Multivitamins every day, 60 capsules

The daily multivitamin for ages 14 and over

‘Every Day Capsules’ is a multivitamin developed for young people aged 14 and over (1 capsule a day) and adults (2 capsules a day), specifically designed for those who prefer capsules to tablets.

Like the other multivitamins in the ‘Every Day’ range, this product is characterised by its specific composition and the carefully selected ingredients and combinations of vitamins and minerals. This formula includes, amongst other things, vitamins D3, K1 and K2, as well as the bioactive forms of B2, B6 and B12. In addition, a superior form of folic acid is used (5-MTHF, marketed under the brand name Quatrefolic®). Vitamin C consists of a form of magnesium ascorbate that is acid-free and easily absorbed. The minerals are composed of compounds that are readily absorbed. The product is based on the latest scientific findings and is tailored to current data on nutritional status in Western Europe as well as the optimal intake per nutrient.

B vitamins in the ideal form and quantity

These daily multivitamins contain a large amount of B vitamins, but within acceptable limits. In this regard, the daily requirements, average intake levels and their lower limits have been thoroughly examined. Not only are the latest scientific findings and safe upper limits taken into account, but also the extent to which the body is able to metabolise the various B vitamins.

Furthermore, all formulations contain the biologically active forms of vitamins B2 (riboflavin-5'-phosphate), B6 (pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), B12 (methyl- and adenosylcobalamin) and folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt). These are the forms utilised by the body, and research shows that they exhibit higher bioavailability within the body.

Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate as a form of vitamin B6

Tingling or numbness may occasionally occur in the hands or feet when very high amounts of vitamin B6 are taken. For this reason, the Netherlands has set a maximum safe upper limit of 21 mg per day for adults when it comes to vitamin supplements. The ‘Every Day’ multivitamins are well below this level (a maximum of 2.1 mg). Furthermore, only the biologically active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P-5'-P), is used, rather than pyridoxine HCl, which must first be converted within the body. Research is currently underway to determine whether the occasional side effects mentioned above occur only with vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxine HCl and do not occur, or occur to a lesser extent, with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate . Evidence suggests that only pyridoxine HCl is toxic to nerve cells at high doses.

Folic acid as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate

The synthetic form of folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid), which is usually used in dietary supplements for stability reasons, does not occur naturally. In food, it is present as folate. Folic acid ingested from dietary supplements must be converted in the body into tetrahydrofolate and subsequently into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Research has shown that, in a significant number of people, this complex conversion process is far from optimal. Supplementation with 5-MTHF resolves this problem.

The ‘Every Day Multis’ range utilises the superior form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is bound to glucosamine salt (known under the brand name Quatrefolic®). Thanks to this binding with plant-based glucosamine salt, the biologically active form is kept stable and optimal absorption is ensured. Studies confirm the superior water solubility, stability and bioavailability of Quatrefolic®. 5-MTHF can also cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike the ‘normal’ (synthetic) form of folic acid.

Vitamin B12 in the form of adenosyl- and methylcobalamin

The absorption of vitamin B12 from food is a complex process. Evidence suggests that the NRV (formerly RDA) of 2.5 µg per day may have been set too low and that requirements in healthy adults and older people may vary and exceed 20 µg per day. To ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B12 and to take into account the safety of B12 supplements, the ‘Every Day’ multivitamins contain higher doses of the biologically active forms methyl- and adenosylcobalamin.

Most other multivitamins and B12 products contain cyanocobalamin, a low-cost, synthetic form of vitamin B12 that does not occur naturally and must be converted by the body into its active forms. In this process, the cyanide is separated from the cobalamin (B12) and must then be broken down by the body. According to studies, the bioavailability of vitamin B12 in the form of methyl- and adenosylcobalamin is higher than that of cyanocobalamin.

Vitamin D in large quantities from plant sources

In recent years, European government bodies have come to realise that the recommended level for an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D (15 µg) should be set higher and that an increase in the maximum permitted dose (100 µg) is possible. In the Netherlands, a cautious approach still prevails: it is said that 10 µg is sufficient and that the upper limit should be 75 µg. Strangely enough, the NRV (or RDA) remains at 5 µg. In the orthomolecular world, however, the importance of higher doses has long been recognised. Leading experts on vitamin D recommend that calcidiol levels in adults should be at least 75 nmol/l. To maintain such vitamin D levels, an oral dose of vitamin D3 of 25–75 µg per day is estimated to be required.

