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Archive for February, 2011

The human body doesnt synthesize vitamin E. Even though there are enzyme systems, vitamin C and beta-carotene take care of the body defensive mechanism against free radicals. Vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant is needed for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases like heart disease and Alzheimers. Hence, the body depends on other sources through which vitamin E can be obtained.As a natural source, only plants synthesize vitamin E. Vitamin E can also be synthetically produced. It is found in vegetables like spinach, carrots, turnips, mustard and broccoli; in fruits like papaya, almonds and kiwi; and in plant-based oils like olive, soya, corn, sunflower and safflower oil.All kinds of foods with vitamin E have alpha- and gamma-tocopherols in varying amounts expressed in milligrams. The USDA food composition database lists all the foods rich in vitamin E with the amounts available. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, a nutrient rating system has been developed to determine the worlds healthiest foods, which are classified as excellent, very good and good sources of vitamin E. It details the food source, serving size, caloric value, amount, daily percent value (value provided by the nutrient) and the nutrient-density rating. It classifies the foods as excellent, very good and good according to the percent daily value (greater than 75%, 50% and 25%, respectively) or density and percent daily value. The excellent sources are mustard greens and dried sunflower seeds, and the very good sources are spinach and almonds.As with any other natural foods, vitamin E content is lost due to commercial processing, cooking and storage. Some amount is lost when it is exposed to air. Commercial processing of wheat, from which 90% of breads, baked goods and pastas are made, removes 50% of the vitamin E content. Hence, vegetable oils should be kept in well-capped containers.
Vitamin E from food alone doesnt have any documented evidence of side effects. But many scientists believe that to take 15 mg per day of alpha-tocopherol from food (which is the Recommended Dietary Allowance) would be very difficult without increasing the cholesterol level.However, considering the potential beneficial effects of vitamin E from food and the harmful side effects from vitamin E supplements, medical practitioners recommend at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for healthy living. Benefit Of Vitamin E provides detailed information on Vitamin E, Benefit Of Vitamin E, Vitamin E Oil, Natural Vitamin E and more. Benefit Of Vitamin E is affiliated with Liquid Multi Vitamins. Related Articles – Vitamin E, Benefit Of Vitamin E, Vitamin E Oil, Natural Vitamin E, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

The main truth here is that fish oil vitamin is not technically a vitamin but an oil with very beneficial health benefits similar to many vitamins, hence the reason it is lumped together with them. However it has some very unique properties. These oils provide our body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA and EPA, as we cannot manufacture them ourselves but must consume them. With it not being recommended to eat too much fish today because of the toxins they carry, a daily fish oil vitamin is the answer. In fact, a world leading expert on omega-3 has said that consuming more omega-3 fats is probably the single most important dietary change that most people could ever make to improve their health! Prevention of heart attacks and strokes, lowering of blood pressure or hypertension and improved brain health and functioning are just some of the major benefits they can provide. Effective treatment of many skin conditions like psoriasis and acne are further benefits, due to their powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and the treatment of conditions like arthritis have proved so effective that in some cases people were able to come off their prescription meds. Care must be taken however in selecting to ensure you get the very best. Look for one that has been molecularly distilled to remove all the impurities like arsenic and mercury that the fish pick up in their flesh, and a higher level of the more beneficial DHA fats. Most on the market have higher EPA levels as it is cheaper to produce, so try to avoid these as you will be robbed of much of the impact that this oil has to offer. In fact species like hoki and tuna tend to have the highest levels so any fish oil vitamin from these fish is generally excellent.
Now that you know the amazing benefits to be had and what to look for, why not make fish oil supplements part of your daily routine and start enjoying the rewards. Visit my website today to learn more about the fish oil supplements I personally take. Discover the best omega-3 fish oil today. Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of high-quality fish oil. Discover the very latest and effective omega-3 fish oil supplements Rich recommends after extensive research. Related Articles – fish, oil, vitamin, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

These facts on vitamin C for oral and topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic use can help you keep moving and stay fit, healthy and vibrant your whole life!

Vitamin C (scientific name ascorbic acid) has long been identified by science as an immune system booster. It’s in your morning orange juice and other fruits, and you enjoy the benefits in leafy green veggies too.

