Vitamins
Excerpts From: Phyllis A. Balch CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Vitamin A and the Carotenoids
Vitamin A prevents night blindness and other eye problems, as well as some skin disorders, such as acne. It enhances immunity, may help to heal gastrointestinal ulcers, and is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue, of which the skin and mucous membranes are composed.
It is important in the formation of bones and teeth, aids in fat storage, and protects against colds, flu, and infections of the kidneys, bladder, lungs, and mucous membranes. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the cells against cancer and other diseases ”
The carotenoids are a class of compounds related to vitamin A. In some cases, they can act as precursors of vitamin A; some act as antioxidants or have other important functions.
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The best-known subclass of the carotenoids is the carotenes, of which beta-carotene is the most widely known. Also included in this group are alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, and lycopene. When food or supplements containing beta-carotene are consumed, the beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver. According to some reports, beta-carotene appears to aid in cancer prevention by scavenging, or neutralizing, free radicals.
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Taking large amounts of vitamin A, more than 30,000 mcg (100,000 international units) daily, over long periods can be toxic to the body, mainly to the liver. Toxic levels of vitamin A are associated with abdominal pain, amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation), enlargement of the liver and/or spleen, gastrointestinal disturbances, hair loss, itching, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, water on the brain, elevated liver enzymes, and small cracks and scales on the lips and at the corners of the mouth.”
Vitamin B Complex
The B vitamins help to maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function.
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B-complex vitamins act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to react chemically with other substances, and are involved in energy production.
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Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine (thiamine hydrochloride) enhances circulation and assists in blood formation and carbohydrate metabolism, and in the production of hydrochloric acid, which is important for proper digestion. Thiamine also optimizes cognitive activity and brain function. It has a positive effect on energy, growth, normal appetite, and learning capacity, and is needed for proper muscle tone of the intestines, stomach, and heart. Thiamine also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the degenerative effects of aging, alcohol consumption, and smoking.”
“Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue and is important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. It aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Together with vitamin A, it maintains and improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Riboflavin also facilitates the use of oxygen by the tissues of the skin, nails, and hair; eliminates dandruff; and helps the absorption of iron and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). ”
“Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide)
Vitamin B3 is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. It aids in the functioning of the nervous system; in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; and in the production of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system. It is involved in the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids, and in the synthesis of sex hormones. Niacin (nicotinic acid) lowers cholesterol and improves circulation. It is helpful for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses and also enhances memory.”
“Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Known as the antistress vitamin, pantothenic acid plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and the formation of antibodies, aids in vitamin utilization, and helps to convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.
Pantothenic acid is required by all cells in the body and is concentrated in the organs. It is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters. This vitamin is an essential element of coenzyme A, a vital body chemical involved in many necessary metabolic functions. Pantothenic acid is also a stamina enhancer and prevents certain forms of anemia.”
“Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both physical and mental health. It is beneficial if you suffer from water retention, and is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. It also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance and promotes red blood cell formation.
Pyridoxine is required by the nervous system and is needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for the reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth. ”
“Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is the most chemically complex of all the vitamins and is the general name for a group of essential biological compounds known as cobalamins. The cobalamins are similar to hemoglobin in the blood except that instead of iron they contain cobalt. Vitamin B12 comes in several forms. Not all forms are equally effective. The most effective form is methylcobalamin. However, the most common form is cyanocobalamin, because it is easier to manufacture and is therefore less expensive.”
Biotin
Biotin aids in cell growth; in fatty acid production; in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; and in the utilization of the other B-complex vitamins. Sufficient quantities are needed for healthy hair and skin. ”
“In infants, a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, which is characterized by a dry, scaly scalp, may occur as a result of biotin deficiency
Folate
Also known as folacin, folic acid, or pteroylglutamic acid (PGA), folate is considered a brain food, and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. It also strengthens immunity by aiding in the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells. Because it functions as a coenzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis, it is important for healthy cell division and replication. It is involved in protein metabolism and has been used in the prevention and treatment of folic acid anemia.
