vitamin e
February 29, 2008
All About Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is an antioxidant that is necessary in the body. Vitamin E exists in eight forms called isomers, four of which are tocopherols and the other four are tocotrienols.
All the isomers have chromanol rings with hydroxyl groups which provide the hydrogen atom the material to reduce the free radicals to make a hydrophobic side chain which penetrates through the biological membranes of the body.
The alpha, bet, gamma and the delta form of the tocopherols as well as the tocotrienols determine the number of the methyl groups within the chromanol rings. Each of these forms have their own biological activity which measures the function and the potency of Vitamin E in the individual.
What foods have it?
The most abundant source of vitamin E are vegetable oils like sunflower, corn, palm oil, olive oil and soybean. Nuts, sea buckthorn berries and kiwi fruit, wheat germ and sunflower seeds are also sources of Vitamin E.
Other sources include whole grains, peanut butter, green leafy vegetables and fish. Breakfast cereals are also rich in Vitamin E because these are originally extracted from wheat germ oil.
For a clearer picture of how much Vitamin E can be found in each source per 100 g, read on:
Asparagus û 1.5 mg
Carrots û 0.6 mg
Chestnut û 1.2 mg
Coconut û 1.0 mg
Corn û 2.0 mg
Hazelnut û 26.0 mg
Oats û 1.5 mg
Olive oil û 12.0 mg
Peanut û 9.0 mg
Peanut oil û 17.2 mg
Pollard û 2.4 mg
Soybean û 1.2 mg
Soybean oil û 14.6 mg
Sunflower oil û 55.8 mg
Tomatoes û 0.9 mg
Walnut oil û 20.0 mg
Wheat germ oil û 215.4 mg
How much should we take?
The US DRI or Dietary Reference Intake recommends that a young male take 15 mg of Vitamin E every day. Previous studies showed that Americans failed to meet the recommended amounts of Vitamin E in their normal diet.
The IOM or Institute of Medicine reports that Vitamin E intake is lower compared to the fat and energy intake of Americans, as seen in conducted national surveys. The IOM also believed that most North Americans can get enough Vitamin E if they follow a diet consisting of mostly vegetable oils.
However, Vitamin E may act as anticoagulant. If this happens, then there is a greater risk of bleeding problems. Therefore Vitamin E is regulated to 1000 mg each day for those who are going through the ailment.
The government doesn’t recommend over dosages of Vitamin E as to the fact that it increases bleeding. This is because there are synthetic and semi synthetic Vitamin E supplements that increase the mortality rate.
What is considered a deficiency?
There are three situations for vitamin E deficiency taking place. This is apparent to those who are not able to absorb dietary fat, those who are premature, those who have low birth weight when they were infants and those who have rare disorders such as fat metabolism. Vitamin E deficiency are usually characterized by problems in the nerve system because of poor conduction.
Individuals who have difficulty in absorbing fat require Vitamin E supplements because they need dietary fat in order to absorb their intake of the nutrient in the gastrointestinal tract. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or has had their stomach or part of it removed suffer malabsorptive problems like liver disease, Crowns disease and pancreatic insufficiency.
These deficiencies are inherited and this result to poor absorption of Vitamin E and dietary fat. This may create problems in the nerves, muscles and the retina which can eventually lead to blindness. Individuals who have been diagnosed with deficiencies in Vitamin E must be prescribed special Vitamin E supplements in order to treat the disorder.
Health Risks Associated to Vitamin E
Research has shown that Vitamin E may either prevent or delay coronary heart problems. It limits the oxidation in the body and prevents the formation of blood clots which could result in a heart attack.
Also, because Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it protects against the effects of radicals which contribute to the development of cancer. It blocks the formation of nitrosamines which are located in the stomach. It also enhances the immune function.
Finally, the lack of Vitamin E clouds the tissue of the lens of the eyes. This increases the individuals risk of going blind. Observational studies have shown that Vitamin E can help prevent this and therefore the lack of Vitamin E triggers the production of cataracts.