It makes perfect sense to take vitamin C orally. We eat foods that contain ascorbic acid, we take vitamin C supplements to fend off colds and flu. While there is some controversy, it’s been shown that ascorbic acid can be taken in megadoses (up to 8 grams of vitamin C or more many times in a 24 hour period) to good effect.(1)

The whole body benefits from general application of this powerful vitamin. But have you considered that taking vitamin C topically can also benefit your joints and muscles?

The skin is a major organ. Inch for inch and ounce for ounce, it’s the largest organ of the body. It functions as a protective organ, and is a highly efficient organ of elimination as well. The pores of your skin are like gateways, letting out toxins, letting in nutrients like oxygen and sunlight.

If you suffer from joint pain, arthritis, pain from joint damage, muscle ache from illness or fatigue, or even muscle strain, topical ascorbic acid should be an ingredient in the treatment you choose. Vitamin C is shown to significantly reduce inflammation in a variety of ailments, from leg ulcers (frequently associated with diabetes, injuries, or infections) (2), to various dermatological diseases, to arthritis.

In a study done on venous leg ulcer patients, treatment of those with a maltodextrin (a food additive starch) and ascorbic acid combination reported less pain than controls and they improved significantly-lesion size reduced by two and three times in weeks 8 and 12, respectively, when compared with the standard care. (2)

Facts on Vitamin C Dosage

Cultures with rich ancient histories, such as Anatolia (in Turkey, with some of the oldest cultural heritage on the globe) have long used plants rich in ascorbic acid for treatment of arthritis. (3,4) Modern science has been able to refine these ancient alternative treatments and ascorbic acid has also been shown to reduce inflammation topically in erythema of rosacea, an inflammatory dermatosis of the face. (5)

Science looks more and more to nature for clues about healing. And ascorbic acid is frequently part of the story. Vitamin C dosage varies, but the body will accept what it needs and eliminate the rest. It’s been shown to be very safe for reducing pain and inflammation in a wide variety of ailments.

Ascorbic acid is also valuable for its action against histamine, a major cause of inflammation in the body. (6)

Nature’s Healing Power

Science stacks up more and more facts about vitamin C each year, and about the anti-inflammatory power of ascorbic acid. And with so many applications for this powerful wonder-substance, it’s a great healing vitamin to keep with you for its analgesic properties.

In addition to fighting colds and flu, vitamin C researcher and physician Robert F. Cathcart treated over 9,000 patients suffering from a variety of ailments with tremendous success. (7) It is truly astonishing, the varied applications for vitamin C.

Remember to check the source of your vitamin C, as well. The highest quality comes from rosehip ( Rosa canina) and has been shown in three studies with 287 patients to reduce arthritis as compared to test subjects who took a placbo. (8) Quality is critically important in managing your pain. Only get the best.

So next time you’ve hiked just a little too far, worked just a little too long, or your arthritis has your joints seized up, remember these facts on vitamin C, the wonder-vitamin.

As always, be sure to consult your health care provider to learn what’s best for you.

Sources:

The Vitamin C Foundation, 2/19/2007 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2009 The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine 2006, Vol.3, No. 2 The International Journal of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, 6/28/2008 RB Carlin MD and CS Carlin, February 2001 Ascorbic Acid: Biochemistry and Biomedical Cell Biology, James R. Harris, 1996 Robert F. Cathcart MD, 1994, www.orthomed.com Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Vol. 16, Issue 9, September 2008

The B vitamins are closely related, which
is the reason they have all been given the letter B rather
than different letters. Vitamin B1 – also called thiamine – occurs naturally in
a wide range of foods. It unlocks the fats and proteins in the food we eat, and without
enough of it, we wouldn’t make good use of our food intake. Other things it does include
changing blood sugar
into energy and for the maintenance of the nervous system and muscular
function.

How much do you need? In the US the RDA (recommended
daily allowance) for women is 1.1
milligrams per day and 1.5 milligrams for men. In the UK the RNI (reference
nutrient intake)
for adult women is 0.8mgs daily and 1mg for men.
And if we don’t get enough vitamin B1? A severe
deficiency can lead to an unpleasant condition
called beriberi, and symptoms of this include weight loss, anorexia, nerve
problems, rapid
heartbeat, extreme fatigue, confusion and memory loss. Less severe deficiencies
may cause
fatigue, appetite loss and nervousness and mood swings.
And too much? Too much vitamin B1 is very rare,
even in large doses, as it is easily secreted by
the body.
Who needs extra? As with most vitamins people who
consume lots of alcohol should take care about their levels as should people whose diets are high in sugary, processed
and refined foods.
Cooking, particularly boiling, will reduce thiamine content in food.
Food that contains vitamin B1 – thiamine – include:
 whole grain unrefined cereals
 beef liver
 pork
 tuna
 sunflower seeds
 peanuts
 eggs
 milk
 beans

Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, you should be mindful that you are getting enough of the essential vitamins for hair loss prevention. Contrary to popular belief, hair loss affects just as many women as it does men, and should be treated with an ounce of prevention before it occurs. While all vitamins play an important role in staying healthy, there are only a few vitamins that help to prevent hair loss. One of the best ways you can help to ensure that your lovely locks stay intact, and on your head, is to take appropriate amounts of the following vitamins for hair loss prevention.Folic AcidFolic Acid is the number one most important vitamin for hair loss prevention. It has long been hailed as a vital part of women’s health, especially for pregnant women, but few people realize that it can also play a big role in keeping your hair on top of your head where it belongs. Taking folic acid vitamins for hair loss prevention can not only greatly decrease your chances of experiencing hair loss to begin with, as well as help to prevent future hair loss. Folic acid can be found in many foods, including nuts and soybeans; or can be bought in over the counter supplements.Vitamin AThe second of the important vitamins for hair loss prevention is vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and vision. But it also plays an important part in preventing hair loss by promoting healthy cell growth around hair follicles, keeping them from becoming dry and brittle. Vitamin A can be found in many foods but is most prominent in fruits and vegetables. To get a healthy amount of A vitamins for hair loss prevention, you should make certain that you eat plenty of carrots, tomatoes, peppers and salads as well as eggs and organ meats like liver.Vitamin EAlso included in the vitamins for hair loss prevention is vitamin E. Vitamin E can be found in leafy green vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach as well as in nuts and whole grains. Vitamin E is essential for promoting healthy blood flow, which in turn helps to ensure that the scalp has adequate blood circulation as well.As you can see, there are a number of vitamins for hair loss prevention that you can take either as supplements or by eating a healthy diet. If you have any questions as to whether or not you are getting enough of these vitamins for hair loss prevention in your diet consult a physician. As with any supplements, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should practice extreme caution before taking any vitamins for hair loss.

Depression is so difficult to live with that it seems too good to be true that an item as simple as a once-a-day vitamin could alleviate depression. Tom Cruise made popular the concept with his public remark that depression could be cured with “exercise and vitamins.” Is there research evidence for Cruise’s claim? Researchers actually investigated the impact of a multi-vitamin on depression. They concluded that a once-a-day vitamin and a B vitamin had the same effect on depression as a placebo (a sugar pill). The study indicates that vitamins do not affect depression. Is that true, that vitamins do not improve depression?

One investigation split volunteers into four groups: one group got a placebo (a sugar pill), one got no treatment at all, one took a multi-vitamin, and the fourth group got a B-vitamin. They found that the groups who took something did better than the group that had no treatment at all. To clarify even if you received the placebo you would improve as much as those taking the vitamins. The conclusion of the scientists was that the vitamins had no effect on depression.

The study examined B vitamins along with once-a-day vitamins. Take a look at the B vitamin example in more detail. The issue missing in this study is that not all of us need more B vitamins. If a B vitamin deficiency is implicated in our depression, taking B vitamins may give us relief. If we have enough B vitamins already, why would more vitamins make a difference? What is missing in the study is a measure of the participants’ need for B vitamins. There are studies, particularly of older people, that show a solid link between vitamin B-12 and depression. In fact, researchers are recommending that people take a B-12 and B-6 vitamin to protect against the deficiency and, thereby, protect against the depression. There certainly is evidence that B vitamins combat depression if the victim is low in those vitamins.

What about that multi-vitamin? Daily vitamin are designed to help you avoid deficiencies over the long term. If you have a high need for a specific vitamin, the daily vitamin dosage is probably not sufficient for your need. In that case, you are not meeting your need with a daily vitamin. As with the B vitamin example, you cannot correct a B-12 deficiency with a multi-vitamin (at least not quickly). For all other vitamins, the story is the same. You need to determine what your body needs and then find a way to meet the need. A daily vitamin is will be largely inadequate in targeting the nutrients that you may need.

