Dr. Fuhrman’s Gentle Care Formula
Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement

Avoid taking supplements containing these ingredients: vitamin A, high dose (200 IUs or greater) isolated Vitamin E, beta carotene, copper and iron

Dr. Fuhrman designed his multivitamin mineral (MVM) supplement, Gentle Care Formula, with the highest standards for safety, efficacy, and quality in mind. No where else will you find a MVM supplement that takes into consideration all of the latest scientific findings and continues to reinvent itself as new evidence about the harmful or beneficial effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation is exposed. Most MVM products on the market all have too much of some things and too little of others. Dr. Fuhrman's goal in creating this multi vitamin and mineral product is to first "do no harm" and second provide a best in class multi that will top off a good diet.

CAN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS HURT INSTEAD OF HELP?

The main problem with taking a typical multivitamin is that it may expose you to extra nutrients that you do not need. While most people can certainly benefit from a multivitamin, it is important to choose the right one. Excessive quantities of some vitamins and minerals can be toxic or have long term negative health effects. Some forms are more absorbable and useful to our bodies then others. Selecting a multivitamin can be very confusing because new and sometimes conflicting research appears almost every day. There are endless varieties available and a never ending list of health claims. Dr. Fuhrman thoroughly reviews the medical literature before allowing ingredients to be included in his Gentle Care Formula. When new research becomes available, the product is reformulated as necessary.

More is Not Always Better

We know it is important to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies but it is just as important to avoid consuming excessively high levels of certain nutrients. Frequently, Dr. Fuhrman finds that patients who take an assortment of nutritional supplements consume potentially harmful levels of B6, iron, and even selenium, copper or zinc. The levels of vitamins and minerals in Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula are optimized to provide enough of each nutrient while not running the risk of dangerously high intake levels. This well designed multivitamin can be used without fear of exposure to excessive or toxic components.

Folic Acid - Recent Studies Indicate Folic Acid May Promote Tumor Growth

Recently, there have been some troubling studies connecting folic acid supplementation and cancer.¹ Folate and folic acid are members of the B vitamin family. Folate is the form found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods. Too much folate obtained naturally from food is not a concern. It comes naturally packaged in balance with other micronutrients and the body regulates its absorption.²

Folic acid is the synthetic form that is added to food or used as an ingredient in vitamin supplements. Folic acid is added to most enriched, refined grain products like bread, rice and pasta in the U.S. and Canada in an attempt to replace the nutrients lost during the processing of the whole grain. Since folic acid is added to so many refined grain products, it is very easy for a typical diet combined with a multivitamin to end up with very high levels of folic acid. Folic acid is not found in natural foods.

Recent studies have shown that folic acid supplementation may be a double edged sword: getting enough may keep tumors from starting by repairing errors in DNA, but getting too much may feed tumors once they start.³ It may play a dual role in cancer development by providing protection early in carcinogenesis and in individuals with a low folate status, but promoting carcinogenesis if administered later at higher intakes. This could affect people who may have an early stage tumor but are not aware it.⁴

In response to this ongoing research, Dr. Fuhrman has removed the folic acid from the Gentle Care Formula until more conclusive data is available. A diet rich in green vegetables is high in folate, and one can't escape from the biological needs of humans to eat green vegetables regularly. Depending on supplements instead of vegetables and taking folic acid instead of the folate found in natural foods is something that Dr. Fuhrman no longer supports. We can't escape the need to eat vegetables to obtain the preferred form of folate, whether pregnant or not.

Beta Carotene and Vitamin A are Risky to Take in Supplemental Form

Dr. Fuhrman does not recommend taking supplements that contain vitamin A or isolated beta-carotene because there are risks associated with consumption of these nutrients above what we receive in our diet. Ingesting vitamin A or beta-carotene in isolation from supplements, instead of food may interfere with the absorption of other crucially important carotenoids, such as lutein and lycopene, thus potentially increasing cancer risk.⁵

Isolated Beta-Carotene Increases Cancer Risk

The precursor to vitamin A, beta carotene was once regarded as a safe and beneficial antioxidant and even recommended as an anti-cancer vitamin, but it has recently been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers when administered as an isolated supplement. Scientists now suspect that problems may result when beta-carotene is ingested without other carotenoids that would have been present had it been ingested from real food. Beta-carotene is only one of about 500 carotenoids that exist. Beta-carotene supplements are poor substitutes for the broad assortment of carotenoid compounds found in plants.