Zenni Optical Glasses
February 26, 2008
Where to find good optical glasses that are good and price. Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses have been recommended by a friend of my mom!
You can’t imagine. Lately, I’ve need to search for some optical glasses. Everyday I’m online working from home and all I do is stare at the screen. At times, when I get off of the computer I see things quite blurry. My mom told me “Ok now you have to look for glasses”.
One of her colleagues at the University told her about some Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses and I thought well I gotta at least look 
There not too bad in style when you think of wearing glasses.
The Great Discovery: Zenni Optical is that they are prescription glasses so I won’t be just going the cheap route. I haven’t decided whether I’ll purchase those or other which I saw in Wal-Mart but I will keep checking the comparisons for vision problems due to computer usage. Until now, it is the Best Thing Found: Zenni Optical.
stomach flu in children
February 26, 2008
Stomach Flu in Children
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a kind of infection in the digestive system, especially the stomach and intestines. Causes for this condition are parasite, bacteria, or virus infection spread through contaminated food and fluids. It can also be caused by certain toxins present in some plants & seafood, usage of powerful laxatives in order to cure constipation or because of intake of poisonous heavy metal or food. The problem starts with stomach upset and cramps. The child shows disinterest in eating and feels week. Symptoms of stomach flu are diarrhea and vomiting, which take nearly five days to go away. Sometimes, even fever can accompany along with dehydration.
The child must be given fluids regularly as this will suppress other symptoms from emerging because of loss of water from the body. Loss of water and salt from the body is the biggest risk in stomach flu. Dehydration can not only worsen the condition, but can threaten the life of the child, if it isn’t taken care of in the early stages. Since there is loss of salts along with the loss of water from the body, plain water won’t do much. Oral rehydration solutions which are available at the local grocery or drug store, is a good idea because it has the correct combination of salts, sugar and water which can hydrate the body. These fluids come in different flavor, so that kids can have their favorite flavor and is easy to consume. The solution shouldn’t be added with anything else such as sugar or water.
If a child is vomiting, solution can be administered to him using a teaspoon every two minutes. The quantity can be increased gradually. If the vomiting is more frequent, the child can be made to suck ice chips in order to supply constant fluid to the body. The solution should be given till diarrhea comes to a halt, but it is not advisable to continue it for more than twenty four hours. Some of the fluids such as soft drinks, sports drink, apple juice, tea, or chicken broth contain wrong amounts of salt, sugar & water and can make matter worse. Besides fluids, the parent shouldn’t give any type of medicine without consulting a pediatrician. Fried, spicy and sugary foods aren’t good in this condition. If the child isn’t receiving sufficient amount of fluids he/she will show signs such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, intense thirst, unusual sleep patterns, and decrease in urine.
The more the bed rest taken by the child the better it is. The child should take complete bed rest for at least twenty four hours or till the diarrhea and vomiting stops. If the child has fever, the temperature should be checked and noted in a log, every four hours. If the temperature is very high and doesn’t stop climbing, the doctor should be contacted immediately. The person who is preparing and serving food to the child should wash his or her hands very carefully before doing so. Also, if the diarrhea and vomiting doesn’t stop after twenty four hours, it is a must to get a doctor’s appointment. The child should be rushed into emergency if the vomiting contains blood or green color substance.
The doctor, after doing stool and blood test, prescribes antibiotics if infection is suspected. Along with it, anti nausea medicines are also given to stop the throwing up and control fluid loss. If there is considerable loss of fluids from the child’s body, the child might be admitted into the hospital and will be administered with fluids such as glucose or IV, through a tube connected to the child’s veins. If the child has fever, temperature is checked and the doctor would ask about information about the temperature pattern, for which the parent should be ready. If the illness is stretched for days, a log about the information about the daily weight should also be given to the doctor. Sometimes, the blood oxygen levels would also have to be checked with the help of a pulse oximeter.
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vitamin d
February 25, 2008
All You Need To Know About Vitamin D
The adage popularized by older people about exposing babies and children to the sun early in the morning to get Vitamins has a medical basis indeed as shown by medical information confirming that Vitamin D can indeed be sourced from sun rays. But there is more to Vitamin D than just being synthesized through the sun.
