Supplements Information

The Vitamin Breakdown


Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce and therefore must acquire through the diet. To help maintain good health, humans need 13 different vitamins. These include: vitamin A, the various B and D vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Deficiencies of these essential vitamins can cause the body to enter a diseased state. Deficiencies of different vitamins manifest themselves with differing diseased states. For example, night-blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, while Rickets is linked to vitamin D deficiency.

The relationship between foods and maintaining health has been recognized for centuries. For example, in 1747, Dr. James Lind discovered that citrus fruits prevented scurvy. Some stores of vitamins within the body can last well over a year, as is the case with vitamin B12. Others can deplete more rapidly-lasting only a couple of weeks. A vitamin can be either fat or water soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Often they need to be replenished more frequently. Fat-soluble vitamins, however, are stored in the body. Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, E, D and K.

Today there is debate among experts over the benefits of vitamin supplements. Some believe supplements must be taken in conjunction with the daily diet. This is because many foods are processed and artificially enriched-which can reduce the nutrient level naturally found in these foods. Moreover, even fresh fruits and vegetables are picked prematurely and shipped long distances before arriving on grocery shelves. For this reason, some physicians recommend taking vitamins.

The US RDA is a standard set forth by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences National Research Council to help Americans determine a proper level of daily vitamin intake. It is important to note, however, that these levels are sometimes quite modest- intended to meet the nutrient needs of already healthy individuals. For some, these amounts may be lower than optimal. For example additional amounts of vitamins may be needed during illness. Consequently, the Board has also set two other values: the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) and the adequate intakes (AI). The UL values are designed to help people avoid over consumption. AL values are established when there is not enough scientific evidence to set an RDA.

It is important to note that different developmental stages and physiologies may require varying vitamin intakes. Children, adolescents, women, and men all have differing needs. Consulting a specialist is the best way to determine personal vitamin needs. Moreover, some supplements may negatively interact with prescription drugs. Therefore, all supplemental intakes should be discussed with a physician.

A proper balance of vitamin intake can enhance personal health and increase energy levels. These essential nutrients aid in the regulation of many bodily functions and can prevent illnesses. Their value must not be underestimated.

Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about the benefits of vitamins. Learn more at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/.


MORE RESOURCES:

Medicare Supplements and Insurance Coverage Plans
TransWorldNews (press release), GA - 17 hours ago
Finding the right Medicare supplement insurance plan is among the most important issues facing seniors living in America today. ...
Supplemental Insurance Packages for Senior Medicare Recipients ... TransWorldNews (press release)
all 2 news articles


Canada.com

Supplements don't help prevent prostate cancer
Newsday, NY - Nov 18, 2008
Harvard College I'm thinking about taking a special supplement for prostate health. It contains mostly vitamins and minerals, such as complex B, vitamin C, ...
(Update) Vitamin Supplements Won’t Help Prevent Prostate Cancer dBTechno
Vitamin C, E Supplements Won't Help Prevent Cancer Washington Post
Vitamin E, C supplements don’t reduce cancer risk, but you never know Food Consumer
eFluxMedia - Daily Vidette
all 426 news articles


Vitamin E and C supplements not effective against cancer
Entertainment and Showbiz!, India - 14 hours ago
“After nearly 10 years of supplementation with either vitamin E or vitamin C, we found no evidence supporting the use of either supplement in the prevention ...


Daily Mail

Should we loosen up with these joint-care supplements?
Daily Mail, UK - 19 hours ago
There is a huge range of natural supplements on the market to help to relieve joint pain - some play a part in the formation and repair of cartilage, ...
From vitamin C to fish oil, we sample the supplements Times Online
all 2 news articles


Study discounts ginkgo as Alzheimer's shield
Barre Montpelier Times Argus, VT - 9 hours ago
But in one of the largest — and longest — studies ever designed to test whether ginkgo can stave off Alzheimer's, scientists found the supplements were ...


Retrospective Case Series Reports Healthy Lipid Profiles and ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
This retrospective analysis suggests a nutritional purification program emphasizing fruit and vegetable consumption with caloric restriction and supplements ...


ABC News

How to prevent Alzheimer’s disease – part 1
Food Consumer, IL - Nov 21, 2008
A recent study suggests that taking ginkgo biloba supplements is useless in helping elderly prevent the disease. The finding does not apply to all people at ...
Forget Ginkgo Supplements for Dementia Prevention MedPage Today
This Week in Health Intelihealth.com
Don't Forget the Gingko: Just Make Sure It's the Right One HealthNews
KARK - CBC.ca
all 559 news articles


Emerson Ecologics Announces Acquisition of TIDhealth
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
"Practitioners and their patients will now have expanded access to the highest quality vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements, homeopathics, ...


Natural News.com

Colloidal Silver Company's Fight for Health Freedom: An Interview ...
Natural News.com, AZ - Nov 21, 2008
(NaturalNews) Utopia Silver Supplements is a colloidal silver company based out of Utopia, Texas. This natural supplement company has been battling the FDA ...


ABC News

Pregnant? Avoid using hairspray!
Times of India, India - 11 hours ago
The new research also reveals that taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy is associated with a 36 percent reduced risk of ...
HAIRSPRAY LINKED TO BIRTH FLAW Mirror.co.uk
Link between hairspray and hypospadias discovered by a study HealthJockey.com
Hairspray exposure linked to birth defect United Press International
WTVW - New Scientist (subscription)
all 48 news articles

Supplements - Google News

home | site map
© 2006