The Use of a MultiVitamin [Archive] - Bodybuilding.com Forums

x Idealist x

03-26-2009, 10:17 AM

CPX

03-26-2009, 11:51 AM

I just got this in an e-mail from bb.com,

Don't forget that taking a multi-vitamin can help you get better results.

Sincerely,
Tommy Zarate
Customer Service Manager
Bodybuilding.com

Is that enough proof?

;)

Catchol

03-26-2009, 12:02 PM

I have searched this site for awhile and I have not got anything in return, I read the Advanced Nutrition section all the time because of the factual evidence that is given. So here is my question.

Is a MultiVitamin really needed in a bodybuilder that keeps a very healthy diet?

Any proof for or again this would be awesome, I am not really taking about me personally but to all bodybuilders that workout vary hard but also eat smart.

I think multivitamins aren't really very beneficial. I think a smarter approach is to look at your nutrition and see what vitamins/minerals you may be lacking, and then supplement these. I supplement with B6, magnesium citrate, zinc, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, because my nutrition and activities would tend to be depleting towards these.

I just got this in an e-mail from bb.com,

Don't forget that taking a multi-vitamin can help you get better results.

Sincerely,
Tommy Zarate
Customer Service Manager
Bodybuilding.com

Is that enough proof?

I'm sold! Mr. Zarate, here is my CC information, please charge any amount that you see fit...

FootBallBeast

03-26-2009, 12:06 PM

They could help you get better results if you were nutrient deficient. But if you maintain a healthy diet, you probably won't see any benefits in terms of body composition and strength.

eddiebo

03-26-2009, 02:18 PM

I see it like this, covering the nutrient gamut everyday is a chore. I mean I personally have a variety of different foods everyday and without supplements will most likely not get everything optimally needed. Supplementing specifically what you need like catchol said would be ideal, though for me not the easiest. So my solution is to supplement covering the range.

x Idealist x

03-27-2009, 10:51 AM

Is there anyone else who may have a some good insight into the subject?

iLiRaM

03-27-2009, 11:00 AM

RibosomalRob

03-27-2009, 03:22 PM

eat as you normally do, go the your doc and get a blood panel done to check micronutrients....that should give you a pretty good idea of where you stand, and answer the question. (I know, not "you" but BBers in general)

gsolo

03-29-2009, 02:33 AM

Is a MultiVitamin really needed in a bodybuilder that keeps a very healthy diet?

how do you define a "very healthy diet"?

x Idealist x

03-29-2009, 07:52 AM

how do you define a "very healthy diet"?

Good Question, I guess I would say that my definition of a healthy diet would be getting in a balance of all the things that you needs to run at its optimal level. And the reason I ask is because obviously on a Bodybuilding Cut diet most people including me eat alot of the same foods so I was just wondering if a multi would keep me healthy

ofdust

03-30-2009, 06:49 PM

Dr. Horse

03-30-2009, 11:57 PM

any slight imbalance or lack of any of these vitamins can effect results drastically.
.

...and there's no better way of creating an imbalance than by taking a multivitamin (in my opinion).

The only vitamin supplement that I am seriously considering taking is D.

ofdust

03-31-2009, 05:14 AM

...and there's no better way of creating an imbalance than by taking a multivitamin (in my opinion).

The only vitamin supplement that I am seriously considering taking is D.

youd find it very difficult to reach toxicity levels with vitamin pills. better to be sage than sorry, have ya multi vitamins daily.

J3bus

03-31-2009, 08:40 AM

I don't take multi vitamins, I take supplements, but not all together.

Allot of vitamins and minerals interact with each other, either helping or fighting absorption.

http://exrx.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4360

Dr. Horse

03-31-2009, 09:42 AM

youd find it very difficult to reach toxicity levels with vitamin pills. better to be sage than sorry, have ya multi vitamins daily.

I never said anything about toxicity.

tnguyen8485

04-02-2009, 10:57 AM

imo by taking multivitamin it wont really hurt you, only helps and its inexpensive.

my take is that no matter how healthy your diet is, youll prolly wont consume enough of a certain vitamin. by taking a multivitamin supplement, it helps supply your body with whatever that is missing in your diet, and when your body absorb all it needs, youll urine out the rest.

here is an article with good information regards taking multivitamin

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Taking-a-Daily-Multivitamin&id=79596

dimasso69

04-15-2009, 04:14 PM

If youre not getting the certain vitamins from sources like vegetables and certain legumes, multivitamins are a must... any slight imbalance or lack of any of these vitamins can effect results drastically. I just take 2 pills a day, that way i dont have to worry about getting my nutrition from certain foods.. though it is much more healthy to receive them from the actual food, as your body recognizes it and processes it more naturally.

when you say process it more naturally, what do you mean? Do you mean your body absorbs more of these micronutrients and utilizes them better, because processing micronutrients more naturally i dont understand that one. But what proof is there that DRASTICALLY your results will be effected...i dont see any proof there..macros get your body composition, micronutrients are more for your overall health and well being.