Like most Vitamins which can be sourced from food, Vitamin D is sourced not only from the UV rays of the sun but also from various food groups. However, a person who wants a free dose of this vitamin can get it by exposing himself to the sun as the latter triggers the synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin.
Vitamin D per se doesn’t do wonders for the body (although there are some forms that are active like Calciferol) because it needs to be chemically converted into dihydroxyvitamin D. The conversion is done with the help of the kidneys and the liver. This form of Vitamin D is important as it is responsible for:
ò stimulating phosphorus and calcium absorption
ò helps in formation of strong bones
ò along with the other Vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D promotes the mineralization of bones
ò help in the maintenance of a healthy immune system
ò preventing rickets (for children)
ò preventing osteomalacia (for adults)
ò regulates growth of cells
A person who wants to get a regular doze of Vitamin D can look for fortified foods or regular food groups that have substantial content of this vitamin. Vitamin D can be sourced from the following food sources.
ò Cooked mackerel and salmon
ò Canned tuna fish and sardines
ò Milk (whether whole milk, reduced fat milk, nonfat milk, or milk fortified with Vitamin D)
ò Margarine fortified with Vitamin D
ò Cereals fortified with Vitamin D
ò Egg yolk (although eating the whole egg is advisable)
ò Swiss cheese
ò Cooked beef and liver
ò sunlight
While sunlight is considered an important source of Vitamin D there are factors that affect the synthesis of this vitamin in the skin like smog, pollution, cloud cover, time of the day when exposed, season and the use of sunscreen (sunscreen with at least an SPF 8 will inhibit the exposure to UV rays of the sun). A 10-minute exposure to the rays of the sun may be enough to allow Vitamin D synthesis and a person should apply sunscreen with SPF 15 to protect his skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
A person who wants to maintain healthy bones should make sure he gets Adequate Intake of Vitamin D. Here is a guide to the daily AI of Vitamin D (in International Units or IU) according to age bracket:
Newborns up to 13 years old-200 IU
Men and women who are 14 to 18 years old-200IU
Men and women who are 51 to 70 years old-400 IU
Men and women who are over 71 years of age-600 IU
Pregnant women 14 to 50 years old-200 IU
Lactating women 14 to 50 years old-200 IU
Despite the availability of sunlight and foods containing Vitamin D, deficiency can still occur among all age groups due to a lot of factors including absorption defects (problem with the kidney resulting to failure in conversion), inadequate diet, lack of sun exposure, and increasing requirement of the Vitamin. Among those who usually experience Vitamin D deficiency are vegetarians, people who are lactose intolerant as well as those with milk allergies.
Effects of Vitamin D deficiency
A person who is deficient in Vitamin D can be susceptible to bone-related diseases like:
1. Rickets-This is a disease of the bone which is characterized by deformities in the bones. This occurs when the body fails to mineralize the bone tissues properly due to lack of Vitamin D. Research however shows that this can be reversed with the daily intake of up to 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil. The prevalence of Rickets among Americans resulted to the mandatory Vitamin D fortification on milk.
2. Osteomalacia-This is a bone disease identified with adults and is characterized by weak muscles and bones. The problem is that such deficiency can’t be easily detected until bone weakness and other bone-related diseases shows up which can take long. Americans who are over 50 years of age are more susceptible to getting this disease because their skin is no longer as efficient in synthesizing Vitamin D. The same goes for their kidneys. Vitamin D supplements are thus recommended for these people.
3. Osteoporosis-Whiles this disease is more identified with lack of calcium resulting to fragile bones, this is also one of the long terms effects of Vitamin D deficiency. A person with enough Vitamin D in his bones will have lesser chances of getting osteoporosis.
