A Custom Vitamin, Mineral & Phytonutrient Formula Designed to Support Metabolism, Disease Prevention and Concerns of Aging
If you have received a personal nutrition plan at the Center for Nutrition, you are likely familiar with my Metabolism Essentials Multi. Far more than a multivitamin, it is, in reality, a multivitamin + a mineral tablet + B-complex + chromium + vitamin C + vitamin E + resveratrol + lutein + L-carnitine + many others. You see, by providing all these helpful nutrients in a single supplement, benefits skyrocket with a simple, very affordable supplement.
Metabolism Essentials is a core recommendation for the vast majority of my patients. And with good reason, it was designed specifically to address the concerns that are common among adults in the U.S., a slowing metabolism, chronic diseases all around us, and aging bodies that we want to nourish and protect. If you share these concerns, read on…
Why do we need a nutrient supplement?
Although the foundation of healthy nutrition has to start with good food choices, numerous studies have documented the benefit of certain vitamins, minerals and other supplements to support health, strengthen the immune system and help prevent certain chronic nutrition-related diseases. With our busy lifestyles, eating nutrient rich foods is more and more difficult. Supplements can guarantee that our bodies are receiving the essential nutrients it requires for health.
As a nutrition-oriented physician, I have high standards when recommending nutritional supplements. Is the product pure and is the label accurate? Are the highest quality of ingredients used? Are adequate, but not excessive, amounts of certain key nutrients present, such as beta carotene, vitamin C and E? Is the formula comprehensive so that it includes all known essential micronutrients? Are the minerals present in adequate amounts and chelated so they are well absorbed? Are B vitamins and folate present in adequate amounts to lower homocysteine levels, a known risk factor for heart disease and the memory loss of aging. Are sufficient nutrients present that we don’t have to be concerned about deficiencies, even if we are dieting, under unusual stress, ill, eating a less than optimal diet or exercising intensely? Finally, considering the quality and quantity of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, is it a great value?
The Metabolism Essentials formula meets all of the above criteria by supplying generous research-based amounts of the highest quality vitamins and minerals. For example, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols are provided to provide the nature-based mixture of “E” vitamins. These are the most proven version to lower heart disease risk, but are uncommon in most multivitamins. Chromium can assist with a lower cholesterol in some and works to improve sugar metabolism. Generous quantities are included. Metabolism Essentials has high quantities of antioxidant vitamins (beta carotene, C, E, and others). All the minerals are supplied as the highest quality chelated minerals in generous amounts. We have gone to great lengths to assure ourselves that we’ve created the highest quality broad-spectrum supplement for the money. The Metabolism Essentials Multi is a great value and is designed with your health and metabolism in mind.
Dosage is 3 tablets twice daily for adults seeking optimal nutrient intake.
Remember: Metabolism Essentials is the equivalent of a multivitamin + mineral tablet + B-complex + chromium + vitamin C + vitamin E + resveratrol + lutein + L-carnitine + many others. Read on for details on the ingredients.
METABOLISM SUPPORT
Chromium GTF 500 mcg – Polynicotinate
Supports fat burning and muscle gain. Supports lower and more stable blood sugars. Recent study found patients eating 207 calories less per day when on supplemental chromium through better appetite control.
Iodine 350 mcg – Potassium Iodide
Essential to thyroid hormone production. Consuming 201 – 1000 mcg/day decreases TSH and Thyroglobulin, supporting free, active thyroid hormones. Some evidence of supporting lower breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease risks. This natural form is found in salt and seafood.
Vitamin B-12 1000 mcg – Methylcobalamin
Deficiency causes anemia, neurological and psychological problems, mental decline with aging, heart disease and bone fractures. 10 – 38% of older people are deficient from malabsorption. This high dose, natural B-12 improves absorption. B-12 lowers homocysteine. Cheaper synthetic cyanocobalamin formulas in most multivitamins form cyanide and are not recommended. The Institute of Medicine recommends all adults over 50 supplement with B-12.
Magnesium 300 mg – Aspartate/Ascorbate
Essential for cell function, sugar metabolism and “energetic metabolism.” High intake has been associated with supporting a reduced diabetes risk by 34%, colon cancer risk by 40% and increased muscle strength by 20%. Provides support for neurological and psychological disorders. Aids in glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and migraines.
Calcium 300 mg – Citrate/Ascorbate Essential for strong bones. High absorption formula. Anti-obesity effect of calcium noted in some studies.
Vitamin B-1 50 mg – Thiamine
Necessary to process food into energy. 50 mg/day contributed to clear-headedness, improvement in mood and reaction times in healthy students and feelings of confidence.
Vitamin A 5000 IU – 1.2 mg Beta Carotene and 3,000 IU Vit A
3,000 IU of preformed vitamin A seems optimal based on current research. 1.2 mg of beta carotene, as an added antioxidant, is an additional form of vitamin A in a dose that is considered safe. We do not recommend higher doses, especially in smokers.
