Vitamins for Women that help

As women grow older a lot of problems arise. But don’t fret there are several solutions to the problems that may face you.

Vitamin E is known to beautify the skin. At a certain age the skin needs extra doses of vitamin E to keep it supple and in its pristine state. Vitamin E promises to boost the skin condition to making it look and feel younger.

Vitamin E helps rejuvenate new skin cells as the cells dry out and fade into a not so good condition. It promotes new skin and helps make the skin look supple and younger looking.

Vitamin C  is known for making strong bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin c helps in reducing the advent of common colds and helps in giving the body the calcium it needs for healthy bones.

Stress tablets are vitamin supplements which helps relieve the body from stress and rejuvenate it from strenuous physical activity. Stress tablets are good vitamin supplements for people who engage in serious physical and mind activities.

They help give the body extra energy for work and for leisure activities that include physical exercise or physical activity.  These tablets works wonders on the body, that it rids it of the stress that you feel once you get to bed after taking them.

Try them and you will feel that you have gotten rid of your stress in just one tablet. These are highly recommended for women who work outdoors and are very much career oriented. You need to feel relieved of stress and the only way to do that is take in one of these.

Multivitamins are combination vitamins which may include vitamin A, B, C, D or E. They help give the body extra energy for its activities. Multi vitamins are a good source of energy for people who need it and it gives the body the vitamins it needs that can’t be ingested from food.

These food supplements are good for people who don’t want to eat a lot of solid food. It would be recommended for those who are on a liquid diet. Sometimes even if you have a lot of food taken into the body some necessary vitamins are still not ingested on the food that we eat.

Multivitamins are the answer to that problem. It will solve all your vitamin needs for a days work or any day in your life. There is no other better vitamin other than a balanced diet. Having a balanced diet would always give you the energy that you need for serious physical and mental activity.

A balanced diet will provide the body the energy it needs to function at its best and its systems healthy at all times.

Try the vitamins together with a balanced diet and you will get the energy you need too keep the body working well and healthy at all times.

Strained? Have some Vitamins

Feeling stressed out at work perhaps its about time that you try some stress tablets.
Stress tablets are here to relieve your body of the stress you feel when you are working hard, day or night.

Stress tablets are multivitamin tablets that address the strain that you feel from strenuous physical activity. They try to solve the problem of stress by giving the body the extra strength it needs when engaging in strenuous physical or mind work. Stress tablets are effective in relieving physical and mental stress.

Multivitamins are a combination of the different major vitamin groups like vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. They help boost the systems of the body with energies they need and try to keep it away from being infected with unnecessary ailments which may cause problems to it.

Multivitamins are great source of energy for people who need that extra energy whenever they are faced with difficult tasks to do and strenuous physical activities.

Milk is a good source of energy. It has a lot of vitamins which can give the body the energy it needs to work and function well. Milk has natural ingredients that could provide strength to the body and the muscles.

It comes in liquid and powdered form which may be ingested and used in place of vitamins as a source of energy.

Eat a balanced diet.  Protein gives the body the energy it needs as well as carbohydrates. Eat a balanced diet that will give you the energy you need to work and do serious physical activity.

A balanced diet is your way of getting the energy you need to work and your way of keeping your body healthy and at its pristine state. A good diet will also keep you body healthy and keep all your systems functioning well.

A healthy diet is one major key to having all the energy you need the whole day and night. Eat a balanced diet and you will be able to do the first step in relieving your self of the stress that you feel from working and doing serious physical activity.

Get all the exercise you can and get all the energy you can from food and water. Exercise helps relax the senses and the muscles.

If you get enough exercise you will be able to rejuvenate your body to a good state that will help it function well and stay active. Exercise also helps in relieving your body of the strain it feels all over.

Combining all these things together will keep your body healthy and stress free. Taking the right vitamins and eating the right kind of food would keep it healthy and keep it away from the stress that serious physical activity brings.

If you have the right kind of vitamins and the right kind of food in your system everyday, and the right amount of exercise, definitely, you will have a stress free body and stress free life.

The Many Vitamins with Side Effects

All vitamins are generally beneficial to health. But there are kinds of vitamins that when administered in large doses will cause some side effects and even diseases.

As a rule of thumb, both the deficiency and the excessive intake of vitamins are harmful. It is then important that only the right amount of these nutrients is administered to the body. 

Vitamin A is believed to be the most toxic vitamin of all, if consumed inappropriately. If more than 25,000 IU of Vitamin A is taken in a day, you will experience loss of appetite and visible reduction of weight.

There would also be notable bone malformations, internal bleedings, spontaneous fractures, and even liver toxicities. Pregnant mothers who have too much Vitamin A in their system are likely to deliver their babies with a particular birth defect.

The known side effect of too much Vitamin C would be gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea. Hyperacidity and other stomach-related problems are common too.

Those who have history of having stones in their kidneys are advised to consult with a doctor before taking any Vitamin C.

Vitamin E, even with their good oxidation properties, has harmful side effects too. Anything higher than 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin E in the body will interfere with normal blood clotting. And if this much is taken on a daily basis, nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, and diarrhea can be expected.

Vitamin D has a potential to be as toxic as Vitamin A. The most damaging side effect it causes would be bone lesions. Those who have taken too much Vitamin D, even if it they did on at a single time would surely experience the toxicities associated with Vitamin D.

Vitamin B has different types. Of them all, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 are the ones that may just have some prominent side effects. Vitamin B-6 is believed to cause reversible neuropathy if more than 500 milligrams are taken each day, for a prolonged period of time.

Note that the RDA for this vitamin is only 2 milligrams per day. Vitamin B-12, on the other hand, is the vitamin that is known to trigger allergic reactions when taken in relatively high doses.

These aren’t all the vitamins that produce side effects. In essence, each one of them, including all kinds of nutrients and minerals, have side effects if taken improperly. It is but appropriate to always consult with a doctor every time a nutritional supplement is needed.

The Important Facts behind Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are the kind of vitamins that are easily dissolved by the body. Being such, they can’t be stored inside the system and should be replaced everyday. Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the intestines, go through the blood, and are then carried to the body tissues where they are thoroughly utilized. After which, they exit the body via the urination process.

There are two general kinds of water-soluble vitamins. And those would be Vitamin C and the different B Vitamins, which are more popularly termed as the B-complex vitamins.

There are eight B vitamins. These are Vitamin B1, which is Thiamine; Vitamin B2, Riboflavin; Vitamin B3, Niacin; Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine; Vitamin B8, Biotin; Vitamin B9, Folic Acid; and Vitamin B12, Cobalamin.

Water-soluble vitamins are easily washed out and even destroyed during regular food preparation and storage. And it follows that the Vitamin C contained in certain fruits and vegetables could probably be lost if not they aren’t handled properly.

All citrus fruits are good food sources of Vitamin C. As for foods rich in B-complex, the most common examples would be cereal grains, poultry, meat, fish, egg, milk, fresh vegetables, and legumes.

Water-soluble vitamins act as co-enzymes that help the body obtain energy coming from the food people eat. Each of the B-complex vitamins has its own function inside the body.

But generally speaking, these are the vitamins that are responsible in ensuring a person of better vision, a normal appetite, a sound nervous system, and healthy skin. The normal formation of red blood cells is also prompted by these types of vitamins.

On the other hand, the main job of Vitamin C is to maintain the body’s overall health, as this is the vitamin that is tasked to hold the bodies cells together. It also aids in the healing of wounds and the formation of teeth and bones.

Vitamin C is also known to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels and improve the functions of the immune system.

Because water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored inside the body, it needs to be taken on a daily basis. This is the main reason why there are many Vitamin C and B-Complex supplements available on the market today.

And unlike fat-soluble vitamins, the body needs a continuous supply of these water-soluble vitamins to be ensured of good health all the time. 

