Vitamins: One size does not fit all

MANILA, Philippines - Before popping that vitamin pill, you may want to ask yourself: Is this really what I need? Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to the proper intake of vitamins and nutrients, one size does not fit all.

When it comes to balancing out the missing links from our diets, experts agree that a personalized approach is needed to determine the right daily supplementation.

“Because our body is as unique as we are, the vitamins and minerals that each of us needs differ from one another,” says Dr. Ben Valdecañas, medical director, LifeScience Center for Wellness and Preventive Medicine. “It is also based on our lifestyle: For example, an athlete’s needs differ from those of a person who just exercises. The needs of a person who works on regular office hours are not the same as those of someone who works the night shift at a call center.”

Recognizing the importance of a tailored approach to wellness, LifeScience is pushing forward customized health management in the country. As the first of its kind in the Philippines, the center has developed an evidence-based and customized supplementation program to help its clients achieve their full health potential.

Called the Micronutrient Test, it analyzes the body’s unique nutrient levels to a cellular level, and reveals the exact type and amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed by each person based on his needs and lifestyle.

“The body is like a well-oiled machine, with thousands of interlocking parts and gears working together to achieve optimal health. Taking the right levels of vitamins is like using the right type of gas for your car: Your body runs better and your system works more efficiently, leading to better resistance of breaking down and getting diseases. Your body simply functions better when it has the proper nutrients it needs, preventing aging and health issues,” Dr. Valdecañas explains.

Through IV therapy and vitamin supplementation, micronutrient levels can be corrected that are often missed with daily diet alone. “You really can’t get all the micronutrients that your body needs just from food. For example, to boost your immune system, you need 1000mg of Vitamin C a day. To get this amount, you need about 22 oranges, since each orange has 45mg of Vitamin C. That’s just one vitamin — your body needs more. Also, what if the food source of the vitamin is one that you don’t or can’t eat? That would mean nutrients lost on a daily basis,”the doctor adds.

After determining an individual’s nutrient levels and knowing his lifestyle practices, LifeScience compounds your customized supplements, conveniently packed in morning and evening sachets. Each supplement contains the right levels of vitamins, natural antioxidants, and amino acids that will supply the body with the nutrients it needs to function well. What’s more, because it is based on one’s blood test results, there will be no possible allergic reaction or overdosing.

To get your health back on track in the coming holiday season, LifeScience has introduced a special offer for its Micronutrient Test. Avail of as much as a 28-percent discount per person, or get as much as a 36-percent discount for a group of four on the Micronutrient Test, plus a three-month supply of customized supplements. To know more about this offer, visit www.lifescience.ph or call 828-LIFE.