Elke Dag Capsules - carefully designed everyday multivitamin with optimal absorption | Vitals

Elke Dag Capsules is a specifically designed multi for teenagers from 14 years (1 capsule per day), or adults (2 capsules per day) who prefer capsules instead of tablets.

Just like the other multis in the 'Elke Dag' series, this product is distinguished by its composition and the chosen ingredients and vitamin and mineral compounds. This formula contains vitamin D3, K1, K2, the biologically active forms of B2, B6, B12 and uses a superior biologically active form of folic acid (5-MTHF with the brand name Quatrefolic®). Vitamin C consists of the non-acidic, easily absorbable form of magnesium ascorbate. The minerals consist of excellently absorbable compounds. Furthermore, the dosages are based on the most recent scientific insights and tailored to current data regarding the nutritional status in the Netherlands and the optimal intake amounts per nutrient.

B vitamins in optimal forms and doses
The Elke Dag-multis contain ample but responsible amounts of B vitamins. The daily needs and the average intakes and their lower limits were carefully examined. This also takes into account the extent to which the body is able to convert the various B vitamins, the latest scientific insights and the safe upper limits.

All formulas also contain the biologically active forms of vitamin B2 (riboflavin-5'-phosphate), B6 (pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), B12 (methyl- and adenosylcobalamin) and folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt). These are the forms as they are used by the body and research shows that they have a higher bioavailability in the body.

Vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5'-phosphate
Very high doses of vitamin B6 can occasionally lead to tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. That is why a maximum safe upper limit of 21 mg per day for adults is used in the Netherlands for vitamin preparations. The Elke Dag multis remain far below this (maximum 4.2 mg). In addition, only pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P-5'-P), the biologically active form of vitamin B6, is used, and not pyridoxine HCl, which still needs to be converted in the body. Further research is currently being conducted to determine whether the above-mentioned incidental side effects only occur with vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxine HCl and not, or to a lesser extent, with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. There are indications that only pyridoxine HCl in high doses is toxic to nerve cells.

Folic acid as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid), which is used for stability reasons. Usually used in nutritional supplements, it is a synthetic form that does not occur in nature. It occurs in the diet as folate. Folic acid from supplements must be converted by the body into tetrahydrofolate and then into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Research shows that this complex conversion process is far from optimal for a significant group of people. Supplementation with 5-MTHF circumvents this problem.

The Elke Dag multis use the superior form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, bound to glucosamine salt (with the brand name Quatrefolic®). This bond with glucosamine salt (from a vegetable source) makes it possible to keep the biologically active form stable and ensures optimal absorption. Studies show that Quatrefolic® has higher water solubility, stability and bioavailability. In addition, 5-MTHF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike the 'normal' (synthetic) form of folic acid.

Vitamin B12 as methyl- and adenosylcobalamin
The absorption of vitamin B12 from food is a complex process. In addition, there are indications that the RI (formerly RDA) of 2.5 µg per day has been estimated too low and the requirement of healthy adults and the elderly may vary and amount to more than 20 µg per day. Due to the safety of vitamin B12 supplementation and the sometimes difficult absorption of B12 from food and supplements, the Elke Dag multis contain generous doses of the biologically active forms methyl and adenosylcobalamin.

Many other B12 products and multis contain cyanocobalamin, which is a cheaper, synthetic form of vitamin B12, which does not occur naturally and must be converted into the active forms by the body. The cyanide part is disconnected from the cobalamin (B12) and this must then be cleared by the body. Studies show that vitamin B12 in the form of methyl and adenosylcobalamin has a higher bioavailability than cyanocobalamin.

Large vitamin D doses, from vegetable sources
European government institutions have determined in recent years that the level for an adequate intake of vitamin D from food should be higher (15 µg) and that the maximum permitted dosage could be increased (100 µg). In the Netherlands they are still cautious and indicate that 10 µg is sufficient and that the maximum amount is 75 µg. Strangely enough, the RI (or RDA) is still stuck at 5 µg. But in the orthomolecular world the importance of higher doses has been known for some time. Leading vitamin D experts recommend that adults' vitamin D (calcidiol) levels should be at least 75 nmol/l. To maintain such vitamin D levels, an oral dose of vitamin D3 is estimated at 25-75 µg per day.

The Elke Dag multis contain large doses of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This form is much more effective than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) in increasing vitamin D levels. In addition, the new Elke Dag multis use vegetable vitamin D3 (Vitamin D3V®). It is produced from algae, and not from sheep's wool fat (like most vitamin D3 products). This means that all multis in the Elke Dag series are now also suitable for vegans.

