With more and more people wanting to take more dietary pills, the need to be aware of the essentials is ever-growing important. In fact, dietary supplements or complements are taking more and more shelf space in the stores and theyre also available all over the internet.
What are the kinds of dietary complements to look for?
There are various kinds of dietary complements, namely mineral supplements and herbal supplements. Lets look at mainly dietary complement to be aware of when is it necessary.
Before we take a closer explore at dietary supplements. Lets first examine at a couple of the fat soluble vitamins. These are vitamin A, D, E and K. Since they are fat soluble, they are held in reserve in the body until they are required.
The role of Vitamin A.
This vitamin has a tremendous job to do for our bodies. It helps our immune system fight infection, its critical for bone growth and it is considerable to the fitness of our vision and skin. We take in vitamin A when we consume milk, eggs and cereal fortified with vitamin A. It can also be present found in liver, cheese and some products.
What is vitamin A deficiency?
This type of deficiency is rarely seen in the United States but in developing countries replete with malnourished children, there is widespread blindness and infection as a result of a lack of Vitamin A.
This vitamin toxicity can happen when there is a buildup of vitamin A, which seldom occurs through dietary intake but more commonly through the use of supplements as excess vitamin A is stored in the liver. This can bring about birth defects and central nervous system disorders. It can also cause liver damage and surprisingly, osteoporosis.
Is this the answer?
A vitamin dietary supplement may not always hold the answer we are looking for. Its distinctive to understand what duty the different vitamins act as in our overall fitness and to understand how greatly of each of the vitamins our bodies need.
If we truly need a vitamin dietary supplement, it becomes something of value to our health but it can also persist detrimental to our vitality to take too great deal of a good thing.
Some medical conditions make it difficult for our bodies to absorb certain vitamins so a vitamin dietary supplement certainly has an distinctive part to play when it is truly needed.
Vitamin K is another effective vitamin for our bodies as it aids in the clotting of the blood. A incompetence in this vitamin can persist very dangerous as it can lead to bleeding and even hemorrhaging.
Yet this is another vitamin that we can get comfortable of in our daily diet without resorting to taking a vitamin dietary supplement.
Another thing to consider: Our bodies can stand 500 times the RDA of vitamin K as long as it comes from food yet that is not the case for synthetic vitamin K. We can reach toxic levels by taking too much of this vitamin dietary supplement.
We can consult with our physicians to be sure we are getting enough of the vitamins that we need and to see if we might need a vitamin dietary supplement.
However, without a proper understanding of using and getting quality dietary vitamin supplements to treat many chronic diseases, we might now able to enjoy much disease-free lifestyle.
Therefore, by applying this effective tips as being highlighted here, together with an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Vitamins & Nutrition Supplements
In a society full of chemical laden, high calorie, high fat, low nutritional value convenience foods, vitamins & nutrition supplements are becoming more than just a "health nut" trend. Healthy, nutritional vitamins have become an absolute necessity.
A deficiency of vitamins K, E, and C, along with essential fatty acids can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Vitamin C deficiency can cause easy bleeding and bruising, hair and tooth loss, joint pain and swelling. These symptoms appear to be related to the weakening of blood vessels, connective tissue, and bone, which contain collagen.
Too little vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, or a weakening of the skeletal system, due to compromised calcium absorption. D vitamin deficiency can also cause muscle weakness and cancer.
Blindness is one result of a diet lacking vitamin A. This type of deficiency has also been linked to immune system disorders and birth mortalities.
B vitamins can cause a whole slew of health challenges when not present in our bodies. Mental and emotional challenges, including depression (to the point of suicide), anxiety, and paranoia are at the forefront of these challenges. Insomnia, heart palpitations, indigestion, and overall soreness can also result from a lack of B vitamin complex.
These are just a few examples of some potential consequences of neglecting our nutrition. These examples only really pertain to vitamins, which are merely the tip of a grand iceberg. Chelated Minerals, Phytonutrients, Probiotics, Proteins, Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Amino Acids, and other nutritional MUSTS will wreak even more havoc on us if in short supply.
Our current diets are not enough.
