The Nutrition Gap

Here at Cytoplan, we believe there is a “nutrition gap” in most people’s diets. Illustrated by key figures within medicine and nutritional science, the nutrition gap refers to the difference between the levels of nutrients the average person, eating a reasonable Western diet, is obtaining from food, and the levels of nutrients needed for optimal health. The first call on nutrients by our body is for immediate needs; for short-term survival, but it is essential to exceed this nutrient intake in order to support our long-term health. Taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement is a low-cost and convenient way to ensure you are getting sufficient nutrients to maintain optimal health through all stages of life, and with this in mind, we believe most people could benefit from taking a multivitamin.

Nutrient shortfalls can be caused by several different factors, including:  

• Our food choices
• The nutrient content of the food we eat
• The ability of our bodies to absorb and assimilate these nutrients
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, stress, alcohol intake, and medications, which give rise to increased nutrient needs
• Our level of activity
• Our genetics

This means that many people are not getting the level of essential nutrients needed for health and protection daily and therefore could benefit from taking a well formulated multivitamin with nutrients in their most bioeffective form. A multivitamin shouldn’t be a substitute for a healthy diet, but it can offer peace of mind that you are giving your body the optimal nourishment to keep healthy. 

There are also certain groups of people who are more likely to be at risk of nutrient deficiencies or have a higher need for nutrients, such as the elderly, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, those taking certain medications and those with conditions that affect absorption such as Coeliac disease. 

There are 13 vitamins and around 15 minerals that are essential to maintaining optimal health, and a multivitamin provides them in a convenient and low-cost way. Many of these nutrients will help to produce enzymes and hormones, support natural immunity and keep your nerves and organs functioning optimally. Your body also needs these vitamins and minerals for reproduction, growth and the regulation of bodily processes.

What should I look for in a multivitamin?

There are a number of ways in which the multivitamin formulas here at Cytoplan differ from many others available on the market:

Food State and Wholefood nutrients are the most bioeffective food supplements, where the nutrients are complete with the associated food factors and other phytonutrients with which they occur in whole foods. This total food complex ensures these products are recognisable as food by the human body and optimally utilised. This applies to many of the nutrients in our multivitamins, but where this isn’t possible, we provide nutrients in their most bioeffective inorganic forms, such as in reduced or methylated forms.

Many of our multi formulations also contain a biodynamic and superfood blend. Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic, but works in harmony with nature and yields high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients. Biodynamic growing is only done on a small scale in the UK at this time and we are privileged to have found a supply of ingredients that can be used in our multivitamin and mineral supplements.

Multis that have levels of nutrients that are above the Nutrient Reference Intake (NRV) but lower than the upper safe limit are recommended. NRVs were never intended as any more than a ‘safety net’ with the specific purpose of preventing disease, as opposed to promoting optimal health or considering individual needs. With this in mind, you will find that many of the nutrients in our multivitamin and mineral supplements exceed the NRV.

So how do I choose the best multivitamin for my needs? 

We have multivitamins and minerals suitable for all family members. Our multis for kids are suitable from the age of three and include chewable gummies and small, easy to swallow tablets. We have ones designed specifically for women, men, the over-50s and to support optimal immunity, as well as a powder multi included within a premium blend of phytonutrient rich superfoods. All our multivitamin and mineral supplements are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. 

If you need help choosing the perfect multi to support your individual needs, please drop an email over to our team of nutritional therapists on nutrition@cytoplan.co.uk