What Are Vitamins and When Should We Take Them?

No person is too young or old to benefit from vitamins but whether there’s a need for taking vitamin supplements mostly depends on a persons health condition rather than his age.

What are Vitamins?
Vitamins are substances that can be found inside your body or in food. They can be water-soluble or fat-soluble. The latter type of vitamins can be stored inside your body; they will stay there until the body finds a use for them.

Water-soluble vitamins on the other hand are eliminated through urination if the body has no need for them. Because of this, you should ensure that your body has a ready supply of water-vitamins prepared daily for any eventuality.

What Functions Do Vitamins Perform?
Vitamins help the body in various ways. Although specific vitamins play specific functions.

Vitamin A is good for the eyes while vitamin K aids in blood clotting and vitamins in general strengthen the immune system, help body organs and cells perform their activities, and facilitate the growth and development of your health.

What are the Different Vitamins?

Vitamin A   Milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach are good sources of vitamin A, and this can improve your vision and give you great-looking skin.

Vitamin B   This is actually a group of vitamins made up of B1, B2, B12, B6, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. They facilitate metabolism and the production of red blood cells. Whole grains, dairy products, poultry, fish, meat, and seafood are all excellent sources of the B-vitamins.

Vitamin C   Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C helps your wounds heal faster and protects your body from illnesses. Citrus fruits, cabbage, and tomatoes are just some of the foods rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin D   If you are suffering from calcium deficiency, vitamin D will help you absorb as much of it as you need. This vitamin also keeps your teeth and bones stronger. Vitamin D can be found in milk, fish, and other dairy products.

Vitamin E   This vitamin is also an antioxidant, which makes it able to protect body tissues from the damaging effects of toxins. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, egg yolks, and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin K   As mentioned earlier, the primary function of vitamin K is to help in blood clotting. This activity is important because it helps your wounds heal faster. Leafy green vegetables and dairy products are considered good sources of vitamin K.

Take vitamin supplements only if you don’t have the benefit of a balanced diet and you’re suffering from any deficiency disease.

When Do You Need Vitamins the Most?

Everyone needs vitamins and if you have a healthy diet and lifestyle, you’ll usually get all the vitamins you need from your food. But there will be stages in your life when you’ll need more of specific vitamins.

Pregnancy   A pregnant woman’s body undergoes lots of changes because of the unborn child she’s carrying. During this stage, she has an extra need for folic acid, one of the B vitamins, as well as calcium and iron. Vitamins A, C, and D will help her absorb minerals better.

Old Age   As your age increases, your bones get older and weaker as well. To fortify your bones, you need an extra dose of calcium and vitamins can help you get as much calcium as you can from food.

If you expect work to prevent you from eating healthily, taking multivitamins will ensure that you meet your daily nutritional requirements.

How to Recognize Vitamin Deficiencies
There are times when your body will suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Here are indicators to watch out for and determine which vitamin you need.

Vitamin A   If you can’t see clearly at night and your skin appears rough or dry, you’re suffering from Vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin C   If your wounds take too much time to heal and you’re suffering from teeth and gum problems, nosebleeds, and skin hemorrhages, you might have an inadequate intake of vitamin C.

Vitamin D   Soft bones, muscular weakness, and slow and irregular healing of fractures and kidney difficulties are all possible signs of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin E   If you don’t have the usual vigor you had for sexual activities and you notice problems with your heart and muscles, you could be suffering from vitamin E deficiency.

Thiamin   Known as the morale vitamin, Thiamin deficiency will greatly affect your nervous system and mental attitudes. If you’re suffering from mental depression together with gastrointestinal problems, an increased intake of Thiamin might just be the solution you’re looking for!

Riboflavin   Oily skin, digestive and skin problems as well as bloodshot eyes are just some of the indicators of Riboflavin deficiency. Riboflavin is one of the vitamins in the B family.

Cobalamin   If you’re feeling dizzy, sleepy, and exhausted for no reason not to mention having problems with your memory and mood swings, you could be suffering from Cobalamin deficiency.

Niacin   If you don’t have enough Niacin, this could lead to headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, and even bad breath!

Of course, you should always consult your doctor for official confirmation of your suspicions.

Clinical Trials and Research

In medicine, clinical trials are required in order for doctors and researchers to know whether the medical methods are appropriate for individuals.

The application of the scientific method they learned in books and came up with experimentation are tested in the clinical trials before they are diagnosed to human beings.

Observational studies are closely observed and their outcomes are witnessed by investigators. Interventional studies are those treatments which outcomes are also measured.

Doctors and researchers resort to both observational and interventional clinical trials in order to test their hypotheses and to learn more about the effect of these studies and research before using them on their patients.

Clinical trials are small parts of the entire research. Normally, this occurs when all the observation and the studying has been done. This is usually towards the last phase of the whole procedure because this is where the hypothesis is tested.

About 1000 potential drugs go through clinical testing before they are sold to various drug stores. Potential drugs, especially cancer drugs, take a whole lot of time to complete the required clinical trials.

This is a long and arduous process to ensure the effectiveness and the safety of the drug. Doctors and researchers observe the treatment and the side effect with each clinical testing.

There are only certain people who are eligible enough to be part of the clinical trial, especially those of the cancer drugs clinical trial. It takes months, sometimes even years, for a cancer drug to be given the thumbs up.

Clinical trials and research test new drugs, biologics, medical devices and psychological therapies to ensure that the health of the patients won’t be jeopardized.

There is also a required regulating authority which approves the therapies, the drugs and the devices before they are provided to the doctors and the researchers.

The clinical trials are designed to determine the efficacy and the safety of the experimental drugs and therapeutic procedures. It is also designed to determine whether this intervention is better than standard therapy or clinical procedures.

Clinical trials promise innovative treatments and approval from the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA as soon as the drugs and the therapy have been approved.

Right now, research centers are conducting clinical trials on the following. The current findings are briefly stated as well.

1. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases which includes Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
Medical research hasn’t yet determined the causes of inflammatory bowel disease but researchers claim that a lot of factors are involved in its development. This includes diet, environment as well as genetics.

Evidence shows that there is a genetic defect affecting the immune system of the individual. Once triggered, inflammation will occur and the response of the bowel movement gets worse.

Once turned on, it can’t be turned off. Researches also show that smoking enhances the possibility of Crohn's disease.

2. Gastroesophegeal Reflux Disease and heartburn conditions
What is known about this disease is that it is a case of mild heartburn. Not much is known about it yet but it is said that if a person frequently suffers from this, he should consult with his doctor as soon as possible.

3. Chronic constipation and constipation treatment
This is caused by colonic disorders, secondary constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction. Colonic disorders result to constipation when the contents in the colon are disturbed. This leads to irritable bowel syndrome and slow transition constipation.

4. Dyspepsia
Those who have dyspepsia usually don’t require further investigation aside from the clinical examination. But people who are older than 55 are the exception to this rule because recent studies show that dyspepsia at this age must be further investigated for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

This is a painless investigation of the espapogus, stomach and the duodenum. This basically rules out peptic ulcer disease if the results turn out to be negative.

5. Multiple Sclerosis
It is hard to diagnose sclerosis, especially in its early stages because it is not detectable at all.

Clinical data is not alone to diagnose multiple sclerosis. A person who has suffered two episodes show signs that he probably has the consistent abnormality which is associated to the ailment.

Lucky Thirteen: the Essential Vitamins

Vitamins are important molecules that can allow our bodies to function properly. For instance, some vitamins work as catalytic molecules: they bind to important enzymes, and, as cofactors, work to make molecular reactions happen.

Vitamins can also work as substrates: they are acted upon by different enzymes in the body, so that when they are broken down, their individual subunits can help the different body organs work better.