SupahStarr

04-19-2009, 07:29 PM

So much of the food today is depleted in proper nutrients. I think taking a multi vitamin will do nothing but benefit you.

Dr. Horse

04-19-2009, 07:51 PM

So much of the food today is depleted in proper nutrients.

It is? Why?

etali

04-21-2009, 05:21 AM

I'm not sure I trust those blood tests. I had a blood test done a year ago because I kept fainting for no apparent reason. They checked the levels of common vitamins / minerals. Apparently my diet was absolutely perfect and I have optimal levels of everything. I'm vegetarian, and at the time I wasn't taking any multivitamins or anything.

These days I take a multivitamin + mineral. I bought it because it was on special offer and I wanted to see if it would work. It cost 2GBP for 90 days so I bought a couple of packs, I've been taking since just before Christmas, and I've noticed that I tend not to go down with colds as often as I used to - I just snuffle for a few days then recover, instead of feeling knocked out for ages.

I'd be interested in learning about any direct impacts on bodybuilding though. I think they help me, since I'm able to work out regularly instead of taking time off / reducing intensity because of yet another cold. If you aren't the type that catches everything going around then maybe they aren't so useful?

PopeGregorius

04-21-2009, 05:30 AM

It is? Why?

eg low iodine levels in food
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61009-0/fulltext

reefpicker

04-21-2009, 09:33 AM

I'm not sure I trust those blood tests. I had a blood test done a year ago because I kept fainting for no apparent reason. They checked the levels of common vitamins / minerals. Apparently my diet was absolutely perfect and I have optimal levels of everything. I'm vegetarian, and at the time I wasn't taking any multivitamins or anything.

There are other causes of fainting besides "vitamins and minerals" imbalances.

What I want to know is how did the US come up with the RDA values for vitamins?

I always wonder if our diets need an additional boost of vitamins but to what extent? Can we empirically find out????

ADEK are lipid soluble and not as easy to "flush" the excess out, thus I avoid taking megadoses of those.

BC are water soluble and we can "pee" the excess, so I don't mind taking a megadose every now and then.

B comes in extended release tablets and I take those sometimes....

I actually worry more about mineral imbalances than I do about vitamins.

Dr. Horse

04-21-2009, 11:17 AM

eg low iodine levels in food
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61009-0/fulltext

But how is this different "today"? (which is what the supahstarr was getting at, I think)

reefpicker

04-21-2009, 12:04 PM

eg low iodine levels in food
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61009-0/fulltext

That hasn't changed in hundreds of years. I think the only reason we have trouble with iodine has to do with a lack of fish and shellfish from our diet...

There is also a problem with the soil that we use to culture our crops. If its low in Iodine, then you get deficiency...

Read more: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/002421.htm

The only historical reason I can think of to justify an increased consumption of vitamins (i.e. higher than what we get from natural sources), is that pollution and exposure to more carcinogens and/or oxidizers (i.e. uv, o3, nitritates, etc), needs to be offset with oxygen-scavenging molecules and other vitamins that provide protection against free radicals, etc.

cell technical

04-21-2009, 03:31 PM

The only historical reason I can think of to justify an increased consumption of vitamins (i.e. higher than what we get from natural sources), is that pollution and exposure to more carcinogens and/or oxidizers (i.e. uv, o3, nitritates, etc), needs to be offset with oxygen-scavenging molecules and other vitamins that provide protection against free radicals, etc.

Something else I can think of is that we eat a lot of produce that isn't grown seasonally. One study I know of found a threefold increase in Vitamin C in seasonal spinach versus unseasonal.

reefpicker

04-21-2009, 03:43 PM

Something else I can think of is that we eat a lot of produce that isn't grown seasonally. One study I know of found a threefold increase in Vitamin C in seasonal spinach versus unseasonal.

Hmmm... Interesting....

I know the carbohydrates are not fully processed in some fruits (i.e. they are a bit green and less sweet).

So I would imagine that it would be likely that some vitamins are not in the fully bio-available form either.