If Vitamin D deficiency can result in bone-related diseases, too much intake of Vitamin D can also be a health hazard as it can cause vomiting, nausea, weight loss and constipation. However, a person who relies on the sun for his Vitamin D is safe from toxicity. Those taking in supplements should be more careful not to go overboard.
vitamin b
February 21, 2008
The Lowdown on Vitamin B12
The body actually needs a small amount of Vitamin B12 (also known as coalmine because it contains cobalt) and yet every person is encouraged to take this vitamin either through eating foods high in Vitamin B12 or through supplements because it isn’t well absorbed by the body. It is one of the most complex vitamins and it exists in many forms or compounds that are basically known as cobalamins:
ò Methylcobalamin-Vitamin B12 used by the body
ò Cynanocobalami-Vitamin B12 used in supplements
Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamins B12 is primarily found in dairy products, meat and eggs. Research shows that there is a possibility of sourcing Vitamin B12 from plants, seaweeds and soya products. However, a closer study showed that there is no significant B12 content from these sources. Nori (the same green seaweed used in wrapping sushi) showed significant levels of B12 but it was attributed to compounds that are similar to B12 in terms of structure.
Here are some foods that contain some amount of Vitamin B12
ò Liver
ò Mollusks
ò Salmon, Tuna and Trout
ò Beef (the sirloin part)
ò Tacos and Cheeseburger
ò Yogurt
It would be important to note that human waste contains Vitamin B12. This was discovered after vegetarians got their required B12 content from vegetables that were grown using human waste as fertilizer. However, a person may think twice before sourcing his Vitamin B12 from such circumstances. Incidentally, vegetarians lack the necessary daily Vitamin B12 requirement because they don’t eat meat products. Thus, they can get heir B12 requirement from supplements.
Why is Vitamin B12 necessary? A person needs only two micrograms of Vitamin B12 every day for the following purposes:
ò Red blood cells synthesis-Vitamin B12 is an important factor in red blood cell formation (particularly in the production of DNA). Failure to meet the B12 requirement can result to anemia. However, folic acid can remedy this problem (although excessive intake of folic acid can trigger the effects of such deficiency).
ò Development and maintenance of the Nervous system- Myelin is an important component and protecting sheath of the nerves and Vitamin B12 helps in myelin maintenance through the sustenance of fatty acids.
ò Growth and development-lack of Vitamin B12 can impede the development not only of the nerves but also the whole bodies systems.
ò Sleep disturbances- B12 is used in regulating the cycles and sleeping and waking up through a substance called melatonin so a B12 deficiency can possibly affect sleeping patterns.
ò Alzheimer’s dementia-the most damaging effects of B12 deficiency is damage to the brain and the nervous system.
While Americans have been faithful in their required daily intake of Vitamin B12, health researchers however found that there is still a good chance for deficiency if a person is unable to absorb B12 from his food intake and no supplement is being taken. This is common among people who have stomach disorders limiting their B12 absorption. The following are some of the symptoms of B12 deficiency.
1. Breathlessness
2. Poor Immune System
3. Tiredness
4. Menstrual problems for women
5. Sore Tongue
Contraindications
While Vitamin B12 is usually sourced from natural food and its intake generally safe, taking in large doses of B12 supplements can have negative effects for people who are on medication.
A person who is taking in PPI or proton pump inhibitors (medication for peptic ulcer as well as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the intake of H2 receptor antagonists (medications for peptic ulcers) may have a problem with B12 absorption as PPI slows down the discharge of hydrochloric acid which is necessary in releasing B12. On the other hand, the intake of Metformin for diabetes can also affect calcium metabolism which in turn interferes with B12 absorption.
While the intake of B12 supplements is generally safe due to its low toxicity potential, it should however be regulated by doctors for safety purposes. Adults are particularly encouraged to take in B12 supplements as their potential for low B12 absorption is greater.
