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For several years now I have recommended the Perfect Multi as the best choice for an exceptional multivitamin. A multivitamin should be the source from which you get most of the vitamins and minerals in a single cost-effective package. The multivitamin should be the cornerstone of everyone's vitamin program. If you do nothing else, take a multivitamin daily. Recently, Purity Products has released an advanced multi called Perfect Multi Super Greens. It is the same Perfect Multi formula, to which they have added the anti-oxidant power of 9 servings of fruits and vegetables. For those of us that do not get 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, this is the ideal vitamin. For the over 60 crowd, I recommend Perfect Multi Focus, as it contains 10 additional ingredients all directed toward maintaining memory and mental focus. The daily dose of all of the Perfect Multi formulas is 4 capsules daily, two with breakfast and two with supper. I recommend the Focus formula for those who have macular degeneration and glaucoma.

In addition to the Perfect Multi, there are several others that should be taken separately due to their bulky nature. The first is Vitamin C. Large clinical studies have shown Vitamin C to prevent cataracts, repair injuries, and prevent or ameliorate colds and flu. It has also been shown to aid cancer survival. In addition to the 500 mg in the multi, I recommend taking 500 mg extra. It can be taken safely in much larger quantities, the only side effect being loose stools. The sicker we are, the more Vitamin C we need and can take without this side effect.

Calcium and Magnesium combined should be the next supplement. Everyone recognizes calcium as being important in the prevention of osteoporosis, yet its role in heart and muscle function is even more important. Magnesium is equally important in both roles. Magnesium is much underrated by physicians and the public. Calcium is necessary for the contraction of muscle, while magnesium is just as important for its relaxation. One third of all fatal heart attacks occur in people with completely healthy coronary arteries. Why? It could be explained by the lack of the critical electrolytes calcium, magnesium, and potassium. I recommend an equal intake of 500 mg of calcium and magnesium, contained in 2 capsules of Magnesium Citrate, and 2 capsules of Osteo-Nutrients ll. Remember that sweating heavily can cause loss of these electrolytes, and that more calcium and magnesium should be taken under those circumstances. For those who hate sunbathing (or are advised not to), I recommend 2000-4000 IU Vitamin D daily. Full body exposure to sun for 20 minutes will produce 10,000 IU of vitamin D for you. The symptoms for lack to Vitamin D, interestingly enough, very closely resemble the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. The least expensive way to add vitamin D (besides sunshine) is Liqui-D3, where 1 drop equals 2000 IU's.

Nutritionists lately have been saying that the number one deficiency in this country today is omega 3 fats. A deficiency of omega 3 fats is a strong factor in the upsurge of both inflammatory and allergic diseases. I recommend Cod Liver or Fish Oil as a secondary source of omega 3 oils, 1 teaspoon daily. For those of you who remember the taste from childhood, I now sell a highly purified, lemon/orange flavored Cod Liver Oil, which actually tastes quite nice. Liquid Cod Liver Oil is a much better value than capsules.

I consider the above program to be the bare bones of nutritional supplementation. Yet by following this regimen, you will be taking a more well-rounded vitamin program than most people who take supplements. My desire for you is that your eyes remain healthy and your vision remains strong, as well as your general health.

Jim McNabb, M.D.
Eye Physicians of Austin