Optimal Multivitamin 240 Vegetarian Capsules - Seeking Health

Questions on Optimal Multivitamin 240 Vegetarian Capsules - Seeking Health

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• From Calcium content in Optimal Multivitamin at 9/28/11 6:54 AM
  • As a post menopausal woman with concern for osteoporosis, should I supplement this multi vitamin with as additional calcium supplement? I see that it only contains 25% in the full serving of 8 capsules. Also, how large are the capsules? I have a problem swallowing large pills.
  • Hello -
    
    Optimal Multivitamin uses the "00" size capsule which is large but not the largest.
    
    Print this out and you can see the size of capsules:
    http://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/pdf/gelcap.sizechart.pdf
    
    Calcium requires a lot of space as it is 'fluffy.'
    
    I recommend the use of Bone Nutrients along side Optimal Multivitamin.
    
    You may open the capsules of Optimal Multivitamin and Bone Nutrients - mix in applesauce or any food - and take them this way.
    
    Bone Nutrients is also in a "00" capsule.
    
    Another thing you can do is take a combination of these two instead of Optimal Multivitamin:
    - 1 capsule of Trace Mineral Complex
    http://www.healthegoods.com/trace-mineral-complex.html
    
    - 1 capsule of B Complex Plus
    http://www.healthegoods.com/b-complex-plus.html
    
    The capsule sizes for these two are "1" which is two sizes smaller than "00"
    
    I highly recommend Vitamin D3 for bone health. Consider taking 1-2 drops of Vitamin D360 a day to help support healthy vitamin D3 levels. Make sure you test your vitamin D3 levels as well - talk with your doctor about this.
    http://www.healthegoods.com/vitamin-d360-by-seeking-health.html
    
    In health,
    Dr Ben
    
    
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• From Optimal vitamin at 10/27/11 8:16 AM
  • Should there be any concern with MTHFR patients with the copper in this vitamin? Some would say it can build up in the body.
    
    Also, where is the source of kelp from? Just curious.
    
    Thanks.
  • Hello -
    
    The kelp is from the Atlantic Ocean. The genus and species is Lessonia nigrescens.
    
    Copper is needed to balance the zinc. If one simply takes zinc without copper, copper levels may drop too low.
    
    There are some individuals who should not take copper - such as those with Wilson's Syndrome.
    
    Those with MTHFR, I see no problem with taking Optimal Multivitamin.
    
    Have you seen research showing that those with MTHFR should avoid copper completely?
    
    Best
    Dr Ben
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• From Vitamin question at 11/1/11 2:09 PM
  • I like the looks of this vitamin, but I did just find out I am high in copper and low in zinc. First, what do you recommend for this? Second, would you consider making a vitamin like this but without the copper and iron?
  • Hello -
    
    If you are high in copper and low in zinc, you may simply increase your zinc intake along with vitamin C.
    
    Both of these help eliminate copper.
    
    Optimal Multivitamin is free of iron already. I may make it without copper but it is very costly to have multiple forms of a multivitamin. I have taken your suggestion seriously and if I have enough capital and interest, I will make an Optimal Multivitamin copper-free.
    
    I recommend the use of Optimal Vitamin C as it contains a potent amount of buffered vitamin C in an easy to use powder which tastes excellent. It also contains quercetin and rutin.
    http://www.healthegoods.com/optimal-vitamin-c-powder.html
    
    Simply add a scoop of Optimal Vitamin C to a glass of filtered water and enjoy. You may also add to a 1 liter or so water bottle and drink throughout the day. Make sure the water bottle is made of glass or stainless steel.
    
    In health,
    Dr Ben
    
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• From this vitimin and livon lipo-sopheric vitamin c at 2/7/12 9:28 AM
  • in reading the above questions about your vitamins, one answer from you mentioned separating intake of the multi-vitamin and vitamin C powder. Does this also mean that I should not take the lipo-sopheric vitamin C along with the multi or, since it's encapsulated vitamin C, is it still important to separate?
  • Hello -
    
    That is a good question and one that I don't have an answer for.
    
    I do recommend though to be safe - it is best to separate taking vitamin C in excess of 500 mg from vitamin B12.
    
    Best
    Dr Ben
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• From Folic Acid and MThFR at 2/14/12 8:45 AM
  • I have MThFR and you say not to take folic acid. There are 800 micro grams in my multivitamin I take currently. Is that unhealthy for me? If I take this suppliment too will that cancel it out?
  • Hello -
    
    It is not recommended for those with MTHFR C677T mutations to be taking folic acid as the MTHFR enzyme cannot process it completely.
    
    It is a good idea to eat foods that contain food forms of folate as they are more active and beneficial than folic acid supplements.
    
    If you have the A1298C MTHFR Mutation, it appears that the MTHFR enzyme is still able to produce methylfolate from folic acid.
    I am still debating this but for now - it is the general consensus.
    
    I recommend you take a multivitamin that does not contain folic acid if you have MTHFR C677T.
    
    I would switch to a multivitamin that does have methylfolate in it - such as Optimal Multivitamin.
    
    You cannot 'cancel' out folic acid unless you eliminate it. That is the only way.
    
    In health,
    Dr Ben
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• From Optimal multivitamin at 2/17/12 8:09 PM
  • I have been taking the Homocystex for my MTHFR - one copy of each- and I was wondering if you think taking this vitamin along with the Homocystex is too much to supplement for these? Trying to go the easiest route.
    
    Thanks!
  • Hello -
    
    HomocysteX contains three ingredients while the Optimal Multivitamin contains a plethora of valuable nutrients.
    
    It is important to supplement with minerals, antioxidants, all b vitamins.
    
    I recommend you consider taking 3 capsules of Optimal Multivitamin with breakfast and 3 with lunch.
    
    Then try reducing the amount of HomocysteX and see how you feel.
    
    I personally am also compound heterozygous MTHFR and I take 3 capsules twice a day of Optimal Multivitamin along with 1/2 tablet of Active B12 with Metafolin once every three days. That is all I can handle at the moment.
    
    We are all different in our requirements of various nutrients - but we all should be taking a multivitamin.
    
    In health,
    Dr Ben
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• From Optimal multivitamin at 2/17/12 6:58 AM
  • In response to my earlier question and answer:
    
    You said you take 3 caps of the vitamins twice daily and then 1/2 tab of Active B12 with Metafolin every three days. How do you know what you can handle? How does one know if the Homocystex is too strong? What kind of symptoms do you typically have? I realize we all are different, but just curious what a person might look for.
    
    Thanks!
  • If you are a sensitive person, you start out on a smaller amount on any supplement and introduce them one at a time.
    
    If you find you can handle supplements well, starting on this amount is ok by most everyone.
    
    I, personally, am sensitive to methylfolate supplements but I can easily handle 3 Optimal Multivitamin twice a day and a 1/2 tab every three days - but again - some are different because of various other mutations may be present such as COMT, CBS, NOS, MAO A or GAD.
    
    You know if something is too strong (or inappropriate) for the moment if you respond poorly.
    
    Methylfolate causes the following if too strong or inappropriate:
    - insomnia
    - irritability
    - joint pain
    - muscle ache
    - headache
    
    If you EASE into methylfolate supplements such as Active B12 with Methylfolate or HomocysteX, the likelihood of causes ill effects are low as you will find the right amount early on.
    
    The amount of methylfolate in Optimal Multivitamin is typically very well tolerated by everyone.
    
    Best
    Dr Ben
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