Vitamins & Nutrition Supplements can restore and ensure great physical health, perfect mental & emotional balance, heaps of quality energy, superb immune system function, and a dramatic reduction in pain, stiffness, and fear. Our skin, hair, and nails will look youthful and vibrant. Our excess body fat will melt away. We will look fantastic! We will also experience an inner peace that can only come from a knowing that everything is going to be okay.
It really is a dramatic shift. Please do NOT overlook the importance of optimal nutrition.
The absolute best vitamins & nutrition supplements to buy are whole-food supplements which contain all of the "must-have" elements I mentioned above. Skip the synthetic, over-the-counter drugstore garbage. Go to your local health food store. They'll have what you're looking for. The drugstore won't.
You can see the supplement I personally use by CLICKING HERE. It does it all, and I believe it to be the very best. Take a peek and see if you agree.
A daily Green Drink regimine is also highly recommended.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Do You Require To Understand Your Vitamin Health Supplement Store When Looking For Vitamins?
As more and more baby boomers begin to consume health food, the need for more business people opening up a vitamin supplement store whether it is an online or brick and mortar location is ever increasing.
There is no distinct training or knowledge required. If you order your supplements online, you could be purchasing them from even a sixteen-year-old in New York or even Vegas or from a seventy-year-old man on a wheelchair.
Do not worry too and this should not concern you? After all, it's safe as long as it's sealed, right? Then again, it is wrong!
There are many people who do not realize that these vitamin supplements are not regulated like drugs, but they are regulated like food.
What that means is that unless and until a problem arises, the only thing we're going to know about the product is what the manufacture wants us to know.
Although the FTC and the FDA work together on issues such as false claims, they usually don't get involved until after there's a problem. In addition, unlike drugs, vitamin supplements don't have to be tested or offer any proof before marketing.
What other stores are doing? Beware of them.
There are some unscrupulous, unethical vitamin supplement stores whom have marketed dietary supplements that were actually fakes and not the product they claimed to be.
Also, there are others stores who had ingredients that were not disclosed on the label. However, between 2002 and 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had seized more than nine million dollars worth of dietary supplements including vitamin supplements that were either labeled with false claims or were unapproved drugs disguised as supplements.
There are even supplements that claims to be all natural, which can even interfere with medication you are already taking or a medical condition you have.
Sometimes a vitamin supplement is necessary. My doctor has recommended certain supplements to me. When he does however, he writes down exactly what they are and recommends the same store every time, of which he has no affiliation.
The most important thing I know and understand the vitamin health supplement store. I've gotten to know the person who owns it and familiar with the brands he or she is selling. There is a consistency there that helps me to feel safe when I shop there.
What you need to do?
In order to get a good quality vitamin supplement, that doesn't mean that the store has to be a brick and mortar store in order to be considered safe. However, you can still do your homework before you purchase from an online store.
For one thing, if you can't find any phone number or physical address for that online store you are surfing, just simply walk out of their virtual door! That's simple and there goes for any online company. There are no strings attached.
Any legal vitamin store company will definitely display their contact information. In this way, not only can you contact them, but you can do some research about them.
Why you need to check on them?
Once you know a vitamin supplement store's name and physical address, you can check with the Better Business Bureau in that city to see if any complaints have been filed with them and if so, if they have been resolved.
This way, it is also easier to search the FTC and FDA websites for any disciplinary action when you have their contact information.
Another reason is to shut them down virtually when you are visiting a vitamin supplement store online is if they are making any ridiculous claims. Claims such as this, "this cures everything, buy it now, it won't last," etc. is simply too good to be true.
In fact, once a supplement claims to cure or treat an illness or condition, it ceases being marketed as a dietary supplement and has become marketed as a drug. That's when the FDA and FTC start sending out warning letters that can lead to more serious legal action against these operators of the store.
Please note that before making any purchase from any vitamin supplement store, whether online or brick and mortar, use your common sense and do your homework to ensure your safety.
Check the FDA and FTC websites if you have further questions or concerns about vitamin supplements or the stores in which you purchase them.
Now, you may now know how to identify and understand why you need to know your vitamin store when buying vitamins.
However, even we know how to choose a reliable vitamin store, but without a proper understanding of using and getting good vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much disease free lifestyle to crave for
.
There is no distinct training or knowledge required. If you order your supplements online, you could be purchasing them from even a sixteen-year-old in New York or even Vegas or from a seventy-year-old man on a wheelchair.
