Micronutrient Testing and Multivitamins

Micronutrient Testing and Multivitamins

Micronutrient testing and multivitamins. The body needs a multitude of nutrients to survive and function optimally. The most common way to get said nutrients is with well rounded diet and adjunctive supplementation. I get a lot of questions about what a “good multivitamin is”. And the real answer is that there isn’t one. Multivitamins should be selected based on individual nutrient need and health status. This is determined based on multiple factors such as symptom picture, and micronutrient status. Micronutrient status is primarily determined by blood tests, which can be individualized based on symptoms, or full micronutrient panel evaluation. Each testing method involves specific implications which you must discuss with your doctor. However, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you multivitamin has a good amount of fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, and good dosage content for each nutrient, all of which is specific to your health need. Micronutrients refer to our many vitamins and minerals our body needs to survive and work properly. Our nutrient content is primarily established in our early years of life. It involves laying a healthy foundation of nutrients, and working to maintain that basal nutrient content with healthy well rounded diet and/or adjunctive nutrient supplementation. There are many opinions circling the best multivitamin. The best multivitamin is the one that contains nutrients specific to your individualized health status. Some people need more specific nutrients than others based on comorbidities, diet, allergies, and symptoms. When selecting a proper multivitamin, it is important for patient and doctor to investigate individual health status, either with blood testing for individual nutrients or micronutrient testing. When selecting a good multivitamin, it is important to pay attention to water and fat soluble vitamin content, mineral content, and individual dosage content. Before purchasing any supplements, always consult your keystone doctor to select the best one you need for your current health status. It is also important to remember that your multivitamin may change over time based on nutrient replenishment and symptom/ailment resolution.