Have you ever wondered if a multivitamin is truly necessary for your health? While a nutrient-rich diet is ideal, busy schedules and dietary challenges may warrant the inclusion of a high-quality multi. If navigating the world of multivitamins seems overwhelming, fear not! We are here to help you choose the perfect multivitamin tailored to your unique needs, age, and stage in life.

What’s in a Multivitamin?

Multivitamins can feel like a general concept. Here are some key nutrients you want in a multivitamin to supplement with daily:

• Vitamin D – Vitamin D supplementation is essential for Canadians because of the limited amount of sun exposure between October and April. Plus, obtaining sufficient vitamin D through diet is not possible.
• Vitamin C – Supplementing with vitamin C is essential for adults who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. It is important for the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums, and in the formation of connective tissue, wound healing, immune health, and works as a protective antioxidant.
• Vitamin B Complex – The family of B vitamins work together to support the nervous system, tissue formation, and to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. People with diets high in refined sugars and starches may be depleting their B vitamins.
• Vitamin A & Beta Carotene – These related compounds are important in maintaining eyesight and developing night vision and immune health.
• Calcium and Magnesium: Calcium and magnesium are crucial in maintaining bone health. Calcium is essential for bone strength, as deficiency may lead to the breakdown of bones over time. As the body ages, calcium becomes less available to the bones, decreasing bone density, especially during menopause. Absorption of calcium also becomes more challenging with age. Consuming absorbable, plant-based forms or supplements is beneficial to prevent deficiency. On the other hand, magnesium directly contributes to bone structure and strength, with 60% of the body’s magnesium located in bone tissue. Additionally, magnesium is a co-factor in vitamin D synthesis and activation, indirectly supporting calcium absorption.
• Chromium – This mineral helps to metabolize fats and carbohydrates, as well as support healthy glucose metabolism.
• Iodine – Helps in the function of the thyroid gland.
• Zinc – Helps to maintain immune function and healthy skin.
• Phytonutrients – Well-formulated multivitamins often contain phytonutrients, or plant-based nutrients, that work together with more concentrated vitamins and minerals. Phytonutrients such as bioflavonoids, grape seed extract, cranberry and green tea extract offer excellent antioxidant support.

While multivitamins help guard against nutrient deficiencies, finding the right formula can take time and research. Health First multivitamin formulas are thoughtfully curated to support your best health. Our multis feature the best sources of vitamins, minerals and key phytonutrients to suit the needs of Canadians. Let’s explore our unique formulas and discover which one is right for you.

MULTI ONE DAILY SUPREME WITH IRON

A one-a-day formula for adults featuring:

• Aquamin™ calcium & magnesium
• Ferrochel^® iron bisglycinate
• Phytonutrients like green tea, quercetin, and rose hips

It helps to build strong bones and teeth. It helps to support eye, skin and immune health. Provides key vitamins and minerals, including iron, a complete B complex, plus key phytonutrients.

MULTI SUPREME IRON FREE

Superior absorption for adults featuring:

• Aquamin™ calcium & magnesium
• Phytonutrients like cranberry, green tea, lutein, lycopene, and quercetin

It helps to build strong bones and teeth. It helps to support eye, skin and immune health. Provides key vitamins and minerals, a complete B complex, plus key phytonutrients.

FAMILY FIRST MULTI

Top nutrients for the whole family, featuring:

• Buffered vitamin C
• Methylated B vitamins
• Real fruit and vegetable extracts like mango, kiwi, broccoli and spinach

It helps to build strong bones and teeth. It helps to support eye, skin and immune health. It provides key vitamins and minerals in a convenient and delicious chewable tablet, with dosing for the whole family.

PRE AND POST NATAL MULTI SUPREME

For women in their childbearing years, featuring:

• Aquamin™ calcium & magnesium
• Ferrochel^® iron bisglycinate
• Buffered vitamin C and methylated B vitamins

It helps to support adequate iron levels, general health and immune health. It helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken daily at least three months prior to conception and during early pregnancy. Provides adequate daily intake of key vitamins and minerals for women 18 years and older.

MEN’S 50 PLUS MULTI SUPREME

Essential nutrients for men over 50, featuring:

• Aquamin™ calcium & magnesium
• Buffered vitamin C and methylated B vitamins
• ElderCraft^® elderberry, Kaneka Ubiquinol^® and lycopene

It helps to support general health, immune health, arthritis, prostate health and cardiovascular health. Provides adequate daily intake of key vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients for men over 50.

WOMEN’S 50 PLUS MULTI SUPREME

Essential nutrients for women over 50, featuring:

• Aquamin™ calcium & magnesium
• Buffered vitamin C and methylated B vitamins
• ElderCraft^® elderberry, Kaneka Ubiquinol^® and ginkgo biloba

It helps to support general health, immune health, arthritis, cognitive health and cardiovascular health. Provides adequate daily intake of key vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients for women over 50.

In conclusion, while a nutrient-rich diet is ideal, the demands of modern life may require supplementation with multivitamins. Health First offers carefully curated formulas to suit your unique needs, age, and life stage. From essential vitamins like D, C, and B complex to vital minerals and phytonutrients, our multivitamins are designed to support your best health.

About the Author: Health First Network

Health First Network is Canada’s leading membership group for independent health & wellness retailers and the exclusive supplier of the premium Health First supplement brand. There are over 140 independently owned and operated retail Members across the country. Click here to learn more about Health First.