I’m not sure if you’re female or male. Please note that most older men (and some older women) do not require supplemental iron. This is the reason why multivitamin/mineral formulas for men and seniors omit this nutrient.

Be well!

JP

I take one in the morning with breakfast and it has really seemed to help me stay healthy and have more energy. I like that they are all natural and not made with gelatin, and they contain both calcium and iron which I need. A bottle is reasonably priced and is a balanced formula that keeps me going and healthy.

I believe the only difference between versions 5 & 11 (with regard to vitamin A) is that version 11 has 4,000 IUs of pro-vitamin A and 1,000 IUs of pre-formed A (palmitate). Version 5 has 5,000 IUs of pro-vitamin A only. The total vitamin A activity should be equivalent.

Be well!

JP

Best regards

Sai

I just got word from Vitacost. They assured me that they do test for heavy metals, including lead, as part of their standard quality control practice.

Sorry for the delay in posting this reply. I was disappointed that they (Vitacost customer service) didn’t e-mail me back with an answer to our question. I had to call them to follow up on the matter.

9/18/09 Update: I just got an e-mail from Vitacost confirming that they do in fact screen for heavy metals.

Be well!

JP

This isn’t necessarily gender specific. Women (and some men) may need to add some supplemental iron. Supplemental iron is generally not recommended unless blood tests and/or symptoms of anemia dictate it. The reason for this is that excess iron may be harmful.

re: the serving size

The product calls for two packets (9 capsules and 2 soft gels in each packet) to be taken a day. Preferably, I think it should be taken with breakfast and dinner or with food early and later in the day.

re: the lead

NSI (Vitacost’s product line) states that they have thorough quality control measures in place. These should include testing for heavy metals.

http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy/Manufacturing

I’ll contact them directly and see if they can verify that they test for lead and other heavy metals as part of their standard QC protocol. I shall report back.

Be well!

JP

The Other concern is the traces of lead on all the multivitamin. I checked vitacost and there is no information regading the lead for this product. Please share with me if you find it.

Best regards

Sai

Best Regards

Sai

I really have to salute your pateince and good thoughts. I think taking fish oil is OK and I am OK with the first one. I am taking Janumet (that is the part i need to check and see if it interacts with my medication). Thanks again for guiding me chosse a good product. But just out of curiosity, it says 18 capsules(per serving), so shd we take 18 capsules all at once (meaning 18 pills to swallow?)

Best Regards

Sai

The multivitamin I currently take comes in individual serving packets. It includes a fish oil supplement as part of each packet. The reason I chose this product is because it combines many of the nutrients and herbal extracts that I prefer not to take separately. If this one is too broad, expensive or inappropriate due to the fish oil part of it … then I’ll suggest a few alternatives.

What I currently use:

http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy-Ultra-Multi-Vitamin-Version-5

A more basic (and economical version):

http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy-3000-Multi-Vitamin-ToCoQ10-Mega-EFA

A different multi with no fish oil:

http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy-3000-Multi-Vitamin-Version-11

Please note that these products contain quite a few herbal extracts. In general, I believe these are healthful additions. But, if you’re on medications it’s possible that some contraindications may be present.

I hope this helps. Feel free to let me know if you have any follow up questions.

Be well!

JP