Postnatal Multivitamin

Essential for rhodopsin production in the retina. Deficiency causes night blindness - one of the earliest recognized nutritional deficiencies.

Critical role in maintaining mucosal barriers and immune cell function.

Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in immune cell development and function. Supplementation may reduce duration of common cold symptoms, particularly as lozenges. Essential for maintaining immune barrier integrity.

Essential for skin integrity and wound repair processes.

Primary structural component of bones. Adequate lifelong intake, combined with vitamin D, helps prevent osteoporosis - supported by extensive clinical evidence.

Essential for muscle contraction through calcium signaling.

May improve sleep quality, especially in older adults and those with low magnesium status.

60% of body magnesium is stored in bone. Essential for bone mineralization.

May reduce muscle cramps and support post-exercise recovery.

Adequate folate intake before and during early pregnancy reduces risk of neural tube defects. This is one of the most well-established findings in nutrition.

Essential cofactor for nucleotide synthesis and cell division.

Essential for red blood cell formation. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, confirmed by decades of clinical evidence.

Involved in myelin synthesis and nerve function. Adequate B12 status supports neurological health, particularly in older adults and vegans.

Cofactor in energy production pathways, but supplementation only helps if deficient.

Involved in neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin and dopamine. Cofactor for over 100 enzyme reactions.

B6 is a cofactor in the transsulfuration pathway, converting homocysteine to cysteine. This is a separate pathway from the B12/folate remethylation route.

Supports immune cell function. Regular supplementation may modestly reduce cold duration, but does not prevent colds.

Potent water-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.

Essential cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen production.

Protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from oxidation.

May help protect skin from UV damage when combined with vitamin C.

Limited evidence. May help in cases of biotin deficiency but most people get adequate amounts from diet.

Essential cofactor for carboxylases involved in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism.

Iron supplementation is used to address iron deficiency. Should be taken under medical supervision as excess iron can be harmful.

Iron is essential for oxygen transport and cellular energy production.

At pharmacological doses (1500-3000mg), niacin may improve HDL cholesterol. This effect is dose-dependent and not expected at typical supplement doses.

Essential coenzyme (NAD/NADP) in hundreds of metabolic reactions.

Essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and other enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism.

Essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and other enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism.

Essential for calcium absorption. Deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults - a well-established causal relationship.

May reduce risk of respiratory infections. Active area of research.

Some association between low vitamin D levels and depression, but evidence is inconsistent.

At pharmacological doses (1500-3000mg), niacin may improve HDL cholesterol. This effect is dose-dependent and not expected at typical supplement doses.

Essential coenzyme (NAD/NADP) in hundreds of metabolic reactions.

At 400mg/day (far above RDA of 1.3mg), riboflavin may reduce migraine frequency. Effect is dose-dependent and not expected at typical supplement doses.