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ABOUT
VITAMINS |
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Vitamin A,
Vitamin B1, B2,
B6, B12,
Folic Acid, Vitamin C,
Vitamin D, Vitamin E,
Vitamin K, Enzymes, Minerals
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VITAMIN A
(Beta Carotene)
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and a very powerful antioxidant. It requires fats as well as minerals for proper absorption. Vitamin A works best with
B-complex, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, phosphorus and calcium.
Benefits and functions:
· Necessary for growth and repair of body tissues
· Boosts the immune system by increasing the number of infection-fighting T cells
· Builds resistance to respiratory infections
· Helps treat acne, superficial wrinkles, boils, and open ulcers when used topically
· Protects the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections
· Protects against air pollutants
· Counteracts night-blindness and weak eyesight
· Aids in bone and teeth formation
· Promotes growth of strong bones, teeth, and hair
· Beta Carotene may help reduce the risk of lung cancer and certain oral cancers
· May lower harmful cholesterol
Possible Symptoms of Deficiency:
· Night blindness
· Increased susceptibility to infections
· Rough, dry, scaly skin
· Loss of smell and appetite
· Chronic fatigue
· Defective teeth and gums
· Retarded growth
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VITAMIN B1 (Thiamin)
Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and like all the B-complex vitamins must be replaced daily. Vitamin B1 is known as the "morale vitamin" because of its beneficial effects on the nervous system and mental attitude. Those who smoke, drink, consume a lot of sugar, or take birth control pills have an increased need for this vitamin.
Benefits and functions:
· Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy
· Aids digestion, especially of carbohydrates
· Essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart
· Stabilizes the appetite
· Promotes growth and good muscle tone
· Helps fight air or seasickness
· Improves mental attitude
Possibly symptoms of Deficiency:
· Loss of appetite
· Weakness and fatigue
· Nervousness and irritability
· Insomnia
· Weight loss
· Mental depression
· Constipation
· Heart and gastrointestinal problems
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VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed water-soluble vitamin that needs to be replenished daily. It works best with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and niacin. Stressful situations and lifestyles require additional B-complex.
Benefits and Functions:
· Needed for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
· Increases energy through proper utilization of food
· Helps reduce cholesterol and tryglycerides
· Helps prevent and ease the severity of migraine headaches
· May eliminate canker sores and bad breath
· Aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells
· Maintains cell respiration
· Necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails and hair
· Alleviates eye fatigue
· Promotes general health
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
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Itching and burning eyes
· Cracks and sores in the mouth and lips
· Bloodshot eyes
· Purplish tongue
· Retarded growth
· Digestive disturbancesTop of Page
· Oily skin
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VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and needs to be replaced daily by whole foods or supplements. Requirement increases when high-protein diets are consumed and for those taking birth control pills. Vitamin B6 works best with vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and magnesium.
Benefits and functions:
· Strengthens the immune system
· Necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids
· Aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism
· Aids in the formation of antibodies
· Helps maintain the central nervous system
· Works as a natural diuretic
· Promotes healthy skin
· Reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea and stiffness of hands
· Helps maintain a proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body
· Helps prevent kidney stone formation
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Nervousness
· Insomnia
· Skin eruptions
· Loss of muscular control
· Anemia
· Mouth disorders
· Arm and leg cramps
· Hair loss
· Water retention
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VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and needs to be combined with calcium during absorption to properly benefit the body. Vegans (vegetarians who don’t eat any dairy or eggs) need to supplement their diets with B12. Elderly people often have a difficult time absorbing vitamin B12 and supplementation may be beneficial.
Benefits and functions:
· Helps prevent anemia
· Necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
· Maintains a healthy nervous system
· Promotes growth in children
· Increases energy
· May lower the risk of heart disease
· Relieves irritability
Possibly symptoms of deficiency:
·
Pernicious anemia
· Poor appetite
· Growth failure in children
· Fatigue
· Brain damage
· Nervousness
· Depression
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FOLIC ACID
Folic Acid is another water-soluble member of the B-complex family. According to research women can reduce their risk of heart attacks by 42 percent by taking just 400 mcg. of folic acid with 2-10mg. of vitamin B6 every day.
Benefits and functions:
· Protects against birth defects
· Improves lactation
· Protects against intestinal parasites and food poisoning
· Lowers homocysteine levels thus reducing the risk of heart disease
· Helps prevent anemia
· Promotes healthier looking skin
· Acts as an analgesic for pain
· Necessary for DNA and RNA
· Essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow
· Aids in amino acid metabolism
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Gastrointestinal disorders
· Anemia
· Premature gray hair
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VITAMIN C
(Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is water-soluble and a potent antioxidant. It is one of the most widely taken supplements. Because vitamin C is excreted from the body every 2-3 hours it should be taken 2-3 times each day to help maintain a constant level in the bloodstream. Ester C is the most absorbable form of vitamin C available. According to Dr. Lines Pauling, the foremost authority on vitamin C, vitamin C will decrease the risk of getting certain cancers by 75%.
Benefits and functions:
· Essential for healthy teeth, gums and bones
· Helps heal wounds, scar tissue, and fractures
· Prevents scurvy
· Builds resistance to infection
· Aids in the prevention and treatment of the common cold
· Gives strength to blood vessels
· Aids in the absorption of iron
· Required for the synthesis of collagen
· Prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, processed meats, etc.) into cancer-causing substances
· Accelerates healing after surgery
· Helps decrease blood cholesterol
· Offers protection against many forms of cancer
· Act as a natural laxative
· Lowers incidence of blood clots in veins
· Helps lower blood pressure
· Reduces the effects of many allergy-producing substances
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
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Weight loss
· Fatigue
· Bleeding gums
· Swollen or painful joints
· Slow-healing wounds and fractures
· Bruising
· Tooth decay
· Loss of appetite
· Muscular weakness
· Skin hemorrhages
· Capillary weakness
· Anemia
· Impaired digestion
· Reduced resistance to colds and infections
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VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin acquired through sunlight or diet. People living in large cities, especially in areas of high smog density, should increase their vitamin D intake
B enefits and Functions:
· Improves the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorous
· Necessary for bone and teeth formation
· Maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action
· May slow or even reverse some cancers
· May prevent colds when taken with vitamins A and C
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Rickets
· Tooth decay
· Softening of bones
· Improper healing of fractures
· Muscular weakness
· Retention of phosphorous in the kidneys
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VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is stored in the liver, fatty tissues, heart, muscles, testes, uterus, blood, adrenal and pituitary glands.
Benefits and Functions:
· Major anti-oxidant nutrient
· Retards cellular aging due to oxidation
· Prevents oxidation of "bad" cholesterol
· Helps prevent various forms of cancer
· Alleviates fatigue
· Working as a diuretic it may lower blood pressure
· Aids in the prevention of miscarriages
· Protects the lungs against air pollution by working with vitamin A
· Lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke
· Decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
· Supplies oxygen to the blood
· Aids in bringing nourishment to cells
· Strengthens the capillary walls
· Prevents and dissolves blood clots
Possible signs of deficiency:
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Rupture of red blood cells
· Fluid retention
· Lack of sexual desire
· Abnormal fat deposits in muscles
· Dry skin
· Muscle degeneration
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VITAMIN K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin needed in a small but critical amount to form certain proteins essential mainly for blood clotting but also for kidney function and bone metabolism.
Benefits and Functions:
· Helps prevent internal bleeding and hemorrhaging
· Aids in reducing excessive menstrual flow
· Promotes proper blood clotting
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Celiac disease
· Spruce
· Colitis
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Copyright © 1999-2003 by the Global Institute For Alternative Medicine. All Rights Reserved.
Designed by Artur Heller | Level04studio |
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digestive enzymes
Natural food enzymes that, when taken with gassy
foods, help reduce flatulence-sometimes even stopping it before it
begins. Gas-producing foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower, grains and onions cause trouble because they contain
hard- or impossible-to-digest complex sugars (see
carbohydrate) that ferment in
the large intestine. Digestive enzymes help break down these complex
sugars into simple sugars that are more easily digestible. They
generally come in tablet form and are commonly available in natural
food stores. Some, like the popular Beano, also come in a
liquid form and can be found in supermarkets and drugstores
Definition
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a
specific chemical change in other substances without being changed
themselves. Enzymes can be found in every organ of the body. For
example, they can change
starches,
proteins, and
sugars into
substances the body can digest.
