Vitamins

Vitamins are a group of unrelated organic compounds that are not manufactured by the body. They are required in relatively small amounts from the diet and are essential for cellular metabolism, growth, and maintenance of health. There are two kinds of vitamins; water and fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins
The water-soluble vitamins are transported in bodily fluids and are not stored by the body to any appreciable extent. They function as coenzymes or co-factors to various metabolic processes in the body. The fact that they are not stored in the body means they need to be consumed on a daily basis. Since water-soluble vitamins are not really stored, people think that there are no harmful effects if they consume more than the RDA. B6 and niacin have been shown to be toxic when consumed in megadoses (10 times the RDA). Exercise might have an effect on the requirement of the water-soluble vitamins. Since they are not stored, the body does not have a pool to work from. This might lead to an increased need for some of the vitamins with exercise.

Fat-soluble vitamins
The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are stored by the body in lipids. The fact that these vitamins can be stored can lead to toxicity when excessively consumed. It will probably take less to create toxicity since they are stored in the body, as compared to the water-soluble vitamins. The fat-soluble vitamins function more like hormones, rather than like coenzymes. Because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, exercise or physical activity will be less to effect their requirements. The water and fat-soluble vitamins do not provide energy to the body; they are a part of the energy releasing reactions that occur throughout the body.

VITAMIN A (Beta Carotene)
Necessary for growth & repair of body tissues; helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose , throat & lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants; counteracts night-blindness & weak eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation.

VITAMIN B-1 (Thiamin)
Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy; aids in the digestion of carbohydrates; essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart; stabilizes the appetite; promotes growth & good muscle tone.

VITAMIN B-2 (Riboflavin)
Necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration; necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails & hair; alleviates eye fatigue; promotes general health.

VITAMIN B-6 (Pyridoxine)
Necessary for the synthesis & breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in the formation of antibodies; maintains the central nervous system; aids in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin; reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea & stiffness of hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium & phosphorous in the body.

VITAMIN B-12 (Cobalamin)
Helps in the formation & regeneration of red blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia; necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; maintains a healthy nervous system; promotes growth in children; increases energy; needed for Calcium absorption.

NIACINAMIDE (Niacin- vitamin B-3)

PANTOTHENIC ACID
Participates in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats & protein, aids in the utilization of vitamins; improves the body's resistance to stress; helps in cell building & the development of the central nervous system; helps the adrenal glands, fights infections by building antibodies.

BIOTIN
Aids in the utilization of protein, folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B-12, promotes healthy hair.

FOLIC ACID
Necessary for DNA & RNA synthesis, which is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells; essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow; aids in amino acid metabolism.

INOSITOL
Necessary for the formation of lecithin; aids in the breakdown of fats; helps reduce blood cholesterol; helps prevent thinning hair.

CHOLINE
Very important in controlling fat & cholesterol buildup in the body; prevents fat from accumulating in the liver; facilitates the movement of fats in the cells; helps regulate the kidneys, liver & gallbladder; important for nerve transmission; helps improve memory.

PABA ( Para Amino Benzoic Acid)
Aids healthy bacteria in producing folic acid; aids in the formation of red blood cells; contains sun screening properties; aids in the assimilation of Pantothenic acid; returns hair to its natural color.

VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid)
Essential for healthy teeth, gums & Bones; helps heal wounds, scar tissue, & Fractures; prevents scurvy; builds resistance to infection; aids in the prevention & treatment of the common cold; gives strength to blood vessels; aids in the absorption of iron. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, the intercellular "cement" which holds tissues together. It is also one of the major antioxidant nutrients. It prevents the conversion of nitrates (from tobacco smoke, smog, bacon, lunch meats, & some vegetables) into cancer-causing substances. According to Dr. Lines Pauling, the foremost authority on Vitamin C, Vitamin C will decrease the risk of getting certain cancers by 75%.

VITAMIN D
Improves absorption and utilization of Calcium and Phosphorous; required for bone and teeth formation; maintains a stable nervous system and normal heart action.

VITAMIN E
Major anti-oxidant nutrient; retards cellular aging due to oxidation; supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs; thus alleviating fatigue; aids in bringing nourishment to cells; strengthens the capillary walls & prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons; prevents & dissolves blood clots; has also been used by doctors in helping prevent sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits in blood walls and heart conditions.