Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. It helps support the health of the immune system as well as healthy eyes and vision.* It also acts as an antioxidant and is important for healthy skin.* A 2001 study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that patients who underwent laser eye surgery and were given vitamin A and E supplements had faster healing times postoperatively as well as reported less haze, and better visual acuity.1
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.* One of its primary functions is to make collagen, a protein which is needed for connective tissue, cartilage and tendons and therefore vital for wound repair, healthy skin and healthy gums.* It may also help act as a natural detoxicant in our bodies and research has shown it may also act as a natural antihistamine.* Vitamin C is essential in times of stress and may help to support the adrenal glands.* A 2010 review of 29 placebo-controlled trials involving over 11,000 people found that the use of vitamin C taken throughout the cold and flu season can reduce symptoms and decrease the duration of colds.2
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is required for maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It is also helps the body absorb calcium, which helps maintain healthy and strong bones and teeth.* Vitamin D3 also helps to support a healthy immune system and promotes normal blood clotting.* It also may help to improve mood.* A study published in a 2008 edition of the Journal of Internal Medicine discovered a relationship in overweight and obese people between depressive symptoms and low levels of serum vitamin D. Treating the participants with vitamin D supplements reduced depressive symptoms.3
Mixed tocopherols are a combination of the four tocopherols present in fat-soluble vitamin E: alpha tocopherol, beta tocopherol, delta tocopherol and gamma tocopherol. In the body, mixed tocopherols act as antioxidants, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which may cause oxidative stress in the body and premature aging of cells.* Vitamin E also plays an important role in immune health, as well as the cardiovascular, circulatory and nervous system health.* Vitamin E also provides nutritional support for skin and wound healing as well as helps to maintain healthy glucose levels.* A 2002 study in the Archives of Neurology found that those adults who had higher levels of vitamin E consumption had fewer declines in cognitive functioning over time.4
Tocotrienols (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma) are members of the Vitamin E family and are potent antioxidants, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which may cause oxidative stress in the body and premature aging of cells.* Tocotrienols may also help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system by maintaining arterial health.* A double-blind study in 2007 found that tocotrienols may help prevent DNA damage.5
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for the formation of prothrombin, which is required for normal blood clotting.* It also plays a role in bone formation and healthy liver function, and may help maintain female reproductive health.* In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 181 post-menopausal women, vitamin K significantly enhanced the effectiveness of supplementation with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. The results showed that the study participants using vitamin K along with the other nutrients had less bone loss than those in the other two groups.6
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) is a fat-soluble vitamin which is important for bone formation and supporting joints, as well as blood clotting.* It also may help to maintain arterial health, promote healthy liver function, and may play a role in supporting female reproductive health.*
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in digestion, helping the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy. Vitamin B1 also supports a healthy brain and nervous system, healthy muscle and heart function and a healthy immune system.* It can also help to support healthy hair, skin and nails.* A 2001 study found that women who took 100 mg of thiamine (vitamin B1) daily reported a significant reduction in menstrual cramps.7
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin- 5- phosphate) is the active form of vitamin B2, and is more readily used by the body than any other form of vitamin B2. It plays a key role in the activation and conversion of other b vitamins. Vitamin B2 is important for fat and glucose metabolism, red blood cell synthesis, and the production and regulation of certain hormones. It is also important to support energy production, and healthy skin.* In a 3-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 55 people with migraines, riboflavin significantly reduced the frequency and duration of migraine attacks.8
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is a water-soluble vitamin required for energy production. It also helps support cardiovascular health, circulation, healthy skin, and functioning of the nervous and digestive systems.* Niacinamide may also play a role in glucose control and is important particularly in times of stress.* A 1998 study suggests that niacinamide may improve blood sugar control in type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes.9
Vitamin B5 (d-calcium pantothenate) is important in the utilization of fats and carbohydrates and energy production in the body. It is also involved in the production of adrenal hormones and may be particularly important in times of stress.* Vitamin B-5 also helps to support and maintain a healthy nervous system, and is involved in production of red blood cells, muscle health and proper intestinal function.*
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal- 5-phosphate) is a water-soluble vitamin that has a wide variety of functions in the body with far-reaching effects on both physical and mental health. As with the other B vitamins, vitamin B6 is involved in supporting energy metabolism in the body. In addition, vitamin B6 is required for many brain functions and as such, helps to support a healthy nervous system.* Vitamin B6 (along with folic acid and vitamin B12) may also support cardiovascular health by supporting healthy levels of homocysteine.* Vitamin B6 may also be helpful in supporting hormonal, skin and muscle health.* A 2001 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found vitamin B6 effective in reducing homocysteine levels and thus, also a protective agent against heart disease.10