The ‘Jeden Tag Multis’ contain high amounts of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This form is significantly more effective at raising vitamin D levels than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Furthermore, the new ‘Every Day Multis’ range uses plant-based vitamin D3 (Vitamin D3V®). The reason for this is that it is produced from algae rather than sheep’s wool fat (as is the case with most vitamin D3 products). This means that all multivitamins from the ‘Every Day’ range are now also suitable for vegans.

Vitamins K1 and K2

The ‘Every Day’ multivitamins now contain a small amount of vitamin K1 as well as a higher dose of vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 is primarily absorbed by the liver and is mainly responsible for activating clotting factors. In contrast, vitamin K2 has higher bioavailability, is widely distributed throughout the body’s tissues and therefore more effectively activates other vitamin K-dependent enzymes such as osteocalcin and MGP. Among other things, these ensure that calcium is properly absorbed and ends up in the right place, namely in the bones.

For the essential function of blood clotting, the body always utilises vitamin K first. Vitamin K2 is a significantly more expensive raw material than vitamin K1. Consequently, a small amount of K1 is added to multivitamins so that it can be used for the primary blood clotting function, whilst K2 is reserved for the other, equally extremely important functions.

Incidentally, the standard NRV for vitamin K is based on the amount required for normal blood clotting. It is strange that the optimal vitamin K dosage for other bodily processes that depend on this vitamin has not been taken into account.

Stability of vitamin K2

It appears that vitamin K2 is a very sensitive substance. Particularly when combined with magnesium and/or calcium, the concentration of this vitamin in a capsule or tablet decreases rapidly. It poses a real challenge to incorporate vitamin K2 into a product containing high doses of calcium and/or magnesium. Therefore, Vitals uses a K2 supplement under the brand name K2VITAL™ DELTA, which remains stable even in a formula containing high levels of these minerals. A patented microencapsulation process protects the fat-soluble K2 particles with two layers, preventing reactions with other ingredients. An independent laboratory investigated the stability of K2VITAL™ DELTA at Vitals’ request, and it was found to deliver the best performance. A comparison was carried out with other vitamin K2 brands, particularly in combination with the ingredients in Vitals’ products. It was concluded that K2 protection is essential, that the K2 content in K2VITAL™ DELTA remained constant, and that it was superior to other K2 ingredients.

Natural magnesium from the sea

From now on, the Aquamin® brand magnesium product, which is extracted from the sea, will be used in the multivitamins. The magnesium (Aquamin Magnesium) is sourced from the seawater of the Irish Sea, and research shows that it is readily absorbed by the body. In addition to approximately 35% elemental magnesium, the raw material also contains small amounts of other minerals and trace elements.

Iron, zinc and copper in the form of amino acid chelates (bisglycinate)

For the minerals iron, zinc and copper, bisglycinates are selected as amino acid chelates. Each magnesium particle is strongly bound (chelated) to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. Minerals in this complex form reach the small intestine effectively and are very well absorbed there. They are also gentle on the stomach, which can be particularly beneficial in the case of iron. Amino acid chelates from Albion Minerals are specifically selected by Vitals, and are recognisable by the TRAACS® brand, which stands for ‘The Real Amino Acid Chelate System’. This brand serves to distinguish them from other amino acid chelates, which may be of inferior quality or unstable. Albion holds over 100 patents worldwide that protect the process, the science and the structure of its amino acid chelate minerals.

