Optiyou is free from adverse ingredients, which provide no nutritional support and can also pose potential health risks. Such ingredients are more often associated with processed foods or soft drinks. Unfortunately, these are also commonly used in many multivitamins to synthetically improve taste, appearance and shelf life. Even multivitamins labelled with phrases such as “all natural” and “no added sugar” can contain the following adverse ingredients:

1. Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose, Aspartame, Sorbitol, Saccharin…)
   Artificial sweeteners have been linked to not only weight gain, but also a wide variety of serious health hazards. Another important consideration is the fact that today’s products often contain a combination of these sweeteners, the potential interactions and health risks of which are largely unknown and difficult to assess.*
2. Fructose
   Fructose consumption is currently at its highest level in history and is linked to a long list of health issues affecting, not just the waistline and blood sugar, but also the brain, heart, gastrointestinal system, inflammatory response, and free radical damage. For these reasons, researchers have called for a switch to healthier sweeteners. Fructose is also a major immune system depressant and, like all sugars, it competes with the absorption of vitamin C.*
3. Artificial Colours
   The EU has enacted labelling regulations specifically to inform the consumer of the health risks associated with artificial colours. These synthetic chemical compounds, including Red 40 (E129), Yellow 5 (E102) and Yellow 6 (E110), were originally made from coal tar and are now derived from petroleum and are linked to extensive health hazards.*
4. Stabilizers, Binders, Fillers, Preservatives (Polysorbate 60, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate…)
   These synthetic agents are used to stabilize and preserve the shape, colour, and/ or flavour of products. Although the EFSA recognises some as safe, excessive exposure to the chemicals has been linked to health risks.*
5. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
   GMOs are a concern when it comes to multivitamins and supplements since ingredients may be derived from GMO crops. Most countries have significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs, based on concerns for their safety.

*Tandel KR. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2011;2(4):236-43. *Weihrauch MR, et al. Ann Oncol 2004;15(10):1460-5 *Dekker MJ, et al. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010;299:E685-E694. PMID: 20823452 *Bray G. Curr Opin Lipidol 2010;21:51-57. PMID: 19956074 *Tappy L, et al. Physiol Rev 2010a;90:23-46. PMID: 20086073 *http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf *Drug Ther Bull 2009;47(7):81-4 *Pifferi G, et al. Farmaco 2003;58(8):541-50. *Wong YL. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1993;22(1):99-102.