EmperorRyker

04-29-2009, 02:19 PM

Bumping in hopes of someone answering the OP's question, as I'm quite interested in hearing that, as well. I'm currently not taking any multi-vitamin, but am considering one. Still, if I don't need it, I'd rather not just throw away money, seeing as I'm not gonna scratch fruit and vegetables from my daily menu.

Dr. Horse

04-29-2009, 02:56 PM

SuppFiend

04-29-2009, 05:41 PM

when do you guys take your multi? first thing in the morning? or after you workout?

EmperorRyker

04-30-2009, 10:01 AM

The answer is no.

Care to elaborate on that a bit? Or just link me to a good article on it or whatever if you don't feel like explaining. You seem to know your stuff, but I'm sure you wouldn't advocate someone to just believe things on someone's word, without blinking twice ;)

Dr. Horse

04-30-2009, 10:04 AM

Care to elaborate on that a bit? Or just link me to a good article on it or whatever if you don't feel like explaining. You seem to know your stuff, but I'm sure you wouldn't advocate someone to just believe things on someone's word, without blinking twice ;)

A proper and varied diet will provide more than adequate supply of vitamins and minerals to build and maintain a muscular physique. For those freaks on gear? Well, all bets are off...

EmperorRyker

04-30-2009, 10:35 AM

Well, I'm still sort of sharing your opinion, it's just that there's so many articles popping up saying why you'd need more of this and that, but no real comprehensive ones looking from both sides of the story, so for a lay person it's really hard to decide.

And what would you say about the contention that the strain and exertion coming from intense workouts and physical activity "cause" radicals to pop up in your body and that you'd need A LOT of antioxydants (read: more than you'd get from a normal diet) to counteract that effect?

Dr. Horse

04-30-2009, 10:45 AM

And what would you say about the contention that the strain and exertion coming from intense workouts and physical activity "cause" radicals to pop up in your body and that you'd need A LOT of antioxydants (read: more than you'd get from a normal diet) to counteract that effect?

I'd say that it makes some sense. But we really don't have any good data on it. (at least that I've seen). And the data that we do have in conflicting in many cases. Anyway, what you are asking is different from the OP's question.

EmperorRyker

04-30-2009, 11:10 AM

Yeah, I do realize that, though I think it is somewhat connected as the multivitamins usually contain lots of components acting as antioxydants.

Dr. Horse

04-30-2009, 11:11 AM

Yeah, I do realize that, though I think it is somewhat connected as the multivitamins usually contain lots of components acting as antioxydants.

Well to answer your question more directly- in general, I do not agree with megadosing antioxidants.

EmperorRyker

04-30-2009, 11:28 AM

Why, would this have adverse effects of itself? And if yes, what kind? I'm curious because I never hear of those, just the stuff about how antioxydants can be helpful.

Dr. Horse

04-30-2009, 11:35 AM

Why, would this have adverse effects of itself? And if yes, what kind? I'm curious because I never hear of those, just the stuff about how antioxydants can be helpful.

Large clinical trials and meta-analyses have actually shown no benefit or increased deaths/cancer risk with antioxidant supplements. But antioxidant-rich foods are shown to be protective against disease. Take your pick.

reefpicker

04-30-2009, 11:53 AM

For those freaks on gear? Well, all bets are off...

does

on gear = on steroids ????

--------------------------

A Prof from my school wrote a book on antioxidants and he said in his seminar presentation of the book that one thing about oxygen scavenging molecules (aka Anti-Oxidants) is that we do not know all about them. Can you upset the redox potential to the point were you are messing up your own metabolism?

Megadosing on antioxidant has not been shown to be good, nor bad, but we really do not know.

Of course, a 100% dose of Vitamin C, whether from fruits or from a pill, is never going to kill you, and both B and C vitamins can be "flushed" out, while we tend to accumulate w/e we take of the A-D-E-K vitamins.... (actually some of these can kill you if megadosed).

But going back to the point that was being made here about using vitamins, I think that a) how do you determine the RDA? IDK how they did it, but its an important question.

How does your lifestyle affect your needs of each one and to what extent?

Ideally, you want to take w/e is in fruits for several reasons. For example, when you eat an orange, not only are you taking vitamin C, but minerals such as potassium, as well as fiber, and I believe vitamin A as well. Thus, by eating more natural sources you complete the minerals and nutrients and enzymes that are good for you!

Also, there are other issues as well such as bioavailability....

I take Co-Q10, which has no RDA, but I would say for things like Vit A, C and E (which are probably what you have in mind), you should just take either the natural sources or use a 100% dose every other day or so. No megadosing.