Do not worry too and this should not concern you? After all, it's safe as long as it's sealed, right? Then again, it is wrong!
There are many people who do not realize that these vitamin supplements are not regulated like drugs, but they are regulated like food.
What that means is that unless and until a problem arises, the only thing we're going to know about the product is what the manufacture wants us to know.
Although the FTC and the FDA work together on issues such as false claims, they usually don't get involved until after there's a problem. In addition, unlike drugs, vitamin supplements don't have to be tested or offer any proof before marketing.
What other stores are doing? Beware of them.
There are some unscrupulous, unethical vitamin supplement stores whom have marketed dietary supplements that were actually fakes and not the product they claimed to be.
Also, there are others stores who had ingredients that were not disclosed on the label. However, between 2002 and 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had seized more than nine million dollars worth of dietary supplements including vitamin supplements that were either labeled with false claims or were unapproved drugs disguised as supplements.
There are even supplements that claims to be all natural, which can even interfere with medication you are already taking or a medical condition you have.
Sometimes a vitamin supplement is necessary. My doctor has recommended certain supplements to me. When he does however, he writes down exactly what they are and recommends the same store every time, of which he has no affiliation.
The most important thing I know and understand the vitamin health supplement store. I've gotten to know the person who owns it and familiar with the brands he or she is selling. There is a consistency there that helps me to feel safe when I shop there.
What you need to do?
In order to get a good quality vitamin supplement, that doesn't mean that the store has to be a brick and mortar store in order to be considered safe. However, you can still do your homework before you purchase from an online store.
For one thing, if you can't find any phone number or physical address for that online store you are surfing, just simply walk out of their virtual door! That's simple and there goes for any online company. There are no strings attached.
Any legal vitamin store company will definitely display their contact information. In this way, not only can you contact them, but you can do some research about them.
Why you need to check on them?
Once you know a vitamin supplement store's name and physical address, you can check with the Better Business Bureau in that city to see if any complaints have been filed with them and if so, if they have been resolved.
This way, it is also easier to search the FTC and FDA websites for any disciplinary action when you have their contact information.
Another reason is to shut them down virtually when you are visiting a vitamin supplement store online is if they are making any ridiculous claims. Claims such as this, "this cures everything, buy it now, it won't last," etc. is simply too good to be true.
In fact, once a supplement claims to cure or treat an illness or condition, it ceases being marketed as a dietary supplement and has become marketed as a drug. That's when the FDA and FTC start sending out warning letters that can lead to more serious legal action against these operators of the store.
Please note that before making any purchase from any vitamin supplement store, whether online or brick and mortar, use your common sense and do your homework to ensure your safety.
Check the FDA and FTC websites if you have further questions or concerns about vitamin supplements or the stores in which you purchase them.
Now, you may now know how to identify and understand why you need to know your vitamin store when buying vitamins.
However, even we know how to choose a reliable vitamin store, but without a proper understanding of using and getting good vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much disease free lifestyle to crave for
.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Natural Methods Best For Constipation
Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author's information and copyright must be included. Natural Methods Best For Constipation by John Michelcane in Health (submitted 2010-09-08)
whereby the original author's information and copyright must be included. Natural Methods Best For Constipation by John Michelcane in Health (submitted 2010-09-08)
Disruption in the excretion of solid wastes from the body can be the root cause of multiple worries and discomfort. The severity of the annoyance constipation can cause to an individual is rightly understood by the sufferer and no one else. Ayurvedic herbal health supplement GSCare is a naturally formulated laxative helpful in controlling indigestion, constipation, gas, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
Constipation is the condition set by the disturbance in the digestive tract where the bowel movements are irregular or incompletely emptied when they move. If the problem is left untreated it may lead to severity in the bowel movements such that the bowel opening reduces to a minimum level. In the absence of proper treatment the problems of constipation could become progressive and complicated. It will be incorrect to say that a specific cause is the reason for the development of constipation because there are many factors considered to be the probable cause of the condition.
First of all, constipation and dietary patterns are interrelated in many ways. Restricting dietary supplements to particular group of food items and lack of fiber intake may result in deficiency and poor bowel movements. High intake of foods rich in animal fat such as dairy products, meats and eggs but low fiber diet stands a greater chance of developing constipation.
