Since finishing the January-May edition of Health Points, I've been busy! So you may have noticed a short absence from my blog activity but for good reason. I've attended three informative nutrition conferences (one a 5-day virtual from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- whew!) I've got lots of nutritional tidbits to share, starting right now.

This past weekend, I attended an event sponsored by Oregon State University and the Linus Pauling Institute. Some of you may know that Linus Pauling, PhD., was the only individual to win two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry 1954; Peace 1962), He is credited with coining the term "orthomolecular" health, believing that vitamins and other micro nutrients could be utilized to promote health and prevent chronic  disease. A true pioneer in pro-active wellness!

The original -- and ongoing -- basis for the Institute of Medicine's daily nutrient intake (commonly known as the recommended daily allowance or RDA) is to give just enough of a nutrient so as to prevent a nutrient deficiency disease. For instance, low vitamin D levels in children could cause rickets or poor bone modeling and the classic bowing of the legs.

As more research unfolds on exactly what nutritional deficiencies are associated with cardiovascular, diabetes and age-related diseases, expect those findings to line up with Pauling's philosophy. While restoring optimal nutrient levels may help us regain lost health, the point is that achieving and maintaining those optimal levels can help us avoid degenerating in the first place.

But can you maintain optimal levels without supplementing?

To illustrate that even healthy people can find this a challenge, Balz Frei, PhD, had his seminar attendees fill out a 3-day diet questionnaire that included water, meals and snacks. Food composition was checked for nutritional value (brand names for commercial items were asked for) and calculated using a sophisticated software program.

Based on diet only and disregarding any supplement use, not one person met the daily values for all required vitamins and minerals.  However, when Dr. Frei factored in a multivitamin mineral (MVM) complex, only magnesium and calcium -- 2 nutrients not typically at full daily value in a multiple -- showed inefficiencies. Per Frei, "when you add in a MVM, inadequacies disappear".

Dr. Frei went on to explain that the daily values were the "minimum values for normal functioning". Even low levels can cause poor health without overt disease, affecting immune function, fatigue, hypertension, poor bone and dental health. If the low level deficiencies continue long term, you are at risk for a host of other degenerative diseases including cognitive decline, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Given these facts, a MVM is an "excellent investment" in your health to cover any "nutrient gaps" in your diet according to Frei.

For a premium MVM complex, try Multi-Gold™. Our new Advanced Formula has an augmented antioxidant profile to combat free radicals and aging, organic bio-available minerals and a full spectrum B complex to support a healthy nervous system and cognition. Invest in your health!

About Dr. Frei:  At the time of this writing, Dr. Frei was the Linus Pauling Institute Director and Endowed Chair; and Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

©TyH Publications (M. Squires). For informational purposes only.