Vitamins can also serve as co-enzymes or carriers of molecules from one enzyme to another.

We can obtain vitamins through the food that we eat, although the latest technology has allowed scientists to produce some vitamins in the laboratory.

These vitamins can be packaged individually as pills, or they can be packed with other vitamins into a multi-vitamin tablet that people can use to supplement their diets.

Research has also shown that we all have a recommended daily intake or allowance of essential vitamins, a group of thirteen important molecules that our bodies absolutely need in order to function properly and survive.

Vitamin A, which belongs to the retinoid group of vitamins, is soluble in fat. Vitamin A can be found in many orange foods, such as carrots or squash.

Experts recommend a daily dose of nine hundred to three thousand micrograms of Vitamin A; an overdose of Vitamin A can result in a disease known as hypervitaminosis A, which, among others can cause people to have yellow or orange skin.

Individuals who lack Vitamin A can suffer from night blindness; in fact, doctors recommend that children consume a lot of carrots so that these children’s eyes can develop properly.

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. A debilitating disease called beriberi results when we take less than 1.2 milligrams of Vitamin B1 a day. So far, there is no upper limit for Vitamin B1 consumption.

Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is another B-complex group member and a water-soluble vitamin. Like the rest of the B-complex vitamins, riboflavin functions in keeping the integrity of the immune system. It has so far no upper limit for consumption, although taking less than 1.3 milligrams of Vitamin B2 a day can result in a disease called ariboflavinosis.

Another B-complex vitamin is niacin, or Vitamin B3. Water soluble and an immune system sustainer, niacin also functions in growth in young children. The allowable daily dose for Vitamin B3 is from sixteen to thirty-five milligrams; below this range, pellagra can result.

The water-soluble Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is another B-complex vitamin that not only functions in growth and immune system development, but can contribute to strength and energy as well.

We are all required to consume at least five milligrams of Vitamin B5 each day; lower consumption can result in paresthesia, or numbness in certain parts of the body.

Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, also functions in proper growth and development, especially in young children. A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, pyridoxine must be consumed at a minimum of 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day; consumption of the vitamin beyond the hundred milligram mark is considered an overdose, and can result in some eye or perception disorders. Conversely, anemia can occur when the proper amounts of pyridoxine aren’t consumed.

Vitamin B7, or biotin, is another water soluble B-complex vitamin. Although no biotin-deficiency related diseases have been found, we are required to consume at least thirty micrograms of Vitamin B7 every day.

Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is extremely important for developing children and pregnant mothers. This B-complex vitamin must be consumed at about four hundred to a thousand micrograms a day, or severe birth defects may result in pregnant mothers.

Cyanacobalamin, or Vitamin B12, functions in proper growth and development. About 2.4 micrograms of this water-soluble B-complex vitamin must be consumed each day. Anemia often results from Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a highly important water-soluble essential vitamin that can be found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Only ninety to two thousand milligrams should be consumed each day, or kidney damage can result. Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, which is manifested in cracked skin and a damaged immune system.

Vitamins D, E, and K are all fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin D helps support the body’s skeletal system by working in concert with calcium; it also aids in supporting the immune system.

At least fifteen milligrams of Vitamin E must be consumed each day; Vitamin E aids in cell regeneration and wound healing, and is often credited with bringing life and youth to skin. Lastly, Vitamin K can aid in wound healing and blood clotting.

All these vitamins can be obtained from a balanced diet that is filled with lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Always consult with your doctor on what vitamins you should be taking in higher amounts. With a healthier diet, you can have a better lifestyle, with thanks to essential vitamins that keep your body going.

How Are Vitamin Supplements are Made and Choosing the Right Vitamin Supplement

Vitamin supplements are just another kind of dietary supplement but with its primary content made up of the specified vitamin it promotes.

Like all other dietary supplements, vitamin supplements have labels with this particular disclaimer displayed: this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. So from there on, it should be clear to you that vitamin supplements can’t heal illnesses or diseases of any sort, but it can promote good health.

What are Vitamins?

Before we move on to tackling vitamin supplements, lets make sure you understand what vitamins are in the first place.

Vitamins are organic compounds found either within your body or in external sources like food. There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. Vitamins play catalytic functions in your body; in other words, it helps make good things happen.

The Role of Vitamin Supplements

In many countries, vitamin supplements are placed under the food category instead of drugs. This is correct because once again, vitamin supplements aren’t intended to heal anyone of anything.

If you see any vitamin supplement labeled otherwise, chances are that those products haven’t been properly evaluated by the US Department of Food and Drug Administration.

You should take vitamin supplements if your body is inherently deficient of a specific vitamin. Naturally, vitamin supplements will help with the created gap. It’s also good to take vitamin supplements if your diet isn’t balanced and healthy due to hectic schedules.

Vitamin supplements shouldn’t be considered as adequate replacements of actual vitamins found in foods. Vitamins found in foods are in its purest form which allows you to enjoy 100% benefit from it.

Also, vitamins in foods can interact with other vitamins and substances in a way that vitamin supplement are unable to. Also, eating healthy foods let you increase intake of other essential minerals that aren’t offered by vitamin supplements.

How to Choose the Right Vitamin Supplements

Tip #1 Always look for the USP label on whatever vitamin supplement you wish to take. USP stands for US Pharmacopeia and it simply means that the FDA had successfully approved and licensed its distribution and use since it passed the departments safety and quality control tests.

Tip #2 Labels for vitamin supplements or any other dietary supplement for that matter which contain the following details. If any category is missing, you’re probably holding an unsafe product in your hands.

Statement of Identity   What is it? If its a vitamin supplement, this must be clearly noted as well as which vitamin its supplementing the body with.

Net Quantity of Contents   How many capsules or tablets does it contain? How many milligrams does each tablet contain? If it’s in liquid form, what is its quantity?
Disclaimer  

Besides the other disclaimer already provided above, the vitamin supplement should include these words: this statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Directions of Use   It’s impossible for any vitamin supplement to be produced without any specific directions of use. When can you take it and should there be any other conditions to meet before you can take it?

Supplement Facts Panel   This includes the chart you commonly see on labels, detailing the ingredients used for making the vitamin supplement. Research each ingredient. Don’t be lazy with this because its your health at stake!

Manufacturing Information   Lastly, your vitamin supplement label should include details about who manufactured the product, where and when it was manufactured and its expiration date.

Contact details should also be provided in the event that you have inquiries or concerns regarding the product. Research about the manufacturing company and inquire with the Better Business Bureau about them.

Tip #3 Natural isn’t always good. Even if you see that a vitamin supplement is labeled as natural in big bold letters, this doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. Think of wild poisonous mushrooms; they’re natural alright, but they’re toxic as well.

Vitamin supplements are essentially good as long as you take them for the right reasons. Again, remember not to use them as a replacement for healthy living. To avoid making the wrong decision, research extensively before purchasing any product, or better yet, consult your doctor for advice.

A Closer Resourceful Look on Vitamin A

Vitamin A is the generic term for compounds that are related to one another. Take for example Retinol and retinal. The former is an alcohol and the latter is an aldehyde. However, both are preformed kinds of Vitamin A.

Retinal is converted to retinoic acid by the body. This is a kind of Vitamin A that affects the gene transcription. Retinol, retinal and retinoic acids are compounds that are related to one another.

The beta-carotene and the carotenoids are converted in the body through retinol and are called the pro-vitamin A carotenoids.

The function of Vitamin A in the body is the effect it has on the individuals sight. Retina is found at the back of the eyes. Whenever light goes through the lens, the retina senses this and converts it to the nerves which is interpreted by the brain.

Retinol is later transported to the retina through the circulation. Here it moves into the retinal pigment that is the epithelial cells. Retinol is then esteried and becomes a retinyl ester which is stored. Whenever the eyes need retinyl esters, these are broken apart and then isomerized in order to form an oxidized Vitamin A.