The problem in diagnosing deficiency in Vitamin B12 is that it can take so long for the symptoms and the corresponding side effects to be monitored. And when that time comes, the effects may already be too serious and require long term treatment.
sinus sinus attack in children
February 20, 2008
Sinus and Sinus Attack in Children
Sinus might seem like common cold at first. The child coughs, sneezes and gets a red nose, like in cold. But the difference is that sinus attack last longer than common cold. Sinuses are spaces in the bones of the face and the head which are filled with air. They are exactly located on both sides of the nose, behind the nasal cavity, within the forehead, and at the back & in between the eyes. Sinuses grow in pairs and there are four pairs of them. Sinuses begin to develop in the mother womb and grow till twenty years of age. As children have an incompletely developed immune system, they catch cold infection more frequently.
The actual purposes of the sinuses are not known, but scientists say that they make the head lightweight as these air pockets are filled with light air. If these air pockets were to be replaced with something solid, the head will become heavier. The sinuses also provide tone and depth to the voice. That is the reason why the voice sounds funny when a person catches a cold or gets a sinus attack. The sinuses are covered with a thin and moist tissue layer known as a mucous membrane. These membranes are responsible for adding moisture to the air breathed in. They also produce mucus, a sticky liquid filled in the nose, also called snot. This sticky liquid catches germs and dust, which are carried by the air, before they enter the body. The mucus membranes are covered with cilia or microscopic hair. These cilia move to and fro to encourage the flow of the mucus out of the nose and back inside. When the sinuses are infected, the membranes produce more mucus and become swollen and irritated.
When a person catches cold, the virus harms the cilia and the mucus doesn’t get swept back in. This is how a runny nose is developed. The mucus lining swells within the nose. This narrows or completely blocks the minute opening of the sinus into nose. Because of this, the stickier and thicker mucus produced get trapped in the sinuses. This stagnant mucus becomes the breeding ground for virus, bacteria and fungi. If the common cold stretches for over two weeks, the sinusitis condition develops. This condition is sinus infection. Acute sinusitis is sinusitis stretching over two weeks or so. But when it crosses three months, it is called chronic sinusitis. The child can get mild fever along with acute sinusitis. There is no fever associated with chronic sinusitis and the symptoms are less intense. The symptoms of sinusitis or sinus attacks are mild fever, bad breath, continuous nasal discharge, puffy eyes, and daytime cough. Some children also experience low energy, crankiness, headache and pain behind the forehead, cheeks and eyes.
When the doctor is approached for help, he/she will check throat, nose and ears for infection. The sinuses are also checked. The doctor will press or tap on the cheeks and forehead. If bacteria are responsible for causing the infection, the child will be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The antibiotics will show their effect within few days itself. A nasal spray or decongestant can also be used to treat blocked and runny nose. If it is chronic sinusitis, the antibiotics need to be taken for a longer time period, like for about a few weeks, in order to kill the bacteria completely. The child shouldn’t stop the course of medicine if he/she isn’t seeing any improvement in the condition. The doctor should be contacted for further instructions. In this case, a surgery is an alternative. The doctor will ask the child to get a CT scan of the sinuses.
The best thing about sinusitis is that it isn’t contagious. So if a kid is infected with it, he/she can still go to school and have fun with the rest of the kids. But kids who have sinus problem should stay away from environmental pollutants and allergies, which can trigger the condition again in them.
Word County 676
vitamin a
February 17, 2008
Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important to the body. It isn’t only a single compound, it comes in various forms. It comes in the form of alcohol as retinol, as well as aldehyde in the form of retinal. It also comes in the form of acid which is retinoic acid.
Vitamin A contains a Beta-ionone ring which is attached to an isoprenoid chain. This is the normal structure of the Vitamin A nutrient. Retinol is the animal form and is a fat-soluble and anti-oxidant vitamin that is important to a persons vision as well as bone growth.
It is a retinoid that is chemically related to one another. This is also used in medicines.
RDA for Vitamin A as supervised by the Food and Nutrition Board is that a daily dosage must be taken in order to support the normal functioning of the body; be it immune functions, reproductive functions, genes or visions.