Secondly, ignoring the call of nature at the right time is the worst injustice done to the digestive system of the body because disturbing the natural routine flow of the body waste may initiate constipation. Thirdly, some cases of constipation are triggered by certain medications such as antacids, antidepressants, iron tablets etc., whereas herbal supplements are devoid of side-effects. Improper bowel movements lead to accumulation of toxins and their reflux in the bloodstream this further complicates the metabolism by favoring the conditions for developing diseases like appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, cataract, high blood pressure and many more.
For those under frequent attacks of irregular bowel movements there are many available home remedies that may help lighten the constipation worries out of which water remains the unbeatable antidote of all. Fruits are excellent natural vitamin supplements and they help in flushing toxins out of the body and the most effective fruit for constipation is Bael. Drinking luke warm water mixed with half a lime and salt has proven result in combating constipation woes.
Among Ayurvedic herbs, Trifala is a powerful detoxifier that helps clean gastrointestinal tract, corrects constipation and improves digestion. Alternative medicines blames the habit of overeating, improperly cooked, excessive intake of strong tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks and quantum use of condiments for constipation related illnesses. Human beings have always depended on nature for remedies against dreadful diseases and injuries since early times of evolution. Ayurveda, the science of life, heal mind, body and soul through the innate use of herbs or plants found in nature.
GSCare is a safety proven and time tested Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation and herbal supplement that aids in digestion and helps control the formation of gas in the body. It strengthens the intestines naturally oxidizes fat which is then naturally excreted from the body. This Ayurvedic formulated solution rejuvenates the body naturally from inside out and help get a healthy living.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Beetroot Juice - A Natural Health Supplement
There have been several studies on the positive effect of beetroot juice on the health and especially on cardiovascular system of the body. It has been found to reduce high blood pressure in users of the juice on a regular basis. It has been known to be useful for the liver as well. It reinforces the immunity system by regenerating cells to fight attacks from external infections. The encouraging effect of the juice in purifying blood and rejuvenating the blood circulation of the system has also been marked clearly. The beetroot juice contains a combination of minerals and vitamins that are essential for the growth and well- being of human health. A small amount of the juice is to be taken regularly with other fruit juices to achieve better health condition. It is more preferred because of its natural origin, which provides all helpful qualities in the natural way without any chance of any side effect unlike other supplements created with chemicals and synthetic compounds.
The beetroot juice is a basket of healthy nutrients containing natural vitamin C and a good amount of Folic acid with a small amount of Vitamin A. Other important ingredients include minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium with some amino acids.
The anti-oxidant activity is performed by the presence of carotenois and flavanoids, which exert its action to reduce LDL cholesterol and thereby help in preventing heart attacks. The betacyanin, present in the beetroot is anti-carcinogenic in colon. The presence of calcium with silica in the juice has favorable action on skin, hair and nails including bones.
The origin of the use of beetroot is as old as of thousand years, which is believed to have been used by ancient Babylonians and passed on to different parts of the globe. Presently, it is extensively cultivated in the coastlines of Europe, Africa and in Asia and supplied throughout the world.
The wonderful result of the beetroot juice is observed in reducing high blood pressure, improving blood circulation and relaxing nerves. It has the positive effects on kidney, liver and the bladder. There are reports that the use of the juice is a fine treatment in gallstones or kidney stones. It has been found to purify the blood, cleanses intestines, relieves menstrual problems and cures anemia. The beetroot juice has been of use in the management of fatigue and tiredness as a general tonic and supports the weight loss programs effectively.
While preparing the beetroot juice, you should select only the firm vegetables with smooth outer layers. With the intake of beets, you may experience the stool and urine appearing red, which may be ignored. The juice is taken in combination with fruits or vegetables because the direct juice may affect the vocal chords because of the strong nature of the vegetable along with other side effects. It is wise to drink the beetroot juice in small quantity as a precautionary measure to avoid the ill feelings. It is advisable not to take the juice if you have conceived, but seek the advice of your health provider regarding the intake of beetroot juice.
The beetroot juice is a basket of healthy nutrients containing natural vitamin C and a good amount of Folic acid with a small amount of Vitamin A. Other important ingredients include minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium with some amino acids.