Researchers thought that beta-carotene had a powerful anti-cancer effect because they had found that populations with high levels of beta-carotene in their bloodstream had exceedingly low rates of cancer. Recently, it was discovered that the reason these people were protected against cancer was because of hundreds of carotenoids and phytochemicals in the fruits and vegetables they were consuming. It wasn't that beta carotene alone was responsible for the benefit; it was merely that it had served as a flag or marker for those populations with a high fruit and vegetable intake. Unfortunately, many scientists confused the flag for the ship.

In Finnish trials, using beta-carotene supplements failed to prevent lung cancer, and there was actually an increase in cancer in those who took the supplement.⁶ This study was halted when the physician researchers discovered the death rate from lung cancer was 28 percent higher among participants who had taken the high amounts of beta carotene and vitamin A. The death rate from heart disease was also 17 percent higher in those who had taken the supplements compared to those just given a placebo.⁷ Another recent study showed similar results, correlating beta-carotene supplementation with an increased occurrence of prostate cancer.

As a result of these European studies, as well as similar studies conducted here in the United States, articles in the New England Journal of Medicine,⁸ the Journal of the National Cancer Institute,⁹ and the Lancet¹⁰ all advise people to stop taking beta-carotene supplements.

Vitamin A Poses Even Greater Risk

Yes, taking extra vitamin A (retinyl palmatate and retinyl acetate) may be even more risky than using supplemental beta carotene. Since beta-carotene gets converted into vitamin A by your body, there is no reason a person eating a reasonably healthy diet should require any extra vitamin A. There is solid research revealing that supplemental vitamin A induces calcium loss in the urine, contributing to osteoporosis. Too much vitamin A is known to be toxic to the liver, and can cause birth defects. The most common effect of toxic doses of vitamin A in animals is spontaneous fracture.

In humans, excess vitamin A is potentially a problem, even in ranges not normally considered toxic.¹¹ One study found that subjects with a vitamin A intake in the range of 1.5 mg had double the hip fracture rate of those with an intake in that range of .5 mg.¹² For every 1 mg increase in vitamin A consumption, hip fracture rate increased by 68%.

In spite of the huge volume of solid information documenting the deleterious effects of beta carotene and vitamin A, it is still impossible to find a multiple vitamin that does not contain these substances. This is what motivated Dr. Fuhrman to develop his own multivitamin formula. The Gentle Care Formula contains a wide range of natural, plant food carotenoids, not just beta carotene and it has no isolated vitamin A.

What about Iron and Copper?

Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula does not contain iron. It is wise not to take supplemental iron unless needed. Iron is an oxidant and can contribute to infection and even increases risk of heart attack. It only should be taken as a supplement when a deficiency exists, which is almost always due to blood loss.

Recent studies have shown that excess copper could be associated with reduced immune function and lower antioxidant status.¹³ Recently published research also indicates that high copper intake and diets high in saturated and trans fats could lead to an accelerated rate of mental decline in older adults.¹⁴ For this reason, The Gentle Care Formula does not include copper.

DO PEOPLE EATING A RELATIVELY HEALTHY DIET NEED A MULTI?

Dr. Fuhrman believes they do. Some people, even when consuming an ideal diet, may need more of certain nutrients. Individual absorption and utilization of nutrients varies from person to person and some people simply require more to maximize their health. For example, some individuals require more Vitamin D or B12 due to differences in absorption and utilization, and likewise some may also require more minerals such as selenium or zinc for maximizing their health and longevity. By taking this multi along with an excellent diet longevity and protection against disease is even more enhanced.

It is well established that a high quality, nutrient dense diet can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.¹⁵ Most Americans however, continue to eat a nutritionally deficient, disease causing diet. In fact, eighty percent do not even come close to eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This leads to significant deficiencies in a number of micronutrients such as vitamins E and C, the B vitamins, zinc, carotenoids and magnesium.¹⁶

Real nutrient-rich, natural foods supply much more than vitamins and minerals. Taking a multi, even this carefully designed one, is obviously not a substitute for healthful eating and can't supply ideal levels of all micronutrients or make up for the harmful substances taken in when consuming processed foods. This supplement is designed for people who are already eating fairly healthfully. While we can't ensure we are always getting the proper balance and amount of all nutrients - despite even the best efforts, it makes sense to take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to bring our level of micronutrients up to ideal levels. Both too much and too little nutrients can be sub-optimal. Suboptimal intake of some vitamins is a risk factor for chronic diseases and common in the general population, especially the elderly.¹⁷ This supplement is designed to optimize nutrient levels, while at the same time Dr. Fuhrman is cautious not to give too much of any nutrient and to specifically avoid those that are questionable and are better off being supplied by natural foods to avoid risk.