( I can tell you that I do not take a potassium pill, yet I strive to get 100% of my RDA by consuming 6 or more pieces of fruit per day (thats 3 or 4 bananas and a few oranges plus nuts that are also high in Potassium). I read in a book that this is the best way to go, and I agree. You don't want to release a surge of potassium onto your body from a pill. You can get a lot more from a fruit which digests slowly and releases it slowly! )

chiraag

04-30-2009, 01:00 PM

Dr. Horse

04-30-2009, 01:36 PM

reefpicker

05-01-2009, 11:02 AM

the rda is bs. it was devised 50 years ago, and it has since been established that the average individual needs more than their "RDA" of vits and minerals, ESPECIALLY bodybuilders

check this out:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/ast/multi-pro.html

Hmmm.... That article has a lot of nonsensical statements. Thanks for the link, but that's not what I had in mind when I question the RDA.

I found this info (I hope the link works): http://books.google.com/books?id=TZvev-Y7554C&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=how+was+the+rda+determined%3F&source=bl&ots=qlHCBRoEIt&sig=Xn_aLD8t3-8Z1pdMFbSXbuc8qVk&hl=en&ei=BDb7SZ79MprItAP73JX1AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5#PPA67,M1

Its a google book.

But it says that the RDA was determined to cover 98% of the population so that some people will be mostly OVER the need, while only 2% will be "under".

It also says that its goal is to avoid vitamin deficiencies and such. Makes sense to me.

Anyway, the RDA is updated every 10 years or so. It seems the last update was in the late 80's.

Its also interesting to note that some physicians are recommending a higher dosage of some vitamins to some patients, and that some populations (i.e. pregnant women) require more than the RDA.

Thus, it would be interesting to find if anyone has studied athletes as a whole and found that specific RDA guidelines do not apply. I have a feeling that such RDA's as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and perhaps even B12 might not be enough for some marathon runners, or even strength training athletes.

I also have a gut feeling that things like Vit. C, E and K, won't be affected much by your lifestyle. However, since antioxidant scavenge free radicals, your general diet and environments might be important. But then again, the RDA should cover you well.

If you know of such studies, links are welcomed, and will be repped at least by me ;)

iHUNGRY

05-02-2009, 03:58 PM

I've always used a multi with added aminos and phytonutriends and a sea plant blend just to get my antioxidants in. Also, like stated above, our produce SUCKS and there's not many REAL nutrients left in our foods.

Ryanmcd

05-05-2009, 10:07 AM

I take them for yellow pee. animal pak, animal flex, and sans fish fats.

gsolo

05-06-2009, 03:01 AM

I also have a gut feeling that things like Vit. C, E and K, won't be affected much by your lifestyle. However, since antioxidant scavenge free radicals, your general diet and environments might be important. But then again, the RDA should cover you well.

If you know of such studies, links are welcomed, and will be repped at least by me ;)

have you tried looking for any studies?

here is a freebie:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1349925

patkoch

05-07-2009, 01:32 PM

EmperorRyker

05-07-2009, 01:34 PM

Can you post the link?

reefpicker

05-13-2009, 11:19 AM

have you tried looking for any studies?

here is a freebie:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1349925

Interesting. Thanks for posting it.

No, I haven't look. I have many other things on my plate now, but I just threw it out there to let others who have more time, do that work for us :)

I wish I had the time, thought... I would probably end up writing a book about Broscience vs. Science: The Truth Behind Rebuilding your Body and the Science of Muscle Growth.

Maybe it could be co-authored by some myth-busters from these boards!

RealMenDeadLift

05-29-2009, 07:44 AM

Well to answer your question more directly- in general, I do not agree with megadosing antioxidants.

When overdosed, can't they actually become pro-oxidants?

LIVE_FAST_

06-05-2009, 01:32 PM

Personally I use Animal Pak and I've been a loyal user to the Pak for a good 4 years. It's the best vitamin supplement on the market and has been around for 25 years, what other company has been around for 25 years, that makes multi's? Not many. As a matter of fact I am not even sure myself if there are any left. Correct me if I am wrong though and if you do at least have a source.

I will also give you my two cents that not one pill can be stable enough to hold all the minerals needed in one shot due to digestability rate and other breakdown factors.

iginlafire

06-08-2009, 04:31 PM

I don't have a lot to add to the OG topic, but if you do decide to take a multi-vitamin, remember that popular/cheaper brands like Centrum that you'll find in any old grocery store are crap. High quality MVs are designed to be absorbed completely, and as such are comprised of layers that will be absorbed in the proper sections of your intestines as it moves through your body. Centrum et all are just ground down and packed into a pill with no attention at all to digestive efficiency.

gsolo

06-08-2009, 11:37 PM

It's the best vitamin supplement on the market and has been around for 25 years, what other company has been around for 25 years, that makes multi's? Not many. As a matter of fact I am not even sure myself if there are any left. Correct me if I am wrong though and if you do at least have a source.

