Vitamins & Minerals
What are vitamins?
Organic compounds that function as metabolic regulators in the body. Classified as water soluble or fat soluble. Vitamins cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplements.
Vitamins A: are fat soluble vitamins, A lack of it can cause skin to
become dry and hardened. This antioxidant vitamins energizes cells and are a
potent free radical scavenger. It is vital for maintaining a youthful, supple,
smooth complexion and in helping to slow the appearance of aging.
Vitamins B group:
B1 vitamins:
Vitamins B1 (thiamine) are water-soluble vitamins that is necessary for
carbohydrate metabolism, nerve conduction and for the functioning of the heart
and muscles. A deficiency of thiamine can cause weakness, fatigue, and nerve
damage.
B2 vitamins:
Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin) are water-soluble vitamins, which maintains
healthy skin and eyes. It also helps to maintain the nervous system and releases
energy to body cells through metabolism.
B3 vitamins:
Vitamins B3 (Niacin) are required for cell respiration and help release the
energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also supports proper circulation
and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of
bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating
schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and as a memory-enhancer.
B5 vitamins:
Vitamins B5 (Pantothenic Acid) are essential in producing, transporting, and
releasing energy from fat. Vitamins B5 improve the body's resistance to stress;
help in cell building & the development of the central nervous system; help
the adrenal glands, fight infections by building antibodies.
B6 vitamins:
Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine) are water-soluble vitamins
that are essential in protein metabolism. It helps maintain normal nerve
function and also acts in the formation of red blood cells.
B12 vitamins:
Vitamins B12 (Cobalamine) are water-soluble vitamins needed for normal
nerve cell activity, DNA replication. They are found in eggs, meat, poultry,
shellfish, milk, and milk products.
Folic acid :
Folic acid is one of the B vitamins especially important for a woman to take
before conception to help prevent neural tube defects in a fetus.
C vitamins:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin.
Antioxidant that performs a variety of roles in the body, helping to promote
healthy gums and teeth, aids in mineral absorption, helps heal wounds.
vitamin C May provide a variety of other health benefits.
D vitamins:
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps maintain blood levels of calcium,
by increasing absorption from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both
functions help keep calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is
stored in bones.
E vitamins:
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant. By inhibiting the oxidation
of LDL cholesterol, vitamin E may reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin E is
found in vegetable oils like soybean oil.
K vitamins: Vitamin K is necessary for proper bone growth and blood
coagulation. Vitamin K is necessary for the formation of prothrombin, a compound
required for blood to clot which is critical when there is injury to tissue,
essential for liver function, necessary for the storage of glycogen, which is a
form of sugar, converted later to energy.