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that, along with the other B vitamins, is important for energy production. Folic acid is also very important for pregnant women. Adequate folate levels may reduce a woman's risk of having a child with brain or spinal cord defects.* Folic acid is also involved in red blood cell production and deficiency can result in anemia. Along with vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, folic acid helps maintain healthy levels of homocysteine which helps support cardiovascular health.* Folic acid also helps support a healthy immune system and healthy skin.* A recent meta-analysis suggests there is some evidence that folate supplements might reduce risk of stroke.11
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that, along with the other B vitamins, is involved in energy production. Vitamin B12 is also involved in DNA synthesis and has an important role in the formation of red blood cells, thus helping to prevent anemia.* Vitamin B12 also has an essential role in nerve function and mental health.* Along with folic acid and vitamin B6, it supports a healthy cardiovascular system by supporting healthy levels of homocysteine.* It may also help to support healthy hair, skin and nails.* Studies suggest at least 10-20% of the elderly are deficient in vitamin B12.12,13
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B vitamin that is involved in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism and supports energy production. It also helps to promote healthy skin, hair and nails, as well as nerve and muscle tissue.*
Beta-carotene is part of a group of red, orange, and yellow pigments called carotenoids. The human body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) as it is needed. Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant which is important for healthy skin, the immune system and eye health.*
Mixed carotenoids are part of a group of red, orange and yellow pigments, which give fruits and vegetables their distinctive colors. The beneficial effects of carotenoids are thought to be due to their role as antioxidants, that help protect cells from the damaging effects caused by free radicals.* Carotenoids may also help to support the immune system.*
Methylfolate is the metabolically active form of folic acid, which plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and repair, energy production and red cell formation.* L-methylfolate is the only form of folic acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis. It may help to support mental function and emotional health.* A 2012 study of 75 adults with major depressive disorder showed that the participants who received l-methylfolate in addition to continued SSRI treatment showed significantly higher response rates and depression symptom score changes than those who received placebo.14
Boron is a trace mineral that plays an important role in supporting bone and joint health through its role in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus metabolism.* In addition, boron may help support brain and mental health.*
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and essential for formation of strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthy diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life. Calcium is also required for blood clotting, muscle contraction (including the heartbeat) and nerve impulses.* In 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research published a review which concluded that calcium probably has a protective effect against colorectal cancer.15
Chromium – niacin bound (polynicotinate) is an essential mineral that is needed for energy production and is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.* Along with a nutritious diet, chromium may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.* In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 180 people with type 2 diabetes given chromium daily had hbA1c values (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) improve significantly as well as lower fasting glucose (a measure of short-term blood sugar control).16
Copper (amino acid chelate) is an essential trace mineral that is used by the body to manufacture various enzymes in red blood cell production. It works closely with zinc to support the formation of collagen and connective tissue and as such, helps to support bone, joint, skin, nail and hair health.* Copper also helps to support nerve health and is needed in the body to produce the important antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).*
Iodine (Potassium Iodide) is a trace mineral that is an essential component of the thyroid hormones which play a key role in supporting the metabolic rate.* Thyroid hormones also helps regulate the function of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing components of cells.*
Iron is an essential mineral that is part of every cell in the body. It is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein the carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Iron is also a component of myoglobin, a pigment which allows our muscles to store and use oxygen. Iron also helps maintain a healthy immune system and is involved in energy production, growth, development, normal cellular functioning, and synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue.* A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 42 non-anemic women with slightly low iron reserves found that iron supplements significantly enhanced sports performance. Those receiving iron showed significantly greater gains in speed and endurance as compared to those given placebo.17
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body. It is critical in energy production and also involved in protein synthesis as well as maintaining healthy muscle and nerve function.* It also helps to support and maintain bone health by regulating calcium absorption into bone.* Magnesium is also involved in regulating blood glucose as well blood pressure and may also help support a healthy cardiovascular system.* In addition magnesium may help to support healthy digestion and a healthy mood.* A recent study found magnesium intake was inversely associated with incidence of diabetes in young American adults. Those who consumed the most magnesium in foods and from vitamin supplements were about half as likely to develop diabetes over the next twenty years as those who took in the least magnesium.18