What makes it the best?

How long the company has been around doesn't have anything to do with the quality of the supplement. Solgar was established in 1947. Does that mean its vitamins are two and a half times as good as the Animal Pak?

DoubleD_1990

06-13-2009, 10:51 AM

I think multivitamins aren't really very beneficial. I think a smarter approach is to look at your nutrition and see what vitamins/minerals you may be lacking, and then supplement these. I supplement with B6, magnesium citrate, zinc, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, because my nutrition and activities would tend to be depleting towards these.

I'm sold! Mr. Zarate, here is my CC information, please charge any amount that you see fit...

If you take all those vitamins why not just take the multi and let your body decide what it doesnt need? I've been taking the store brand version of a multi by VS and ever since my pee has been a greenish yellow. (tmi) Anywho, I have seen minimal results as a vegitarian outside the gym. Inside the gym however I have seen me pushing for more reps due to the calcium in my multi most likely. So either take some OJ in the gym with you or take a multi in the morning so your body will be ready by gym time

hg585

06-13-2009, 01:27 PM

this is how i know what's in my fast food:

fastfood123.com

otongki

06-14-2009, 11:59 AM

You won't see the physical benefits of supplementing with a mult-vitamin immediately. However, if you look at the difference of two identical (hyopthetical) individuals where one has taken multi-vitamins for a long time, and the other has not; you will most likely notice better long term results in the individual supplementing with a multivitamin. This is because it is impossible to obtain every single nutrient and mineral in a single day with a proper bodybuilding diet, regardless of how much you eat.

This!

I'm not sure I trust those blood tests. I had a blood test done a year ago because I kept fainting for no apparent reason. They checked the levels of common vitamins / minerals. Apparently my diet was absolutely perfect and I have optimal levels of everything. I'm vegetarian, and at the time I wasn't taking any multivitamins or anything.

These days I take a multivitamin + mineral. I bought it because it was on special offer and I wanted to see if it would work. It cost 2GBP for 90 days so I bought a couple of packs, I've been taking since just before Christmas, and I've noticed that I tend not to go down with colds as often as I used to - I just snuffle for a few days then recover, instead of feeling knocked out for ages.

I'd be interested in learning about any direct impacts on bodybuilding though. I think they help me, since I'm able to work out regularly instead of taking time off / reducing intensity because of yet another cold. If you aren't the type that catches everything going around then maybe they aren't so useful?

What iLiRaM is saying that while the diet and training you have creates your physique, the vitamins and minerals "expose" that physique you have, making it looks healthier.

It's like a car. The workout and nutrition is the engine, the body, the tires, and other big components. While vitamins and minerals are unleaded fuel, oils, interior decors, etc..

You still can drive your car without all those the latter, but you wont get the maximum results out it. Vitamins and minerals are essentials

Epith

06-24-2009, 08:32 AM

If you eat healthy foods then you don't need to rely on multivitamins. Taking one doesn't hurt though. It mostly helps as long as you don't get overdose on it...

Joe Go

07-02-2009, 11:25 AM

Has anyone built a diet to contain all the essential nutrients (see site below)? I'm curious to see what it looks like.

http://www.whfoods.com/nutrientstoc.php

gsolo

07-05-2009, 05:10 PM

Has anyone built a diet to contain all the essential nutrients (see site below)? I'm curious to see what it looks like.

http://www.whfoods.com/nutrientstoc.php

That list is missing essential nutrients and includes ones that aren't "essential"

Their definition of essential nutrients is incorrect.

Instead of just "containing" all those nutrients, how about setting up your diet with sufficient amounts of those nutrients? Now, how do you define sufficient? :D

a good start might be just following the %DV.

If you want to know what that looks like, it will be a primarily plant based diet (if the nutrient ratios are kept proportionate to the caloric intake)

dlv92

07-07-2009, 09:45 PM

when do you guys take your multi? first thing in the morning? or after you workout?

what ever you do don't take it after a workout.. so im told becasue your body wont digest it proberly.

RealMenDeadLift

07-07-2009, 09:47 PM

what ever you do don't take it after a workout.. so im told becasue your body wont digest it proberly.

Not necessarily, but the anti-oxidants do hinder muscle repair

dlv92

07-07-2009, 09:49 PM

does anyone have any suggestions on a brand of multi???