Depression is complicated but vitamins may well be implicated in your case. Have your doctor check your B vitamin status with a plasma homocysteine test. Examine your vitamin D status. Consider Omega 3 fatty acids and the minerals magnesium, zinc, and iron. If you have a deficiency in one of these nutrients, you likely will feel relief when you have increased your intake. Vitamins can help depression, the key questions for you are: which one and how much?

Alexander V. Martin is a health food supporter and promotes vitamins as a complementary treatment for depression at the vitamins for depression website and vitamins for depression on YouTube.

Discover How Vitamin C And Vitamin E Can Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are both antioxidants that are believed to play certain very important roles in our bodies. Very similar to one another, both vitamins help prevent free radical damage to our brains. It is believed that free radicals can cause damage to cell structures and other genetic material. The damage free radicals often produce is called oxidative stress, and oxidative stress in turn leads to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The following paragraphs will discuss Alzheimer’s disease, and how adding both Vitamin C and Vitamin E to your diet can help prevent you from developing alzheimers.
Alzheimer’s disease is a common brain disorder that most often develops in older people, but can also occur in the young. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include loss of memory (short term and long term), inability to function normally in everyday living, loss of ability to take care of oneself, and ultimately death. The disease has no known cause at this time, but studies have show that it involves the abnormal breakdowns of acetylcholine in the brain. Some research studies have linked Alzheimer’s disease to high amounts of aluminum in the brain, but most studies indicate no link in the two.
Other research studies have been conducted regarding the effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
While most of the studies are inconclusive on just how beneficial the two vitamins used in conjunction can be for Alzheimer’s patients, they have shown some positive results. While some studies show dramatic reductions in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in people who increase their Vitamins C and Vitamin E, others show very little effect. What most studies have shown is a degree of positive effects, even if they are small. It is clear that more studies need to be done, but this could be a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
Multi vitamins should be an important part of everyone’s daily routine, but if you are trying to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, it can help to add additional Vitamin C and Vitamin E to your diet or supplements. Not only do these vitamins help prevent free radical damage to our brains, they also build our immune systems, and promote overall good health. These vitamins can also help by aiding in the blood and oxygen flow to the brain, keeping the brain healthy.
Foods rich in Vitamin E include:
• nuts• leafy greens• vegetable oils• whole grains
Foods rich in Vitamin C include:
• oranges• broccoli• strawberries• other fruits and vegetables
Other ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s are ginkgo biloba consumption and increasing zinc intake.

Vitamin c when taken in more amount than recommended, then it can cause diarrhea and stomach aches. The human body uses only the required amount of vitamin c but, the overdose of this vitamin can disturb the metabolic activities of the body.

For the non-smoking adults, the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin c is 75 mg for women and90 mg for men per day. In case of smokers, the RDAs are 110 mg for women whereas, for men, they are 125 mg per day. In order to maximize the levels of lymphocyte and plasma, a dosage of 200 mg on the daily basis are enough.

Sometimes higher levels of vitamin c are required but in the conditions like fever, trauma or infection. If the intake of this vitamin is about 200-500 mg per day in the divisions of 2 or 3 doses, then person may reach to the extreme saturation point. Vitamin c is a water soluble protein so the extra is excreted out from the body. The side effects of vitamin c overdose are stomach upset, gas or diarrhea. The other possible conditions can be nausea, cramps in stomach or risk of developing stones in the kidney. Due to higher amount of vitamin c in the body, the level of copper is reduced in the body which is one of the important nutrients. The people suffering from diseases caused due to overload of iron should strictly avoid taking the overdose of vitamin c because it increases the absorption of iron. People having problems of kidney stones should also be careful in taking vitamin c.

Vitamin c when taken in more amount than recommended, then it can cause diarrhea and stomach aches. The human body uses only the required amount of vitamin c but, the overdose of this vitamin can disturb the metabolic activities of the body.

To read about vitamin c and other information, visit the collagen site.