Blood
clotting is another example of enzymes at work.
Enzymes exist in the mouth (saliva), stomach
(gastric juice), and intestines (pancreatic juice, intestinal juice,
and intestinal
mucosa).
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MINERALS
Calcium, Magnesium,
Iron, Iodine,
Copper, Zinc, Manganese,
Chromium, Potassium,
Selenium, Molybdenum
CALCIUM
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. About 99% of
the calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other
1% is found in the blood and soft tissue. Too much protein and
calcium results in calcium being excreted in urine. Calcium works
best with vitamins A, C, D; iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Benefits and Functions:
· Builds and maintains healthy bones and teeth
· Regulates heart rhythm
· Eases insomnia
· Helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of the cell
walls
· Assists in normal blood clotting
· Helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function
· Lowers blood pressure
· Needed for normal kidney
· May reduce the incidence of colon cancer
· Reduces blood cholesterol levels
· Helps prevent osteoporosis
· Supports the nervous system
· May decrease menstrual cramps
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Softening of bones
· Back and leg cramps
· Arm and leg muscles spasms
· Brittle bones
· Rickets
· Poor growth
· Osteoporosis
· Tooth decay
· Depression
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MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is necessary for vitamin C and calcium metabolism. Women
taking estrogen or birth control pills, those who engage in daily
exhausting exercise, and regular alcohol consumers need to increase
their magnesium intake.
Benefits and Functions:
· Essential for healthy teeth and bones
· Reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis
· Helps burn fat and produce energy
· Aids in fighting depression
· Supports the cardiovascular system and helps prevent heart attacks
· Helps prevent premature labor
· Necessary for proper calcium and vitamin C metabolism
· Converts blood sugar into energy
· Brings relief from indigestion
· Alleviates PMS
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· May result in calcium depletion
· Heart spasms
· Nervousness
· Confusion
· Kidney stones
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IRON
Iron has the longest and best described history among all the
micronutrients. It is a key element in the metabolism of almost all
living organisms. In humans, iron is an essential component of
hundreds of proteins and enzymes. Women who experience very heavy
menstrual bleeding, strict vegetarians, and those on an extremely
low calorie diet, might need an iron supplement. Postmenopausal
women generally do not need supplemental iron.
Benefits and Functions:
· Cures and prevents iron-deficiency anemia
· Builds resistance to stress and disease
· Aids growth
· Prevents fatigue
· Promotes good skin tone
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Weakness
· Paleness of skin
· Constipation
· Anemia
· Dizziness
· Sensitivity to cold
· Irritability
· Poor concentration
· Heart palpitations
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IODINE
Iodine was one of the first minerals recognized as essential to
human health. Aside from kelp, and the iodine included multi-mineral
and vitamin preparations most people do not need additional
supplements unless advised by a doctor.
Benefits and Functions:
· Aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland
· Regulates the body's production of energy
· Helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism
· Promotes proper growth
· Improves mental clarity
· Promotes healthy hair, nails, skin and teeth
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Enlarged thyroid gland
· Slow mental reaction
· Dry skin and hair
· Weight gain
· Loss of physical and mental vigor
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COPPER
Copper is an essential nutrient that is required to convert the
body’s iron into hemoglobin. Deficiency is rare and tends to be
limited to people with inherited diseases that inhibit copper
absorption. Deficiency may also occur in infant who are not
breast-fed and in some premature babies.
Benefits and Functions:
· Necessary for the absorption and utilization of iron
· Helps oxidize vitamin C
· Assists in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate
· Strengthens blood vessels
· Protects tissue from free radical damage
· Supports the immune system
· Contributes to cancer prevention
· Helps proper bone formation and maintenance
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· General weakness
· Impaired respiration
· Sores on the skin
· Anemia
· Edema
· Skeletal defects
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· High blood pressure
· Infertility
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ZINC
Zinc is an immune-boosting mineral that is essential for overseeing
the efficient flow of body processes and the maintenance of enzyme
systems and cells. Diabetics, alcoholics, men with prostate
problems, and the elderly would be advised to keep their zinc levels
up.