Vitamin K1 and K2
The Elke Dag multis now also contain a small amount of vitamin K1, in addition to a higher dose of vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 is mainly absorbed by the liver and mainly activates clotting factors, while vitamin K2 has greater bioavailability, is distributed much more widely throughout the body tissues and is therefore more effective in activating other vitamin K-dependent enzymes such as osteocalcin and MGP. These ensure, among other things, that calcium is properly absorbed and ends up in the right place, namely in the bones. The body will always use vitamin K first for the vital blood clotting function. Because vitamin K2 is a much more expensive raw material than vitamin K1, a small amount of K1 is added to the multis so that it can be used for the priority blood clotting function and the K2 can be used for the other, very important functions.

The regularly established RI for vitamin K is based on the amount required for normal blood clotting. Strangely enough, the optimal dosage of vitamin K has not been examined when it comes to other vitamin K-dependent body processes.

Stability of vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 appears to be a to be a very sensitive substance. Particularly in combination with calcium and/or magnesium, the content of this vitamin in a tablet or capsule decreases rapidly. Using vitamin K2 in a product with high doses of calcium and/or magnesium is technically a real challenge. Vitals therefore uses a K2 ingredient with the brand name K2Vital® Delta, which is even stable in a formula with many of these minerals. A patented micro-encapsulation process is used, where the fat-soluble K2 particles are protected with two layers from interaction with other ingredients. Vitals had research carried out in an independent laboratory into the stability of K2Vital® Delta and it came out on top in the test. It was compared to other brands of vitamin K2, specifically in combination with the ingredients used in Vitals products. The conclusions were that protecting the K2 is absolutely necessary, that the K2 content remained well stable with K2Vital® Delta, and that it was superior to the other K2 ingredients.

Natural calcium and magnesium from the sea
The multis use calcium and magnesium from the Aquamin® brand, from the sea. In the multi, much higher doses are achieved than with previously used forms of compound, while the absorption of these ingredients has been proven to be good.

The magnesium (Aquamin Magnesium) is obtained from the seawater of the Irish Sea, and studies show that it is well absorbed into the body. In addition to approximately 35% elemental magnesium, the raw material also contains small amounts of other minerals and trace elements.

The calcium (Aquamin Calcium) comes from a red algae called Lithothamnium calcareum. This type of algae absorbs minerals and trace elements from the sea and stores them. When alive it has a beautiful red/pink color, but when it dies it calcifies and turns white or light gray. Only calcified red algae is harvested, from the waters off the coast of Iceland. In addition to 32% calcium, the raw material also contains 3% magnesium and small amounts of other minerals and trace elements. The synergistic effect of the natural trace element profile of this calcium and magnesium may partly explain the better absorption. and the impressive studies that have been done with it.

Iron, zinc, copper and manganese as amino acid chelate (bisglycinate)
For the minerals iron, zinc, copper and manganese amino acid chelates (bisglycinates) were chosen. Each mineral particle is strongly bound (chelated) to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. Minerals in this form of compound reach the small intestine well and are very well absorbed. They are also gentle on the stomach, which can be a major advantage, especially in the case of iron. In addition, Vitals specifically chooses the amino acid chelates from Albion Minerals, recognizable by the trademark TRAACS®, which stands for The Real Amino Acid Chelate System. This brand was created to make a good distinction compared to other, possibly inferior, unstable amino acid chelates. Albion has registered more than 100 patents worldwide that guarantee the process, science and structure of their amino acid chelated minerals.

Unique: relatively high dose of choline
Choline has been used as standard in multis for a long time. But almost always in low doses (between 10-30 mg). Because not much was known about it. But more and more is now known about it! In 2012, the European Commission approved three health claims for choline, which apply at a dosage of at least 82.5 mg. It is important for normal lipid metabolism, homocysteine metabolism and normal liver function. In 2016, an RDA was set in America for the first time at 550 mg/day, based on clinical research specifically intended to determine the daily requirement. In 2016, the EFSA also ruled that choline is an essential nutrient, but has not yet established an RI. The adequate intake was determined at 400 mg/day, based on the average intake in European countries, and not based on the American study that resulted in 550 mg/day. The average intake of adults in Europe varies between 291 and 468 mg/day. Reason enough to include a large amount of choline in a daily multi!

The Elke Dag multis contain choline from the VitaCholine® brand. This brand stands for superior quality and a lot of research has been done on it.

Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin
Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are natural carotenoids. In the body there is a high concentration of these substances in the retina (retina) and macula lutea ('yellow spot'). The body cannot produce lutein and zeaxanthin itself, but must get them from the diet. These are found in green leafy vegetables and red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Meso-zeaxanthin is only found in very limited quantities in food (shrimp, salmon skin, trout skin and meat). It is mainly produced in the retina by converting lutein through an enzymatic reaction. It can be supplemented well. It has been known for a relatively short time that meso-zeaxanthin is a very good supplement and is preferable to supplementation with only lutein and zeaxanthin.