Retinal is then shuttled through the interphotoreceptor that is the rod cells. It binds to the protein that is called opsin in order to formulate the visual pigment that is known as the rhodopsin. The rod cells detect the light, even in small amounts, making it necessary for night vision.

The isomerization process then triggers a cascade of events that lead to the generation of the electric signal through the optic nerve. These impulses are generated by the optic nerve which conveys it to the brain. This is the whole explanation to why we see what we see. This is the whole vision process.

Once these are released by the retinal and converted to retinol, the interphotoreceptor matrix in the retina completes the whole visual cycle. This whole procedure is made easier when the person has an adequate intake of Vitamin A.

The whole point of Vitamin A is that the retinoic acid and the isomers serve as the hormones which affect the genes that influence the physiological process of ones vision. The retinols and retinoic acid proteins all contribute to the cell bound of the retinoic binding proteins.

Within this whole nucleus setting are the receptors which bind all these regions to the retinoic acid response elements or the RARE. Here the dimmer is the complex mixture of two protein molecules.

Vitamin A is also an anti-infective vitamin because it requires the normal functioning of the individuals immune system in order to accommodate the cells located in the skin and the mucus lining as much as possible.

The digestive and urinary tract sometimes function as an obstacle and form the first line when it comes to defending the body against infection.

The retinoic acid and Vitamin A play central roles in developing white blood cells. These are critical roles in the response of the individual to lurking diseases. The regulatory cells in the immune system require the RA binding of Vitamin A.

Once fully grown and developed, the Vitamin A in the body may either be excess or lacking. Whatever the scenario, this may lead to complications, therefore the Vitamin A intake must just be the right amount in order to prevent birth defects.

The metabolites in the retinol usually require the integrity and well functioning of the cells in the body in order to become the central operating system in the differentiation and development of the white blood cells in the body.

Vitamin A interacts with other nutrients. For example, the interaction between Vitamin A and zinc is said to be interfering with the metabolism since zinc results to the decrease of synthetic binding in the retinol. This transports retinol into the tissues instead of the circulatory system.

Another interaction is that of Vitamin A with Iron. When this happens, Vitamin A exacerbates iron which leads to anemia. The supplementation must be beneficial on iron as well as Vitamin A in order to improve the status of the individual especially that of children as well as pregnant women.

Good Things in Small Packages: Knowing your Supplemental Vitamins

Thanks to technology and more knowledge about vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that the human body should have, doctors now have a wider, wonderful arsenal of ways to keep us healthy.

One of these is vitamin tablets, which we can take during or after meals in order to supplement the nutrients that we get from our food. Because of our speedier, but often dangerous lifestyle, we tend to eat less nutritious food that is more convenient that healthful.

As a result, we miss out on important vitamins that we can get only from the freshest fruits and vegetables, and the leanest meat.

Taking supplemental vitamins or dietary supplements, therefore, can help ensure that we receive the right amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies are required to have each day.

The contents of vitamin supplements are well measured, so that taking one pill can help you receive the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Most of the essential vitamins have a minimum requirement for daily consumption; some vitamin deficiencies can lead to debilitating, sometimes even fatal diseases.

For instance, we need at least ninety milligrams of the essential vitamin ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. Although we can obtain this vitamin from regular servings of orange or lemon juice, vegetables, and sometimes even from fortified candies, we don’t always have the chance to pick up fresh fruit or vegetables, drink fresh juice, or buy Vitamin C fortified candy.

We aren’t able to constantly monitor our Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a number of disorders, among them scurvy, which can cause the skin and nails to crack; and some immune system disorders, as the immune system needs ascorbic acid in order to function.

We can therefore see how important supplemental vitamins are. They can make life more convenient for us, so that if we miss out on the regular doses of essential vitamins, we can still take a small pill and get the vitamins that our bodies need.

This convenience shouldn’t deceive you, however: taking supplemental vitamins doesn’t exempt anyone from eating fresh fruit and vegetables along with lean meats in the context of a balanced diet. As their name implies, supplemental vitamins merely support a good diet; the supplemental vitamins don’t replace them.

Supplemental vitamins, moreover, shouldn’t be taken indiscriminately. Indeed, many doctors discourage buying supplemental vitamins over the counter unless a patient has been checked and assessed completely.

This is because some vitamins can only be taken in moderate amounts, beyond which they can, in turn, exacerbate certain medical conditions. Further, some vitamins can interfere with medications; for instance, some painkillers can be destroyed by acids, so if you are taking ascorbic acid, you may need to wait a while before taking your painkillers.

Because of the promise of dietary supplements, some countries have passed legislation in the hope of curbing indiscriminate use of supplements.

For instance, the United States government requires that all advertisements featuring dietary supplements should also contain a disclaimer that the dietary supplement isn’t designed to treat any specific diseases, that the supplement isn’t made to prevent or cure any disorder, and that the supplement has no health claims that have been evaluated or discovered by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.

Many bottles of supplemental vitamins sold in the United States not only have this disclaimer, but also contain descriptions of the vitamins in the supplement. This is because some vitamins present in supplements are different in molecular form and chemistry from the vitamins that are found in food.

Moreover, most bottles of supplemental vitamins exhort the consumer to always consult with his or her physician before taking any supplemental vitamins.

If you are consuming supplemental vitamins, take only one pill a day, or as recommended by your doctor. Avoid self diagnosis. Read the label of your vitamin bottle, and look through the amounts of vitamins present in each pill.

You will need to consume some vitamins at a recommended amount, or you may suffer from vitamin poisoning. For instance, iron is often added to vitamin supplements, but at extremely high doses, iron can damage the kidneys.

Moreover, look at the rest of the nutrients and, possibly, herbal additives in the vitamin supplement. Some supplements come with ginseng, an herb that has been found to increase energy, but which can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure.

Always check with your doctor on what herbs are good for you, and what you might have to avoid. Although vitamin supplements cater to keeping you healthy, you should still do your utmost to ensure that you aren’t endangered by them.

Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important to the body. It isn’t only a single compound, it comes in various forms. It comes in the form of alcohol as retinol, as well as aldehyde in the form of retinal. It also comes in the form of acid which is retinoic acid.

Vitamin A contains a Beta-ionone ring which is attached to an isoprenoid chain. This is the normal structure of the Vitamin A nutrient. Retinol is the animal form and is a fat-soluble and anti-oxidant vitamin that is important to a persons vision as well as bone growth.

It is a retinoid that is chemically related to one another. This is also used in medicines.

RDA for Vitamin A as supervised by the Food and Nutrition Board is that a daily dosage must be taken in order to support the normal functioning of the body; be it immune functions, reproductive functions, genes or visions.

For infants up to 6 months old, they are required to have an intake of 400 mcg. For infants that are 7 to 12 months old, they are required 500 mcg. For children 1 to 3 years of age, they must have 300 mcg.

For children 4 to 8 years of age, they are required to have 400 mcg. For children 9 to 13, they must have 600 mcg. For teenagers 14 to 18 years old, the males must have 900 mcg while the females are okay with 700 mcg. For adults, males are required to have 900 mcg while females must have 700 mcg.

Vitamin A intake also varies for pregnant women. Women aged 18 years or younger must have 750 mcg. Pregnant women who are 19 years and older must have 770 mcg.

The Vitamin A intake also changes when the female is breastfeeding. For those younger than 18, they are required to have 1200 mcg. For those who are 19 and older, they must have 1300 mcg.

Vitamin A may be found in yellow and orange vegetables. Green vegetables contain carotenoids too. There are a number of healthy foods which contain Vitamin A and retinol.