Tussmann57

07-07-2009, 09:50 PM

Not necessarily, but the anti-oxidants do hinder muscle repair

give me a source, you dead lifting real man.

RealMenDeadLift

07-07-2009, 10:01 PM

give me a source, you dead lifting real man.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T38-43XNWJP-6&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=951035893&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=8f851daf6c0526559a9744149522ac58

RealMenDeadLift

07-07-2009, 10:02 PM

does anyone have any suggestions on a brand of multi???

none, just eat a varied diet with fruits and veggies

gsolo

07-10-2009, 12:09 PM

Not necessarily, but the anti-oxidants do hinder muscle repair

Do you workout in such a manner that you end up with edema?

cadre

07-10-2009, 03:58 PM

In my experience, the average person does not need multivitamins. Let alone someone who eats well. The only people who would definitely benefit from multivitamins are those people who do not eat much and tend to eat the same thing all the time (ie -3rd world inhabitants).

The better idea is to see what nutrients you are consistently lacking and add those to your diet with a supplement. No one is missing every single vitamin every day, it just doesn't happen.

That said, there's not a whole lot of harm you can do by taking a multivitamin as long as you take the right one. If you're going to take one every day, look for one with lower iron and lower fat soluble vitamins (overdosing on fat solubles is very possible).

As far as the antioxidant debate goes, well it seems that there isn't a whole lot of definitive information on the subject. It's a new concept.

EmperorRyker

07-11-2009, 04:25 AM

I think with the multivitamins, though, the contention seems to be that people who are active and engage in daily exercise, lifting weights included, need more of vitamins and minerals and that RDA really is set too low. I don't really know if this all holds any water, but the latter itself or drinking lots of it, as well as strenuous exercise, are supposed to increase your daily vitamin and mineral needs and make your body excrete more of them at the same time (through sweating, urinating more etc. I guess). Any comments on whether any of this is even remotely true?

PopeGregorius

07-11-2009, 05:18 AM

In my experience, the average person does not need multivitamins.
What experience? Do you spend your say doing blood tests for vitamin deficiencies?

cadre

07-11-2009, 12:53 PM

What experience? Do you spend your say doing blood tests for vitamin deficiencies?
Well, for a while my education was in Nutrition. And my father's a doctor, we have long conversations. I'm not an expert, if that's what you mean. I suppose I should have stated that earlier.

I think with the multivitamins, though, the contention seems to be that people who are active and engage in daily exercise, lifting weights included, need more of vitamins and minerals and that RDA really is set too low. I don't really know if this all holds any water, but the latter itself or drinking lots of it, as well as strenuous exercise, are supposed to increase your daily vitamin and mineral needs and make your body excrete more of them at the same time (through sweating, urinating more etc. I guess). Any comments on whether any of this is even remotely true?
You do lose minerals when you exercise, and certain vitamins get used up in the process...so that could be true. That said, I doubt strenuous exercise would cause you to need all the vitamins and minerals in a multivitamin.

Dr. Horse

07-11-2009, 01:35 PM

What experience? Do you spend your say doing blood tests for vitamin deficiencies?

Well, no matter her experience, she is right (at least in my experience).

Dr. Horse

07-15-2009, 11:04 AM

if you go out in the sun for 15 minutes a day you get all the D u need...

...for what? Optimal health? To prevent frank vitamin D deficiency/ricket's? And btw, a LOT of people in the modern world don't get 15 minutes of sun a day. And if they do, they have clothes and sunscreen on.

gsolo

07-17-2009, 02:44 PM

if you go out in the sun for 15 minutes a day you get all the D u need...

Really?

Does it matter what skin tone you have? Or what season it is, how far you are from the equator or how much clothes you are wearing?

Liverano

07-17-2009, 04:12 PM

when do you guys take your multi? first thing in the morning? or after you workout?

I take mine first thing in the morning.

I think healthy diet is an objective term.

Multivitamins, in my opinion, bring everything to a level playing field. I'm sure everyone is lacking something.

Also, consider how cheap they are. I've used Mega Mens from GNC and expensive ones from other brands. Currently, I use a 1-a-day from Walmart. Less than $10 for a year supply.

Pennies on the dollar compared to the supplements most of us are taking.

x Idealist x

07-27-2009, 01:52 PM

gsolo

07-29-2009, 12:31 PM

Just finished reading Michael Polland's book "In Defense of Food" and he talked about the nutrients in foods being much less then they were 50 years ago because of the quality of the soil that they are grown in and pesticides etc. He says the natural antioxidents that are found in fruits and vegetables are from their natural defense mechanisms but when farmers use pesticides it makes there natural defenses useless thus lowering their availability. What does this mean? Well for example he says that an apple today has 1/3 of the nutrients then an apple 50 years ago, further strengthening my stance on Multi's

why settle for other people's solutions?

