Nutrients - Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues, which helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin. Internally, it helps protect the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, lungs, eyelids, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines (digestive tract), vagina and uterus, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection. This protection also aids the mucous membranes in combating the effects of invasive micro organisms and other harmful particles, including air pollutants. The soft tissues of the kidneys and bladder are also protected. Vitamin A also prompts the secretion of gastric juices necessary for proper digestion of proteins. Other important functions of Vitamin A include the building of strong bones and teeth, the formation of rich blood, reproduction, cell membrane stability and development, immunity and the maintenance of good eyesight. Research shows that beta-carotene helps defend the body against some types of cancer.

Vitamin B Complex

The eight B Vitamins function in many different ways to help enzymes carry out thousands of molecular conversions in the body and are therefore know as coenzymes. All B Vitamins are water-soluble substances that can be cultivated from bacteria, yeasts, fungi or molds. The known B-Complex Vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxmine), B12 (cobalamin), biotin and folic acid (folate, folacin, pteroylglutamin). The grouping of these compounds, under the term B complex is based upon their common source distribution, their close relationship in vegetables and animal tissues and their functional relationships. The B-Complex Vitamins provide the body with energy by aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose, which the body “burns” to produce energy. They are also vital in the metabolism of fats and protein. In addition, the B Vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system and may be its single most important factor for maintenance of the nerves. B Vitamins are essential for maintenance of muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and for the health of skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.

Vitamin C Complex

A primary function of Vitamin C is maintaining collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of connective tissue in skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C plays a role in healing wounds and burns because it facilitates the formation of connective tissue in the scar. Cells in the arterial walls need collagen to help them expand and contract with the beats of the heart; it is also needed in the capillaries, which are more fragile. Another major role of Vitamin C is as an antioxidant. Vitamin C also aids in forming red blood cells and preventing hemorrhaging. It has been found that Vitamin C acts as an antihistamine and may be used to reduce the use of the drug form.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be acquired either by ingestion or by exposure to sunlight. The previtamin form is known as the “sunshine” vitamin. The provitamin form is found in plant and animal tissue. A unique aspect of Vitamin D is that it functions very much like a hormone and has been referred to as one, as it targets organs like the kidneys and intestines. Other target tissues are the brain, pancreas, skin, bones, reproductive organs and some cancer cells.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is composed of a group of compound called tocopherols. Seven forms of tocopherol exists in nature including alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, eta, gamma and zeta. Vitamin E is necessary for all forms of oxygen-consuming life forms. It is also an antioxidant, which means it opposes oxidation of substances in the body. The B and C complex are also protected against oxidation when Vitamin E is present in the digestive tract. It has the ability to unite with oxygen and prevent it from being converted into toxic peroxides. This leaves the red blood cells fully supplied with the pure oxygen that the blood carries to the heart and other organs. Vitamin E is not only an antioxidant, it plays an essential role in cellular respiration of all muscles, especially cardiac and skeletal. Vitamin E makes it possible for these muscles and their nerves to function with less oxygen, thereby increasing their endurance and stamina. It also cases dilation of the blood vessels, permitting a fuller flow of blood to the heart. Vitamin E is a highly effective antithrombin in the bloodstream, inhibiting coagulation of blood by preventing clots from forming. Vitamin E stimulates urine excretion, which helps heart patients whose body tissues contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid (edema). As a diuretic, Vitamin E helps lower elevated blood pressure. It protects against the damaging effects of many environmental poisons in the air, water and food, and it protects the lungs and other tissues from damage by polluted air.

Vitamin C Co-Factor Vitamin J-K-P

Vitamin J, K and P as Vitamin C Co-Factors, are only available in the food matrix form of Vitamin C found in nature. You will not find them in synthetic Vitamin C supplements (ascorbic acid).

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