Does this Product Meet the Needs of Vegetarians?

A total vegetarian (vegan) diet is deficient in meeting the nutrient needs of most individuals for vitamin B12. This supplement supplies 500 percent of the RDI for B12. The decision to use more than the RDI for B12 was because so many people require more than the RDI, especially vegans and the elderly. Plus, extra B122 is completely non-toxic. If you choose to follow a vegan diet, it is essential to consume enough supplemental B12. The Gentle Care Formula supplies the extra B12 and vitamin D that vegans almost always need, while maintaining the vegan purity of the product. Additional zinc is also useful for most vegans. This supplement is totally vegan, unlike the vast majority of supplements that make this claim. For example, the vitamin D in most "so called" vegan supplements is made from sheep's wool fat. Similarly, many supplement ingredients use fish emulsion as a stabilizer. Ingredient sources and methods of manufacturing are carefully researched so Dr. Fuhrman can guarantee that his product is suitable for vegan customers.

DR. FUHRMAN'S GENTLE CARE FORMULA

The most current nutrition research is used to determine what Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula does and does not contain. The highest quality, most absorbable forms of each nutrient are used. Dr. Fuhrman continually reviews the ingredients in his products. He makes sure they contain the best form of each nutrient in the optimal amount.

HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE VITAMINS

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps make red blood cells and keeps your nervous system working properly. Studies have shown,10 to 30% of people over 50 are unable to absorb the vitamin B12 that is found naturally in food.¹⁸ Nutrient supplementation beyond what can be obtained from the diet is often necessary to optimize immune function, especially in older people. Even people eating the high nutrient diet that Dr. Fuhrman recommends may be deficient in vitamin B12. Although diets low in animal products dramatically reduce risk of developing certain diseases and increase life expectancy, they need a supplemental source of vitamin B12 which is found mainly in foods of animal origin. Dr. Fuhrman has selected the most biologically active form of B12, methylcolbalamin, since it is readily utilized by the body without requiring any further metabolic steps. Most commonly, vitamin supplements use a synthetic and inactive form of B12 called cyanocobalamin which requires a number of metabolic steps before it can be of any benefit. This is suboptimal especially for some people with certain deficiencies or health issues. Lack of B12 can lead to anemia, depression, stomach problems, and nerve damage

Vitamin D2

Deficiency of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is very common because many avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen or spend most of their time indoors. Avoiding the sun may protect against skin damage, but a vitamin D insufficiency can be an important contributing factor in the progression of osteoporosis. A lack of vitamin D has also been associated with higher rates of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.¹⁹
Taking supplemental vitamin D is highly recommended. Gentle Care contains a plant derived form of vitamin D (ergocalciferol) so the supplement stays vegan. As a result, it supplies a higher dose than the standard RDI (200 percent RDI) because there is a reduced effectiveness using this vegan form. Many people do require even more vitamin D than can be supplied by a multivitamin. For those requiring additional vitamin D support, Dr. Fuhrman also makes available Osteo-Sun, combining an optimal blend of calcium, D, and other supportive minerals.

Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate with mixed tocotrienols)

Functions as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from free radicals. Increased consumption is associated with beneficial effects related to cardiovascular disease, dementia, and some cancers. This entirely natural source of mixed vitamin E fragments is also the most bioavailable form of vitamin E. Some studies have shown negative effects from high-dose isolated vitamin E supplementation. Dr. Fuhrman does not recommend high dose isolated vitamin E. The amount in Gentle Care is low and it is the more expensive, safer and effective form, from food sources with mixed fractions of tocopheryl and tocotrienols.

Vitamin K2

Acts as a coenzyme in a variety of metabolic reactions essential for blood clotting. Additionally, vitamin K is important in supporting bone health; without it, our bodies could not utilize the calcium needed for bone and tooth formation. Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula contains Vitamin K2, a naturally occurring form of vitamin K shown to have superior, more complete absorption²⁰ over vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 is more potent and has the widest range of activity. It is another important feature that makes Gentle Care Formula unique.

