The first five letters of the alphabet all have a vitamin equivalent.When considering a multi, you want to make sure you have plenty of all these, but you also want a broad range of minerals, which are easily lost during intense workouts. Here, we give you a rundown on the importance of these vitamins and compare seven popular formulas, each of which has unique advantages. We’ve also listed the amount of key vitamins each formula contains.
Vitamins and Daily Values
Many vitamins and minerals have a Daily Value (DV) assigned to them, which refers to the bare minimum amount to take. Hard-training athletes may need several times more than 100% of the DV for optimal health, performance, and growth.
Vitamin A: DV 5,000 IU
Vitamin A has anti- oxidant properties (it destroys free radicals created by intense exercise). The beta carotene form also supports metabolism.
Vitamin C: DV 60mg
Also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin is among the most potent of the an- tioxidants, promoting faster recovery and better growth. Recent research shows that vitamin C supports more intense training by reducing heart rate, thereby also reducing the perception of fatigue and exertion.
Vitamin D: DV 400 IU
Recent research shows that vitamin D not only plays a role in increasing strength, it also boosts testosterone levels.
Vitamin E: DV 30 IU
E is a fat-soluble vitamin and works as an antioxidant, helping protect your cells from free radicals. It also supports muscle growth and joint health. While it’s plen- tiful in our food supply, those who work out with intensity should consider supplementing for additional benefits and gains.
What’s in a Dose? Pick the formula that’s best for you based on the goals you want to achieve
Animal Pak ■ 9,900 IU of vitamin A ■ 1,000mg of vitamin C ■ 680 IU of vitamin D ■ 300 IU of vitamin E Includes 2g of fiber, 6g of protein, and digestive enzymes. Animal Pak was designed for bodybuilders and other athletes.
CYTOSPORT MONSTER MULTI ■ 12,500 IU of vitamin A ■ 600mg of vitamin C ■ 2,500 IU of vitamin D ■ 200 IU of vitamin E Includes fish oil for cardio support, astragalus for immune function and milk thistle for liver health.
DYMATIZE SUPER MULTI ■ 3,000 IU of vitamin A ■ 200mg of vitamin C ■ 400 IU of vitamin D ■ 60IU of vitamin E Designed for hard-training athletes, this offers an affordable daily dosing price of about 44 cents.
GASPARI NUTRITION ANAVITE ■ 5,000 IU of vitamin A ■ 250mg of vitamin C ■ 1,000 IU of vitamin D ■ 30 IU of vitamin E Boosts endurance and recovery with beta-alanine and a proprietary blend of L-carnitine/L-tartrate.
GNC AMP RIPPED VITAPAK PROGRAM ■ 5,000 IU of vitamin A ■ 300mg of vitamin C ■ 1,600 IU of vitamin D ■ 30 IU of vitamin E This product also includes CLA and proprietary formulations to accelerate body-fat loss.
OPTIMUM OPTI-MEN ■ 10,000 IU of vitamin A ■ 300 mg of vitamin C ■ 300 IU of vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) ■ 200 IU of vitamin E Contains five proprietary formulas, including a blend of amino acids and botanicals that enhance male vitality.
SIX STAR VITAMIN PACK ■ 8,700 IU of vitamin A ■ 135mg of vitamin C ■ 26 IU of vitamin D ■ 85 IU of vitamin E Also contains about 250mg of a range of amino acids, plus PABA and inositol, among other nutrients.
Animal Pak
CYTOSPORT MONSTER MULTI
OPTIMUM OPTI-MEN
