Vitamin E - Just the Facts, Ma'am

 

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Meratrim is currently the best-selling product inside The Vitamin Shoppe store, making it a great choice for you to tap into this merchant promotions.

Main functions
1. Block fat stores
2. Burn fat after every meal
3. Activate calorie burning mechanisms

It is important to understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being and should do whatever is necessary to maintain our health and assist our bodies in resisting and fighting disease. Since health practitioners agree that vitamins are essential for life and health, we must ensure that we receive adequate amounts for our bodies to function properly and to protect us from illnesses. Vitamin E is one of the vitamins to which we should pay particular attention.

A vitamin is an organic substance essential for life that regulates metabolism and assists the processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, assists in strengthening our immune systems and helps protect us from a variety of problems as well as several serious illnesses. This vitamin can be obtained from food or supplements.

There are two kinds of vitamins and both are needed by the body. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty tissue. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored and the excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins - with the exception of vitamin A - are measured in international units (IUs), and studies by the U.S. government's National Institute on Aging have shown that at least 200 IUs daily of vitamin E are needed to garner any significant benefits from taking this vitamin.

How Does It Help?

o Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissue against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that usually contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. Vitamin E, one of the chemical compounds that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds, neutralizes free radicals, and is, therefore, one of the body's natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

o Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the repair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too.

o Women find it useful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.

o Older adults take it to help reduce blood pressure, relax leg cramps, help prevent cataracts, and, perhaps, to assist in reducing age spots.

o Vitamin E also helps prevent anemia, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, and promotes healthy skin and hair.

Where Do We Find It?

Food sources of vitamin E are nuts (e.g., almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains (e.g., wheat germ), olives, legumes, and dark and leafy vegetable (e.g., asparagus and spinach). There are also significant quantities of this vitamin in such foods as brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, kelp, milk, and organ meats. Some herb vitamin E sources are alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, flax, nettle, and rose hips.

Vitamin E, like all other vitamins, is not only available from food sources, but also as a supplement. It can be purchased in the form of a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid, and as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice or added to gels or bars. It can also be administered by injection. Read labels carefully so that you purchase only those supplements that have been extracted from a natural food source and have no harmful additives included. A proper balance of vitamins are needed in the body because they work in synergy, or cooperative action, and high doses of one vitamin can induce a depletion of another. You can take vitamin E safely in a one a day multivitamin, or as single vitamin supplement if you wish to take an amount higher than is included in a multivitamin. Visit a vitamin store and watch for the opportunity to purchase your vitamins at a discount.

How Much Do We Need?

The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age, your weight, and the problems you are trying to solve or prevent. Remember that supplements should be taken daily, and should be taken with food so that you will receive other nutrients to assist in their assimilation. Keep your supplements in a cool, dark place to protect their potency, and take them as part of your mealtime routine:

o To maintain good health, you should take a minimum amount of 200 IUs daily.

o To help lower raised cholesterol levels, especially in young adults, take 300 to 600 IUs daily.

o For reducing menopausal symptoms, take 400 IUs daily.

o To help combat coronary artery disease and poor circulation, take 400 IUs daily.

Be Careful:

It is important to understand the different functions of vitamins if you are going to ingest them separately instead of within a multivitamin where the formulation will ensure a proper balance. In the case of vitamin E, there are a variety of concerns of which you should be aware:

o Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulant medication). Vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, too.

o Remember that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and since it will be stored in the body in fatty tissue, it can reach toxic levels. People who decide to take mega-doses of vitamins and don't know what they're doing can suffer from too much of a good thing with this vitamin. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement and a separate vitamin E supplement, make sure you are not taking a toxic dose. Anything over 1200 IUs should not be taken without consulting a health professional.

o Be careful if you take iron as well as vitamin E. These two supplements should be taken at different times of the day because iron in the form of ferrous sulfate will destroy vitamin E. Organic forms of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, however, will not harm the vitamin. Read the label and make sure you know which form of iron you are taking.

o Diabetics, people with overactive thyroids, and those with rheumatic heart diseases should be especially careful not to take more than recommended dosages of vitamin E.

o If you suffer from high blood pressure, begin with 200 IUs of vitamin E per day and gradually increase the dose over a period of six weeks until you reach the desired level.

o If you are taking vitamin E, you must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule.

Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients, and there is an increasing lack of vitamin E in our diets because of our dependence on processed food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Fortunately, supplements allow us to obtain whatever amount of vitamin E we need to keep us healthy.

Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing tips to consumers about vitamins, multivitamins, and herb vitamins.

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Dr Oz's Recommendation on Vitamins

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Vitamin Benefits - What You Need To Know

 

Meratrim

Meratrim is currently the best-selling product inside The Vitamin Shoppe store, making it a great choice for you to tap into this merchant promotions.

