We can all benefit from a high quality multi-vitamin and mineral formula, but looking for one that meets the specific needs of men or women at different stages of life is key. You also want a formula with active forms of nutrients and organic whole food greens to provide optimal support and energy.

Supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients can have direct and indirect benefits to numerous bodily systems, including supporting normal antioxidant processes, detoxification, digestion as well as absorption of nutrients, circulation, protein synthesis, and immune function (1).

Vitamins and minerals work synergistically. For example, vitamins C and E refresh each other as part of the body’s antioxidant network. Antioxidants help protect against premature aging related to oxidative damage to DNA and proteins, cellular structural membranes, and lipids (2).

Zinc and vitamin C are essential for healing and immune function. They work alongside vitamin E and other nutrients to support skin health and antioxidant defences. Vitamin C is needed for the immune system and has been shown to reduce the number of colds in people under physical stress (3,4).

If you’re over 50, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are particularly essential for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, and vitamins D3 and K2 support the absorption and activity of these minerals (5,6). Vitamin K2 is the most bioavailable, longest lasting, and most bioactive form of vitamin K and has been shown to promote bone health (7).

In one study involving more than 36,000 postmenopausal women, who were followed for an average of seven years, those who received supplemental calcium and vitamin D versus placebo had a 38% lower risk of hip fracture compared to those receiving a placebo (8).

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. Many people over the age of 50 are prescribed statins, which inhibit endogenous CoQ10 production. In one placebo-controlled study, people with mild-to-moderate statin-related muscle symptoms who received 50 mg of CoQ10 twice daily for 30 days had a 33.1% and a 40.3% decrease in pain severity and pain interference, respectively, compared to no change with placebo (9).

B vitamins are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin, and support the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, energy metabolism, and red blood cell production (10). For the body to use B vitamins effectively, they must be converted into their metabolically active coenzyme forms. Many people have genetic differences that impair this conversion process, but coenzymated B vitamins are metabolically active nutrients that the body can use directly.

Lutein is a protective pigment that is highly concentrated in the retina. Lutein filters harmful blue light, guards against oxidative damage, and protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (11).

Blueberry concentrate is a source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce eye strain, support vision, and help prevent macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness). The high anthocyanin content of blueberries enhances capillary elasticity and permeability of eye tissues and can protect retinal cells from damaging light rays, which is especially important for maintaining eye health in people over the age of 60 when the risk for macular degeneration and retinal detachment increases (12).

VitaDay Women’s 50+ Multi is a comprehensive daily multinutrient formula designed for the health and well-being of women aged 50 and older. This formula features whole food greens, coenzyme B vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants – along with the specific vitamins and minerals you need for supporting optimum health at this stage in your life.

References
1. Richelle, M., Sabatier, M., Steiling, H. & Williamson, G. (2006). Review Skin bioavailability of dietary vitamin E, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, zinc and selenium. Br J Nutr, 96(2), 227-38.
2. Trüeb, R. M. (2009). Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. Int J Trichology, 1(1), 6-14. Iqbal, K., Khan, A. & Khattak, M. (2004). Biological significance of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in human health – A review. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 3(1), 5-13.
3. Hemila, H. & Chalker, E. (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 1:CD000980.
4. Chowdhury, R., Kunutsor, S., Vitezova, A., et al. (2014). Vitamin D and risk of cause specific death: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort and randomized intervention studies. BMJ, 348:g1903.
5. Patrick, R.P. & Ames, B.N. (2014). Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism. The FASEB Journal, fj.13-246546.
6. Knapen, M.H., Drummen, N.E., Smit, E., et al. (2013). Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int, 24(9), 2499-507.
7. Prentice, R., Pettinger, M., Jackson, R., et al. (2013). Health risks and benefits from calcium and vitamin D supplementation: Women’s Health Initiative clinical trial and cohort study. Osteoporosis International, 24, 567-580.
8. Skarlovnik, A., Janić, M., Lunder, M., et al. (2014). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study. Med Sci Monit, 6, 20:2183-8.
9. McKevoy G.K., ed. (1998). AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
10. Dawczynski, J., Jentsch, S., Schweitzer, D., et al. (2013). Long term effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3-LCPUFAs supplementation on optical density of macular pigment in AMD patients: the LUTEGA study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 251(12), 2711-23.
11. Liu, Y., Song, X., Zhang, D., et al. (2012). Blueberry anthocyanins: protection against ageing and light-induced damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells. British Journal of Nutrition, 108, 16-27.

About the Author: Assured Natural Distribution Inc.

Assured Natural Distribution Inc. is a Canadian-owned and operated company that provides exclusive high-quality products to Canadian Health Food Stores. Assured Natural ensures excellence in customer service, product knowledge, and premium-quality brands.