Key Supplements and Recommendations


1.  Multivitamin
     *Select a multivitamin that includes nutrients, minerals, and adequate enzymes to foster the body's 
     metabolic reactions.       

    *Recommend to split dosage into 2-3 times daily with meals. This provides a continual amount 
    of nutrients throughout the day; taking them with meals allows the vitamin to be dissolved 
    more easily with food.
    
    *Vitamins should be pharmaceutical grade and food based; in order to determine you may have to 
    contact the manufacturer
 
    *Centrum and one a day-type vitamins have synthetic nutrients and possible binders that prevent 
    dissolution and absorpbtion. Many people in the nutrition and alternative health field feel 
    that synthetic nutrients are not recognized by the body.  Therefore, these vitamins may not be cost 
    effective and could provide a false sense of well being.

    *One high quality multivitamin example for women over 40 is Meta-Fem and Nutri-Fem for women 
    under 40 by Thorne.  This vitamin provides peri and postmenopausal nutritional support for 
    women. Ingredients  

    * When reviewing the ingredient list of a vitamin, it is helpful to try and obtain the vitamin/mineral 
    form that is immediately useable by the body (some have to be converted by the body to be 
    used). This makes it easier on the body and ensures that you get those nutrients in case your body 
    does not optimally convert them.
    For example:
            *Vitamin B6 - useable form: Pyridoxine 5 phosphate
            *Vitamin B12 -useable form: Methylcobalamin 
            *Vitamin D - useable form: D3 Cholecalciferol

    *Men should select a  formula specific for men's health. 

    *Special formulas for infants; liquid form recommended until toddlers are able to chew well.


2.   Vitamin D

     *Needed to assimilate calcium into bone tissue

    *The RDA (recommended daily allowance) has been identified as being significantly lower than what is 
    required by our bodys.
   
   *Recommend taking D 3 Cholecalciferol, the active form (body can utilize immediately without any 
    conversion)

    *Recommend 1000-10000 IU Daily (recommendation is to take with calcium and magnesium to increase 
    calcium benefits for bone density, etc)


Vitamin D has been in many research studies over the past few years and quite a bit of evidence has been presented on the need to maintain an appropriate level. It is thought that you should have a level of around 70 ng/ml in your body (this can be identified through a blood test). If it is lower than 65 ng/ml there tends to be a higher risk for cancer, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, psychiatric conditions, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, etc.
 
A low level of Vitamin D can mean that you either do not get enough Vitamin D through food, sun, and/or supplements or that your body has difficulties in absorbing the vitamin. In winter months, 5000 IU may help maintain a more positive mood.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D Article


3.  Antioxidants

    *Prevents free radicals  from destroying cellular membranes, possibly causing cancers/plaque 
    buildup, accelerated aging, etc.

    Types of Antioxidants
    A.  Vitamin C (1000-3000 mg daily); recommendation is to take 1000 mg 1-3 times per day with 
    food. Split dosage to maintain levels throughout the day.
        *Sodium Ascorbate is the recommended type of Vitamin C; it is easier on the stomach.
            *Example product: Ester C

    B.  The NingXia Red drink (primarily of wolfberries/goji berries) includes very high levels of 
    antioxidants and polysaccharides. Antioxidant measurement of the drink has been completed 
    based upon ORAC. Those measurements can be found here.  Testimonials of positive results of 
    utilizing the drink and essential oils.

    *This drink is manufactured by Young Living and can be purchased online.  
   
    I am a distributor and can provide you additional information, samples, and a website to 
     purchase the drink along with many other high quality essential oils and products. I have 
    been consuming approximately 1-2 ounces of NingXia Red for a month have had a significant 
    amount of increased energy. 

    C.  CoEnzyme Q10:10-100 mg recommended daily

    D.  Folic Acid: 800 mcg daily recommendation

    E.  Alpha Lipoic Acid: 100-300 mg daily
 

4. Calcium

    *Take with meals and/or at bedtime. Best with food & full glass of water.

    *Body will absorb approximately 500 mg at a time

    *If taking a single Calcium source, a recommended form is Calcium Citrate such as Citrical
        *Magnesium should also be taken (1:1 ratio) with calcium since it promotes absorption. 
        *Additional benefits if a high quality Vitamin D is taken at same time, since it helps assimilate 
        calcium into bone tissue.

    *A blended calcium product such as Cal-Assimilate Plus by Klaire or MCHC by Endomet have been 
    recommended (in case you do not want to purchase magnesium separately). The cost of a monthly 
    supply is around $21.00 (can be purchased at www.preventioniowa.com)

    *Recommendation is to AVOID Calcium Carbonate & Oyster Shell as the main source (e.g. Tums, 
    OsCal, Caltrate, Viactiv) since it typically on has only 40% absorption and possibly causes gas & 
    bloating.
  
  
5. Probiotics: Beneficial Bacteria

    *70% of the immune system resides in the gut.  In order for the gut to maintain balance and 
    optimum function, there must be a balance of good bacteria residing there.  If not, many 
    people tend to get ill quickly and/or have reoccurences of illness.

    *Probiotics are an essential supplement especially if taking antibiotics; the probiotic should be taken 
    a few hours after taking the antibiotic since they will kill good and bad bacteria.
    
    *Products with billions of good bacterias is essential; refrigerate to maintain full composition and 
    potency.
    
    *Special composition for infants and toddlers; aids in good immune system, eczema relief, regular 
    bowls, etc. 


6. Digestive Enzymes  

    *Aids in the digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates when the body does not produce enough or is 
    suppressed.
    
    *Required for liver detoxification

    *Can aid in the resolution of heartburn. 

    *Additional Information


7.  Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    *The American diet is deficient in these oils

    *Fish/Cod Liver Oil - pure source

    *Best for people with inflammation, improves skin health, helps lower cholesterol & triglycerides, aids 
    in cardiovascular health, essential for building new cells and nerve transmission

    *Recommend purchasing a high quality product in which mercury is tested and removed; products 
    such as Carlson or Nordic Naturals are well known.

    *Dosage approximately 1 tablespoon daily

    *Oil form is less expensive than capsules; refrigerate after opening. 

     *Special composition is made for infants and toddlers; aids in skin health, relief of eczema, cognitive 
     development, etc.