Unique: a relatively high dose of choline

Choline has been used for some time now, more or less as a standard ingredient in multivitamin preparations. However, it has almost always been used in low doses (between 10–30 mg), as not much was known about it. But that is increasingly changing! In 2012, the European Commission authorised three health claims for choline, which apply at a dose of at least 82.5 mg. It is important for normal fat metabolism, homocysteine metabolism and normal liver function. In 2016, an RDA of 550 mg/day was established for the first time in the US, based on clinical research specifically aimed at determining the daily requirement. In 2016, the EFSA also decided that choline is an essential nutrient, but has not yet set an NRV . The adequate intake was set at 400 mg/day , based on the average intake in European countries and not on the American study, which yielded a figure of 550 mg/day. The average intake among adults in Europe varies between 291 and 468 mg/day. Reason enough to include a generous amount of choline in a daily multivitamin !

In our ‘Every Day Multis’, we use choline from the VitaCholine® brand. This brand stands for the highest quality and has been the subject of extensive research.

Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin

Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are natural carotenoids. In the body, high concentrations of these substances are found in the retina and the macula lutea (‘yellow spot’). The body cannot produce lutein and zeaxanthin itself but must obtain them from food. These are found, amongst other things, in green leafy vegetables as well as in red, yellow and orange fruit and vegetables. Meso-zeaxanthin is found only in very small quantities in food (prawns, salmon skin, and the skin and flesh of trout). It is mainly formed in the retina through the conversion of lutein via an enzymatic reaction. However, it can be easily taken in the form of supplements. Meso-zeaxanthin has only recently been recognised as a very good supplement and is preferable to taking lutein and zeaxanthin as separate supplements.

Nutritional properties

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, biotin, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, iodine and copper support energy levels
• Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, folate, vitamin C, magnesium and iron can help with tiredness
• Vitamins A, B6 and B12, folate, vitamins C and D, iron, copper, selenium and zinc have a positive effect on the immune system
• Vitamins B2, C and E, copper, selenium and zinc protect cells from oxidative stress
• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, biotin, vitamin C, magnesium, iodine and copper support the nervous system
• Iron, iodine and zinc contribute to normal cognitive function
• Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12, biotin, folate, vitamin C and magnesium support mental functions (such as concentration and memory) and mood
• Vitamin B5 and folate help build resilience to stress
• Vitamins A, B2 and zinc are good for eyesight
• Vitamins C, D and K, and zinc are good for bone health
• Vitamin K contributes to the absorption of calcium into the bones
• Vitamin K is necessary for the normal functioning of blood clotting
• Vitamins C and D are good for dental health
• Biotin, selenium and zinc are good for hair health
• Copper supports normal pigmentation of the skin and hair
• Vitamins A, B2, B3 and C, biotin, iodine and zinc are good for skin health
• Selenium and zinc are good for nail health
• Iodine and selenium support the normal function of the thyroid
• Vitamin D and magnesium support muscle function
• Vitamin B1 supports the normal function of the heart
• Magnesium contributes to the formation of cells and tissues
• Magnesium helps build protein in the body
• Magnesium contributes to a healthy electrolyte balance
• Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• Choline contributes to the maintenance of the structure of cell membranes and normal fat metabolism

Nutrition declaration

*Reference value according to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
**Information on vitamin E content (α-TE = total alpha-tocopherol equivalents)
***Niacin equivalent

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
Quatrefolic® is a patented product and a registered trademark of Gnosis.
VitaCholine® is a registered trademark of Balchem Corporation.
Vitamin D3V® is a registered trademark of ProTecNutra Ltd.
K2VITAL™ is a trade mark of Balchem Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Aquamin® is a registered trademark of Marigot Ltd.
Ferrochel® and TRAACS® (“The Real Amino Acid Chelate System”) are registered trademarks of Albion Minerals.

Ingredients

Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, copper, iodine), vitamins (C, E, B3, D3, B5, K2, B2, B1, A, B6, K1, folate, biotin, B12), choline bitartrate, vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented starch), rice flour (Oryza sativa), CoQ10, mixed tocopherols, citrus bioflavonoid complex (Citrus sinensis), anti-caking agent (magnesium salts of fatty acids), lutein, meso-zeaxanthin, stabiliser (calcium acetate), beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, bulking agents (microcrystalline cellulose [cellulose gel], hydroxypropyl cellulose).

Recommended intake

Take 2 capsules a day with water, with a meal.

Caution

This food supplement is not suitable for children up to and including 10 years of age (statutory warning for products containing more than 20 μg of vitamin D per daily dose).

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.