John Arts Abundant Health www.johnarts.co.nz

A good multi-style supplement can be one of the best health investments you can make. A well formulated multi will ensure your bodies have all the nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Avoid ‘one a day' products as they are unable to deliver necessary levels of bulkier minerals in a single dose. The best products use regulated USA sourced ingredients.

Many people have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D influences our immune system and is responsible for some cancer defences. Look for vitamin D at 1000IU daily.

The trace mineral selenium is the building block of our antioxidant enzyme systems and low levels have been linked to some cancers and immune disorders. A good multi should have all the important trace minerals including selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, iodine, boron, molybdenum, chromium and vanadium. Look for the major minerals of calcium, magnesium and potassium as these are needed for many body functions including muscles, nerves and bone.

Your multi should have a full B vitamin complex in particular B6, folic acid and B12. Most people have very low levels of these critical B vitamins. For example B6 is used as a co-factor in more than 100 enzymes and these three combine to reduce homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart disease and dementia related problems.

Finally it should contain the most potent antioxidants, especially grapeseed extract. I know of only a few multis that contain these super potent antioxidants. My preferred grape seed extract is the well-researched patented ActiVin™.

Antioxidants work best when combined and I like to include bilberry, goji, hesperidin, lutein, lycopene with vitamins C and natural E for broad spectrum protection against free radicals. I generally recommend a three-month trial to evaluate how you are doing. Give me a call if you have questions. Join my full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz