Personalised Supplementation
The post-multivitamin paradigm: each supplement responds to a measured deficit
Definition
Personalised supplementation is the approach of individualised prescription of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, peptides, and other bioactives, based on analytical biomarkers, genetics, microbiome, lifestyle, and specific goals of each person. It replaces the old paradigm of the 'universal multivitamin' — recognising that nutritional needs vary dramatically between individuals and throughout life. It is the applied basis of preventive precision medicine.
Detailed explanation
Steps of a quality personalised supplementation process:
1. Comprehensive baseline analysis: complete metabolic panel, blood count, vitamins (D, B12, folate), minerals (zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, ferritin), advanced lipid profile (NMR, ApoB, Lp(a)), inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, homocysteine), thyroid profile (TSH, free T3, free T4, antibodies), hormones (testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol). 2. Functional tests: intracellular glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, omega-3 fatty acids (erythrocyte index), AGEs, mitochondrial markers. 3. Selected genetic analysis: MTHFR (affects folate/B12), VDR (vitamin D), APOE (neurodegenerative risk), CYP1A2 (caffeine metabolism), FUT2 (B12), GSTM1/T1 (detoxification). 4. Microbiome analysis: if dysbiosis or nutrient malabsorption is suspected. 5. Synthesis and individualised plan: 5-15 supplements maximum, prioritising documented deficits and specific clinical objectives. 6. Re-evaluation in 3-6 months: confirm corrections, adjust doses, eliminate what is no longer needed.
Operational philosophy: 'if not measured, not supplemented.' Each supplement must have: - Clear indication (deficit, objective, evidence) - Appropriate form and dose - Vehicle/bioavailability considered - Efficacy evaluation plan - Review date
Common errors to avoid: cocktails of 20+ supplements without prioritisation, sub-therapeutic 'just in case' doses, low-bioavailability chemical forms (magnesium oxide, folic acid vs methylfolate), never re-evaluating, buying brands without traceability or purity certification (NSF, USP, GMP).
Scientific sources
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