For infants up to 6 months old, they are required to have an intake of 400 mcg. For infants that are 7 to 12 months old, they are required 500 mcg. For children 1 to 3 years of age, they must have 300 mcg. For children 4 to 8 years of age, they are required to have 400 mcg. For children 9 to 13, they must have 600 mcg. For teenagers 14 to 18 years old, the males must have 900 mcg while the females are okay with 700 mcg. For adults, males are required to have 900 mcg while females must have 700 mcg.
Vitamin A intake also varies for pregnant women. Women aged 18 years or younger must have 750 mcg. Pregnant women who are 19 years and older must have 770 mcg. The Vitamin A intake also changes when the female is breastfeeding. For those younger than 18, they are required to have 1200 mcg. For those who are 19 and older, they must have 1300 mcg.
Vitamin A may be found in yellow and orange vegetables. Green vegetables contain carotenoids too. There are a number of healthy foods which contain Vitamin A and retinol. These are cod liver oil, breakfast cereals, eggs, butter, milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupes, spinach, squash and butternut.
Vitamin A deficiency results in:
1. Nyctalopia or Night Blindness
This is a condition which makes it impossible or difficult for the individual to see in a low light scenario. This is the symptom of other eye diseases. Night blindness may be apparent at birth or it may be rooted from the lack of Vitamin A. This is a disorder that affects the rod cells found in the retina. The rod cells lose their ability in responding toward the light. People who suffer this disease have poor vision in the dark.
2. Xeroxis or Corneal Drying
This may have different causes which includes dehydration, diabetes and lack of Vitamin A. The treatment is symptomatic. You can consult with an eye doctor. The usual diagnosis is eye drops.
3. Bitot’s Spots
These are triangular spots found in the eyes. They are similar to floaters (which are like spider webs in the eyes.) Just like xeroxis, this can be cured by eye drops prescribed by eye doctors.
4. Xerophthalmia
This is a medical condition where the eye can’t produce tears. It is caused by the lack of Vitamin A. It also implies a dryness that is destructive to the epithelium. The condition usually occurs in developing countries because of its environment and surrounding. Other forms of xeropthalmia come with aging, scarring from injuries or autoimmune diseases like arthritis.
5. Keratomalacia
Is an eye ailment that leads to the cornea drying up. It may also be caused by dehydration as much as it is caused by lack of Vitamin A. Now this is quite dangerous because it might lead to glaucoma and the individual may lose his or her sight permanently if not remedied as soon as possible.
Vitamin A deficiency is considered to be risky especially if it results in other diseases such as respiratory problems and infection. IT affects children more than it affects adults. Those who lack Vitamin A eventually suffer diarrhea and measles. Those who are already HIV-infected and lack Vitamin A have a harder time getting cured.
poison ivy children
February 14, 2008
Poison Ivy and Children
Summer camps and family hiking sessions can sometimes result in children getting itchy rashes. To be blamed are plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak. All of them produce the same substance or oil, called urushiol, which cause rashes. Urushiol is colorless and even odorless and is present within the leaves. Poison ivy can even grow in the backyards and parks. So any kind of outdoor activity should be monitored and the lawn should be de-weeded periodically. Bushes should be checked, as they grow as a regular plant and the child would not be able to distinguish the poisonous plant from the regular one.
Precaution is better than cure. Children should be educated and made to understand the description and ill-effects of poison ivy. They come in wide range and some change the appearance depending on seasonal variations. Urushiol is released from the leaves only when the leaves are damaged like when they are torn, get bumped or are brushed. The moment the leave is damaged, urushiol is released and the skin is affected immediately. Also, what many people do not know that to get a rash by poison ivy is not only by coming directly in contact with the plant. Human and animal carriers of urushiol can affect people coming in contact with them. The leaves of the plant can be flown by the air, which can cause damage when those leaves are handled or burned with the rest of the leaves and twigs.
Once the children are made familiar with the plants, they should be asked to steer clear on the sight of the plant or leaves. Parents should avoid places where there are possibilities of growth of such plants. When going on camps, etc., children should not be dressed in short sleeves and short length pants, so that the body does not brush off such plants. In spite of taking all these precautions, if the child comes in contact with such plants and contact with urushiol is suspected, the area should be washed with water and disinfectant. It is best to take shower and clean the whole body and the clothes should be removed immediately and washed. Pets should also be bathed after their outdoor adventures.