You can come up with your own that are better than what was discussed in this thread. Instead of just picking out a multi, why not take individual nutrients that are superior to what is offered in most multis? Instead of purchasing your food from the chain supermarket, you can grow your own that is superior to the average choices available 50 years ago.

watermelon_2001

07-29-2009, 12:46 PM

There's a whole world of debate around whether or not taking a multi is actually beneficial, both within and outside the bodybuilding community. With that said, I believe that a bodybuilder is in less need of a multi than a typical individual due to the fact that they are paying more attention to eating good, nutritious foods, and are also consuming an above-average amount (therefore likely to be intaking larger quantities of vitamins/ minerals, etc.) As has already been said in this thread, for a bodybuilder taking a mullti probably isn't necessary. The only reason I take one is simply to be on the safe side; with intense training on top of an already very active routine, I like to think that by taking one I'm almost definitely giving my body what it needs in terms of nutrients, not just the calories it needs from food. Also, I would worry that some of my cooking methods aren't optimal, and may affect the nutrient content of my food, such as boiling vegetables. I take one with added co-enzyme Q10 and Siberian Ginseng extract, as, in addition to the vitamins, these are supposed to help with things regarding energy release

x Idealist x

07-29-2009, 03:35 PM

why settle for other people's solutions?

You can come up with your own that are better than what was discussed in this thread. Instead of just picking out a multi, why not take individual nutrients that are superior to what is offered in most multis? Instead of purchasing your food from the chain supermarket, you can grow your own that is superior to the average choices available 50 years ago.

I would love too but 1. I am in college and cant really grow a garden on contrete, and 2. I would like to just take individual nutrients as needed but I like the simplicity of a multi.

determined4000

07-29-2009, 04:47 PM

I would love too but 1. I am in college and cant really grow a garden on contrete, and 2. I would like to just take individual nutrients as needed but I like the simplicity of a multi.

Im not going to say to not take a multi but whole foods are still the best option because the body can't store vitamins. So thinking you can get all your body's vitamin needs in one shot isn't optimal.

gsolo

07-29-2009, 05:37 PM

I would love too but 1. I am in college and cant really grow a garden on contrete, and 2. I would like to just take individual nutrients as needed but I like the simplicity of a multi.

are you sure that you would really "love to"?

You could grow plants in containers if you wanted to.

Im not going to say to not take a multi but whole foods are still the best option because the body can't store vitamins.

are you not capable of storing Vitamins A, D, E and K?

x Idealist x

07-30-2009, 09:13 AM

[QUOTE=gsolo;364128491]are you sure that you would really "love to"?

You could grow plants in containers if you wanted to.

Yes I have always wanted to grow my own garden, and will when I have the room, but right now it would be a HUGE pain in the ass to do so.

Xelter

08-04-2009, 03:56 PM

I'd say for the average person, you don't need any multivitamins.
BUT for the bodybuilder, you need to take every occasions to promote muscle growth, healing and energizing.

As a BB, you need the most you can get from proteins/minerals/vitamins and taking multivitamins will just keep these levels higher and promote healing as well as well-being.

I personnaly began to take Platinum Activ-X multivitamins brand and I've seen nice results with my energy levels, can't say for long term effects yet tho.

That's my 'lil touch!

dimasso69

08-09-2009, 06:48 PM

are you sure that you would really "love to"?

You could grow plants in containers if you wanted to.

are you not capable of storing Vitamins A, D, E and K?
Not many people could grow enough plants to get as many vitamins as a multi vitamin can offer..and you named fat soluable vitamins what about Vitamin C B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7 B9 and B12

Im not going to say to not take a multi but whole foods are still the best option because the body can't store vitamins. So thinking you can get all your body's vitamin needs in one shot isn't optimal.

Aren't there multivitamins that can be taken in doses..im not so sure if there are though..

How about cereal though..foods that are enriched..if a vitamin is not as good as "real foods" then would cereals not be either?

determined4000

08-09-2009, 07:05 PM

Not many people could grow enough plants to get as many vitamins as a multi vitamin can offer..and you named fat soluable vitamins what about Vitamin C B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7 B9 and B12

Aren't there multivitamins that can be taken in doses..im not so sure if there are though..