Main functions
1. Block fat stores
2. Burn fat after every meal
3. Activate calorie burning mechanisms

Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every day, consumers are bombarded with vitamin advertisements, and it is common knowledge that vitamins are beneficial to the human body. Unfortunately, many people do not know exactly how vitamins are beneficial. Knowing how vitamins can be helpful, and other important information about vitamins can help anyone decide the right vitamins to take, and shows their true benefits.

Two Types of Vitamins

It is very important to understand that there are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body as well as in your liver. The vitamins remain in the body fat until they are needed. When the vitamins are called upon, special carriers take them to the source. The period of time that fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body can be up to 6 months. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins.

The second type of vitamin is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are quite different than fat-soluble vitamins because they are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins are moved through the bloodstream, and whatever is unused by the body comes out when you urinate. For this reason, these vitamins ought to be replaced most often because they don't remain in the body for a long period of time. Some water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C, and a large group of B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pryidoxine), B12 (cobalamine), niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

How Vitamins Help

Most people understand that vitamins are helpful, but they do not know exactly what each vitamin does. Vitamin A is very important for eyesight and also helps you see colors more clearly and distinctly. Finally, vitamin A helps proper growth and healthy skin. B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity. B vitamins help create energy and set it free when it is needed by the body (during heavy physical activity, for example). B vitamins are also involved in the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin C keeps body tissues, such as muscles and gums, healthy. Vitamin C can help resist infection and helps heal wounds. Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for your bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it needs to have stronger bones. Vitamin E maintains a lot of the body's tissues. Some of the tissues vitamin E maintains are found in the eyes, skin, and liver. Vitamin E also joins with the B vitamins in the formation of red blood cells. Finally, vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Vitamin K and C work together to heal wounds.

Where to Get Vitamins

For most children, eating healthy can provide them with all the vitamins needed. However, some adults may be advised to take vitamins in order to get their daily-recommended amounts. The best way to get vitamins is to have a balanced diet. It is always a good idea to look at the nutrition facts on labels. Some foods contain a variety of vitamins. Orange Juice is rich in vitamin C, but did you know that eggs contain vitamins A, B, D, and E? Vitamin supplements can always help, but there is simply no substitute for eating foods with vitamins naturally found in them.

Conclusion

Vitamins are quintessential for a healthy body. Vitamins can help heal wounds, create new blood, maintain tissue, and improve basic body processes. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of vitamins in order to truly appreciate their benefits. Kids and Adults alike should always be vitamin conscious. Eating healthy, and taking vitamin supplements if needed is the only way to make sure that you get your daily recommended amount of vitamins. Having the recommended amount of vitamins will lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life.

Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about health topics. Learn more about vitamin benefits at MyVitaminGuide ( http://www.myvitaminguide.com/ ).

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The Truth about Vitamins Supplements | NWO BBC Horizon

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Vitamins

 

Meratrim

Meratrim is currently the best-selling product inside The Vitamin Shoppe store, making it a great choice for you to tap into this merchant promotions.

Main functions
1. Block fat stores
2. Burn fat after every meal
3. Activate calorie burning mechanisms

Vitamins are a major necessity for a healthy life. Vitamin D may reduce the risk of injuries from falls by more than 20 percent in otherwise healthy men and women age 60 and over. Vitamin D has long been known to strengthen bones but new studies indicate it also improves muscle strength. The combination makes injuries less likely when people fall. Vitamin D is helpful whether it is consumed in fortified foods, dairy products, or supplements.

There are 13 known vitamins and each have different roles within the body.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A occurs in two principal forms in nature: retinol, which is found only in animal sources, and certain carotenoids, the best known of which is 'beta-carotene' found in carrots and other yellow to red plants. Beta-carotene can be converted to retinol in the body, and it may have a role in protecting against heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin A is essential for vision and adequate growth. Deficiency symptoms include night blindness, hyperkeratinosis of the skin, and xerophthalmia - an eye condition, which if untreated can lead to permanent blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is still widespread in many developing countries.

Vitamin A is found in pumpkins, kumara (sweet potato), apricots, squash, nectarines, peaches, and mangos. It is also found in spinach, broccoli, watercress, asparagus and peas.

The B Group Vitamins

The B group vitamins work as a team to convert food to energy. Vitamin B1 is vital for releasing energy from starchy and sugary foods, while vitamins B2, B6, and niacin help release energy from foods including protein and fats.

If you increase your energy intake, particularly by eating more carbohydrates, your body may need extra vitamin B.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid, together with iron and vitamin C are of major importance to sportsmen and women as they are used in the formation of red blood cells which transport oxygen to the muscles.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is essential for the release of energy especially from carbohydrates, functioning of nerves, brain and muscles.