Basically, the urushiol causes an allergic reaction which irritates the skin and that is the reason why it is known as an allergen. This allergen won’t harm all, but eighty percent of the victims get skin irritations. It not only creates itchy rashes, but can also swell the skin. The time period for the symptoms to surface is few hours to five days. The rash usually takes one to two week to heal completely. First the skin swells and rash develops. Blisters can also form as a result of regular rubbing of the skin to get rid of the itch. The blisters will form a crust after some days and will flake off.
If the rashes are accompanied with fever, a pediatrician should be contacted for appointment. And if the case isn’t that serious, the doctor recommends home remedies. The child would be asked to be given showers with cold water and calamine lotion would have to be applied. If the redness and itching is intense, fluid medicine along with pills are administered to the kid. Antihistamine is very popular in such cases. Steroids are prescribed by the doctor.
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supplemental vitamins
February 13, 2008
Good Things in Small Packages: Knowing your Supplemental Vitamins
Thanks to technology and more knowledge about vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that the human body should have, doctors now have a wider, wonderful arsenal of ways to keep us healthy. One of these is vitamin tablets, which we can take during or after meals in order to supplement the nutrients that we get from our food. Because of our speedier, but often dangerous lifestyle, we tend to eat less nutritious food that is more convenient that healthful. As a result, we miss out on important vitamins that we can get only from the freshest fruits and vegetables, and the leanest meat.
Taking supplemental vitamins or dietary supplements, therefore, can help ensure that we receive the right amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies are required to have each day. The contents of vitamin supplements are well measured, so that taking one pill can help you receive the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Most of the essential vitamins have a minimum requirement for daily consumption; some vitamin deficiencies can lead to debilitating, sometimes even fatal diseases.
For instance, we need at least ninety milligrams of the essential vitamin ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. Although we can obtain this vitamin from regular servings of orange or lemon juice, vegetables, and sometimes even from fortified candies, we don’t always have the chance to pick up fresh fruit or vegetables, drink fresh juice, or buy Vitamin C fortified candy. We aren’t able to constantly monitor our Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a number of disorders, among them scurvy, which can cause the skin and nails to crack; and some immune system disorders, as the immune system needs ascorbic acid in order to function.
We can therefore see how important supplemental vitamins are. They can make life more convenient for us, so that if we miss out on the regular doses of essential vitamins, we can still take a small pill and get the vitamins that our bodies need. This convenience shouldn’t deceive you, however: taking supplemental vitamins doesn’t exempt anyone from eating fresh fruit and vegetables along with lean meats in the context of a balanced diet. As their name implies, supplemental vitamins merely support a good diet; the supplemental vitamins don’t replace them.
Supplemental vitamins, moreover, shouldn’t be taken indiscriminately. Indeed, many doctors discourage buying supplemental vitamins over the counter unless a patient has been checked and assessed completely. This is because some vitamins can only be taken in moderate amounts, beyond which they can, in turn, exacerbate certain medical conditions. Further, some vitamins can interfere with medications; for instance, some painkillers can be destroyed by acids, so if you are taking ascorbic acid, you may need to wait a while before taking your painkillers.
Because of the promise of dietary supplements, some countries have passed legislation in the hope of curbing indiscriminate use of supplements. For instance, the United States government requires that all advertisements featuring dietary supplements should also contain a disclaimer that the dietary supplement isn’t designed to treat any specific diseases, that the supplement isn’t made to prevent or cure any disorder, and that the supplement has no health claims that have been evaluated or discovered by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.
Many bottles of supplemental vitamins sold in the United States not only have this disclaimer, but also contain descriptions of the vitamins in the supplement. This is because some vitamins present in supplements are different in molecular form and chemistry from the vitamins that are found in food. Moreover, most bottles of supplemental vitamins exhort the consumer to always consult with his or her physician before taking any supplemental vitamins.