The anti-oxidant activity is performed by the presence of carotenois and flavanoids, which exert its action to reduce LDL cholesterol and thereby help in preventing heart attacks. The betacyanin, present in the beetroot is anti-carcinogenic in colon. The presence of calcium with silica in the juice has favorable action on skin, hair and nails including bones.
The origin of the use of beetroot is as old as of thousand years, which is believed to have been used by ancient Babylonians and passed on to different parts of the globe. Presently, it is extensively cultivated in the coastlines of Europe, Africa and in Asia and supplied throughout the world.
The wonderful result of the beetroot juice is observed in reducing high blood pressure, improving blood circulation and relaxing nerves. It has the positive effects on kidney, liver and the bladder. There are reports that the use of the juice is a fine treatment in gallstones or kidney stones. It has been found to purify the blood, cleanses intestines, relieves menstrual problems and cures anemia. The beetroot juice has been of use in the management of fatigue and tiredness as a general tonic and supports the weight loss programs effectively.
While preparing the beetroot juice, you should select only the firm vegetables with smooth outer layers. With the intake of beets, you may experience the stool and urine appearing red, which may be ignored. The juice is taken in combination with fruits or vegetables because the direct juice may affect the vocal chords because of the strong nature of the vegetable along with other side effects. It is wise to drink the beetroot juice in small quantity as a precautionary measure to avoid the ill feelings. It is advisable not to take the juice if you have conceived, but seek the advice of your health provider regarding the intake of beetroot juice.
10 essentials tips when buying vitamins
Do you need Vitamins to maintain best health? - yes Which ones are the best? It depends. Here are some key factors when looking at vitamins and multi vitamins.
1) The vitamin must be able to be absorbed - that is the coating must be able to break down in your stomach and after the coating is gone there must be a vitamin or mineral substance that can be absorbed beneath it.There are many many vitamin coating still intact that enter the sewer systems.
2) Plants are the best supplier of the highest quality vitamins a minerals - you want your supplements made from whole plant concentrates, to have available a wide array of phytonutrients. Vitamins and minerals are nutrition, the body is designed to absorb plants and meat. Chemicals are not well utilized by the body ( that's why they are used as drugs and medicine, and best administered intravenously - that is direct into eh blood stream) )
3) Light tight container. Make sure the tablets or liquid is in a light tight container. Many vitamins (like vitamin C ) break down quickly in even dim light. And chemically created vitamins sometimes breakdown even before they reach the store shelf.
4) Be able to trace where and from what they derive the vitamins. The company on the label may have great quality control, but does it suppliers? Does it list its suppliers. Are there any plants or whole food involved in the vitamins and minerals, or are they all made in a lab.Ideally the company that is selling the product, grows the product.
5) Price is a clue - the cheaper the product the less it cost to make it. The cheapest way to make vitamins is chemically. The most expensive is from pans under rigorous controls.
6) Chemicals though they are a wonder, are not useful for nutrition.
7) liquid or solid? - The body doesn't absorb one better than the other, all things being equal.
8) Amount/dosage Most packaging will us RDI (recommended Daily Intake) created in 1968(!), or RDA recommended Dietary allowance. Both are minimums. However its all fairly theoretical as its the amount you absorb rather than the amount created in the lab that is key. Be aware of overdosing though, Vitamin K, B complex, A and E are dangerous in high doses
9) Read the ingredients (The list of ingredients for Flintstones for example includes things like Artificial Colors: FD&C Blue #2 Lake, FD&C Red #40 Lake and Calcium Carbonate. In addition, in the list of ingredients, only the name of the vitamin or mineral appears, without its chemical name. No plant sources were given.)
Other Ingredients you may see Dicalcium Phosphate, Sorbitol, Crystalline Fructose, Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose, Silica, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 Lake (tartrazine), Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Magnesium Stearate, Red 40 Lake, Sucralose, Retinyl Acetate, Beta-Carotene and a trivial amount of sugar.Do not buy any multivitamin that lists sugar, sucrose of any complex sugars. You are buying vitamins not children's cereal.
And don't buy anything that list chemical color additives etc. Its a vitamin not a toy.