How about cereal though..foods that are enriched..if a vitamin is not as good as "real foods" then would cereals not be either?

multi is to vitamins what whey is to protein (a supplement)
I am not here to say vitamins are evil
I am saying you should try to get as much as you can through regular diet

dimasso69

08-09-2009, 07:49 PM

multi is to vitamins what whey is to protein (a supplement)
I am not here to say vitamins are evil
I am saying you should try to get as much as you can through regular diet

no i know i do agree with you..but the cereal question was serious..would those vitamins be not as well utilized or absorbed as if they came from fruit or something more natural..not just directed towards you, i am just curious about this and haven't found anything on the subject.

determined4000

08-09-2009, 07:57 PM

no i know i do agree with you..but the cereal question was serious..would those vitamins be not as well utilized or absorbed as if they came from fruit or something more natural..not just directed towards you, i am just curious about this and haven't found anything on the subject.

1st they are going to have different nutrient profiles than fruit
but I eat a cheese (cabot) that is reinforced with omega 3
the fact that any nutrient is in the food will help (hence why pills always say to take with food)
Your best bet is too easy to be true: eat fruit, veggies, reinforced foods, and a variety of them

HealthyGains

08-16-2009, 02:18 AM

Multi-Vitamins are a farce.

Ask anyone at any healthfood show, man 2 man.

Even the highest end companies skimp on the multis ingredients.

I mean, if you're cool with metallic iron, be my guest.
If you're cool with ineffectively absorbed vitaminC, be my guest.

Bottom line: They're better than nothing, but in sports nutrition you should always do way better than nothing.

herokiller

08-23-2009, 07:11 PM

i have seen news report on taking TOO MUCH vitamins on FOX. they say that we only need a minimum of 500mg-1g of each vit and min. in 48-72hrs. as most of them as stored but some are released through our body and said that too much of vit and min. will hinder absorption of other minerals, that if you have too much in your body your body will counter its effect hence will not be absorbed anymore as our body also produces some vits. and min. think of the effect of testosterone (steroids) injected in the body, your balls will shrink thus will not produce anymore of the T as you already supplied it with injection. our body has LIMITS as to how much it NEEDS and STORES and it varies from each person to person depending on the genetics.

porcupinetree

09-21-2009, 11:40 AM

I highly recommend that you read all of this. The first time I did, I was so amazed.

http://www.kingmaker.net/DeadDoctorstxt.html

I use this guy's supps and I have for over 10 years. I have watched other people use them and have seen the following:
kidney stones heal
high blood pressure return to normal
age/liver spots go away
joints heal (me)_
arthritis heal
grey hair return to normal color (me)
sr citizens get completely off meds

Pro athletes in all sports are using this. Theo Ratliff endorses is and credits it for reviving his career when he was told to retire.

I don't give a damm what any doctor says or what any study says. I have seen this work on myself so I continue to take it. I also tell others about. Some people believe me, more people don't. Oh well.

Quikfeet509

09-21-2009, 07:36 PM

Ah...the seductive power of the personal anecdote.

I'll buy five.

snorkelman

09-22-2009, 07:24 AM

Ah...the seductive power of the personal anecdote.

Reminds me when Alan Aragon was asked during an interview if he was forced to take 5 supps, which would he take. He hated being pigeon-holed but stated that he'd take a multivitamin, protein powder, fish oil (if he didn't eat fatty fish regularly), creatine, and a bone-building mineral calcium/vitamin D/ magnesium.

Of course that is just him and probably involves his personal deficiencies when cornered to answer.

Dirty Shoez

11-08-2009, 01:54 PM

I've been doing Keto on and off for a while now, and while considering easing back into it (doing a 30/30/40, maintenance cals), I got some quality multi-vitamins and.....wow. Based on the huge rush of energy I started getting, I was able to switch to Keto, trim Calories, and cut my caffeine intake in half at the same time, and not even realize a difference.

MVs made a huge difference for me.

bretthobbs2008

11-09-2009, 08:00 PM

Though a multivitamin should never be used as a sole source of micronutrients, it is often a good thing to take just to be certain that all areas have been covered. The old "better safe than sorry" approach is always the best approach. I wouldn't go out and buy a really expensive one just take a cheap ol multi that will cover you on all fronts.

noise

11-22-2009, 04:30 PM

Multivitamins are essential for overall health, not just muscle building. Most foods contain harmful additives (http://americareclaimed.com/wordpress/?p=210), and are grown in soil that has been used excessively, and is therefore deficient in nutrients. Therefore, getting locally grown/organic foods and taking a powerful vitamin (I recommend NSI Synergy 300, as it has been reviewed by Mike Adams, a health expert to be the best) is a must.