About the Product
Alive by Marvelous Nutrition is the brand's benchmark athlete's multivitamin, described as an "allergen-free masterpiece multivitamin", formulated with a combination of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, antioxidants, and a probiotic complex that covers four pillars of athlete health support: general and immune health, joint and bone health, gastrointestinal health (via Megaflora 9 EVO probiotics), and natural energy and focus. The formula goes far beyond a conventional multivitamin by including premium ingredients such as Ashwagandha KSM-66®, Turmeric Cursol®, Pine Extract (proanthocyanidins), Ginkgo biloba, NAC, ALA, and Hawthorn (Crataegus) Extract, making it a holistic health supplement specifically tailored to the increased needs of athletes. 4 capsules/day. Check packaging for presence or absence of gelatin (not confirmed).
Benefits
The Athlete's Multivitamin: why athletes' nutritional needs differ from the general population:
Athletes who train with regular intensity have significantly higher micronutrient needs than the sedentary population, for multiple reasons: the oxidative stress of intense exercise increases the consumption of antioxidants (vitamins C, E, ALA, proanthocyanidins) and depletes glutathione pools (NAC); high sweating increases mineral losses (magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium); accelerated energy metabolism increases the consumption of B-complex vitamins (cofactors of mitochondrial dehydrogenases); and chronic low-grade inflammation associated with intense training increases the need for anti-inflammatory compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, omega-3). A multivitamin formulated for athletes, such as Alive, should cover these increased needs, rather than simply providing the 100% Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) established for the sedentary population.
Megaflora 9 EVO — probiotic complex with 7 strains: the gut-immunity-performance axis:
The most distinctive element of Alive compared to other multivitamins on the market is the inclusion of Megaflora 9 EVO, a patented probiotic complex with 7 strains of beneficial bacteria: Bifidobacterium lactis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, and Lactococcus lactis. The gut microbiome is directly linked to athletic performance and immune health: ~70% of the body's immune cells reside in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and a healthy gut microbiome is essential for immune function, nutrient absorption, vitamin production (B12, K2, biotin, folic acid by gut bacteria), regulation of the gut-brain axis, and reduction of systemic inflammation. Intense exercise can compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier ("exercise-induced leaky gut"), increasing intestinal permeability and the risk of endotoxemia (passage of bacterial LPS into the bloodstream with consequent systemic inflammation). Probiotic supplementation with multiple strains can reduce this exercise-induced intestinal permeability and support the transiently suppressed immune function after intense training.
Ashwagandha KSM-66® 5% withanolides: the anti-stress and anti-cortisol adaptogen in the multivitamin:
As already described in Escape and Testoman, Ashwagandha KSM-66® is the ashwagandha extract with the most clinical evidence for reducing cortisol, improving stress resilience, and supporting physical and cognitive performance. Its inclusion in Alive reinforces its positioning as a multivitamin specifically oriented for athletes in intensive training, who are precisely the population with higher levels of chronic cortisol and a greater need for adaptogenic support.
Turmeric Cursol® 2.1% curcumin: high-bioavailability curcumin for inflammation and antioxidation:
Turmeric Cursol® is a patented form of turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) with 2.1% curcumin and optimized bioavailability. Curcumin is the main polyphenol in turmeric with extensively documented anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2 and LOX-5, reduction of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and broad-spectrum antioxidant properties. In the context of athletes, curcumin has specific evidence for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), reducing markers of post-exercise muscle damage (CK, LDH), and improving functional recovery after intense eccentric exercise.
Ginkgo biloba Extract: cognitive focus, memory, and peripheral circulation:
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied botanical supplements in the world, with a basis of evidence for improving cognition, memory, and peripheral circulation (including circulation to the brain and muscles). Its central mechanism is the inhibition of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and the reduction of blood viscosity via flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and terpenes (ginkgolides A, B, C and bilobalide), with consequent improvement of microvascular blood flow. For athletes, improved peripheral circulation can contribute to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles during exercise.
NAC + ALA + Pine Extract + Milk Thistle Extract: the four-way antioxidant system:
Alive includes four complementary antioxidants with distinct mechanisms: NAC (a precursor to glutathione, the main intracellular antioxidant), ALA (alpha-lipoic acid, a water- and fat-soluble mitochondrial antioxidant that regenerates oxidized vitamin C, E, and glutathione), Pine Extract (proanthocyanidins from Pinus pinaster, a vascular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as in Calibration), and Milk Thistle Extract (silymarin/silibinin, a hepatoprotector and antioxidant for hepatocytes). This combination covers the intracellular (NAC/glutathione), mitochondrial (ALA), vascular (proanthocyanidins), and hepatic (silymarin) compartments of antioxidant protection.
Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida): cardiovascular support and adaptation to effort:
Hawthorn extract (Crataegus spp.) is a traditional cardiovascular tonic with evidence for improving heart function, reducing slightly elevated blood pressure, and improving exercise capacity in people with mild heart failure. It contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins and vitexin which have ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitory and coronary vasodilator effects. For athletes, Hawthorn's cardiovascular support can contribute to better adaptation to endurance training and long-term cardiovascular health.
Tribulus terrestris (fruit): support for the male hormonal axis:
Tribulus terrestris is a Mediterranean plant whose fruit extract contains steroidal saponins (mainly protodioscin) with supposed testosterone-supporting properties. Although clinical evidence for increased testosterone in healthy men is inconsistent, Tribulus has evidence for improving libido and well-being in men with mild androgen deficiency, and is often included in multivitamins for male athletes as general hormonal support.
Zinc bisglycinate + Magnesium bisglycinate + Potassium: athletes' minerals in their most bioavailable forms:
The bisglycinate forms of zinc and magnesium (amino acid chelates) have significantly higher bioavailability than the oxide forms (ZnO, MgO) used in economical multivitamins, with a lower risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Zinc and magnesium are the two minerals most frequently deficient in moderate to high-intensity athletes, and their replenishment in the most bioavailable forms maximizes the actual benefit of the supplement.
Uses
Recommended dosage: Take 4 capsules daily, preferably with a meal to maximize the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. To split the dose, take 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at lunch.
