By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph
As pharmacists, we are often faced with the question: which multivitamin should I get? If you speak with one of the pharmacists at our Cloverdale or Steveston Pharmasave’s, you will likely have to face a barrage of questions before we suggest a product. Here are a few things to consider.
First of all, we need to consider if there is an actual need for a multivitamin. Across all age groups, someone who eats a balanced diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, lean cuts of protein (such as fish, meat, and eggs), and whole grains) will not need a multivitamin. However, as we age, digestion and absorption become an issue independent of any other factors and thus multivitamin formulas geared towards an elderly adult may include higher amounts of vitamins C, E, B1 B2, B6, and B12. We often hear from our elderly patients that they are not motivated to cook for just themselves or they are not as interested in eating anymore. This is the type of patient who would greatly benefit from a multivitamin.
The AGE of the patient is important as the needs of a toddler will differ from those of an elderly person. It can be unsafe to give a multivitamin intended for an adult to a child, even in smaller quantities as the ratio of vitamins and minerals will differ.
FINICKY EATERS (in any age group), those with many DIETARY SENSITIVITIES who are limited in their food choices, those who TRAVEL a lot for work and who may rely on fast food restaurants more than they would like are prime candidates to supplement. VEGANS or VEGETARIANS can benefit from a multivitamin targeted to meet their needs as certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium and zinc may be lacking. Even those who make certain diet choices may be affecting their body’s nutrient levels. For example, those who drink a lot of CARBONATE SODAS may benefit from a multivitamin as these beverages can leach vitamins and minerals from the body.
Certain DISEASE states and/or MEDICATION use may impact one’s ability to absorb or process nutrients or potentially cause nutritional deficiencies. For example, those with celiac disease, intestinal resections, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth would more than likely experience malabsorption of multiple nutrients. Patients on metformin, proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., pantoprazole, esomeprazole), statins for cholesterol may experience deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid, calcium, and coenzyme Q10, respectively.
Once the need is established, there are factors that may influence the choice of a multivitamin. The FORMAT (e.g., capsule vs. tablet vs. chewable tablet vs liquid) is important to ensure compliance with taking the supplement. A younger child may be more likely to take a chewable tablet or a gummy. Someone with issues swallowing may prefer a liquid or a chewable tablet.
So, what are some formulas we may suggest in our practice? For the younger population, U-CUBES Chewable Gummies by SISU are a popular choice. HMF CHILD + MULTI combines a multivitamin formula with probiotics for children as young as 4 years old. PHYTO-MULTI by Metagenics combines a multivitamin formula with phytonutrients shown to protect cells and help maintain DNA stability. MULTI-FORCE VEGAN from Prairie Naturals is a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
As you can see, choosing a multivitamin is not as easy as it may seem. Come speak with your pharmacist at your Pharmasave in Cloverdale or Steveston Village to help choose the right one for you.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