Pretty much everyone takes some form of dietary supplement these days. You would have to have your head in the sand to not have heard the many benefits of vitamins and mineral supplements. Expectations vary, but, for the most part, we just want to be healthier. First of all, more and more people lead hectic on-the-go lives, long commutes to work, a busy work schedule, and commuting home again. Then home to kids, and games and practice, or a trip to the gym, meals and clean-up, and walk the dog. At the end of the day we are all pooped. Too often it is easier to grab fast food or a quick sandwich at home; then off again. Invariably, these speedy meals on the run dont include the five basic food groups. Relish and ketchup arent vegetables. Pepperoni on a pizza is meat, but it is not the protein nutritionist had in mind. We all need daily vitamins to help insure proper nutrition. The stress produced by frenetic lives combined with the world and health news is enough to drive a person to drink. Ok, just make sure it is a healthy protein, soy, or whey shake. And look to herbal stress relief not booze. And all the talk about our country becoming obese– sad news! Luckily, there are several healthy, effective weight loss formulas to facilitate weight lose. Hydroxycut uses key components proven to help with weight lose, increase energy, burn calories, and control appetite. Additionally, Hoodia Gordonii, an African cactus, has recently been discovered. Learn for yourself the many fat burners and appetite suppressors on the market. Antioxidants are big news. We all know the benefits of B-12, vitamin C, ginkgo and omega 3 for brain health, and saw palmetto for mens health. Important too is folic acid for women who are or about to be pregnant; as well as prenatal vitamins. Check out the health stores and discover a healthier way to achieve sleep, a clean colon, enhance your sex life, build muscles, control your bladder, detox the body, and turn back the clock on aging for your whole body. You can fine some good references books, and you can talk to your health store professional to better understand how daily supplements can help you. When it comes time to shop, look online for a reliable resource, such as MyDailyVitimans.com for all your vitamin and supplement needs.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency – What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin mainly found in two forms, vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. It is primarily responsible for maintaining the level of calcium and potassium in the body by facilitating their absorption. Therefore, vitamin D is crucial for bone growth and repair. It also strengthens the immune system and inhibits the secretion of parathyroid hormone. It is mainly produced in the skin with the help of ultraviolet radiation of sunlight. So the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is determined by a number of factors including season, geography, smog, cloud cover and the time of the day, all of which can affect the exposure to sunlight. Liver is the main storage organ for vitamin D.

A deficiency of vitamin D can cause several disorders like rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis and can increase the risk of a number of diseases including multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, cancer, periodontal diseases and peripheral artery diseases. Therefore, in order to prevent such conditions, it is very important to know exactly what causes vitamin D deficiency. Here are some of the common causes of vitamin D deficiency.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate exposure to sunlight, as absorption of ultraviolet radiation of sunlight is crucial for synthesis of vitamin D. Therefore, factors that can prevent exposure to sunlight, can be the important causes of vitamin D deficiency. Such factors include spending most of the time indoors, keeping the whole body covered with thick garments, dark skin and using excessive sunscreen products on skin. Use of sunscreen products actually prevents sunlight from penetrating the skin, while presence of excess melanin in the skin, as in the case of dark skin, can also impair the absorption of ultraviolet radiation.

An important cause of vitamin D deficiency can be insufficient intake of foods like fruits, vegetables and dairy products, which are a rich source of this vitamin. Sometimes, even if you consume a lot of these foods, you may experience a deficiency of vitamin D due to some conditions that can affect its proper absorption. Certain diseases like Crohn’s disease and colitis can damage the lining of the digestive tract, and impair the proper absorption of many crucial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. So such diseases and problems associated with the intestinal functions can be some of the important vitamin D deficiency causes.

Another important factor for vitamin D deficiency can be the inability of the body to convert it to an active form. Some hereditary and liver and kidney diseases are supposed to be associated with such a condition. In many instances, medications can also cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Such medications include steroids, ulcer medications, drugs to control the level of blood cholesterol and some sleeping pills. Alcohol can also adversely affect the metabolism of vitamin D.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin D in children can cause rickets, which is characterized by retarded growth and deformation of the skull, while in adults it causes osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is characterized by weak bones, bone pain, bone softening and muscle pain. Vitamin D deficiency can also cause periodontal diseases, chronic fatigue, irritability, headache, migraine, brittle nails and dizziness. In addition to these, it is associated with high blood pressure, tuberculosis and depression.

Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency

Milk and dairy products, egg yolk, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, fish liver oil, soy, Chinese cabbage, seaweed, broccoli, mustard, molasses, cane sugar, legumes, beans, almonds and oranges, are some of the rich sources of vitamin D. So including them in your daily diet coupled with sufficient exposure to sunlight can help you prevent a deficiency of vitamin D. To treat vitamin D deficiency supplementation and medications are also available.