Multivitamins

When we talk about multivitamins, several questions can come to mind and they are all legitimate. Do I really need it? Is it good for me? What makes it good and bad? In training as in general health, most people are oriented towards achieving their macronutrient goals (proteins, carbohydrates, fats), but will completely forget to get micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and many others). This is where the multivitamin becomes essential and this is why it is often referred to as the ''foundation supplement''.

These famous micronutrients are used to optimize all the normal functions of the body both in terms of digestion, protein synthesis and the proper functioning of certain brain functions. But can we get all these micronutrients with our diet? Optimally, a normal person should consume eight cups of various vegetables per day. Even if a person reaches this astronomical amount of vegetables, nowadays it is very difficult to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from them. Unfortunately, the current modes of agriculture and mass production have weakened the soil and depleted vitamins and minerals from everyday foods. And that's not to mention all the pesticides, insecticides and products to increase dairy and beef production that are used. At the scientific level, one of the best-known studies on the subject has shown that a lack of vitamin and mineral intake could be the cause of several diseases, manifesting slowly over several years. [i]. So, both in training to optimize performance and in general health for the prevention of several long-term diseases, it is important to get a daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, physical activity, metabolic stresses, genetics, and others are conditions that can increase vitamin and mineral requirements. So, for any athlete, the multivitamin becomes essential in a quest to optimize performance. 

How do you tell a good multivitamin from a bad one? First of all, it must be checked that it contains all the possible vitamin profiles and that they come from a bioavailable complex. Vitamin E is often a good indicator. If you find the words ''d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate'' you are on the right track. The presence of antioxidants is a very interesting addition that complements the multivitamin. ALA and Coenzyme Q10 are good examples. Finally, the addition of green foods, the ''greens'', is a little extra for everyone.

If we summarize, the multivitamin is an essential essential in order to optimize all the functions of the body and the brain, to reduce the risks of chronic disease in the long term and to compensate for our diet which is, in general, deficient in vitamins and minerals. .

You will find in store, a panoply of multivitamins. Do not hesitate to ask for advice on site in order to find the product that meets your needs.

• Progressive Multi active . An excellent multi-vitamin containing all the essentials and at a very affordable price for the quality. In addition, it has a male or female option since the needs are different (the woman needs a higher iron intake, for example).

• ATP Lab Total Defense . The Wayne Gretzky of multivitamins containing all of the most bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals possible.

[i] Kathleen M. Fairfleid, MD, DrPH and Robert H. Fletcher, MD, MSc, Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults , Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) June 2002