Sometimes we get asked why we have selected particular ingredients for Balanced Trio formulas, why they are important and why these and not others.
Our goal in creating Balanced Trio multivitamins was to combine essential and well researched ingredients that would be beneficial for the human body on a daily basis. Thus, Balanced Trio includes the following groups of ingredients:
1. Vitamins. Balanced Trio includes all 13 of the essential vitamins: four fat-soluble (A,D,E,K) and nine water-soluble (C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid). Plus choline and inositol that are also considered vitamins, but not included in the essential group. All these vitamins are constantly used by the body to perform a number of vital functions. The human body and healthy bacteria in the gut are able to synthesize some of these vitamins. However, the quantities are not sufficient and the rest needs to be obtained from food or supplements.
Many multivitamin formulas on the market include mega-doses of B vitamins. While one can often feel immediate effect from taking such formulas, long-term effects of this supplementation has not been studied. We strive to include all the ingredients in the amounts that were documented as safe for long-term use, thus the quantities of all vitamins that we include are based on current DRI norms.
2. Minerals. Balanced Trio includes eleven essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium and molybdenum. Of the essential minerals sodium, chloride and phosphorus are not included because they are required daily in large amounts and generally consumed in sufficient quantities from food. Potassium is also generally consumed in sufficient quantities from food. Small amount of potassium is included in the Evening formula because of its synergistic action with magnesium. Also included is a blend of 72 trace minerals, such as boron, bromide, carbonate, lithium, sulfate and other trace minerals found in seawater. All of these minerals are required for normal functioning of the body. The body cannot synthesize minerals, so they need to be obtained either from food or supplements.
Importantly, our formulas include 50% of daily requirement for magnesium and calcium, which are rarely included in multivitamin formulas because of the extra volume these minerals add to the supplement.
Minerals come in many different forms. The forms most commonly used in supplements are sulfates and oxides forms, such as zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, cupric sulfate, manganese sulfate, and others. Oxides and sulfates are some of the cheapest and most concentrated forms of minerals, which results in their popularity for use in multivitamins. Unlike other products, our formulas include the most expensive and much better absorbed organic forms of minerals from Albion®.
3. Herb and fruit extracts. Balanced Trio includes extracts of pomegranate, bilberry, hawthorn, red wine, turmeric, cinnamon, marigold, chamomile, lemon balm and hops. All of these herbs have been used for centuries in Europe and Asia and they benefits are verified in the resent scientific literature. We include standardized extracts to insure consistent quality and potency of these extracts.
There are many novel herbs and fruits coming to the market every day. While they might offer some benefits, their long term effects have not been sufficiently studied. When selecting ingredients our key priorities are safety and time-tested effectiveness.
4. DHA/EPA-rich fish oil. Balanced Trio includes DHA and EPA which are the essential omega-3 fatty acids.Their benefits have been verified by a number of studies and include support for cardiovascular system, neurological function, healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and many others.
Current recommendations call for daily intake of 500mg of DHA and EPA. Balanced Trio Mid-day formulas includes 218 mg of DHA and 308 mg of EPA.
The source of our DHA and EPA is purified dry fish oil. The fish oil has been molecularity distilled to remove any potential environmental toxins. Then it was pulverized and covered in protective layer of gelatin. The advantage of using dry fish oil is that it is easily digestible and does not cause fishy burping in vast majority of people who take it.
5. Coenzyme Q-10. Balanced Trio includes CoQ10 in Mid-day formula. CoQ10 has two vital roles in our bodies: energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. CoQ10 is involved in energy production in mitochondria and is found in the highest concentrations in organs that have the highest metabolic energy requirements, such as the heart, kidney, liver and skeletal muscle.
It is important to note that the levels of CoQ10 decrease as we age and that this decrease in CoQ10 is associated with the aging process and many age-related conditions. Supplementation with CoQ10 replenishes the diminished levels of CoQ10, fostering a protective defense against oxidative stress and age-related disease.
6. Carotenoids. Balanced Trio includes the following carotenoids lutein, lycopen, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are fat-soluble natural pigments responsible for bright red-orange color of tomatoes, bell peppers, salmon, caviar, shrimp. Carotenoids are powerful anti-oxidants and act in synergy with vitamin A. They are included in our Mid-day formula.
7. Vitamin C complex. In addition to 90 mg of vitamin C divided into two servings, Balanced Trio includes flavonoids rutin, quercetin and citrus bioflavonoids. They all act in synergy with each other and vitamin C. Rutin and quercetin offer anti-inflammatory effect and are used in many countries for blood vessel protection.
These are the only ingredients included in Balanced Trio besides the cellulose capsule in Morning formula and very small amount of neutral ingredients added to form the tablets. Balanced Trio does not contain wheat, dairy, gluten, egg, corn, peanuts/tree nuts, artificial colors of flavors.
Natalia Lukina
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