These are cod liver oil, breakfast cereals, eggs, butter, milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupes, spinach, squash and butternut.

Vitamin A deficiency results in:

1. Nyctalopia or Night Blindness
This is a condition which makes it impossible or difficult for the individual to see in a low light scenario. This is the symptom of other eye diseases. Night blindness may be apparent at birth or it may be rooted from the lack of Vitamin A.

This is a disorder that affects the rod cells found in the retina. The rod cells lose their ability in responding toward the light. People who suffer this disease have poor vision in the dark.

2. Xeroxis or Corneal Drying

This may have different causes which includes dehydration, diabetes and lack of Vitamin A. The treatment is symptomatic. You can consult with an eye doctor. The usual diagnosis is eye drops.

3. Bitot's Spots

These are triangular spots found in the eyes. They are similar to floaters (which are like spider webs in the eyes.) Just like xeroxis, this can be cured by eye drops prescribed by eye doctors.

4. Xerophthalmia

This is a medical condition where the eye can’t produce tears. It is caused by the lack of Vitamin A. It also implies a dryness that is destructive to the epithelium.

The condition usually occurs in developing countries because of its environment and surrounding. Other forms of xeropthalmia come with aging, scarring from injuries or autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

5. Keratomalacia

Is an eye ailment that leads to the cornea drying up. It may also be caused by dehydration as much as it is caused by lack of Vitamin A. Now this is quite dangerous because it might lead to glaucoma and the individual may lose his or her sight permanently if not remedied as soon as possible.

Vitamin A deficiency is considered to be risky especially if it results in other diseases such as respiratory problems and infection. IT affects children more than it affects adults.

Those who lack Vitamin A eventually suffer diarrhea and measles. Those who are already HIV-infected and lack Vitamin A have a harder time getting cured.

Getting To Know Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine or Pyridoxal) is a vitamin that can easily be dissolved in water which means the body is not able to store it for a long time. This also means that person should get a regular supply of Vitamin B6 since it is easily excreted through the urine.

Since this isn’t the most popular vitamin,  you might wonder about the benefits brought by this vitamin to the body.  Vitamin B6 is generally needed by the body for overall health.  However, here are some specific functions of B6 to the body:

ò Protein Metabolism
ò Metabolism of red blood cell
ò Tryptophan conversion to niacin
ò Proper functioning of the nervous system
ò Proper functioning of the immune system
ò Increases the oxygen level of hemoglobin
ò Maintenance of sugar or blood glucose

Vitamin B6 plays a very important role in the maintenance of the bodies systems and it is recommend that a person takes in at least 1.3 mg of Vitamin B6 daily (men and women below 50); 1.7 mg (men over 50); 1.5 mg (women over 50; 2 mg (women who are lactating) and 1.9 mg (women who are pregnant).

The good thing about Vitamin B6 is that it can be easily soured from plants (vegetables) and animal sources.  Among the foods that contain Vitamin B6 are:

ò Liver
ò Chicken
ò Avocados
ò Nuts
ò Bananas
ò Wheat germ
ò Fortified cereals
ò Flesh and skin of baked potato
ò Chicken Breast
ò Salmon and Tuna
 
Vitamin B6 is indeed an essential Vitamin for the bodies functions. Thus, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious health conditions for a person.  How can a person become deficient in Vitamin B6?

A person who has a poor diet and who doesn’t regularly take in foods rich in Vitamin B6 can become deficient.  Alcoholics are also candidates for Vitamin B6 deficiency because alcohol destroys the presence of this vitamin in the body. 

Children with asthma and who are treated by tehophylline should get Vitamin B6 supplements as this medication results to a low storage of Vitamin B6 in the body.

Consider the following health problems for those who are deficient in Vitamin B6:

1. Pyroluria-is an illness related to chemical imbalance as a result of an abnormal synthesis of the hemoglobin.  And because B6 is an important component in hemoglobin formation, its deficiency can cause this disease.

2. Irritability/Grumpiness/Depression-A person who exhibits this symptom can be deficient in Vitamin B6.  However, studies don’t conclude that depression can be treated by Vitamin B6 supplements.

3. Dermatitis or skin disorders

4. Soreness of the tongue

5. Anemia

Vitamin B6 is popular as a supplemental treatment for:

ò Vitamin B6 supplements to prevent any harm from befalling the patient.

ò Premenstrual Syndrome-Vitamin B6 has been used to treat this condition which is more popularly known as PMS.   However, there are reports of high toxicity among women taking this for PMS.

ò Carpal tunnel syndrome-There is no scientific evidence that taking in a minimum of 100 mg of Vitamin B6 daily can treat this illness.  However, a lot of books are recommending this.  It is important to consult with a doctor first to ensure the safety of the patient.

ò Taking Vitamin B6 either in supplements or from food sources is said to be instrumental in cutting back the risks resulting from Parkinson’s disease.   However, the study is still non-conclusive.

ò It can be used to lessen the effects of a hangover as well as the pains of morning sickness usually experienced by pregnant women.  It has been proven safe for pregnant women although a drug containing B6 was withdrawn from the market due to the high risk of birth defects among pregnant users.

ò The regular intake of Vitamin B6 as well as other substances like magnesium is said to be an effective treatment for autistic children.

Some people who may still be using Vitamin B6 supplements should be careful of a possible overdose.  A Vitamin B6 (particularly from supplements not from food sources) overdose can result in a deadening or numbing of the arms and legs, also known as sensory neuropathy in the medical world. 

However, such a condition can be reversed once the taking in of the Vitamin B6 is stopped.

The Lowdown on Vitamin B12

The body actually needs a small amount of Vitamin B12 (also known as coalmine because it contains cobalt) and yet every person is encouraged to take this vitamin either through eating foods high in Vitamin B12 or through supplements because it isn’t well absorbed by the body. 

It is one of the most complex vitamins and it exists in many forms or compounds that are basically known as cobalamins:

ò Methylcobalamin-Vitamin B12 used by the body

ò Cynanocobalami-Vitamin B12 used in supplements

Sources of Vitamin B12

Vitamins B12 is primarily found in dairy products, meat and eggs.  Research shows that there is a possibility of sourcing Vitamin B12 from plants, seaweeds and soya products. 

However, a closer study showed that there is no significant B12 content from these sources.  Nori (the same green seaweed used in wrapping sushi) showed significant levels of B12 but it was attributed to compounds that are similar to B12 in terms of structure. 

Here are some foods that contain some amount of Vitamin B12

ò Liver
ò Mollusks
ò Salmon, Tuna and Trout
ò Beef (the sirloin part)
ò Tacos and Cheeseburger
ò Yogurt

It would be important to note that human waste contains Vitamin B12.  This was discovered after vegetarians got their required B12 content from vegetables that were grown using human waste as fertilizer. 

However, a person may think twice before sourcing his Vitamin B12 from such circumstances. Incidentally, vegetarians lack the necessary daily Vitamin B12 requirement because they don’t eat meat products. Thus, they can get heir B12 requirement from supplements.

Why is Vitamin B12 necessary?  A person needs only two micrograms of Vitamin B12 every day for the following purposes:

ò Red blood cells synthesis-Vitamin B12 is an important factor in red blood cell formation (particularly in the production of DNA).  Failure to meet the B12 requirement can result to anemia.

However, folic acid can remedy this problem (although excessive intake of folic acid can trigger the effects of such deficiency).

ò Development and maintenance of the Nervous system- Myelin is an important component and protecting sheath of the nerves and Vitamin B12 helps in myelin maintenance through the sustenance of fatty acids.  

ò Growth and development-lack of Vitamin B12 can impede the development not only of the nerves but also the whole bodies systems.

ò Sleep disturbances- B12 is used in regulating the cycles and sleeping and waking up through a substance called melatonin so a B12 deficiency can possibly affect sleeping patterns.

