DESCRIPTION
We all know that good nutrition is essential to our health and well-being. But, the reality is that most of us don’t follow a well-balanced diet on a regular basis. Of particular importance are fruits and vegetables.  These foods are rich in antioxidants - nutrients our bodies need to fight disease and aging caused by free-radical damage.

Because good nutrition is so important to healthy-looking skin, most of us take a multi-vitamin & mineral supplement.  However, just like skin care products, the quality of supplements can vary significantly. A higher quality supplement uses better quality ingredients such as natural vitamins, which bring about better results.

VitaMedica’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral formula is designed to boost the effectiveness of the topical products currently recommended by your skin care professional. The result is a comprehensive, bi-directional approach to naturally support healthy-looking skin.


BENEFITS
Excellent Nutrition. Over 100% of the RDA for the key antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. Also supplied are optimal levels of selenium and the citrus bioflavonoids.

The full complex of B-Vitamins, which are also known as the “stress fighters” and are necessary for healthy hair, skin and nails.

Key nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, boron, vitamins D and K to provide protection against osteoporosis, a condition that primarily affects women and involves a lack of these nutrients.

The minerals zinc and copper, which help to build collagen and elastin, two important proteins for the skin.

Morning & Evening Formulation. The use of chronotherapy provides the right nutrients at the right time of day. Divided doses also ensure optimal absorption of the water-soluble vitamins.  The morning tablets are naturally colored yellow from the riboflavin and the evening tablets are white. 

Natural Vitamins. The formulation contains d-alpha tocopheryl or natural Vitamin E.  Research has shown that natural vitamins provide better absorption than their synthetic counterparts.

Natural Carotenoid Blend. The formulation contains Betatene®, a mixed, natural carotene blend that includes beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein.  Research suggests that a range of carotenes provides better antioxidant protection. Lutein provides protection against macular degeneration of the eye.

The Right Balance of Vitamins & Minerals. Eliminates the worry about whether you’re taking the right amount, or in the right combination.

Chelated Minerals for Maximal Absorption. Chelation, which combines a mineral with an amino acid, helps absorption to ensure that you get what you paid for.

No Artificial Ingredients. The formulation does not contain any preservatives, excipients, binders, or fillers, which can cause allergic reactions.


INDICATIONS
Many factors affect a patient’s nutritional requirements and ultimately their need for supplementation, as indicated below:

Sex: Women and men have different nutritional needs.  Osteoporosis is a condition that primarily affects women. In particular, women should make sure that they obtain enough calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K. Women’s nutritional needs also change as they go through life (menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause). Men also have unique requirements. Men need to make sure that they get plenty of zinc, vitamin A and vitamin E to help reduce the risk of developing prostrate problems. 

Age: Aging may make it more difficult to absorb and utilize certain nutrients. The major problem nutrients for older people are vitamins D, C, B6 and B12, folic acid as well as minerals such as zinc. Research has shown that many diseases that we associate with aging such as stroke and heart disease may be prevented with adequate doses of vitamin E and B6, B12 and folic acid.

Nutritional Intake: While it is preferable to obtain nutrients from a healthy, well-balanced diet, most Americans fall short in a variety of key vitamins and minerals.  In particular, most individuals do not get the recommended 5+ servings of fruit and vegetables each day.  Women who diet are even more at risk because of the limited caloric intake. For these reasons, most people need to supplement their diet with a vitamin/mineral supplement. 

Caffeine and Soft Drink Consumption: Not only coffee contains caffeine but also tea, carbonated beverages, diet pills, OTC drugs (e.g., Motrin) and chocolate. While some caffeine is fine, too much contributes to dehydration and robs the body of the B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and zinc. Soft drinks should be avoided because they contain high levels of phosphates, which cause the excretion of calcium.

Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can affect the availability, absorption and metabolism of essential nutrients. It can deplete the body of the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc, magnesium and potassium.

Cigarette Smoking: Individuals who smoke have a much higher level of free radicals in their body. Additionally, cigarette smoking can reduce the body’s ability to absorb key vitamins and minerals. Because of this, smokers and individuals exposed to second-hand smoke need to make sure that they obtain adequate levels of the antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C and selenium.

Birth Control Pill, Antibiotics and OTC Drugs: These medications change the body’s requirements particularly for the B vitamins. In addition, many OTC drugs such as diuretics and antacids can deplete the body of essential nutrients. Aspirin depletes the body of vitamin C.

UV Exposure/Sun Tanning: Exposure to sunlight and even fluorescent lighting causes free-radical production.  Therefore, it is important to make sure that antioxidant intake is adequate.  Important antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium.  Green tea extract, grape seed extract, and co-enzyme Q10 are also potent free-radical scavengers.

Chemical/Pollutant Exposure: Daily we are exposed to a variety of pollutants from the air we breathe, the food we eat and the environment in which we live.  Like sun exposure, pollutants cause our bodies to produce free radicals. Sufficient antioxidant intake is required to combat free-radical damage.

Stress: While some stress is good, repetitive stress depletes the building blocks the adrenal glands need to manufacture hormones.  These building blocks include vitamin C, vitamin B5 and B6, magnesium, zinc and potassium.


CONTRAINDICATIONS
Nutritional supplements have a very safe track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning a nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women.  MULTI-VITAMIN & MINERAL contains niacin, which may cause a temporary redness of the skin and flushing.  PM MULTI-VITAMIN & MINERAL contains Vitamin K and is contraindicated in patients taking blood thinners like coumadin.


DIRECTIONS
The Multi-Vitamin & Mineral formulation should always be taken with food.  The AM Multi-Vitamin should be taken with breakfast. If a minimal breakfast is eaten, then the AM Multi-Vitamin can be taken with lunch. The PM Multi-Vitamin Formulation should be taken with dinner or before bedtime.

About 10% of people experience the so-called “niacin flush” with high potency vitamins.  This involves a temporary reddening of the skin, that lasts 10-15 minutes. It is a normal reaction, and is harmless.  Usually it will disappear after one or two days of taking the vitamins.

We recommend slowly building up to the full, three-tablet dose of AM and three-tablet dose of PM.  When starting the vitamins, begin with one tablet of AM and one tablet of PM for 1-2 days, then two tablets of AM and two tablets of PM for 1-2 days, then up to the full three tablet dose. Taking the Multi-Vitamin in this fashion will decrease the chances of the niacin-flush occurring. It will also help to prevent the uneasy sensation that occurs in some people’s stomachs after taking vitamins. 

Because these supplements are high potency, typically no other vitamin or mineral supplements are required.  Consuming an additional supplement could risk an overdose with individual nutrients, particularly the fat-soluble vitamins.