Inositol
Inositol is vital for hair growth. This vitamin has a calming effect and helps to reduce cholesterol levels. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries and is important in the formation of lecithin and the metabolism of fat and cholesterol. It also helps remove fats from the liver
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)
PABA is one of the basic constituents of folate and also helps in the assimilation of pantothenic acid. PABA can be converted into folate by intestinal bacteria. This antioxidant helps protect against sunburn by reducing the absorption of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Consequently, it helps to prevent skin cancer. It also acts as a coenzyme in the breakdown and utilization of protein; and assists in the formation of red blood cells.
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PABA also aids in the maintenance of healthy intestinal flora. Supplementing the diet with PABA may restore gray hair to its original color if the graying was caused by stress or a nutritional deficiency. Other benefits of PABA include protection against secondhand smoke, ozone, and other air pollutants; reduced inflammation in arthritis; and enhanced flexibility
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for at least three hundred metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. It also aids in the production of antistress hormones and interferon, an important immune system protein, and is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that has properties of both a vitamin and a hormone, is required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. It is necessary for growth and is especially important for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. It protects against muscle weakness and is involved in regulation of the heartbeat. It is also important in the prevention and treatment of breast and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and hypocalcemia; enhances immunity; and is necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting.
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There are several forms of vitamin D, including vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which comes from food sources; vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays; and a synthetic form identified as vitamin D5. Of the three, vitamin D3 is considered the natural form of vitamin D and was thought to be the most active. Newer data show that D2 is as effective as D3 in maintaining vitamin D levels in the blood.
“The form of vitamin D that we get from food or supplements is not fully active. It requires conversion by the liver, and then by the kidneys, before it becomes fully active. This is why people with liver or kidney disorders are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a cholesterol compound in the skin is transformed into a precursor of vitamin D. Exposing the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is actually a family of eight antioxidant compounds. These consist of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and four tocotrienols (also alpha through delta). The alpha-tocopherol form is the one found in the largest quantities in human blood and tissue. Small amounts of the gamma form are also found.
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Alpha-tocopherol acts as an antioxidant in the human body. As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. It protects other fat-soluble vitamins from destruction by oxygen and aids in the utilization of vitamin A. It protects the low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) from oxidation as well.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is needed for the production of prothrombin, which is necessary for blood clotting. It is also essential for bone formation and repair; it is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes. Consequently, it may help prevent osteoporosis. In addition, it may protect the vascular system by preventing calcification in the arteries. The liver is a very efficient extractor of vitamin K, which it uses to make clotting factors for the blood.
Bioflavonoids
Although bioflavonoids are not true vitamins in the strictest sense, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C, and the two should be taken together. There are many different bioflavonoids, including citrin, eriodictyol, flavones, hesperetin, hesperidin, quercetin, quercitrin, and rutin. The human body cannot produce bioflavonoids, so they must be supplied in the diet.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found in all parts of the body, the action of which resembles that of vitamin E. It may be an even more powerful antioxidant. It is also called ubiquinone. There are ten common substances designated coenzyme Qs, but coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in human tissue. This substance plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, and has vital antiaging effects. Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease, diabetes, and muscular dystrophy.
Research has revealed that supplemental coenzyme Q10 has the ability to counter histamine, and therefore is beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disease.
Sources
Mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain the largest amounts of coenzyme Q10. It is also found in beef, peanuts, and spinach. People consume about 10 to 15 milligrams a day, mainly from meat and fish. Vegetarians should be aware that their intake may be less than optimal and should consider supplementation.
Comments
Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and is best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods, such as fish. Be cautious when purchasing coenzyme Q10. Not all products offer it in its purest form. Its natural color is dark bright yellow to orange, and it has very little taste in the powdered form. It should be kept away from heat and light. Pure coenzyme Q10 is perishable and deteriorates in temperatures above 115°F. A liquid or oil form is preferable