10) your body will be have different needs and reactions than other bodies. Try the vitamins, over a period of time say 2 weeks. Symptoms may be hyperactive (especially if there's ginseng involved) or gassy feeling- (alfalfa as the base for the vitamins can cause gas, or nausea, a reaction). However gasiness tends to go away as your body settles in the the new regime.
But take it a step at a time. You should notice increased energy and alertness, at the very least
1) The vitamin must be able to be absorbed - that is the coating must be able to break down in your stomach and after the coating is gone there must be a vitamin or mineral substance that can be absorbed beneath it.There are many many vitamin coating still intact that enter the sewer systems.
2) Plants are the best supplier of the highest quality vitamins a minerals - you want your supplements made from whole plant concentrates, to have available a wide array of phytonutrients. Vitamins and minerals are nutrition, the body is designed to absorb plants and meat. Chemicals are not well utilized by the body ( that's why they are used as drugs and medicine, and best administered intravenously - that is direct into eh blood stream) )
3) Light tight container. Make sure the tablets or liquid is in a light tight container. Many vitamins (like vitamin C ) break down quickly in even dim light. And chemically created vitamins sometimes breakdown even before they reach the store shelf.
4) Be able to trace where and from what they derive the vitamins. The company on the label may have great quality control, but does it suppliers? Does it list its suppliers. Are there any plants or whole food involved in the vitamins and minerals, or are they all made in a lab.Ideally the company that is selling the product, grows the product.
5) Price is a clue - the cheaper the product the less it cost to make it. The cheapest way to make vitamins is chemically. The most expensive is from pans under rigorous controls.
6) Chemicals though they are a wonder, are not useful for nutrition.
7) liquid or solid? - The body doesn't absorb one better than the other, all things being equal.
8) Amount/dosage Most packaging will us RDI (recommended Daily Intake) created in 1968(!), or RDA recommended Dietary allowance. Both are minimums. However its all fairly theoretical as its the amount you absorb rather than the amount created in the lab that is key. Be aware of overdosing though, Vitamin K, B complex, A and E are dangerous in high doses
9) Read the ingredients (The list of ingredients for Flintstones for example includes things like Artificial Colors: FD&C Blue #2 Lake, FD&C Red #40 Lake and Calcium Carbonate. In addition, in the list of ingredients, only the name of the vitamin or mineral appears, without its chemical name. No plant sources were given.)
Other Ingredients you may see Dicalcium Phosphate, Sorbitol, Crystalline Fructose, Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose, Silica, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 Lake (tartrazine), Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Magnesium Stearate, Red 40 Lake, Sucralose, Retinyl Acetate, Beta-Carotene and a trivial amount of sugar.Do not buy any multivitamin that lists sugar, sucrose of any complex sugars. You are buying vitamins not children's cereal.
And don't buy anything that list chemical color additives etc. Its a vitamin not a toy.
10) your body will be have different needs and reactions than other bodies. Try the vitamins, over a period of time say 2 weeks. Symptoms may be hyperactive (especially if there's ginseng involved) or gassy feeling- (alfalfa as the base for the vitamins can cause gas, or nausea, a reaction). However gasiness tends to go away as your body settles in the the new regime.
But take it a step at a time. You should notice increased energy and alertness, at the very least
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Recommended Daily Dose of Vitamin
Doses or intake of vitamin D is determined according to age groups. These amounts are vital to maintain normal growth and bone health and also normal calcium metabolism in the body. The adequate intakes or AIs for vitamin D indicated are based on the supposition that the vitamin D is not synthesized by sunlight exposure.
From birth to age 13, the recommended AI for children is 5 mcg or 200 IU; for both males and females aged 14-50 years old, 5 mcg or 200 IU is needed; for both males and females aged 51-70 years of age, 10 mcg or 400 IU is required; both males and females reaching the age of 71 and up require 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D. Pregnant and lactating mothers need 5 mcg or 200 IU of the vitamin.
Vitamin D Food Sources
Only a few food sources contain vitamin D. Best sources of vitamin D are fish meat and fish liver oils. There are also small amounts of vitamin D, in the form of vitamin D3, found in dairy products like cheese and egg as well as beef and liver. Some types of mushrooms also contain varying amounts of vitamin D2.
