Building Block 1: Start with a Multi-Vitamin

Although plenty of controversy exists about multi-vitamin formulas or combination multi-vitamin/mineral formulas providing health benefits, there is plenty of information to support the conclusion that they do.*
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Although, ideally you would get all the nutrients you need from eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, that is easier said than done.

Many nutrition experts have identified a “nutrition gap” between nutrients consumed in the diet and what is required for optimal health – a gap that can be filled by taking a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement.*1

Why the gap?

The gap is due in large part to two reasons: one, the state of the current food supply and two, very few Americans eat the recommended five daily servings of health-giving fruits and vegetables.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has spelled this out specifically – adults should eat two cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables every day. A 2013 CDC report found only 13% of the U.S. population had sufficient fruit intake (from 7.5% in Tennessee to 17.7% in California).

In this same survey, only 8.9% of adults met the recommended daily vegetable intake (from 5.5% in Mississippi to 13.1% in California).2 In addition, nutrient needs vary from person to person and depend on multiple factors, including activity level, age, gender, and the presence of chronic illness.

What can you do?

Thorne takes all of this into account by offering 10 different multi-vitamin/mineral supplements to fit individual nutrient needs.

Basic Nutrients 2/Day

This product offers essential nutrients in their most absorbable forms in an easy-to-take 2-capsule per day protocol.* Basic Nutrients 2/Day is an excellent building block for a foundational nutrient protocol.*

For example, Basic Nutrients 2/Day pairs well with other foundational supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein powders, and probiotics.* If you need additional targeted support, Basic Nutrients 2/Day pairs well with Joint Support Nutrients for joint support.*

Multi-Vitamin Elite

Athletes have special nutrient needs. A joint statement issued by the American College of Sports Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Dietitians of Canada is particularly noteworthy for those who are involved in athletic activities: “Supplements may be required by athletes who restrict energy intakes, use severe weight-loss practices, eliminate one or more food groups from their diet, or consume high-carbohydrate diets with low micronutrient density."

Thorne’s Multi-Vitamin Elite A.M. formula provides athletes with extra nutrients to support metabolism, joint health, and antioxidant needs.* The Multi-Vitamin Elite P.M. formula provides support to reduce late-night carb cravings, for an optimal cortisol:DHEA level, and restful sleep.*

Building Block 2: Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the body’s cells to function properly.* The only way to obtain omega-3 fatty acids is through the diet or supplementation because the body doesn't produce them.

Fish oil is an excellent source of two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These two essential fatty acids are primarily found in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout. Most individuals don't consume enough of the right kinds of fish to provide their bodies with the necessary amounts of these two vital omega-3 fatty acids.

Therefore, taking a fish oil supplement such as Super EPA is a prudent way to assure a good balance of these important essential fatty acids that support a healthy heart and blood vessels, brain and nerve function, muscles, bone and joint health, mood, and much more.*

Building Block 3: Take a Probiotic

Why take a probiotic? Because of the broad-ranging health benefits of probiotics, we have chosen them as building block number three. A combination probiotic that consists of the common strains typically found in the digestive tract provides added insurance for good health.*

In addition to supporting a healthy GI tract, research points to other benefits of a healthy gut microbiome, including maintenance of healthy weight, immune function support, and positive effects on mood and stress* – all of which can be supported by a probiotic such as Thorne’s FloraSport 20B®.

Building Block 4: Include More Protein

Protein, along with carbohydrates and fat, is one of the three macro-nutrients making up the bulk of the human diet. While it is usually not too difficult to obtain adequate protein in the diet, unless you are a vegetarian or vegan, there are times when additional protein in the form of a supplemental protein powder can be indicated:

  • For an older adult, whose need for protein increases, but at the same time they’re eating less because of reduced appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or poor digestion*
  • For an individual recovering from surgery*
  • For an individual healing from an injury or burn*
  • For a growing child*
  • For individuals who engage in strenuous exercise*

References

1. Ward E. Addressing nutrition gaps with multivitamin and mineral supplements. Nutr J 2014;13:72.

2. Moore L, Thompson F. Adults meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations – United States, 2013. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015 Jul 10;64(26):709-713.