A Comparison of Two Multivitamins for the Elderly

The two multivitamin supplements that I chose to evaluate were the “Walgreen’s Advanced Formula A Thru Z” and the “Bronson Vitamins Mature Formula.” Because the two supplements had different target markets, the ingredients, for the most part, were remarkably similar.

Walgreen’s product was specifically targeted to “Adults 50+” and was marketed as providing a full range of vitamins and minerals. The Bronson product, as well, was specifically targeted for individuals over 50 years of age, according to the company’s website.

The two vitamins are remarkably alike in many aspects, with virtually the same ingredient list. These similarities seem to reflect the desire of the companies to provide their customers with some of the basic supplements necessary for immune system health, as well as some important antioxidants.

Vitamin A is probably included due to its support for proper visual functioning and immune system health. The fact that twice as much is present in the Mature Formula probably reflects the manufacturer’s desire to supplement the immune systems of the elderly with higher amounts of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is important as an antioxidant and in manufacturing collagen, which plays a role in the health of cartilage, tendons, gums, and connective tissues, among other roles. Both vitamins had roughly the same amount of Vitamin C.

Both multivitamins also contain a similar amount of Vitamin K, although in amounts far under the recommended Daily Value. This may be because Vitamin K can be produced in sufficient quantities in the human body. The amounts present in the vitamin may be intended to support bone health.

As a final comparison, both supplements contain the exact same amount of iodine, a substance that is important in the health of the thyroid. Although iodine is present in normal table salt, the health conscious person over 50 years of age or those suffering from hypertension may reduce their salt intake, necessitating supplementation.

It seems that both supplements are intended to provide the basics of immune system health, as well as supporting various systems and organs of the body in the most effective manner possible. The fact that the ingredient list is so similar between the two points to the conclusion that there are no “miracles” to be found in one vitamin or another – only established, well regarded opinions as to which substances are necessary for proper human functioning.

It is in the differences between the two multivitamins that more questions inevitably present themselves. If a substance was added to the Mature Formula, why did the manufacturer deem it important for the health of the elderly? If it was not added to the Mature Formula, but was present in the Advanced Formula, what was the manufacturer’s reason for doing so?

For instance, lutein is a substance that may aid in preventing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. It is present in the Advanced Formula, but not the Mature Formula, which is curious considering the fact that vision can deteriorate later in life.

Similarly, lycopene is a carotene that has been studied for its effectiveness against prostate cancer and risk of heart disease. The Advanced Formula contains the substance, while the Mature Formula does not contain any amount of it.

Instead, the Mature Formula from Bronson seems to focus on providing various bioflavonoids as supplements, while failing to include some of the substances found in the Walgreen’s product.

Hesperidin and rutin, for example, are types of citrus bioflavonoids found in the Mature Formula but not the Advanced Formula. Citrus bioflavonoids act as antioxidants, as well as increasing the level of Vitamin C inside cells. The manufacturers of the supplement may have intended to help support joint and connective tissue health, considering Vitamin C’s role in manufacturing collagen.

While a discussion of every similarity and difference between the two supplements is beyond the scope of this essay, the few examples examined above lead to a number of conclusions about these vitamins in particular and multivitamins in general.

First, it is important for anyone taking nutritional supplements of any kind to learn to read labels. These two supplements were intended for the same audiences, and were far more similar than different, but the differences indicate possible different approaches to health.

Second, especially with such products as multivitamins, the intentions of the company which manufactures such supplements can point to the underlying health philosophies of those creating the ingredients list. Different approaches were taken between the two companies for the same goal – health of those over fifty years of age.

Third, one supplement can not “do it all” and should not be solely relied upon to meet all of the conditions of a healthy body and mind. Individuals with certain health issues may need more supplementation in one area or another. Taking one small pill a day is not a panacea, although multivitamins can play an important role in a fuller, more individualized nutrition plan.