TAKE YOUR VITAMINS AND ENJOY 60%FEWER SICK DAYS

BY STEVE BORN

In summer 2020, a study was published in the journal Nutrients [1]. This article presents that study as particularly relevant because vitamins, minerals, and supplements are frequently criticised in mainstream media. The author reviewed the study’s findings and asked Brian Frank to review them as well. The author states they reached the same interpretation of the results.

The article summarises the study’s main reported outcomes as follows:

• Compared with participants taking a placebo, participants who took a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement had a 60%+ reduction in the number of sick days.
• Among participants who became ill, those in the multivitamin/mineral group reported fewer symptoms, and symptoms were reported as less severe, than those in the placebo group.

The article states that maintaining immune health should be a routine priority. It notes seasonal factors that may affect health behaviours and nutrient status, including shorter days and reduced sun exposure (which may reduce vitamin D status), colder temperatures, and wetter conditions in many regions.

It also lists several general factors that may support immune health, such as adequate sleep and stress reduction. It states that the foundation should be a diet dominated by nutrient-dense whole foods. However, it argues that diet alone is often insufficient to meet micronutrient needs and therefore supports the use of daily supplementation.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS (as described)

• Participants were healthy adults aged 55 to 75.
• For 12 weeks, one group received a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement and the other received an inactive placebo.
• Researchers measured blood vitamin/mineral status and markers of immune function before and after the intervention period.
• At the end of the study, the multivitamin/mineral group averaged 2.29 sick days, while the placebo group averaged 6.43 sick days.
• The multivitamin/mineral group reported fewer illness symptoms than the placebo group, and symptoms were reported as less severe.

Selected statements quoted from published sources (as included in the article)

• “Since multiple nutrients support immune function, older adults may benefit from multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements.” [2]
• “Generally regarded as safe and readily available over the counter, dietary supplements have been used with few significant side effects in clinical studies.” [3]
• “Although conflicting and contradictory studies exist, there is evidence suggesting that dietary supplementation with a combination of immunity-related micronutrients supports immune function and reduces risk or severity of infection.” [3]
• “Indeed, targeted supplementation with these vitamins and minerals may provide additional protection at doses higher than the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA).” [4]

The approach described: healthy diet + Premium Insurance Caps

The article states that diet quality remains the first priority and repeats the position that “the quality of the calories you consume always matters.”

It describes this dietary approach as including:

• Eating whole grains and locally grown organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible
• Avoiding processed seed oils
• Avoiding processed foods and “junk foods”
• Following a low-sodium diet
• Keeping simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) to minimal or none
• Avoiding artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, and preservatives

The article also states that fruits and vegetables are important because they contain many phytochemicals not supplied by supplements. However, it argues that research indicates food alone may not provide all micronutrients needed to prevent deficiency, and is even less likely to provide levels associated with “optimal” health.

The article concludes that daily use of Premium Insurance Caps may be beneficial for people of different ages, activity levels, and dietary patterns. It describes Premium Insurance Caps as a multivitamin/mineral supplement formulated to provide “Optimum Daily Intake” amounts (rather than minimum “Recommended Daily Allowance” or “Daily Value” amounts) using forms described as highly absorbable. It states the purpose is to help address micronutrient gaps associated with the modern diet. It also suggests that taking two or more capsules per day may help support year-round health, including during autumn and winter.

REFERENCES (as provided)

[1] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2447/htm
[2] Maggini, S.; Pierre, A.; Calder, P.C. Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1531.
[3] Gombart, A.F.; Pierre, A.; Maggini, S. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients 2020, 12, 236.
[4] Calder, P.C.; Carr, A.C.; Gombart, A.F.; Eggersdorfer, M. Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections. Nutrients 2020