The best source of this is vitamin is from dried brewers yeast. Other good sources include pork, poultry, cereals, nuts and beans.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 is found in all plant and animal cells. It is necessary for the release of energy from food and for healthy vision and skin.

Yeast and liver contain the highest amount of this vitamin. It is also found in other meat, eggs and dairy food.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

This vitamin is required for protein and fat metabolism, red blood cell formation, and the nervous system.

The best sources of this vitamin are liver of beef, pork and chicken. Other sources include cereals, fish, nuts, bananas and wheatgerm.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, a healthy nervous system, and is essential for growth.

This vitamin is stored efficiently by the body so a deficiency can take years to develop. Since it is found primarily in animal products, vegetarians are at risk from deficiency unless they take supplements. In its most extreme form, deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and irreversible degeneration of the spinal cord.

Vitamin E is found in animal meat, particularly liver, kidney, heart and brain. It is also present in yeast extract.

Biotin

This is needed for the manufacture of fatty acid and glycogen, protein metabolism and growth. It is found in egg yolk, liver, wholegrain cereals, and nuts.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, the 'cement' substance that gives structure to muscles, vascular tissues, bones and cartilage. Deficiency causes a weakening of these tissues (scurvy), resulting in capillary bleeding.

Together with beta-carotene and vitamin E, vitamin C forms the trio of antioxidant vitamins now believed to help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin C is also commonly used as a natural antioxidant, i.e. it is added to foodstuffs to protect colour, aroma or nutrient content, not for its action as a vitamin.

It is essential for the immune system and there is some evidence to show that extra vitamin C may reduce the severity of respiratory infections.

Vitamin C helps iron absorption. Its role in red blood cell formation also helps to transport essential oxygen to exercising muscles.

It promotes healthy body cells, blood vessels, bones and tissues (e.g. tendons and ligaments). It is also necessary for the manufacture of adrenaline.

Vitamin C is not stored within the body so make sure your diet contains a regular supply. It is found naturally in citrus fruits, blackcurrants, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, mango, sweet peppers, parsley, broccoli, kumara, and cauliflower.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet, and is needed for healthy bone growth. It also plays an important role in the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.

Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin. It is found in wholemilk, margarine, oily fish, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is vital to the formation and normal function of red blood cells and muscles.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps to protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Polyunsaturated fats in our diets are protected from damage by vitamin E. Polyunsaturated fats, which are found in vegetable and fish oils, are essential for the normal function of cells in the body.

Together with beta-carotene and vitamin C , vitamin E forms the trio of antioxidant vitamins now believed to have a preventive effect on degenerative diseases such as heart disease or cancer.

The largest sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils including peanut, soya, palm, sunflower etc. Other sources include nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables.

Folic acid

Folic acid plays an important role in the metabolism of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), the carriers of genetic information in all living things. It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and regulating growth cells.

Severe folic acid deficiency in humans results in megaloblastic anaemia. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects when consumed in adequate amounts by women before and during early pregnancy. For this reason, the enrichment of cereal products with folic acid is compulsory in the USA.

Folates are found in a wide variety of foods. The richest sources are liver, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, wheat germ and yeast. Other sources are egg yolk, fortified cereal, milk and dairy products.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed primarily for the blood-clotting mechanism which prevents bleeding to death from cuts and wounds or internal bleeding.

The best plant sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce. Other sources include tomatoes, potatoes, oats, egg yolk, asparagus, butter and cheese.

Niacin

In the body, niacin is responsible for using the energy provided by food. Niacin is essential for growth and is involved in the production of hormones in the body.

Yeast, liver, poultry, lean meats, nuts and legumes contribute the largest amounts of niacin in food. Milk and green leafy vegetables contain smaller amounts.

Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid belongs to the group of B vitamins. It plays a key role in the maintenance and repair of all cells and tissues, the metabolism of fats and carbohydrate, and healthy skin and hair growth.

Pantothenic acid requires vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin in order to function properly.

It is found in vegetables, liver, yeast extract, kidney, eggs, nuts and bread.

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Vitamins

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Guide To Buying Vitamins Online

 

Meratrim

Meratrim is currently the best-selling product inside The Vitamin Shoppe store, making it a great choice for you to tap into this merchant promotions.

Main functions
1. Block fat stores
2. Burn fat after every meal
3. Activate calorie burning mechanisms

Vitamins are merely organic compounds that the body uses for essential functions. There are two categories of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. The body requires nine water-soluble vitamins. Many of the water soluble vitamins are precursors for coenzymes for the enzymes of intermediary metabolism. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. What is not used will be excreted in the urine.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for protein and red blood cell formation. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy for healthy development of baby's brains and nervous system. Deficiencies in folic acid during pregnancy lead to spina bifida and anencephaly. Proper vitamin supplementation before and during pregnancy can prevent this.

Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is also part of the red blood cell ring that carries oxygen. Pernicious anemia is a related to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is rarely a result of the vitamin's absence in the diet. Many who develop pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor, which binds to the vitamin for absorption purposes.

Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the maintenance of normal connective tissue and the formation of collage. This vitamin can be found in skin care products. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron in the diet. Vitamin C is an essential anti-oxidant (free radical damage). Scurvy is a disease associated with vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin B6 known as pyridoxine is also a water-soluble vitamin. Pyridoxine is essential for protein digestion and utilization. This vitamin is essential for brain function and hormone production.

Vitamin B1 known as thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin. Thiamine plays a key role in energy metabolism of most cells (ATP), particularly the nervous system. Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are diseases caused by a severe thiamine deficiency.

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Niacin functions as a precursor to NAD and NADP. Niacin is essential for energy production, brain function, and healthy skin. A deficiency in niacin causes pellagra and type IIb hyperlipoproteinemia. Niacin also helps to lower LDL's in the blood.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin that assists in turning fats, sugars, and protein into energy. Riboflavin is needed to repair and maintain healthy skin. Riboflavin also assists in regulating bodily acidity. There are no diseases associated with a riboflavin deficiency. However, riboflavin deficiencies commonly accompany other vitamin deficiencies.

Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is needed for healthy childhood development. Biotin helps the body use essential fats. Biotin promotes healthy skin, hair, and nerves. Biotin deficiency does not occur naturally because the vitamin is widely distributed in food.

Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is essential for energy production. Vitamin B5 also controls the body's fat metabolism. This vitamin helps make antistress hormones (steroids) during stressful times. Pantothenic acid is essential for a healthy nervous system. This vitamin helps maintain healthy skin and hair. Deficiency in this vitamin is not well characterized in humans and no RDA (recommended dietary allowance) has been established. The body also requires four fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed, released, and transported with the fat of the diet. Fat-soluble vitamins are not readily excreted in the urine. Because fat-soluble vitamins travel with fat, significant quantities of these vitamins are stored in adipose tissue (fat) and the liver.

Vitamin A or retinol is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Vitamin A also protects against many infections. Vitamin A is essential for vision at night. Those deficient in vitamin A suffer night blindness. Many who suffer from psoriasis and acne are effectively treated with retinoic acid or a derivative. It is possible to become toxic with fat-soluble vitamins because of how the body stores these vitamins. Toxicity of vitamin A leads to hypervitaminosis A. Symptoms of this disorder include dry, pruritic skin; cirrhotic, enlarged liver; and increased intracranial pressure. Pregnant women should not take excess of vitamin A due to potential to cause congenital malformations to the fetus.

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. This vitamin has hormone like functions. This vitamin helps to maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. This is why milk is usually fortified with vitamin D for increased calcium absorption. The body also produces vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sufficient sunlight. A vitamin D deficiency causes a net demineralization of bone, results in the disorder rickets (children) and osteomalacia (adults). Other disorders such as renal rickets and hypoparathyroidism are seen with a vitamin D deficiency. Like all fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D can be stored in the body and is slow metabolized. So there is a risk for toxicity. Toxic levels can cause nausea, thirst, stupor, and loss of appetite. Hypercalcemia can result from enhanced calcium absorption which can lead to calcium deposits in many organs, especially the kidneys and arteries. Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin needed for proper clotting of the blood. Vitamin K is a byproduct created by the normally harmless bacteria in the intestine (E.coli). A true deficiency is unusual because of adequate amounts produced by the bacteria in the intestine and the diet. However, antibiotics can destroy necessary flora in the intestine which can decrease vitamin K production. Hypoprothrombinemia is seen in a vitamin K deficiency.

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. The primary function of vitamin E as an anti-oxidant is to prevent non-enzymatic oxidation of cell components by molecular oxygen and free radicals. Vitamin E also helps to prevent blood clots, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin, fertility, and improves wound healing. Deficiencies of vitamin E have been seen with abnormal cellular membranes. No toxic effects have been seen with this vitamin.

All essential vitamins are necessary for good health. Understanding what vitamins are essential and how the essential vitamins benefit health is only half the battle. Today many can buy vitamins online. Buying vitamins online might just be the answer to nutrition needs.

Copyright 2005 Kristy Haugen

Kristy is a mother and experienced nurse. She has a Bachelor in Biology and Chemistry and writes to inform individuals interested in health information.

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