A multivitamin is a combination of both vitamins and certain minerals in tablet or capsule form designed to fill in nutritional gaps in our diets, and provides only a hint of the vast array of healthful nutrients and chemicals naturally found in a healthy complete eating plan.
Vitamins and Minerals are the single most important micro nutrient supplements that any bodybuilder, powerlifter, fitness competitor or Athlete can take. Protein is important, Creatine is as well but neither works to its fullest with out a very good Multivitamin and mineral pack, tablet or capsule. Don't short change your life, find a good product and take it everyday!
For the human body to perform at its maximum potential, it must be fed a vast and complex array of vital nutrients. Becoming deficient in just one of these essential vitamins or minerals breaks down the metabolic pathway that produces optimum efficiency and performance declines. Not good! Daily consumption of a high-potency multivitamin/multimineral formula may help ensure the presence of essential cofactors necessary for thousands of metabolic reactions.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is required for synthesis of photoreceptor pigments of rods and cones, the integrity of skin and mucosae, normal tooth and bone development; normal reproductive capabilities; and has important antioxidant properties which translate into anticancer and antiatherosclerosis effects. It helps form the substance rhodopsin, which is necessary for good vision (particularly night vision). Vitamin A also helps keep the membranes, inner linings, tissues, the skin, and eyes resistant to infection and in good health. It also helps to energize cells in the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It helps fight cancer and degenerative diseases as an anti-aging vitamin by absorbing and destroying harmful "free radicals", destructive molecules that interfere with normal cell activities, damage membranes and cells, and lead to cell mutations, and cellular damage. It's a good idea to stop free radicals before they stop you.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E scavenges the body for harmful free radicals and annihilates them. By destroying cellular membranes, free radicals are responsible for a variety of health problems including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin E defends all cell membranes in the body from oxidative stress, promoting better health and immunity from illness, while increasing virility.
In one controlled study, 1,200 mg/day of Vitamin E was taken previous to a vigorous workout for two weeks. Intense muscular exercise typically causes damage to white blood cells, but by supplementing with Vitamin E, subjects showed that white blood cell DNA damage was virtually eliminated. Another study tested Vitamin E for insulin sensitivity. Insulin is an important substance in muscle building. Ten healthy subjects took 1,350 IU per day of Vitamin E for 4 months straight. They showed a tremendous improvement in glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C has numerous benefits including strengthening of bones and connective tissue, aiding in the healing of wounds, and increasing the performance of the immune system. Perhaps one of Vitamin C?s best attributes is its amazing anti-oxidant ability. It protects the fluids of the body such as blood from damage by free radicals. By strengthening arterial walls, it also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure, as well as reducing tissue damage. Vitamin C protects the cells of the body and may prevent damage caused to them by cancer, heart disease, aging, and arthritis. Some studies printed in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research have shown that taking Vitamin C in doses of 1000 mg per day reduced the secretion of cortisol, allowing one?s muscles to grow and lift better. There is a multitude of clinical studies that have been conducted substantiating Vitamin C?s powerful effects. We know it works for a variety of ailments and we know it works well! Some studies even show that Vitamin C reduces ones stress level.
Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids are exciting researchers with the exciting results of studies coming in. Researchers are exited with the results of studies involving flavonoids. They have amazing properties besides being powerful antioxidants. Their ability to ward of clotting red blood cells and helping to prevent clogging of the coronary artery shows that heart attacks may be prevented in some people who may otherwise be vulnerable. The French, despite their taste for food of higher fat content, actually have a lower rate of heart disease than in the United States. Research suggests that this is because of the increased intake of flavonoid-containing red wine-a basic staple in France. Recent studies conducted by Dr. Michael Gaziano, a heart specialist at Harvard Medical School, on tea containing flavonoids show a 44% reduction in the risk for a heart attack in those who drank one or more cups per day. Other variables in the experiement were kept consistent, such as calorie intake, smoking, exercise, alcohol intake, etc.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Pantothenic acid, in addition to being involved in the Krebs cycle of energy production, is involved in the production of red blood cells and adrenal hormones. The body converts it to a catalyst called coenzyme A. This catalyst is very critical to energy production in the body. Vitamin B5 works with the other B vitamins to help in the ATP making process. It is ATP that accelerates the cells in the body, giving them the energy to run on. According to studies, vitamin B5 may reduce cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides in the body, additionally. Abnormalities in cells caused by diabetes have also been found to occur less frequently when vitamin B5 is supplemented. Experiments have also show that it could help with Rheumatoid arthritis.
Foods rich in Pantothenic Acid include: Animal Organs (Liver and Kidney), Fish, Shellfish, Milk Products, Eggs, Avocados, Legumes, Mushrooms, and Sweet Potatoes.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants work in a variety of ways to reduce the effects of free radicals. They can greatly decrease the damage caused by free radicals, stop them from forming to begin with, or "oxidize" them by combining with them and neutralizing their harmful effects through stabilization. The body produces two enzymes on its own to stabilize free radicals.
They are Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Although supplements of these enzymes are available directly, the body may not be able to absorb them. Therefore, it is much more useful to supply the body with the building blocks of these enzymes so that the body can build them itself. There are many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and herbs that act as antioxidants or aid in the production of them such as Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, Vitamins B2, B3, and B6, Coenzyme Q-10, Bilberry, Grape Seed, Pine Bark, Ginkgo Biloba, Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and many others. The best way to make sure your covering all the bases in the neutralization of free radicals is to supplement with a wide variety of antioxidants. Many supplements have been developed containing a blend of antioxidants. Both individual antioxidants and superior blends are available on MuscleSports.net. Antioxidants have amazing preventative ability and can add youth, health, and strength to your body. Start feeling the results with confidence and peace of mind today!
When it come to minerals we have what we hear like to call the Magnificent Seven that we need to make sure are in good supply everyday for our bodies to function at it highest levels!
Calcium: Calcium is a nutrient that all living organisms need, including us humans. It is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and it is vital for our bone health. Us human beings need calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Almost 99% of the body's calcium is located in our bones and teeth. There is minute amount in our blood. Vitamin D helps with our uptake of Calcium, so one with out the other hurts our overall health!
Chloride: Chloride is one of the most important electrically charged minerals floating around in our bodies. It works with other electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to help balance those pesky acids and bases in your body. You know like the lactic acids that build up in your muscles when you working out. Chloride is an essential electrolyte, playing a key role in maintaining cell homeostasis and transmitting action potentials in neurons. It can flow through chloride channels (including the GABAA receptor) and is transported by KCC2 and NKCC2 transporters. Chloride as a neurotransmitter is one powerful mineral the help with all electrical function with our bodies - heart, kidneys etc....!
Magnesium: Magnesium as a mineral plays a crucial roll in over 300+ vital function in the human body. Just on the surface its many functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting your immune system. Magnesium also helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady. Sorry to say in todays diets Magnesium has become a missing nutrient and most adults walking around today are magnesium deficient. Adding some almonds, spinach, and cashew nuts are some of the foods highest in magnesium. If a person cannot get enough magnesium through their diet, their doctor may recommend taking supplements.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed to build strong healthy bones, as well as, keeping other parts of your body healthy. Phosphorus can be found in foods (organic phosphorus) and is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products. Phosphorus found in animal foods is absorbed more easily than phosphorus found in plant foods. To much Phosphorus can lead to calcium being pulled out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Over time this can lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death. Phosphorus and calcium control are very important for your overall health. Avoid foods with high levels of add Phosphorus because dietary or supplemental Phosphorus is not filtered it is completely absorbed:
Potassium: Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte, it helps your nerves to function or fire when called upon and muscles to contract when force is exerted. It helps your heartbeat stay regular. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of the harmful effects of sodium on blood pressure. Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Sources of potassium in the diet include the following:
Sodium: Yeah we know that most people get way more Sodium than they need, but it is a very crucial nutrient need by your body to function at optimum levels. Table salt is the first thing people think of when they think of sodium. Table is a combination of two minerals - sodium and chloride. Chloride we talked about earlier. Sodium helps with the function of your nerves and muscles. It also helps to keep the right balance of fluids in your body. Excessive sweating causes sodium level to drop fast and in athletes this usually results in muscle spasms and craps as nerves can't fire when called upon and have trouble contracting. Your kidneys control how much sodium is in your body. If you have too much and your kidneys can't get rid it, sodium builds up in your blood. This can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to other health problems. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of salt than others and should eat less to avoid any health problems.
