Standard Process Vitamins

Multi- vitamins Liquid VS-Tablets. Which is better and/or safer?

I've heard that tabs do'nt dissolve right and actually pose a risk because of that. I do know about poorly refined vitamins-(lead and so on) but do'nt know about best method to assimilate vitamins to overcome poor digestive tract problems.

Public Comments

1. It's said that tabs may not dissolve properly, but this is when improperly formulated. It's really hard to know whether or not this is the case (since you cannot see inside your stomach/digestive tract). One way of finding out is whether the product is independently certified by consumer labs (website http://www.consumerlab.com/ ). One phase of their testing is to insure that the supplement dissolves properly (under conditions simulating digestion). You may recognize certified products by labeling with their flask symbol initialed "CL". Unfortunately only a limited amount of products are submitted to this testing (manufacturers must consent/volunteer to their product being tested). I would say it's "generally" better to get capsules (gelatin or vege based) vs. tablets or liquid. Liquid is a lot more expensive and I suspect some of the components would be susceptible to higher degradation under liquid storage conditions. Capsules dissolve the easiest, so there is less chance of waste (although poor fillers may still impair digestion). I also try to get products that are quality/purity assured. Besides looking for consumerlab certification, other good signs are if it's GMP certified, U.S.P., or pharmaceutical grade. GMP stands for good manufacturing practices, you can learn about GMP at http://www.naturalproductsassoc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ic_gmp (page also has a link to GMP certified companies). I was looking for an optimal multi-vitamin myself a few months ago. Criteria being it had to be affordable, in capsules, and containing the most researched and optimal versions of nutrients. You can see my search in more detail at http://www.able2know.com/forums/about71974.html The best multi-vitamin I found was from NSI's line. The twice a day formula (AKA "synergy basic 2") costs only $15 a month (taken as directed), but I take a half dosage (since the nutrients are high enough), thus costing only $7.50 a month or 25 cents daily. Besides containing the best forms of nutrients (for the most part) it also contains pepper extract which increases absorption. Because of this, caution should be heeded taking any medications around the same time (since it may also increase absorption of those). Those interested can check it out here -> http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?y=0&Ne=1&previousText=multivitamin&N=32%202007912&Ntk=products&Ns=P_SoldQuantity|1&Ntt=multivitamin&x=0 I don't know your particular digestive tract problem (so this may be of no use), but I've read that the dietary supplement l-glutamine may assist in healing the gut/digestive tract under "certain" deprived situations. It acts as a fuel for cells of the gut. If you're not deficient to begin with it won't help, but no harm either (well besides a hole in your wallet). L-glutamine is an amino acid we normally have no problem getting enough (and things to synthesize it) from food (protein). But under circumstances of prolonged sickness or extreme stress/exertion it may become depleted below optimal levels causing immune suppresion and/or gut deterioration (source -> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=8974125). This is purley my own conjecture (not shown by science or any studies), but if you're not deprived of l-glutamine (from previously mentioned reasons), very long-term supplementation in high dosages may cause an excess accumalation in the brain and thus possible excitotoxin damage (a very graudal process). Basically this could only happen if you're foolish and abuse the supplement by taking large amounts when you don't need it over a long term basis. I bought some l-glutamine myself to help recover and preserve my immune system after heavy exercise. I take a 5 gram dose immediately after I exercise (along with a nutritional drink containing whey protein, etc...). Of course the supplement companies highly overstate it's effects (so don't expect it to do what they say). The best brands are micronized and pharmecutical grade. Otherwise you can pretty much go by price. I bought mine from amazon.com using a coupon code for $10 OFF any $49 or greater purchase of grocery/household products. You just enter the code "grocery3" (through dec 31st, 06) at checkout. Best wishes on finding what's right for yourself. Always good to do some independent research (and get leads from others).