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Your Patients Not Eating Enough Fruits and Veggies? A Robust Multi Is a Solution 

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An abundance of research has been published on multivitamins, but one of the most interesting studies was published on March 9, 2026, in Nature Medicine.1 It found that taking a multivitamin daily extends lifespan and reduces the rate of epigenetic clocks. Supplementation with a multivitamin slowed biological aging by about 4 months compared with those who did not take one. The people who benefited the most from the multi were those who already were experiencing signs of increased biological aging at baseline.

A high-quality multivitamin “fills the gaps” in a healthy diet, much like grout between tiles on a counter or floor. It’s nearly impossible to eat the .5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends. Consequently, fortifying patients’ diets with a multivitamin provides foundational support.

Look For a Top-Rated Multivitamin

With a nod to all the research on the benefits of multivitamins, look for a nutrient‑dense multivitamin-phytonutrient formula designed to support antioxidant defense, cellular energy production, cardiometabolic health, and visual-cognitive function across the lifespan. A multi with the combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients makes it ideal for anyone who is not eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Activated B vitamins, optimized minerals, and concentrated carotenoids and polyphenols reflect current evidence on micronutrient synergy in redox balance, methylation, and neuro‑ocular health.2,3

Activated Vitamins for Cellular Function

In a well-formulated multivitamin, a highly bioavailable full B‑complex in largely co‑enzyme forms for optimal absorption. The use of pyridoxal‑5‑phosphate, riboflavin‑5‑phosphate, methylcobalamin, and L‑5‑methyltetrahydrofolate supports one‑carbon metabolism, homocysteine regulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis more efficiently than non‑activated vitamers, particularly in individuals with common polymorphisms affecting folate and B12 metabolism. 4,5

A well-formulated multi also provides robust doses of vitamins A, C, D, and E. Vitamin C and E act as complementary antioxidants in aqueous and lipid compartments, helping to limit lipid peroxidation and maintain membrane integrity, while vitamin A supports epithelial and immune function.6 Vitamin D at 25 mcg (1,000 IU) per serving contributes to musculoskeletal and immune health7 and is frequently suboptimal in general populations.

The Most Effective Forms of Minerals

Mineral support should include zinc monomethionine, selenomethionine, chromium chelate, and modest amounts of magnesium and calcium. Selenium, especially in organic forms such as selenomethionine, is integral to the enzymes glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, and supplementation has been shown to enhance antioxidant capacity and support healthy inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF‑κB and NLRP3, in experimental and clinical settings.2,8,9 Zinc participates in over 300 enzymes and is crucial for immune competence and antioxidant enzymes like Cu/Zn‑superoxide dismutase. At the same time, chromium contributes to insulin signaling and glycemic control,10 with chelated forms often demonstrating improved bioavailability. Choline (VitaCholine®) supports hepatic lipid handling, methylation, and phospholipid synthesis in cell membranes, which are relevant to liver and cognitive health.11,12

Carotenoids and Specialized Antioxidants

A balanced multi includes a focused spectrum of carotenoids—lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin—at physiologically relevant yet meaningful doses. Lutein and zeaxanthin, included as Lutemax® 2020, are the primary macular carotenoids.

Human trials show that supplementation contributes to healthy macular pigment optical density, maintains dynamic visual function, keeps the eyes comfortable during screen time, and supports aspects of cognitive performance, particularly under high blue‑light exposure.13 Emerging pediatric and adult studies with Lutemax®‑based formulations suggest the ability to promote visual attention, memory, and resilience to digital-device-related visual fatigue, underscoring their role as “neuro‑pigments” at the eye‑brain interface.14

Astaxanthin, provided as AstaReal®, is a lipid‑soluble xanthophyll with potent singlet‑oxygen quenching capacity. Meta‑analyses and controlled trials indicate that astaxanthin supplementation can reduce markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde, improve total antioxidant capacity, and, in some studies, support a healthy inflammatory response and other benefits after exercise.15 Lycopene further augments carotenoid‑mediated antioxidant protection, particularly within cardiovascular and prostate tissues, where observational and interventional data link higher lycopene status to reduced oxidative damage and healthy vascular function.16

A Solution for Suboptimal Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Including phytonutrients such as elderberry, pomegranate, blueberry, and strawberry extracts alongside organic spinach leaf, providing anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and nitrates, is a bonus. These compounds have been associated with human and preclinical studies supporting endothelial function, modulating nitric‑oxide signaling, attenuating postprandial oxidative stress, and supporting a healthy inflammatory response, particularly in cardiometabolic risk states.17,18 Elderberry is also associated with a healthy immune response and has beneficial effects on ocular health when combined with lutein and zeaxanthin.19,20  Resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum adds additional support for sirtuin activation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and vascular health, with low‑dose intake on an ongoing basis studied for its potential to contribute to insulin sensitivity, endothelial function, and joint comfort, although results remain heterogeneous.21-23

FROM THE SPONSOR:  Above and Beyond the Standard Multivitamin

Collectively, TG3 Multi delivers a broad micronutrient foundation, combined with targeted carotenoids and polyphenols, to support reduced oxidative stress, a healthy inflammatory response, visual performance, and neurocognitive support. In clinical practice, TG3 Multi may be particularly relevant for individuals with high digital‑screen exposure, cardiometabolic concerns, suboptimal dietary intake of key nutrients, or increased oxidative burden. It should be used as part of a comprehensive lifestyle and nutrition strategy rather than a stand‑alone intervention.

