STAYING IN GOOD HEALTH: THE ROLE OF VITAMINS

STAYING IN GOOD HEALTH: THE ROLE OF VITAMINS
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
Prevents night blindness and other eye problems
Aids some skin disorders such as acne
Enhances immunity and protects against colds, influenza, and infections
May heal gastrointentional ulcers
Protects against pollution and cancer formation
Acts as an antioxidant needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair important for formation of bones and teeth
Aids in fat storage
Slows the aging process
Protein cannot be utlized by the body without this
Vitamin B 1 (Thiamin)
Enhances circulation
assists in the production of hydrocloric acid, blood formation, and carbohydrate metabolism
Affects energy, growth disorders, and learning capacity
Needed for nomal muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart
Warning: anticiotics, sulfa drugs, and oral controceptives may decrease thiamin levels in the body
Warning: a high carbohydrate diet increases the need for thiamin
Vitamin B 2 (Riboflavin)
Necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cellular respiration, and growth
Alleviates eye fatigue and is important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts
Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
When usesd with Vitamin A, it maitains and improves the mucuous membranes in the digestive tract, facilitates oxygen use by body tissues, eliminates dandruff, helps the uptake of iron and B6 (important during pregnancy since a lack can lead to fetal damage)
Aids in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Warning: oral contraceptives and strenuous exercise decrease riboflavin levels in the body
Riboflavin is easily destroyed by light, cooking, antiviotics and alcohol
Vitamin B 3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid)
>Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin
Aids in the functioning of the nervous system
Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Used in the production of hydrocloric acid
Lowers cholesterol
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Known as the “anti-stress vitamin” since it is used in the production of adrenal hormones and antibodies
Helps convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy needed to produce vital steroids and cortisone in the adrenal gland
Required by all cells of the body
Needed for normal functioning of the gastrointentional tract
May be helpful in treating depression and anxiety
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Inolved in more bodily functions than any other single nutrient
Affects both physical and mental health
Is a natural diuretic
Reduces swelling associated with PSM, injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Aids in preventing oxalate kidney stones from forming
Necessary for the production of hydrocloric acid and the absorption of fats and proteins
Maintains sodium and potassium balance
Needed for a properly functioning nervous system
Promotes red blood cell formation
Aids in the production of antibodies
Plays a role in cancer immunity and arterliosclerosis
Inhibits the formation of homocysteine, which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle
Helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma
Warning: anti-depressants, estrogen, and oral contraceptives may incrase the need for vitamin B6 in the body
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells
Helps prevent coronary heart disease
Important for healthy cell division and replication
May help depression and anxiety
Shown to help uterine cervical dysplasia
Essential to regulate embryonic and fetal development of nerve cells
Vital for normal growth and development
Significantly reduces risk of colon cancer
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Needed to prevent anemia
Aids in cell formation and cellular longevity
Required for proper digestion, absorption of food, protein synthesis, and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
Prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and development
Warning: B12 deficiency ca be caused by malabsorption—especially in the elderly and those with digestive disorders
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Powerful antioxidant that protects against pollution and prevents cancer
Required for tissue growth and repair
Essential in the formation of collagen to form tissue
Protects against blood clotting and bruising
Promotes healing of wounds and the production of anti-stress hormones
May reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure
Protects against genetic damage, cataracts, colon cancer, respiratory illness, asthma, and breast cancer
Warning: aspirin, alcohol, analgesics, anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids may reduce levels of Vitamin C
Warning: pregnant women should use amounts no larger than 5,000 mg. As the fetus may become dependent on this supplement and develop scurvy
Vitamin D
Required for calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization
Necessary for growth and especially important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children
Essential for the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets
Enhances immunity
Vitamin E
Antioxidant that prevents cancer and cardiovascular disease
Has been shown to reduce the chance of a heart attack by 75%
Improves circulation and aids in normal clotting and healing
Reduces blood pressure
Aids in preventing cataracts
Aids in the repair of tissue
Useful in treating fibrocystic breasts, PMS, and leg cramps
Retards aging and may prevent age spots
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