ò Alzheimer’s dementia-the most damaging effects of B12 deficiency is damage to the brain and the nervous system.

While Americans have been faithful in their required daily intake of Vitamin B12, health researchers however found that there is still a good chance for deficiency if a person is unable to absorb B12 from his food intake and no supplement is being taken. 

This is common among people who have stomach disorders limiting their B12 absorption.  The following are some of the symptoms of B12 deficiency.

1. Breathlessness
2. Poor Immune System
3. Tiredness
4. Menstrual problems for women
5. Sore Tongue

Contraindications

While Vitamin B12 is usually sourced from natural food and its intake generally safe, taking in large doses of B12 supplements can have negative effects for people who are on medication.

A person who is taking in PPI or proton pump inhibitors (medication for peptic ulcer as well as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the intake of H2 receptor antagonists (medications for peptic ulcers) may have a problem with B12 absorption as PPI slows down the discharge of hydrochloric acid which is necessary in releasing B12. 

On the other hand, the intake of Metformin for diabetes can also affect calcium metabolism which in turn interferes with B12 absorption.

While the intake of B12 supplements is generally safe due to its low toxicity potential, it should however be regulated by doctors for safety purposes.   Adults are particularly encouraged to take in B12 supplements as their potential for low B12 absorption is greater.

The problem in diagnosing deficiency in Vitamin B12 is that it can take so long for the symptoms and the corresponding side effects to be monitored.  And when that time comes, the effects may already be too serious and require long term treatment.

All You Need To Know About Vitamin D

The adage popularized by older people about exposing babies and children to the sun early in the morning to get Vitamins has a medical basis indeed as shown by medical information confirming that Vitamin D can indeed be sourced from sun rays. 

But there is more to Vitamin D than just being synthesized through the sun.

Like most Vitamins which can be sourced from food, Vitamin D is sourced not only from the UV rays of the sun but also from various food groups.  However, a person who wants a free dose of this vitamin can get it by exposing himself to the sun as the latter triggers the synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin.

Vitamin D per se doesn’t do wonders for the body (although there are some forms that are active like Calciferol) because it needs to be chemically converted into dihydroxyvitamin D. 

The conversion is done with the help of the kidneys and the liver.  This form of Vitamin D is important as it is responsible for:

ò stimulating phosphorus and calcium absorption

ò helps in formation of strong bones

ò along with the other Vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D promotes the mineralization of bones

ò help in the maintenance of a healthy immune system

ò preventing rickets (for children)

ò preventing osteomalacia (for adults)

ò regulates growth of cells

A person who wants to get a regular doze of Vitamin D can look for fortified foods or regular food groups that have substantial content of this vitamin. Vitamin D can be sourced from the following food sources.

ò Cooked mackerel and salmon

ò Canned tuna fish and sardines

ò Milk (whether whole milk, reduced fat milk, nonfat milk, or milk fortified with Vitamin D)

ò Margarine fortified with Vitamin D

ò Cereals fortified with Vitamin D

ò Egg yolk (although eating the whole egg is advisable)

ò Swiss cheese

ò Cooked beef and liver

ò sunlight

While sunlight is considered an important source of Vitamin D there are factors that affect the synthesis of this vitamin in the skin like smog, pollution, cloud cover, time of the day when exposed, season and the use of sunscreen (sunscreen with at least an SPF 8 will inhibit the exposure to UV rays of the sun). 

A 10-minute exposure to the rays of the sun may be enough to allow Vitamin D synthesis and a person should apply sunscreen with SPF 15 to protect his skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

A person who wants to maintain healthy bones should make sure he gets Adequate Intake of Vitamin D.  Here is a guide to the daily AI of Vitamin D (in International Units or IU) according to age bracket:

Newborns up to 13 years old-200 IU

Men and women who are 14 to 18 years old-200IU

Men and women who are 51 to 70 years old-400 IU

Men and women who are over 71 years of age-600 IU

Pregnant women 14 to 50 years old-200 IU

Lactating women 14 to 50 years old-200 IU

Despite the availability of sunlight and foods containing Vitamin D, deficiency can still occur among all age groups due to a lot of factors including absorption defects (problem with the kidney resulting to failure in conversion), inadequate diet, lack of sun exposure, and increasing requirement of the Vitamin. 

Among those who usually experience Vitamin D deficiency are vegetarians, people who are lactose intolerant as well as those with milk allergies.

Effects of Vitamin D deficiency

A person who is deficient in Vitamin D can be susceptible to bone-related diseases like:

1. Rickets-This is a disease of the bone which is characterized by deformities in the bones.  This occurs when the body fails to mineralize the bone tissues properly due to lack of Vitamin D.  Research however shows that this can be reversed with the daily intake of up to 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil.  

The prevalence of Rickets among Americans resulted to the mandatory Vitamin D fortification on milk.

2. Osteomalacia-This is a bone disease identified with adults and is characterized by weak muscles and bones.  The problem is that such deficiency can’t be easily detected until bone weakness and other bone-related diseases shows up which can take long. 

Americans who are over 50 years of age are more susceptible to getting this disease because their skin is no longer as efficient in synthesizing Vitamin D.  The same goes for their kidneys.  Vitamin D supplements are thus recommended for these people.

3. Osteoporosis-Whiles this disease is more identified with lack of calcium resulting to fragile bones, this is also one of the long terms effects of Vitamin D deficiency.  A person with enough Vitamin D in his bones will have lesser chances of getting osteoporosis.

If Vitamin D deficiency can result in bone-related diseases, too much intake of Vitamin D can also be a health hazard as it can cause vomiting, nausea, weight loss and constipation.  However, a person who relies on the sun for his Vitamin D is safe from toxicity.  Those taking in supplements should be more careful not to go overboard.

All About Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is an antioxidant that is necessary in the body. Vitamin E exists in eight forms called isomers, four of which are tocopherols and the other four are tocotrienols.

All the isomers have chromanol rings with hydroxyl groups which provide the hydrogen atom the material to reduce the free radicals to make a hydrophobic side chain which penetrates through the biological membranes of the body.

The alpha, bet, gamma and the delta form of the tocopherols as well as the tocotrienols determine the number of the methyl groups within the chromanol rings. Each of these forms have their own biological activity which measures the function and the potency of Vitamin E in the individual.

What foods have it?

The most abundant source of vitamin E are vegetable oils like sunflower, corn, palm oil, olive oil and soybean. Nuts, sea buckthorn berries and kiwi fruit, wheat germ and sunflower seeds are also sources of Vitamin E.

Other sources include whole grains, peanut butter, green leafy vegetables and fish. Breakfast cereals are also rich in Vitamin E because these are originally extracted from wheat germ oil.

For a clearer picture of how much Vitamin E can be found in each source per 100 g, read on:

Asparagus û 1.5 mg
Carrots û 0.6 mg
Chestnut û 1.2 mg
Coconut û 1.0 mg
Corn û 2.0 mg
Hazelnut û 26.0 mg
Oats û 1.5 mg
Olive oil û 12.0 mg
Peanut û 9.0 mg
Peanut oil û 17.2 mg
Pollard û 2.4 mg
Soybean û 1.2 mg
Soybean oil û 14.6 mg
Sunflower oil û 55.8 mg
Tomatoes û 0.9 mg
Walnut oil û 20.0 mg
Wheat germ oil û 215.4 mg

How much should we take?

The US DRI or Dietary Reference Intake recommends that a young male take 15 mg of Vitamin E every day. Previous studies showed that Americans failed to meet the recommended amounts of Vitamin E in their normal diet.

The IOM or Institute of Medicine reports that Vitamin E intake is lower compared to the fat and energy intake of Americans, as seen in conducted national surveys.