Vanadium 300 mcg Increases uptake of glucose into muscles and increases overall tissue responsiveness to insulin.
Acetyl L-Carnitine 200 mg
Important role in energy metabolism by increasing the amount of oxygen released from blood to heart and other muscles. Tissue levels decline with aging.
PREVENTION
Vitamin E at 50 mg from Palm oil as Alpha/Beta/Delta/Gamma Tocotrienols
Tocotrienols are the superior antioxidant form of vitamin E (40- 60x more efficient). Lowers LDL cholesterol up to 15%. Potential to reverse carotid artery narrowing from antherosclerosis. Anti-cancer activity noted. Current research shows this is likely the most important form of vitamin E.
Vitamin E at 200 IU – “mixed” Alpha/Beta/Delta/Gamma – Tocopherols
Single form vitamin E (i.e. d-alpha tocopherol) may actually increase risk of heart disease death. 9 of 11 studies showed ≥ 400 IU increased risk of death. Use only mixed forms. Take < 400 IU/day.
Copper Chelate: 2 mg Deficiency increases risk of osteoporosis, anemia and low white blood cells. Copper chelate recommended for best absorption.
Vitamin B-6: 10 mg of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (PLP)
The natural B-6 in this dose is associated with a 20 – 50% lower risk of colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancer. Repairs damaged DNA and inhibits breast cancer cells. Lowers homocysteine, a stroke/heart risk factor. 1 in 3 consume < 1 mg per day. Caution: 40 mg or more per day may increase heart disease risk.
Folate 325 mcg: From calcium folinate (not folic acid) Caution: We now recommend you avoid all multivitamins with any folate as “Folic Acid.”
Deficiency associated with mental decline. Lowers homocysteine levels. 288 – 333 mcg/day of true folate is associated with a 50% decrease in risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Most multi’s contain synthetic folate as “folic acid”. Synthetic “folic acid” is associated with mental decline, immune dysfunction and increased risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
Vitamin C: 700 mg Buffered
9 research studies showed 700 mg/day associated with 25% lower risk of heart disease than those not taking vitamin C. Nurses’ Health Study found 27% reduction in heart risks with 359 mg/day. 400 mg/day saturates white blood cells with vitamin C, which enhances the immune system.
Vitamin B-2: 25 mg of Riboflavin Deficiencies will lead to increases in homocysteine, which is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Selenium: 200 mcg <30 mcg/day increases risk of cancer, infertility, imparted immune function and death. >900 mcg/day is toxic. Some soil is now selenium depleted.
Zinc: 25 mg Essential for optimal health. Deficiency causes poor wound healing and immune dysfunction.
AGING SUPPORT
Resveratrol: 9000 mcg – Polygonum cuspidatum
Red wine ingredient potentially responsible for low heart disease risk in France. In the lab, extends life span of some cells by 70%. In mice, reduced risk of dying from high calorie diet by 31%. Inhibits formation of fat molecules and fat cells. Promotes fat mobilization. Evidence it suppresses cancer cell growth. This is the natural form found in red wine. Pesticide use has reduced the amount found in grapes and wine. This dose is similar to that in 20 glasses of red wine. This amount has been shown to decrease the heart risk factor C-Reactive Protein by an impressive 26%!
Lutein/Zeaxanthin: 4 mg/1mg
Just 3.5 mg of lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with a reduced risk of macular degeneration (a common cause of vision loss with age) by almost 50%. Other research showed intake is associated with a significant reduction in risk of cataracts.
Vitamin D-3: 2000 IU
Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Many experts recommend a minimum of 2000 IU/day, well above the RDA. Vitamin D-3 (natural form) is 3x more effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D supports the bones, muscles, heart, blood sugar, blood pressure, immune system and is associated with reduced breast and colon cancer risk by 50%.
Vitamin K-1: 200 mcg – Phylloquinone
Many multi vitamins have no vitamin K. It is important for blood clotting, strong bones and osteoporosis prevention. 2/3 is excreted daily; you must take vitamin K daily to receive optimal benefits. Do not take if on Coumadin (Warfarin)!
Organic Fruit and Vegetable Complex 200 mg
Phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables have many health promoting benefits beyond vitamins and minerals. Associated with many disease-preventing benefits. Includes, blueberry, spinach, broccoli and a blend of 11 other organic fruits and vegetables.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: 30 mg Antioxidant. Being researched for diabetes and multiple diseases of aging.
Choline + Betaine: 100 mg + 50 mg Lowers homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Deficiency causes fatty liver.
More information about Metabolism Essentials can be found here.
And remember, Optimum Health is ALWAYS worth the effort.
For Optimum Health,
Rick Tague, M.D., M.P.H.
