Vitamins

NaturalNews) Higher vitamin K1 intake may decrease the incidence of the inflammation that has been linked to a variety of diseases, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Continue reading…

(NaturalNews) Higher vitamin K1 intake may decrease the incidence of the inflammation that has been linked to a variety of diseases, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Continue reading…

New research has once again placed optimum vitamin D intake at much higher than the current recommended amount. Continue reading…

For patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), treatment with activated vitamin D may reduce the risk of death by approximately one-fourth, suggests a study in the August Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Continue reading…

It is almost inconceivable to think that for the greater part of the 20th century, a “scientific” debate raged as to whether cigarette smoking was dangerous. An even longer running controversy focused on whether food choices (i.e. diet) had any effect on how long people lived. It was not until the later part of the 20th century that the FDA admitted that high saturated fat diets increase heart attack risk. Continue reading…

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Inositol, unofficially referred to as vitamin B8, is found in all body tissues. It can be obtained from the diet by eating lecithin, organ meats, wheat germ, whole grains, brewer Continue reading…

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Beta-carotene is a natural source of vitamin A. The majority of people in Western countries obtain sufficient vitamin A from their diet, however beta-carotene may be prescribed for people with certain conditions that increase the need for the vitamin. For example: cystic fibrosis, chronic illness, and intestinal malabsorption. Beta-carotene is found in yellow fruit, dark-green, yellow and leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, cantaloupe, yellow squash, spinach, apricots, spirulina, wheat grass, alfalfa, and barley grass. More than 400 carotenoids have been isolated from natural sources.

ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:

Beta-carotene is an important free-radical fighter for various forms of cancer as it protects against ultraviolet damage and enhances the immune system. It carries many of the same functions as vitamin A. The liver and the intestinal wall obtain useable vitamin A by converting beta-carotene. Research published in 2001 revealed that people who ate two-and-a-half servings of beta-carotene-rich vegetables a day were significantly less likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who consumed less than one serving of beta-carotene-rich vegetables.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient, therefore it is not possible to develop a true deficiency. However, alcohol consumption decreases beta-carotene in the liver, and people with hypothyroidism and diabetes may have trouble converting beta-carotene into vitamin A. Research has also found that elderly people with type 2 diabetes have significantly lower blood levels of carotenoids. Thus, such people may benefit from supplementary beta-carotene.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

20,000 to 50,000 I.U. No RDA has been established. Non-toxic. Many experts suggest that people should avoid synthetic beta-carotene and only supplement with natural betacarotene. Some research has linked synthetic beta-carotene with an increased risk of lung cancer among smokers, while other research has found that the natural form has antioxidant properties that the synthetic version lacks.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

The effect of beta-carotene on pregnant women has not been studied. However, no problems with fertility or pregnancy have been reported in women taking up to 30 mg of beta-carotene a day. Beta-carotene may cause complications in patients with liver disease or kidney disease, and those taking cholestyramine or colestipol mineral oil, neomycin, and vitamin E. Therefore, such patients should consult a doctor before taking any supplements. Smokers are currently advised to avoid taking both natural and synthetic beta-carotene as two separate studies have shown that taking synthetic betacarotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

SOLUBILITY: Fat soluble

Continue reading…

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Found in yellow fruit, green and leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, cantaloupe, organ meats (especially liver), pork, dried beans, peas, soybeans, wheat germ, brewer Continue reading…

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12, which is prescribed to correct vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is found in organ meats, liver, beef, pork, eggs, whole milk, cheese, whole wheat bread, and fish. As vitamin B12 is not found in plant foods unless they are fortified. Continue reading…

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Found in milk, cheese and yogurt (rich sources), along with liver, kidney, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, bran, wheat germ, lentils, beans, peanuts, soybeans, green leafy vegetables and fruit. Vitamin B2 decomposes upon exposure to heat and light. Thus, milk, which is a major source of vitamin B2, will have reduced levels of the vitamin if it is left in bright light or sunlight for long periods. Continue reading…