The IOM also believed that most North Americans can get enough Vitamin E if they follow a diet consisting of mostly vegetable oils.

However, Vitamin E may act as anticoagulant. If this happens, then there is a greater risk of bleeding problems. Therefore Vitamin E is regulated to 1000 mg each day for those who are going through the ailment.
 
The government doesn’t recommend over dosages of Vitamin E as to the fact that it increases bleeding. This is because there are synthetic and semi synthetic Vitamin E supplements that increase the mortality rate.

What is considered a deficiency?

There are three situations for vitamin E deficiency taking place. This is apparent to those who are not able to absorb dietary fat, those who are premature, those who have low birth weight when they were infants and those who have rare disorders such as fat metabolism.

Vitamin E deficiency are usually characterized by problems in the nerve system because of poor conduction.

Individuals who have difficulty in absorbing fat require Vitamin E supplements because they need dietary fat in order to absorb their intake of the nutrient in the gastrointestinal tract.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or has had their stomach or part of it removed suffer malabsorptive problems like liver disease, Crowns disease and pancreatic insufficiency.

These deficiencies are inherited and this result to poor absorption of Vitamin E and dietary fat. This may create problems in the nerves, muscles and the retina which can eventually lead to blindness.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with deficiencies in Vitamin E must be prescribed special Vitamin E supplements in order to treat the disorder.

Health Risks Associated to Vitamin E

Research has shown that Vitamin E may either prevent or delay coronary heart problems. It limits the oxidation in the body and prevents the formation of blood clots which could result in a heart attack.

Also, because Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it protects against the effects of radicals which contribute to the development of cancer. It blocks the formation of nitrosamines which are located in the stomach. It also enhances the immune function.

Finally, the lack of Vitamin E clouds the tissue of the lens of the eyes. This increases the individuals risk of going blind. Observational studies have shown that Vitamin E can help prevent this and therefore the lack of Vitamin E triggers the production of cataracts.

Vitamins:  Know What They Are and Why You Need Them

Vitamins are nutrients necessary for the regulation of many different bodily functions in animals and humans.  They are important for the formation of tissues, blood cells, genetic material, hormones and chemicals for the nervous system. 

Vitamins can either be catalysts or coenzymes.  As catalysts, vitamins bind with proteins to produce enzymes that will in turn produce essential chemical reactions within the body.  As coenzymes, they act as chemical carriers from one body cell to the next.

The history of vitamins

Vitamins as we know them today were largely unknown thousands of years ago and whatever nutrients and benefits vitamins give were only received through the ingestion of food. 

Some of the ancient civilizations discovered through observation, experimentation or purely by accident that some foods seemed to offer relief or cures for certain illnesses and ailments. 

Ancient Egyptian doctors, for example, would prescribe liver to patients suffering from night blindness.

Certain vitamin benefits were also discovered long before they were named.  The benefits of citrus fruits, for example, a known source of Vitamin C, was first extolled in the mid 1700s long before it was known that vitamins existed. 

It was first used to prevent and cure scurvy.  Although successful, the practice was initially met with skepticism. 

Then, in 1897, a Dutch scientist named Christiaan Eijkman discovered that unpolished rice helped prevent beriberi.  The next year, another scientist, Frederick Hopkins, coined the term 'accessory factors', unknown substances that certain foods contained which contributed to health and well being.

It was only in the early 1900s when a Polish biochemist named Kazimierz Funk was able to isolate and identify a complex group of micronutrients. 

In 1912, the name 'vitamine' was proposed and used, considered to refer to what Hopkins called 'accessory factors'.  The name was later changed to 'vitamin' in 1920.

Why we need vitamins

The human body can only produce one type of vitamin naturally and that is Vitamin D.  The other vitamins must be taken either through diet or supplements.  The benefits of vitamins were discovered by using deprivation studies. 

Scientists were able to isolate different vitamins and determine that deficiencies led to certain illnesses, health risks and birth defects.  As science progressed, vitamins made the jump from their natural sources such as plants and animals and became available in pill form.

Today, there are 13 different vitamins, categorized as fat soluble or water soluble.  Fat soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K and water soluble vitamins include the Vitamin B group and Vitamin C.  Fat soluble vitamins, when they enter the body, are absorbed by the intestinal tract. 

It then joins the bloodstream.  Fat soluble vitamins are more difficult to dissolve and excess amounts are often stored in the liver or in the body's fat.  This means that it's not necessary to consume fat soluble vitamins everyday.

Water soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are more readily expelled by the body through urine.  Because they can’t be stored, it's often necessary that they are taken more frequently.

Vitamins in food

While vitamin supplements can often help replenish the body's supply, the best sources of vitamins still come from fruits, vegetables and animal products.  Here are excellent sources of different vitamins essential to health:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can be sourced from dairy products such as milk, cream and cheese.  It can also be found in animal liver, kidneys, meat and fish oils from halibut and cod. 

These foods do contain cholesterol and saturated fat, so if you prefer fruit and vegetable sources, try intensely colorful picks such as carrots, cantaloupes, pumpkins, squashes, sweet potatoes, spinach and broccoli.

Vitamin B group

Vitamin B1 or thiamine can be found in cereals, whole grains, pasta, fish, meats and soybeans.  Vitamin B3 or niacin can be found in lean meats, poultry, fish and dairy products.  Legumes, nuts, eggs and enriched cereals and breads are also good sources.

Pantothenic acid, biotin and Vitamin B12 can be found in fish, eggs, poultry and dairy products.  Vitamin B12 can also be sourced from shellfish and meat. 

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid

When looking for Vitamin C, think citrus.  Lemons, limes, oranges, cantaloupes, strawberries and grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C.  So are turnip greens, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and broccoli.

Vitamin D

Although naturally produced by the body, Vitamin D needs to be replenished.  It can be found in butter, margarine, cream, cheese and cereals.  It is also found in oysters, fish and fortified foods. 

Vitamin E

Also known as an excellent antioxidant, Vitamin E can be found in nuts, olives, wheat germ, spinach, seeds, corn and most green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin K

Bacteria found in the human intestines can produce Vitamin K but to ensure you get the right amount, eat cereals and vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower, cabbage and soybeans.

Pros and Cons of Vitamins for Children: Do They Really Need Them?

Health experts say that children who eat foods based on the recommended food guide pyramid don’t necessarily need vitamin supplements. This type of diet contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your child needs.

However, some factors may affect the way you prepare foods and eventually lose the vitamins contained in the food. Also, some children are just picky eaters, hence, they acquire too little nutrients to supply their daily needs.

Now the question is: In cases like this, is it advisable for parents to provide their children with vitamin supplements to cover up for whatever is lacking in their diet? Is it safe and effective to use vitamin supplements?

By definition, vitamins are elements needed by the body for proper function and promotion of normal body processes. With this, you can directly conclude that people, old and young alike, need vitamins to be healthy.

And because it is a well-known fact that children don’t get enough vitamins from the food that they eat, vitamin supplements are deemed necessary.

But is this really the case? As much as people contend the viability of vitamin supplements for children, some health experts contend that they aren’t that necessary. Besides, excessive intake of vitamins may do more harm than good.

So what is the bottom line? To understand more, here are some pros and cons about vitamins for children:

Pros

1. They promote cell growth

As children grow, so do their bodies. However, to facilitate cell growth, children need vitamins. Vitamins take part in the development of blood cells and other tissues in the body.

2. Vitamins serve as antioxidants

Most vitamins serve as antioxidants. Hence, vitamins also act as preservatives by inhibiting the oxidation process or disintegration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidants combat the free radicals in the body. Hence, children are assured of effective protection against diseases.

3. Aids digestion

Some vitamins contain fiber, which aids in proper digestion of the body. Lack of fiber may cause problems in the bowel and may even cause more serious problems such as circulatory disorders.

