If any of you are taking the Allergy Research Group Multi-vi-Min, you may have noticed that it has been out of stock everywhere lately. The reason for this, is because they have reformulated it. We have just discovered that the new formulation now contains Vitamin C from corn fermentation. It’s only a small amount and we are assured that it is highly purified so none of the corn used during processing should be left (as per), but some hypersensitives may react, so please do be aware.
When I first started recommending this multi as the base of the gluten healing protocol and in the Gluten Plan, it was much more TGF safe. Over time, the citrates manufacturer changed and they became corn-fermented. Then, the company changed the type of folate to a methyl form and that is corn-processed. Now, we have the addition of the Vitamin C.
In fact, many of you have been able to tolerate the MultiViMin fine with these changes, which is great. But others haven’t. Which leaves us without a TGF multi. Since a big part of being gluten/grain-sensitive, coeliac or NCGS (non-coeliac gluten sensitive) is malabsorption, inflammation and a very restricted diet, being able to take nutrient replenishment is pretty crucial. It pains me that I can’t give that to you easily.
We understand and appreciate that manufacturers need to develop products and changes are made with the best interests of patients at heart, with an eye on costs and profit, of course. Many manufacturers deliberately choose corn-derived ingredients to avoid other more glutinous grains so they are ‘gluten free’. However, as we know, other glutens – and corn especially – is starting to cause problems more and more for the ever-increasing corn-sensitive population.
Christine and I have been in discussions with ARG on your behalf. They have actually listened to our pleas about the unavailability of products to suit the TGF and corn-sensitive patient populations, and the impact these kind of changes can have on us. They are receptive and we are hopeful that our suggestions to make the Vitamin C from tapioca and go back to non-corn-fermented citrates and folate will be acted upon. In the end, though, ARG is a commercial company and it will be based on commercial decisions. They do care about allergenicity, though, so I am hopeful now that we have raised the issue. We’ll let you know any outcome, of course.
So, you may be fine and be able to continue the MultiViMin with no problems. I anticipate that many of you will be able to do so. Those who are hypersensitive to corn, though, need to beware.
In the meantime, some practical suggestions for you: Christine has asked around and has been informed that the Purehealth Shop does not have the old version in stock, but may be able to get it for you. You could also try asking naturaldispensary.co.uk if they are able to get it and also yourhealthbasket.co.uk. Remember that ARG’s other brand is Nutricology so you may find it under that name – it is the same product, usually.
Suggested Alternative Approach
You can make up a mix of nutrients using separate products from the master list. Here are some suggestions for you:
Thorne Research Pic Mins for trace minerals.
Wholefood Calcium and Magnesium Bisglycinate. Enter 161026 in the Coupon Code box the first time you order and that will give you a 10% discount on all future orders (you do not need to enter this each time). If you place your first order by phone, then just give the name Micki Rose (NOT each time you order)
ARG non corn derived Super B Complex for people not too sensitive. They are not derived from corn like most B vitamin, but they are extracted using ethanol and we don’t know if that is grain ethanol or sugar beet; they couldn’t tell us. Our impression is that most are OK with these, but hypersensitives may not be.
Biocare Vitasorb A (also available at Natural Dispensary here)
Biocare Vitasorb E (also available at Natural Dispensary here)
Bio-Health Vitamin C (buffered) from sugar beet.
Nutri D3 5000iu is corn free and derived from lanolin. They also said: ‘D3 Drops 1000 contains a trace amount of corn oil as does Iso D3 but the others are free of corn’. Or a combined Vit D/K2: Thorne D/K2 drops, (Natural Dispensary also sell here) tocopherols are from soy and MCTs from palm.
Metabolics Vitamin K2 capsules (Mk 7) Enter 161026 in the Coupon Code box the first time you order and that will give you a 10% discount on all future orders (you do not need to enter this each time). If you place your first order by phone, then just give the name Micki Rose (NOT each time you order)
Biocare Vitasorb E (also available at Natural Dispensary here)
I’m sorry that is so many different products! Not much we can do other than moan. I am this close to designing my own range, but that would be quite a nightmare!