K2 alone, has also been found to protect against arterial calcification and the oxidation (free radical damage) of LDL cholesterol.²¹ In 2004, the Rotterdam Study, revealed that increased dietary intake specifically of vitamin K2 significantly reduced the risk of Coronary Heart Disease by 50% as compared to low dietary vitamin K2 intake. In this study, Vitamin K1 had no effect.²² Far more active than K1, in both bone formation and reduction of bone loss; supplementation with vitamin K2 has been shown to be an effective treatment against osteoporosis. A review study of randomized controlled human trials of at least 6 months duration that assessed the use of vitamin K1 or K2 to lower fracture risk identified 13 trials. In all but one, vitamin K reduced bone loss with K2 being most effective, reducing risk of vertebral fracture by 60%, hip fracture by 77% and all non-vertebral fractures by 81%.²³

HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE MINERALS

Bioavailability refers to the amount of an ingested nutrient that is actually absorbed and made available for use in the body. Minerals have a wide range of bioavailability depending on the form they are in and what they are bonded to. Nutrients ingested in supplemental form are not useful unless they can be absorbed and utilized for growth, maintenance and repair. In Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula, he has selected the mineral forms with greatest bioavailability. Amino acid chelates are used because they have the potential to enhance absorption by forming a complex with the mineral. Chelation is a natural function of the body to facilitate transport of minerals across the intestinal wall as part of digestion. Amino acids are good chelating agents because they are very well absorbed by the body.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for the health of many of the body's systems. It is particularly important for healthy skin and is essential for a healthy immune system and resistance to infection. Zinc, generally, can not be absorbed by the body unless it is linked up with other substances. Most commonly it is linked up with organic acids or amino acids in a process called chelation. These chelated forms are more absorbable than others. The Zinc picolinate is included in the formula because zinc absorption in humans can be improved by complexing zinc with picolinic acid.²⁴ Zinc when ingested, forms a complex with picolinic acid which enhances the rate of absorption. Vegetarians, vegans and flexatarians require more zinc, compared with those that regularly consume animal products because the zinc from animal products is more easily absorbed than the zinc from plant sources.

Selenium

A number of studies have indicated that selenium supplementation may lower cancer risk.²⁵ Selenium has a variety of functions in our bodies including making antioxidant enzymes which play a role in preventing cell damage. Plant sources are the most common source of selenium but content varies widely depending on the selenium levels of the soil in which the plant was grown. Selenomethionine, the form used in Dr. Fuhrman's Gentle Care Formula is recognized to be superior to the inorganic selenium salts used in many products and is the form associated with reduction of cancer risk.²⁶

Iodine

The main source of iodine in the diet is iodized salt. High salt intake however, is a primary cause of high blood pressure. The Gentle Care Formula takes into consideration Dr. Fuhrman's recommendation to avoid all salt added to food. This multiple will assure adequate iodine intake in those who seek to minimize their salt intake.

Remember, dietary supplements are indeed supplements, not substitutes for a healthy diet. Supplements alone cannot offer optimal protection against disease, and you cannot make an unhealthy diet into a healthy one by consuming supplements.

Suggested Use:
Two tablets daily (best when taken with meals)

Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate)

Vitamin D (as ergocalciferol)

Vitamin K₂(as natural menaquinone-7 (MK-7))

Thiamin (as thiamin HCl)

Riboflavin

Niacin (as niacinamide)

Vitamin B₆ (as pyridoxine HCl)

Vitamin B₁₂ (as methylcobalamin)

Biotin

Pantothenic Acid (as D-calcium pantothenate)

Calcium (as calcium citrate and calcium ascorbate)

Iodine (from kelp)

Magnesium (as magnesium oxide, magnesium aspartate, and magnesium glycinate)

Zinc (as zinc oxide and zinc picolinate)

Selenium (as selenomethionine and sodium selenite)

Manganese (as manganese amino acid chelate)

Chromium (as chromium amino acid chelate)

Molybdenum (as molybdenum amino acid chelate)

Inositol

Vanadium (as vanadium amino acid chelote)

Broccolli Sprout extract

Bilberry fruit extract (25% anthrocyanins)

Green Cabbage floret concentrate

Citrus Bioflavonoid complex

** Daily Value (DV) not established.

Other ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate and silica.

• Gentle Care is gluten free.
• Contains corn or corn derivatives.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store at 15-30*C (59-86*F).
• Protect from heat, light and moisture.

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