Benefits and Functions:
· Necessary for protein synthesis
· Aids in wound healing
· Enhances the reproductive system
· Vital for prostate functions and male hormone activity
· Governs the contractility of muscles
· Important for blood stability
· Maintains the body's alkaline balance
· Helps in normal tissue function
· Aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus
· May assist in the treatment of acne
· Works as an anti-inflammatory agent
· Promotes healthy skin and nails
· Boosts resistance to infection
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Delayed sexual maturity
· Prolonged healing wounds
· White spots on finger nails
· Retarded growth
· Stretch marks
· Fatigue
· Decreased alertness
· Increased susceptibility to infections
· Hair loss
· Loss of appetite
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MANGANESE
Manganese is essential for the proper utilization of food and for
the formation and maintenance of bone, cartilage, and connective
tissue. Those with memory problems, heavy meat and dairy consumers,
and people suffering from recurrent dizziness, may benefit from
adding more manganese to their diets.
Benefits and functions:
· Works as an antioxidant nutrient
· Assists in normal blood clotting
· Necessary for the metabolism of vitamin B1 and vitamin E
· Activates various enzymes necessary for proper digestion
· Acts as a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol
· Helps nourish the nerves and brain
· Helps eliminate fatigue
· Helps prevent osteoporosis
· Improves memory
· Reduces nervous irritability
· Aids in muscle reflexes
· Necessary for normal skeletal development
· Maintains sex hormone production
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Paralysis
· Convulsions
· Dizziness
· Loss of hearing
· Digestive problems
· Blindness and deafness in infants
· Ataxia
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CHROMIUM
Chromium is a component of a natural substance called glucose
tolerance factor. It works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar.
Medical research has shown that persons with low levels of chromium
in their bodies are more susceptible to having cancer and heart
problems and becoming diabetic. Ninety percent of adults are not
getting enough chromium from their diets.
Benefits and function:
· Works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood
sugar levels
· Cleans the arteries by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride
levels
· Helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them
· Helps control the appetite
· Aids growth
· Helps prevent high blood pressure
· Works as a deterrent for diabetes
· Helps prevent sugar cravings and sudden drops in energy
· May help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Glucose intolerance in diabetics
· Elevated blood sugar levels
· Arteriosclerosis
· Heart disease
· Depressed growth
· Obesity
· Fatigue
· Alcohol intolerance
· Reduced muscle coordination
· Tingling in the extremities
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POTASSIUM
Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. It works
with sodium to regulate the body’s water balance and normalize heart
rhythms. People who drink a lot of coffee, heavy drinkers, and those
with a hungry sweet tooth may have low potassium levels.
Benefits and functions:
· Regulates heart beat and blood pressure
· Aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain
· May help in the treatment of allergies
· Stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes
· Preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids
· Helps prevent strokes
· Promotes healthy skin
· Needed for protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Nausea
· Diarrhea
· Muscle cramps and muscle weakness
· Poor concentration
· Delayed reflexes
· Heart arrhythmias
· Edema
· Hypoglycemia
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SELENIUM
Selenium, a powerful antioxidant, is synergistic with vitamin E,
working together to fight free radicals. Medical surveys show that
increased selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung
and prostate cancer.
Benefits and functions:
· Protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation
· Decreases the risk of cancer
· Aids in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
· Preserves tissue elasticity
· Alleviates hot flashes and menopausal distress
· Slows down the aging process
· Helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff
· Neutralizes certain poisonous substances such as cadmium, arsenic
and mercury
· Increases sperm count and fertility in men
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· Premature aging
· Heart disease
· Dandruff
· Loose skin
· Keshan disease
· Premature stamina loss
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MOLYBDENUM
Molybdenum is an essential trace element that aids in carbohydrate
and fat metabolism.
Benefits and functions:
· Helps prevent anemia
· Promotes general well-being
· Detoxifies sulfates (chemicals used as food preservatives)
· Processes waste for excretion
· Helps generate energy
· Supports the nervous system
· May help prevent tooth decay
· Mobilizes stored iron
Possible symptoms of deficiency:
· None known
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