same pharmaceutical companies that make all the medications that abound. They have no reason to make a superior nutritional supplement, since that would potentially lower the need for the medications they manufacture. (I know that sounds harsh, but that's the reality).

->RDA Values were developed to help avoid vitamin deficiency diseases, like scurvy & rickets. The current RDA values were NOT designed to provide Optimal Nutrition. That's why quality 'Multi's' will often contain way over 100% of the specific vitamins & minerals.

->A Multivitamin supplement should provide a balanced source of vitamins and minerals. This provides the foundation for our bodies to run on. Once the foundation is there, a person may then want to individualize with specific supplements for a health concern such as CoQ10 for heart challenges.

->The 'Multi' manufacturer should be reputable, providing pure products. Check them out online--learn what you can about the company & their manufacturing practices.

->Newer formulations of Multivitamins now contain extracts of organic vegetables and herbs to add even greater benefits of phytonutrients and antioxidants.

->If you haven't been taking a Multivitamin & start taking a good quality one, you should notice a difference in how you feel in 1-3 months. Multi's are meant to be taken Long-Term---not when you're feeling a bit run down...or 'feel a cold coming on'...or have an upcoming Dr. appt. :)

My husband and I have been taking a quality Multivitamin daily for over 18 years (that's how long we've been married!)---and that means taking them when on vacation & away from home.

Let me know if you have specific questions about a good Multivitamin---Thanks, my friends, for building such a simple & powerful action into your lives.
Now we're talking TRUE Health Insurance!

Blessings on your health!
Sana