If you are consuming supplemental vitamins, take only one pill a day, or as recommended by your doctor. Avoid self diagnosis. Read the label of your vitamin bottle, and look through the amounts of vitamins present in each pill. You will need to consume some vitamins at a recommended amount, or you may suffer from vitamin poisoning. For instance, iron is often added to vitamin supplements, but at extremely high doses, iron can damage the kidneys.
Moreover, look at the rest of the nutrients and, possibly, herbal additives in the vitamin supplement. Some supplements come with ginseng, an herb that has been found to increase energy, but which can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure. Always check with your doctor on what herbs are good for you, and what you might have to avoid. Although vitamin supplements cater to keeping you healthy, you should still do your utmost to ensure that you aren’t endangered by them.
resources
February 9, 2008
A Closer Resourceful Look on Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the generic term for compounds that are related to one another. Take for example Retinol and retinal. The former is an alcohol and the latter is an aldehyde. However, both are preformed kinds of Vitamin A.
Retinal is converted to retinoic acid by the body. This is a kind of Vitamin A that affects the gene transcription. Retinol, retinal and retinoic acids are compounds that are related to one another. The beta-carotene and the carotenoids are converted in the body through retinol and are called the pro-vitamin A carotenoids.
The function of Vitamin A in the body is the effect it has on the individuals sight. Retina is found at the back of the eyes. Whenever light goes through the lens, the retina senses this and converts it to the nerves which is interpreted by the brain.
Retinol is later transported to the retina through the circulation. Here it moves into the retinal pigment that is the epithelial cells. Retinol is then esteried and becomes a retinyl ester which is stored. Whenever the eyes need retinyl esters, these are broken apart and then isomerized in order to form an oxidized Vitamin A.
Retinal is then shuttled through the interphotoreceptor that is the rod cells. It binds to the protein that is called opsin in order to formulate the visual pigment that is known as the rhodopsin. The rod cells detect the light, even in small amounts, making it necessary for night vision.
The isomerization process then triggers a cascade of events that lead to the generation of the electric signal through the optic nerve. These impulses are generated by the optic nerve which conveys it to the brain. This is the whole explanation to why we see what we see. This is the whole vision process.
Once these are released by the retinal and converted to retinol, the interphotoreceptor matrix in the retina completes the whole visual cycle. This whole procedure is made easier when the person has an adequate intake of Vitamin A.
The whole point of Vitamin A is that the retinoic acid and the isomers serve as the hormones which affect the genes that influence the physiological process of ones vision. The retinols and retinoic acid proteins all contribute to the cell bound of the retinoic binding proteins.
Within this whole nucleus setting are the receptors which bind all these regions to the retinoic acid response elements or the RARE. Here the dimmer is the complex mixture of two protein molecules.
Vitamin A is also an anti-infective vitamin because it requires the normal functioning of the individuals immune system in order to accommodate the cells located in the skin and the mucus lining as much as possible. The digestive and urinary tract sometimes function as an obstacle and form the first line when it comes to defending the body against infection.
The retinoic acid and Vitamin A play central roles in developing white blood cells. These are critical roles in the response of the individual to lurking diseases. The regulatory cells in the immune system require the RA binding of Vitamin A.
Once fully grown and developed, the Vitamin A in the body may either be excess or lacking. Whatever the scenario, this may lead to complications, therefore the Vitamin A intake must just be the right amount in order to prevent birth defects.
The metabolites in the retinol usually require the integrity and well functioning of the cells in the body in order to become the central operating system in the differentiation and development of the white blood cells in the body.
Vitamin A interacts with other nutrients. For example, the interaction between Vitamin A and zinc is said to be interfering with the metabolism since zinc results to the decrease of synthetic binding in the retinol. This transports retinol into the tissues instead of the circulatory system.
Another interaction is that of Vitamin A with Iron. When this happens, Vitamin A exacerbates iron which leads to anemia. The supplementation must be beneficial on iron as well as Vitamin A in order to improve the status of the individual especially that of children as well as pregnant women.