OPTIMAL MULTI

A daily multivitamin is important for good health, but some people should not take multivitamin tablets that contain iron. Other people cannot tolerate multivitamin supplements that contain herbs. Those people should consider Health Basics, an iron-free multivitamin that is also herb-free.

The March of Dimes tells women who are considering becoming pregnant that iron is important mineral to have in a daily multivitamin. (10) However, the non-profit organization notes that some multivitamin tablets contain minerals that “are toxic in high doses for women and their developing babies.” Because many multivitamin supplements contain iron, the March of Dimes recommends that women check with their health care providers about the type of vitamin to take.

People on medications may prefer to take an iron-free multivitamin. For example, antacid pills such as Tagamet (cimetidine) interfere with iron absorption because the compound reduces stomach acid. (11) Individuals on Cuprimine (penicillamine) taking a daily vitamin are told that iron can affect absorption of the drug if the two are taken within an hour of each other. (12) There is a similar caution about for Didronel (etidronate) and multivitamin tablets with iron. (13)

Vitamins A, C and E in this daily multivitamin assist in a variety of important functions that support good health. Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, fights free radicals and their effects on the body. Regular dosages of this multivitamin supplement also contribute to eye health. A lack of vitamin A has been linked to eye problems that can lead to a decrease in vision. Each daily dosage in these multivitamin tablets delivers 100% of the daily value. Vitamin A works with other ingredients in this iron-free multivitamin help the body’s efforts to fight against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress.

The Vitamin C in this daily multivitamin can help fight free radicals. A research study showed that the antioxidant Vitamin C accounted for 35% to 75% of the antioxidant power of Vitamin C-rich fresh fruits and vegetables such as grapefruits, kiwi and cauliflower. (1) Furthermore, supplemental Vitamin C in this multivitamin supplement has been shown to be effective in promoting eye health by protecting the proteins of the eye lens from oxidation, in hunting free radicals in the retina, and in promoting health in the cornea. (2) Vitamin C works with the other ingredients in this iron-free multivitamin to help protect the body against free radical damage. A daily dosage of multivitamin tablets contains 833% of the daily value.

Vitamin E in this multivitamin supplement neutralizes free radicals that detract from good health. Each daily dosage in Optimal Multi Iron Free delivers 400% of the daily value. This ingredient in this iron-free multivitamin has also been shown to play a role in immune function and DNA protection. (4-5) Vitamin E can also support eye health. Some studies have found that lens clarity was greater in regular users of Vitamin E in the daily multivitamin and in persons with higher blood levels of vitamin E. (6) The natural form of vitamin E is believed to be twice as effective as an antioxidant vitamin as synthetic vitamin E.

Folic Acid and Vitamins B-6 and B-12 in this multivitamin supplement contribute to good health. These ingredients in these multivitamin tablets help maintain normal homocysteine levels. (3) Research has shown that too much homocysteine in the blood may be detrimental to good health. The folic acid and vitamins in the iron-free multivitamin can help levels stay in a normal range, a condition necessary for a healthy heart.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12 in the daily multivitamin complement each other in promoting a strong heart. The B-12 is taken in the form of multivitamin tablets, avoiding the problems associated with low absorption rates for B-12 found in foods. The vitamin is considered essential to producing healthy red blood cells, which are critical to a healthy heart. A daily dosage of this iron-free multivitamin contains 2667% of the daily value.

Vitamin B-12 in this multivitamin supplement also works with antioxidant vitamins to minimize damage to body cell walls. The vitamin is also a natural nerve protector. Without adequate coverage, nerve cells leading to the eye may suffer damage, negatively affecting eye health. (7)

The Vitamin D in this iron-free multivitamin contributes to bone strength. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods, so is often added to products such as milk and multivitamin tablets. Vitamin D is necessary for the promotion of intestinal absorption of the ingredients in calcium-bone supplements. The interaction of the vitamin and calcium help form and maintain strong bones. The Vitamin D in the daily multivitamin performs other functions, including the regulation of concentrations of serum calcium and phosphates in the blood. Proper levels create optimum conditions for calcium-bone formation.

Adults are known to lose bone density as part of the aging process. For women, this happens about the time they go through menopause. Research on females from 70 to 80 years of age suggests that adding Vitamin D to multivitamin supplements with calcium can produce long-term improvements in hip-bone density. (8) Each daily dosage contains 150% of the daily value for strong bones.

The iron-free multivitamin contains calcium for bone strength. Because bone reconstruction slows in older people, experts say that daily intake of calcium should increase with age. In fact, the number of milligrams that should be ingested every day rises from 500 in toddlers to 1,200 in people 51 years and older. (9) The calcium in the multivitamin tablets is also known to support the proper function of nerves and muscles. A daily dosage contains 50% of the daily value needed to help maintain strong bones.

This iron-free multivitamin is designed for males and females ages 13 and up. The multivitamin tablets are also made for post-menopausal women. Take 2 tablets of this daily multivitamin twice per day. Each bottle contains a month’s supply of 120 tablets of the multivitamin supplement.

∗This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.