Common sources of vitamin D include the following: * Cod liver oil
* Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines
* Milk including non-fat, reduced fat, whole or vitamin D fortified
* Margarine
* Cereals
* Egg
* Beef liver
* Swiss cheese
* Fortified orange juice
* Fortified rice or soy beverage
The Need for Increased Amounts
Since obtaining sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet can be quite difficult, many people now consume vitamin D fortified foods in order to maintain a healthy dose of the vitamin. There are some groups however who need increased amounts of vitamin D:
* Breastfed infants because vitamin D cannot be supplied by breast milk alone
* Older people due to the fact that synthesis of vitamin D decreases with age and the ability of the kidney to convert vitamin D diminishes
* People with limited sun exposure especially those living in northern latitudes, those wearing robes or head covers or those with occupations that prevent them from having sun exposure
* People with dark skin as more skin pigments like melanin reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.
* People with fat malabsorption conditions such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, liver and celiac disease or patients who have undergone surgical removal of any part of the stomach or intestine.
* People who are obese. An increased amount of subcutaneous fat can snatch more of the vitamin D and somehow alter its release in the circulation.
From birth to age 13, the recommended AI for children is 5 mcg or 200 IU; for both males and females aged 14-50 years old, 5 mcg or 200 IU is needed; for both males and females aged 51-70 years of age, 10 mcg or 400 IU is required; both males and females reaching the age of 71 and up require 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D. Pregnant and lactating mothers need 5 mcg or 200 IU of the vitamin.
Vitamin D Food Sources
Only a few food sources contain vitamin D. Best sources of vitamin D are fish meat and fish liver oils. There are also small amounts of vitamin D, in the form of vitamin D3, found in dairy products like cheese and egg as well as beef and liver. Some types of mushrooms also contain varying amounts of vitamin D2.
Common sources of vitamin D include the following: * Cod liver oil
* Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines
* Milk including non-fat, reduced fat, whole or vitamin D fortified
* Margarine
* Cereals
* Egg
* Beef liver
* Swiss cheese
* Fortified orange juice
* Fortified rice or soy beverage
The Need for Increased Amounts
Since obtaining sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet can be quite difficult, many people now consume vitamin D fortified foods in order to maintain a healthy dose of the vitamin. There are some groups however who need increased amounts of vitamin D:
* Breastfed infants because vitamin D cannot be supplied by breast milk alone
* Older people due to the fact that synthesis of vitamin D decreases with age and the ability of the kidney to convert vitamin D diminishes
* People with limited sun exposure especially those living in northern latitudes, those wearing robes or head covers or those with occupations that prevent them from having sun exposure
* People with dark skin as more skin pigments like melanin reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.
* People with fat malabsorption conditions such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, liver and celiac disease or patients who have undergone surgical removal of any part of the stomach or intestine.
* People who are obese. An increased amount of subcutaneous fat can snatch more of the vitamin D and somehow alter its release in the circulation.
Functions of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays several key roles in the maintenance of organ systems. For example:
* Vitamin D helps regulate calcium concentrations in the blood. Since it works more like a hormone, its active form, calcitriol acts with the parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which would stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol would then act to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium resorption in the kidneys and stimulate calcium release from the bones.
* Vitamin D helps maintain blood phosphorus levels. Low levels of vitamin D can result to an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with inadequate phosphorus in the body, bones cannot undergo normal mineralisation.
* It is also said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since the T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It acts by boosting phagocytosis, the bodily functions to combat tumours, modulate neuromuscular and immune functions and reduce inflammation.
* Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells.
* Research studies suggest that vitamin D, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in providing protection against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and numerous autoimmune diseases.
* Vitamin D helps regulate calcium concentrations in the blood. Since it works more like a hormone, its active form, calcitriol acts with the parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which would stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol would then act to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium resorption in the kidneys and stimulate calcium release from the bones.
* Vitamin D helps maintain blood phosphorus levels. Low levels of vitamin D can result to an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with inadequate phosphorus in the body, bones cannot undergo normal mineralisation.
* It is also said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since the T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It acts by boosting phagocytosis, the bodily functions to combat tumours, modulate neuromuscular and immune functions and reduce inflammation.
* Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells.
* Research studies suggest that vitamin D, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in providing protection against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and numerous autoimmune diseases.
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