Multivitamins Are Not Created Equal

Multivitamins are not created equal. The best formulation is one that has an optimized backbone of vitamins and minerals necessary for increasing energy output and meeting daily nutritional needs. You want one pill that can supply key nutrients for your mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. Nutrients like alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and acetyl L-carnitine all boost cellular energy production.

I think of this as the trifecta of micronutrients.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and promotes liver detoxification. NAC has been shown to increase production of glutathione, an important antioxidant found in the body. In addition to its antioxidant activity, glutathione boosts the immune system by activating T-cells, helping to maintain immune balance.

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid that is associated with increased energy production. It has been shown to increase the flow of free fatty acids, the fuel source for mitochondria. The result is a significant boost in energy production. ALC has been shown to increase cellular energy (ATP) production and has been found, in combination with lipoic acid, to lower oxidative stress. Studies have also shown that ALC supports the immune response by protecting CD4 and CD8 immune cells and by supporting the reproduction of lymphocytes for the identification and elimination of invading antigens.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant and also plays a synergistic role in recharging other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione. ALA also plays a key role in detoxification, and studies have shown that a combination of ALA and acetyl L-carnitine helps minimize oxidative damage.

These three nutrients are so important. As we age, free radical production increases oxidative damage to the mitochondria, which can potentially decrease energy production. This oxidative stress causes damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, mitochondrial membranes, and lipids and contributes to the functional decline of mitochondria, cells, tissues, and eventually organs such as the brain. It is possible to pack all three into one vital supplement. Learn more in this week’s newsletters.