Sulfur: Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in your body. It is present in amino acids methionine and cysteine, which are two of the amino acids you use to make proteins. Both of these amino acids are present in your skin, hair, and nails where they help to make these tissues strong and flexible. You obtain the sulfur your body needs from animal and plant-based proteins as well as other types of compounds such as sulfinates, allicin, and sulfides. Sulfur is also present in thiamin (vitamin B-1) and biotin (vitamin H).
One fo the magor reason your body needs sulfur to build and fix your DNA and protect your cells from damage that can lead to serious diseases such as cancers. Sulfur also assists your body to metabolize food and contributes to the health of your skin, tendons, and ligaments. As you see Sulfur is a very magor player in your health and wellbeing.
Sulfur is also found in glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane, (which you may know it as MSM). These three supplements are frequently used to relieve joint pain and inflammation. Some natural health practitioners believe they may also improve the quality of skin, fingernails, and other tissues.
Others to Vitamins & Mineral to look for include - Vitamin K, Iron, Iodine, Manganese, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, & Alpha Lipoic Acid. These are the ones we look for in every Multivitamin supplement we recommend to our visitors each and every day. Along with healthy dietary practices a good Multi. supplement can make a world of difference in a bodybuilding lifestyle!
Any bodybuilding athlete looking to help maximize his/her eating plan with the essential nutrient to keep their body healthy and happy!
As always follow the manufactures instruction when using any product unless otherwise directed by you physician or health care provider!
One of the most recent studies we use is from the NIH Offices of Dietary Supplements - Click Here
Multivitamins Products
Allmax Nutrition
VitaForm for Men
Allmax Nutrition
Vitastack
AST Sports Science
Multi-Pro 32X
Beast Sports
Beast Packs
Beverly International
FitTabs
Beverly International
Super Pak
Controlled Labs
Orange TRIAD
Country Life
Chewable Adult Multi
Evlution Nutrition
Women’s Multi
FinaFlex
PURE MULTI
Garden Of Life
Vitamin Code 50 Men
Garden Of Life
Vit. Code 50 Women
Garden Of Life
Vitamin Code Men
Garden Of Life
VC Perfect Weight
Garden Of Life
Vit. Code Women
G.A.T.
Men's Multi + Test
Jacked Factory
VITA-XT
Millennium Sport
MVP 365
Naked Nutrition
Men’s Multi
Naked Nutrition
Women’s Multi
NOW
ADAM
Now Sports
Mens Sports Multi
Nutrex
VITADAPT
Herbtonics
Whole Food Multi
Optimum Nutrition
Opti-Men
Optimum Nutrition
Opti-Women
RSP Nutrition
BioVite
Universal Nutrition
ANIMAL PAK
Universal Nutrition
ANIMAL PAK PWD
Universal Nutrition
Uni-Vite
Other Vitamins Products
Beverly International
Adv. Antioxidant
Beverly International
Ultra-C
Country Life
High Potency Biotin
Country Life
Vitamin B2
Country Life
Vitamin B6
Country Life
Vitamin B12
Country Life
Vitamin D3
DaVinci Laboratories
A-D-K
Doctor's Best
High Abs. Curcumin
Doctor's Best
High Abs. CoQ10
Doctor's Best
H. Abs. Magnesium
Doctor's Best
Natural Vitamin K2
Doctor's Best
PureWay-C
FinaFlex
Pure Vitamin C
Garden Of Life
Living Vitamin C
Jarrow Formulas
Alpha Lipoic Sustain
Jarrow Formulas
Zinc Balance
Jigsaw Health
MagPure Brain Boost
Jigsaw Health
MagPure Glycinate
Jigsaw Health
MagPure Malate
Jigsaw Health
MagSRT
Jigsaw Health
MagSRT B-Free
NOW
ALA 100mg
NOW
ALA 250mg
NOW
C 1000
NOW
Coral Calcium
NOW
PABA 500mg
NOW
Pantothenic Acid
NOW
Vitamin C Crystals
NOW
Vitamin D-3 2000 IU
NOW
Vitamin D-3 5000 IU
NOW
Zinc 50mg
Now Sports
Energy Extreme
Solgar
Antioxidant Formula
Superior Labs
Chromium Poly.
Superior Labs
Chromium Poly. B
Superior Labs
Magnesium Citrate
Superior Labs
Potassium Citrate
Superior Labs
Vitamin B6
Universal Nutrition
Animal Immune Pak
Universal Nutrition
Animal Alpha F