→ Download the Full Study HERE.

References

  1. Li S, Hamaya R, Zhu H, et al. Effects of daily multivitamin-multimineral and cocoa extract supplementation on epigenetic aging clocks in the COSMOS randomized clinical trial. Nat Med. 2026.
  2. Lee JG, Jang JY, Baik SM. Selenium as an Antioxidant: Roles and Clinical Applications in Critically Ill and Trauma Patients: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(3).
  3. Parekh R, Hammond BR, Jr., Chandradhara D. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study. Adv Ther. 2024;41(4):1496-1511.
  4. Kräutler B. Biochemistry of B12-cofactors in human metabolism. Subcell Biochem. 2012;56:323-346.
  5. Willems FF, Boers GH, Blom HJ, Aengevaeren WR, Verheugt FW. Pharmacokinetic study on the utilisation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folic acid in patients with coronary artery disease. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;141(5):825-830.
  6. Stephensen CB. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Annu Rev Nutr. 2001;21:167-192.
  7. Martens PJ, Gysemans C, Verstuyf A, Mathieu AC. Vitamin D’s Effect on Immune Function. Nutrients. 2020;12(5).
  8. Cao J, Guo F, Zhang L, Dong B, Gong L. Effects of dietary Selenomethionine supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, plasma selenium concentration, and immune function in weaning pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol. 2014;5(1):46.
  9. de Farias CR, Cardoso BR, de Oliveira GM, et al. A randomized-controlled, double-blind study of the impact of selenium supplementation on thyroid autoimmunity and inflammation with focus on the GPx1 genotypes. J Endocrinol Invest. 2015;38(10):1065-1074.
  10. Alkhalidi F. A comparative study to assess the use of chromium in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Life. 2023;16(8):1178-1182.
  11. Guerrerio AL, Colvin RM, Schwartz AK, et al. Choline intake in a large cohort of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95(4):892-900.
  12. Sohn M, Park YH, Lim S. Effects of choline alfoscerate on cognitive function and quality of life in type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(3):1350-1358.
  13. Stringham JM, Stringham NT, O’Brien KJ. Macular Carotenoid Supplementation Improves Visual Performance, Sleep Quality, and Adverse Physical Symptoms in Those with High Screen Time Exposure. Foods. 2017;6(7).
  14. Lutein & Zeaxanthin’s Role in Children’s Eye & Brain Health. Lutemax. https://lutemax.com/blog/lutein-zeaxanthins-role-in-childrens-eye-brain-health/. Accessed March 18, 2026.
  15. Gonzalez DE, Dickerson BL, Johnson SE, et al. Impact of astaxanthin supplementation on markers of cardiometabolic health and tactical performance among firefighters. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2427751.
  16. López-Solís R, Castro-Barquero S, Donat-Vargas C, et al. Lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk in men at high cardiovascular risk: a prospective cohort study. BMC Med. 2025;23(1):627.
  17. Whyte AR, Cheng N, Fromentin E, Williams CM. A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Low Dose Enhanced Wild Blueberry Powder and Wild Blueberry Extract (ThinkBlue™) in Maintenance of Episodic and Working Memory in Older Adults. Nutrients. 2018;10(6).
  18. Farhat G, Malla J, Hanson L, Vadher J, Al-Dujaili EAS. Effects of Pomegranate Extract on IGF-1 Levels and Telomere Length in Older Adults (55-70 Years): Findings from a Randomised Double-Blinded Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025;17(18).
  19. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182.
  20. Goh KM, Tan ESS, Lim CSY, et al. Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Elderberries on Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Immunity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024;16(24).
  21. Fatima S, Khan DA, Aamir M, Pervez MA, Fatima F. δ-Tocotrienol in Combination with Resveratrol Improves the Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Biomarkers in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2023;21(1):25-34.
  22. Ahmadi P, Akbarzadeh S, Alizadeh M, et al. Resveratrol improves lipid profile and recovers heart function in postoperative CABG patients. Mol Cell Biochem. 2025;480(11):5793-5803.
  23. Karim A, Khan HA, Ahmad F, Qaisar R. Resveratrol supplementation improves functional performance in knee osteoarthritis by upregulating sirtuin 1: a randomized study. Inflammopharmacology. 2025;33(11):6877-6886.

 

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