All About Vitamins

Vitamins are derived mainly of plant origins. Each vitamin has it's own properties and functions and cannot be replaced by another vitamin.

Synthetic Vitamins - are not based of plant tissues, they have not been proven to safely replace natural vitamins. They are not chemically identical to natural vitamins. All types of vitamins do not enter the blood stream as well as others.

Natural Vitamins - these are believed to be the best form to take. Natural vitamins in food complexes have a more compatible size and shape and better bioavailability. The body recognizes this form and therefore it is more easily absorbed.

Vitamin A - plays an important role in vision, bone growth, cell growth and tissue development, it helps regulate the immune system and can help or prevent infections.This vitamin helps the skin and mucous membranes by acting as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A is found in foods such as liver, whole milk, fruits and vegetables as well as some fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin A that comes from plants is not as well absorbed as vitamin A that comes from animals.

This vitamin is essential for Life. Vitamin B complex consists of several vitamins grouped together because of their similarities, properties and natural sources and similar functions. All B vitamins are water soluable. The complexes are
B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin (nicotinic acid), B6 (a group of related pyridines) B12 (cyanocobalimin) folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin.

B1 - this vitamin helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and helps to metabolize fats and proteins.

B2 (riboflavin) - this vitamin is required to complete several reactions in the energy cycle of the body. Without this one can experience dryness and cracking of the lips and mouth as well as skin inflammations.

Niacin - this helps the metabolism of carbohydrates

B6 ( a group of related pyridines) - an enzyme system that is involved in the process of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

B12 (cyanocobalimin) - a complex crystal compound necessary for cell function, especially important for the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the bone marrow. A deficiency of B12 usually results in pernicious anemia.

Folic Acid - this is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of nucleic acid.

Pantothenic Acid - enables a large number of metabolic reactions important for growth.

Biotin - necessary for metabolic processes that lead to the formation of fats and the utilization of carbohydrates in the body.

Vitamin C - natural form found in food complexes. Ascorbic acid is the synthetic form. Humans cannot make their own vitamin C it must be obtained through the diet. Vitamin C is important for structural components such as blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C also plays an important role in brain function as well. Also vitamin C has become well known for its antioxidant properties and is known for protecting the body from free radicals. Vitamin C deficiency has been known for many centuries to be fatal. As in the disease known as scurvy.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D - this is a fat soluble vitamin. This vitamin is produced when the ultraviolet rays from the sun hit the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, for bone growth or bone remodeling. Without this vitamin bones can become thin, and brittle and in some cases become mishapen. Vitamin D can help protect against osteoporosis.

Vitamin E - a family of eight antioxidants, consisting of four tocopherals and four tocotrienols. Alpha tocopheral is the only form of vitamin e that is actively maintained in the human body. This vitamin protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. Also known as an antioxidant. Foods that contain vitamin E are nuts, avocodos, spinach, asparagus, wheat germ and vegetable oils.

We all know that in a perfect world, everyone eats balanced meals and has a healthy lifestyle. However, in the real world we all have very busy and hectic lives, fast food restaurants are everywhere, calling us when we're too tired to cook for our families. Processed foods line the grocery stores and junk food is calling our names. This is why it is beneficial to our lives to add vitamins and minerals and herbal supplements to our diets. These provide our bodies with the necessary nutrients that we need. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements to your diet. This is important as each individuals needs are different.

Omega 3 is a highly concentrated triglyceride base fish oil that uses the finest quality of fish oils from ocean fish such as mackerel, sardines and anchovies. The oil is put through a refining process extracting the Omega 3's from the fish. Through many studies Omega 3 has been found to be a great benefit aiding in a healthy diet. Some of the studies done have found that Omega 3 has the potential to help:
lower cardiovascular disease
Increase brain function
lower heartache risks
anti-depression