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1

Unfortunately most are formulated as a one-a-day dose. This means many bulkier compounds either omit or include meaningless amounts. As an experienced formulator, I know it’s impossible to provide sufficient nutrients in a one-a-day product.

A good multi should have the important major and trace minerals. I have real concern about low levels of critical minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper and manganese – these are needed to build antioxidant defence systems.

Your multi should have a full B vitamin complex – in particular B6, folic acid and B12 – because they combine to reduce homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart disease and some forms of dementia. It should have meaningful levels of vitamin D for immunity.

Regulations governing vitamin D in supplements are archaic so we should add extra Vitamin D in winter. Vitamin E is the most important fat soluble antioxidant. This should be in the natural d-alpha tocopherol form – not the less effective synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol. Finally, it should contain potent antioxidants –especially grape seed extract.

My preferred grape seed extract OPC (short for oligomeric proanthocyanidins) is the wellresearched and patented NZ-made Oxifend. OPC is unique among antioxidants because it actively scavenges oxygen and nitrogen radicals. It also has an affinity to collagen, making it a great cardiovascular protector.

I know of no single botanical ingredient to have such a positive impact on health. For more information, give me a call or email: john@abundant.co.nz

You can read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more, go to: www.sunlive.co.nz