Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce and therefore must acquire through the diet. To help maintain good health, humans need 13 different vitamins. These include: vitamin A, the various B and D vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Deficiencies of these essential vitamins can cause the body to enter a diseased state. Deficiencies of different vitamins manifest themselves with differing diseased states. For example, night-blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, while Rickets is linked to vitamin D deficiency.
The relationship between foods and maintaining health has been recognized for centuries. For example, in 1747, Dr. James Lind discovered that citrus fruits prevented scurvy. Some stores of vitamins within the body can last well over a year, as is the case with vitamin B12. Others can deplete more rapidly-lasting only a couple of weeks. A vitamin can be either fat or water soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Often they need to be replenished more frequently. Fat-soluble vitamins, however, are stored in the body. Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, E, D and K.
Today there is debate among experts over the benefits of vitamin supplements. Some believe supplements must be taken in conjunction with the daily diet. This is because many foods are processed and artificially enriched-which can reduce the nutrient level naturally found in these foods. Moreover, even fresh fruits and vegetables are picked prematurely and shipped long distances before arriving on grocery shelves. For this reason, some physicians recommend taking vitamins.
The US RDA is a standard set forth by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences National Research Council to help Americans determine a proper level of daily vitamin intake. It is important to note, however, that these levels are sometimes quite modest- intended to meet the nutrient needs of already healthy individuals. For some, these amounts may be lower than optimal. For example additional amounts of vitamins may be needed during illness. Consequently, the Board has also set two other values: the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) and the adequate intakes (AI). The UL values are designed to help people avoid over consumption. AL values are established when there is not enough scientific evidence to set an RDA.
It is important to note that different developmental stages and physiologies may require varying vitamin intakes. Children, adolescents, women, and men all have differing needs. Consulting a specialist is the best way to determine personal vitamin needs. Moreover, some supplements may negatively interact with prescription drugs. Therefore, all supplemental intakes should be discussed with a physician.
A proper balance of vitamin intake can enhance personal health and increase energy levels. These essential nutrients aid in the regulation of many bodily functions and can prevent illnesses. Their value must not be underestimated.
Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about the benefits of vitamins. Learn more at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/.
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..Whey proteins drinks, especially shakes, are available in a variety... Read More
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is perhaps one of the... Read More
You probably know that ladies who are planning on having... Read More
It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More
Have you ever purchased something thinking you had bought a... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although... Read More
Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More
Many people find that after a few weeks, the gains... Read More
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred... Read More
Three Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, and Sodium and... Read More
1. Most of the modern western diets contain way too... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More
Vitamin supplement - why is it important?Vitamin supplement or supplements... Read More
Actually, my headache is not the result of just thinking... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More
Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of fatty... Read More
MSM is a wonderful supplement with a low toxicity rating... Read More
Whey protein is a high quality powder made from cow's... Read More
Bodybuilding supplements generally fall under the classification of dietary supplements,... Read More
Antioxidant vitamins perform many important tasks that our bodies benefits... Read More
There are a host of choices for supplementing your Ironman... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science... Read More
When selecting a brand of Colostrum, you should be sure... Read More
You may feel 30, but your body keeps reminding you... Read More
Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More
Since ancient time bee pollen has been considered as an... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More
A source suggests that there may be a new way... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
I'm a great believer in natural tonics to strengthen or... Read More
The more I study health and fitness, the more convinced... Read More
While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More
At the present time, one out of ten adults have... Read More
Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional... Read More
Do you ever find yourself asking any or all of... Read More
This complex mixture of nutrient-rich growth factors, immunoglobulins, glycoconjugates and... Read More
Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture... Read More
Biological oxidation involves transferring electrons from one oxygen molecule to... Read More
Most parents' think their children are eating a fairly healthy... Read More
Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We... Read More
Every day, it seems like we are living in an... Read More
With dietary supplements making their way in our daily life,... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |