GETTING VITAMINS THROUGH FOOD

 

In an attempt to understand what each vitaminconsists of and how it affects the body, this chapter will outline variousvitamins and their benefits on the body. 

 

VITAMIN A

 

Vitamin A is from the retinoid group that helpswith many functions of the body. This is found in many forms. The retinoid isbroken down into alcohols in the small intestine before it is digested by thebody.

 

Why Is Vitamin A Needed?

 

Vitamin A is needed for healthy vision throughretinal formation, healthy skin through retinoid formation, and gene transcriptionby retinoic acid. The recommended dose varies based on age ranging from sixhundred ULs daily for infants to 3000 ULs in lactating women between nineteenand fifty.

 

Where Is It Naturally Acquired?

 

Vitamin A is acquired naturally through liver,carrots, broccoli leaves, pumpkin, collard greens, papaya, sweet potatoes,eggs, kale, and many other foods. These foods vary in their content of vitaminA and are sometimes depleted of this source through cooking. 

Potential For Toxicity

 

Vitamin A is very rarely toxic because it must betaken in exceptionally high doses to become toxic. In a case of an overdose,vitamin A can cause vomiting, blurred vision, headaches, muscles and abdominalpain, weakness, drowsiness, and even an altered mental status.

Prolonged exposure to high doses of vitamin A cancause hair loss, fever, insomnia, weight change, brittle fractured bones,diarrhea, and the death of mucus membranes.

VITAMIN B

 

The B complex vitamins are actually eight vitaminsthat often coexist. They are all involved in cell metabolism. This group ofvitamins includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothentic acid, pyridoxine,biotin, folic acid, and cyanocobalamin.

 

Why Is Vitamin B Needed?

 

Vitamin B plays a vital role in controllingmetabolism and increasing and supporting its rate It also helps in keeping theskin healthy, creating healthy muscle tone, encouraging cell division and cellgrowth, reducing the risk of some cancers, and enhancing the immune system aswell as the nervous system.

 

Where Is It NaturallyAcquired?

 

Vitamin B can be found in a variety of foodsources, such as potatoes, chile peppers, liver oil, tuna, yeast, vegemite, andbananas. Each food contains a different level of vitamin B, and therefore doesnot contain equal content of B complex vitamins.

 

Potential For Toxicity

 

In the rare case that Vitamin B is overdosed andtoxicity occurs, some symptoms include numbness in the extremities, depression,low blood pressure, fatigue, hyperthyroid, migraines, heart palpitations,cramps, and much more.

With prolonged exposure, these symptomssignificantly increase and can become detrimental to health and well being.Vitamin B only becomes toxic when it is taken many times above the recommendedlevel, so illness can be avoided simply by following the recommended dosages.

VITAMIN D

 

Vitamin D is a prohormone that is used to maintainthe organ system. There are two types of vitamin D, ergocalciferol andcholecalciferol, which is produced in the skin when exposed to sunshine.

 

Why Is Vitamin D Needed?

 

Vitamin D helps in a number of ways. It affects theimmune system by acting as an anti-tumor agent. It inhibits the parathyroidhormone, and regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream. Without the adequate amount of Vitamin D in the body, a person candevelop a number of problems, such as rickets or osteomalacia.

 

WhereIs It Naturally Acquired?

 

Sunlight is a great source of creating Vitamin D,however it is also found in milk, bread, margarine, butter, oil, yogurt,herring, catfish, salmon, eel, tuna, and sardines. The most important aspect ofacquiring Vitamin D naturally is by making sure you get enough sunshine,because unless you spend a lot of time outdoors, normal day to day exposure tothe sun is not sufficient for healthy Vitamin D creation.

 

Potential For Toxicity

 

One is not at risk for Vitamin D overdose byprolonged sun exposure, only by consuming it naturally through foods, or insupplement form. Signs of Vitamin D toxicity include itchiness, increased urine production, renal failure, weakness,nervousness, nausea, and vomiting. If a Vitamin D toxicity is suspected, it isquite important to seek medical attention and discuss this concern with adoctor.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CompleteNutra products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please discuss all specific medical conditions and advice with your healthcare provider.