Vitamins also act as coenzymes because they help in conveying these different tasks.

Cons

1. Excess vitamins can cause greater health problems.

Most people disregard this, but health experts and various studies show that excess vitamins can cause serious health problems.

Let us take for example excessive intake of vitamin A. Letting your children take vitamin A more than the recommended dietary supplement, serious problems in the nervous system may take place.

Another example is vitamin D. Excessive intake of vitamin D may cause calcium resorption, which can lead to increased calcium in the blood. When this happens, functions of the soft tissues in the body, such as the lungs and the heart, may be lessened or reduced.

Excessive intake of vitamin C may cause severe diarrhea or watery stools. It can also reduce the amount of copper in the body.

2. Too much dependency

Some parents tend to allocate their child’s need for nutrients to the vitamin supplements available on the market. This is especially true to parents who can no longer prepare a healthy diet for their children because of a hectic schedule at work.

Hence, they tend to devote their children’s vitamin requirements in supplements, which in reality, may be taken in great amounts. This goes to show how parents can be vulnerable sometimes especially if they want the best for their kids and are very busy with their work.

Plus, non-monitoring of children taking vitamins can also bring forth cases of excessive intake, where children usually enjoy taking vitamins that are available as tasty, chewable vitamins.

3. Odor and taste

Contrary to number two, some vitamins just don’t smell or taste that good. Take for example vitamin B. Children find it hard to take vitamins that have repulsive tastes or smell.

All of these things lay down various options for parents to decide whether they have to give their children vitamins or not.

Indeed, the need for the accessibility of vitamins for children can’t be rejected and so it is important to know the necessary vitamins required for children.

However, parents should also take note that vitamins should be regarded as something that is as delicate and destructive as any drug on the market. Hence, utmost care in choosing the best vitamins for your children is extremely important.

Vitamins for Pregnancy: Supplements that Help When You're Eating for Two

You can’t drink this. You can’t drink that. Women are being put on trial for engaging in unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy.  Of course, things like doing drugs or drinking alcohol are indeed very dangerous to your baby. 

After all, everything a pregnant woman eats, drinks, and breathes will reach her fetus through the placenta. 

Now, the question is: Are vitamins included? What are the vitamins recommended for pregnant women? What will be the effects? Here’s the real truth about the vitamins pregnant women can and can’t get away right now.

Vitamins Essential for Moms-To-Be

1. Vitamin C

This vitamin is important in the manufacturing of your baby’s blood vessels, bones, and the whole skeletal system. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, a protein responsible for producing your baby’s skeletal foundation. 

Vitamin C is also known as skin food because it feeds your skin as well as your baby’s skin with the right nutrients to help build healthy skin. As an antioxidant, it can also help you and your baby fight free radicals or delay the oxidation process.

Since your body can’t produce vitamin C, unlike most animals, and it can’t store it either, it is important that you get your daily supply of vitamins from supplements and foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus foods, vegetables, and fruits.

2. Foliate

Foliate, a B vitamin, is another nutrient necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. And not everybody gets enough.

Foliate is found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables, and people who eat a lot of canned or pre-packaged foods can become deficient.  Pregnant women who live alone and don’t want to cook for one are especially at risk for anemia caused by foliate deficiency.

Health experts suggest that a few servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day are the best bet for prevention. If you can’t bear Brussels sprouts, consider taking a daily nutritional supplement with 400 micrograms, the Daily Value of folic acid (the supplemental form of foliate).

3. Vitamin A

A daily intake of vitamin A between 10,000 and 15,000 IU (international units) may also provide healthy bones, skin, and eyes to your baby as well as healthy cells needed to build your baby’s internal organs.

However, pregnant women should speak with their doctors before supplementing their diet with vitamin A. Studies show that excessive intake of vitamin A can bring about birth defects, such as ear and eye abnormalities, microcephaly or small head, cleft lip and palate, hydrocephaly or enlargement of the fluid-filled paces in the brain, mental retardation, or heart defects.

Statistics show that pregnant women who consume more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A can lead to birth defects in 1 of every 57 infants. Also, excessive intake of vitamin A during pregnancy can cause higher risks of miscarriage.

4. Vitamin D

When researchers in a certain study measured levels of vitamin D in pregnant women, they saw that the more vitamin D in the blood, the better the insulin was at delivering glucose to the muscles. 

So vitamin D is an important nutrient for many other reasons as well, such as helping produce healthy teeth, tissue, and bones for your baby and may help your body derail diabetes.

Studies show that diabetes in pregnant women can be very risky and may even cause birth defects or morbidity.

Though vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight, a more reliable year-round source is milk. Four 8-ounce glasses of fat-free milk everyday can get you to the Daily Value of 400 IU. Alternatively, you can supplement your diet with 400 IU of vitamin D.

5. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 facilitates the formation of hemoglobin, the red blood cell component that carries oxygen through the bloodstream.  During pregnancy, more hemoglobin is required to supply your baby with oxygen. And the fetus also uses this vitamin to build its own blood supply.

Your body needs vitamin B12 to create red blood cells. This vitamin is found in chicken, red meat, dairy products, eggs, and fish, but not in plant foods.

Most people get plenty, but super-strict vegetarians who don’t eat any non-vegetable foods are at risk for a deficiency of vitamin B12 and anemia.  The solution is to take a daily nutritional supplement that contains at least double the Daily Value of B12 (six micrograms).

Keep in mind that baby’s health depends on the mothers way of getting the proper amount of vitamins, so pregnant women can’t afford to skimp. Hence, pregnant women should make sure that they get enough of the nutrients every day.

Vitamins for Seniors: The Anti-Aging Pill

Every heard of the anti-aging pill known as vitamins? If not, read this article.

Vitamin Supplements as Anti-Aging Pills

Some health experts believe that vitamins may be the single most effective way to lengthen life. 

In the largest biological study of human life and death, health organizations today reviewed the habits and histories of more than a million people over 40 years and found that death rates were significantly higher among those who did not take vitamins or health supplements.

Mortality rates dropped as vitamin intake was increased, and researchers concluded that vitamins warded off heart disease and stroke and helped prolong life. With this, experts say that vitamins are the closest thing to an anti-aging pill.

Vitamins Applicable for Seniors

Vitamins are powerful as a drug and should be prescribed and used as carefully as any other drug. However, dangers may come when excessive intake is manifested.

Especially for seniors, high doses of certain vitamins may cause serious health problems such as kidney damage, liver destruction, heart problems, etc.

Keep in mind that as people get older, the signs of aging can hamper the growth of new cells, hence, the body is vulnerable to diseases. That is why certain vitamins are prescribed or advised to seniors for proper nourishment.

For instance, as you get old, you will loose the abundant production of elastin and collagen in the skin, hence, wrinkles appear. But with the help of vitamin C, an antioxidant, your body will be able to produce collagen and elastin, which maintains skin elasticity and strength.

Generally, vitamin supplements that are fit for seniors are those that help in maintaining normal cell growth and repair. This is because one of the major signs of aging is the weakening production of cell growth. That is why older people acquire white hair, wrinkled skin, and memory lapses.

Vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants, counteract the destructive matters known as free radicals’ Health experts say that the damages caused by these elements may promote cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones. As people grow older, they lose the bone density in their bodies. And when people lack calcium, bones tend to consume their mass faster than before. Hence, bones become fragile and weak. This is when osteoporosis sets in.

So what can these fitness concepts tell you? Why should older people take vitamins?

Think about the years of your future. A man or woman of 50 can look forward to a quarter-century of life. And the longer you live, the longer you can expect to live. Consider some statistics:

The life expectancy for the average American male is 73 years; for the average female, 79 years. Yet a man who reaches 65 can expect to live another 16 years.