Vitamin Guide

With so many little bottles of vitamins  available on the market, how do you know what kind of supplement  to take?  Different vitamins  have different health benefits  and to know the function of each is important in leading a healthy lifestyle.   Our guide will outline the importance of taking daily vitamins,  how they work, and the overall results of each little bottle. 

Yes, Your Body Needs These Supplements! 

Deficiencies  in any of the body's essential nutrients  will have a serious impact on its overall health.   To ensure optimum health, we need to make sure that we provide the body with an adequate supply of these important substances.  Because the human body  is unable to manufacture most vitamins  by itself, we need to provide them from an outside source. 

• Eating a healthy diet  consisting of a wide range of healthy foods  does provide some necessary vitamins.  
• With modern lifestyles and depleted soils, there is a decrease in the nutritional value  of foods.  Vitamins  will need to be replaced in the body with a supplement. 
• Vitamin supplements  should not take the place of a healthy well-rounded diet,  but simply round out one's nutritional  needs. 
• There is a direct correlation between the declining food value  and the increase of certain illnesses.   To keep our health  at its peak, we need vitamins!  
• Advanced vitamin therapy  has proven to effectively treat chronic conditions,  such as high cholesterol,  etc.   

How Vitamins Work 

• Fat Solubles 

• These vitamins  are stored in the body.  They are often found in the liver  or fatty tissue.  
• Fat soluble vitamins  require protein carriers  for absorption.  For this reason, fat soluble vitamins can become toxic  within the body at high levels.   
• Some of the best known fat soluble vitamins  are: Vitamin A,  Vitamin D,  Vitamin E,  and Vitamin K. 

• Water Solubles 

• These vitamins  are not stored in the body, and excesses are excreted. 
• Because water soluble vitamins  are excreted from the body, there is very little danger of toxicity in the body  as a result of overdose. 
• Water soluble vitamins  are extra sensitive to heat  and light.   Overcooking  can  zap out all of this nutrition.  
• Some of the best known water solubles  are Vitamin B1,  Vitamin B2,  Vitamin B3,  Vitamin B5,  Vitamin B6,  Vitamin B7,  Vitamin B12,  and Vitamin C.  

Vitamins To Buy

Vitamin A  Called Retinol  as well. Keeps skin  smooth and soft. Aids vision.  Enhances the immune system by creating white blood cells.	Vitamin B1  Also referred to as Thiamine.   Keeps normal workings of nervous system.  Reduction of depression.  Restores deficiencies  from infection,  pregnancy,  etc.	Vitamin B2  Also called Riboflavin.     Releases food energy.  Keeps mucous membranes  together. Essential for iron.	Vitamin B3  Called Niacin.   Regulates cholesterol.  Handles dizziness.  Improves digestion.	Vitamin B5  Sometimes called Pantothenic Acid.   Relieves stress.  Lessens fatigue.  Faster healing  of wounds.

Vitamin B6  Referred to as Pyridoxine.  Increases seratonin  to ease sleep.  Promotes healthy cardiovascular  and immune systems.  Decreases blood cholesterol.	Vitamin B12  Called Cyanocobalamin.  Develops nerve,  skin,  hair  cells. Produces genetic  material. Metabolizes  amino and fatty acids.  Works to release food energy.	Vitamin C  Also called Ascorbic Acid.  Supports connective tissues  and bone marrow.  Produces antibodies.	Vitamin D  Sometimes called the sunshine vitamin.  Healthy bones  and teeth.  Promotes normal cell growth  and maturation.  Treats aging symptoms.	Vitamin E  Also named Tocolpherol.  Protects enzymes  against damage. Anti-blood clotting  agent. Protects against heart disease.

Vitamin K  Called Phytonadione.  Essential for kidney  fuctioning. Regulates normal blood clotting.	Creatine  Releases energy  in its production and is ideal for athletes.  Increases strength  and power.  Induces weight gain.	Choline  Synthesized by B12  and Folic Acid,  but additional choline is needed to meet the body's needs. Promotes cell membranes.  Helps brain  and nerve  functions.	Folic Acid  Used in forming DNA,  this additional enzyme  is needed for blood cells.   Promotes healthy pregnancy.  Forms red blood cells.	Multivitamins  Many essential vitamins  and minerals  in one pill. Composed of Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K.

Think About Minerals

To obtain the utmost in health,  we know that the proper nutrients  are needed.  By taking vitamins,  you are helping yourself tremendously.  But think about minerals  in addition. 

Minerals  play a vital function in every reaction that takes place in the body's cells.  Since the body can't manufacture minerals itself, we need to ingest them.  

• Consider a vitamin mineral supplement  that includes minerals,  amino acids,  antioxidants,  and herb extracts  to combat all health issues  at once.    
• Take mineral supplements  as you deem necessary, in addition to your daily vitamins.    
• Minerals to help your health are:
• Calcium : To maintain bone health.
• Magnesium : A co-factor in the body's enzyme systems.
• Chromium : Reduces body fat and improves muscle tone.
• Selenium : Supports a healthier immune system.
• Zinc : Involved in metabolic activities.
• Indium : Helps reduce signs of ageing.
• Iodine : Vital to maintaining normal metabolism.
• Potassium :  Keeps body systems working together. 

Related Guides

Personal Care	Multivitamins	Prenatal Vitamins	Skin Supplements	Daily Reminder Pill Box

External Links  

• Vitaguide.org - Additional resources regarding vitamins, minerals, and supplements. 
• Vitamins-nutrition.org - Articles, research, and information about vitamins.