The Vitamin Breakdown

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/.

---

Treatment of Heart Disease with Coenzyme Q10

Since its discovery in the late 1950â??s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)... Read More

Vitamin Benefits ? What You Need To Know

Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every... Read More

Zma Fuel

Zma is a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that... Read More

B-Vitamins Help Promote Healthy Arteries and Heart

A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science... Read More

ZINOPIN: New All In One Natural Travel Supplement!

According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More

Anabolic Steroids and Will They Work for Me?

Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More

Improve Your Mental Cognitive Abilities

The Connection Between Brain Inflammation, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's DiseaseThe evidence... Read More

Folate (Folic Acid) - A Health Supplement

You probably know that ladies who are planning on having... Read More

Build Health: Cut Through The Calcium Hype

The initial success of penicillin generated an assumption which has... Read More

Pros And Cons For Vitamin Supplements ? Are They Good Or Bad?

There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More

Vitamin Supplements ? A Pill is Not Always the Answer

Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very... Read More

GABA: An Inexpensive, Natural, and Effective Way to Increase HGH

Suppose you can turn back the hands of time to... Read More

The Beneficial Effects Of Vitamins On Your Digestive System

As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More

Herbal Sex Supplements

There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that... Read More

How Colostrum Differs From Herbal Remedies

At some time or another, most people have taken some... Read More

Neugenisis Reviewed - Is It A Truly Effective HGH Releaser?

Some say that the benefits of this all-natural HGH releaser... Read More

4 Answers To Living Life On Lifes Terms

1. What supplements do you take?A multivitamin, Glucosamine-MSM-Chondroitin, Odorless Garlic,... Read More

Finding Fish

Fetuses and infants simply must get enough omega-3 oils for... Read More

News & Tips For Better Health, The Natural Way - A Health Supplement

BROCCOLI Good Healthy Food, for Natural Healing, Good Health and... Read More

Keeping Tabs on Niacin

Vitamin B3 is one of the vitamins that make up... Read More

Tips on Taking Colostrum

When selecting a brand of Colostrum, you should be sure... Read More

Selenium: Activates Antioxidant Glutathione for Protection of Cells

Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy... Read More

Liquid or Pills?

A lot of people take vitamins A, C, B and... Read More

CortiCarb3000 Reviewed: Does It Perform As Promised?

Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the... Read More

Vitamins and Their Role in Our Lives

Vitamins, like minerals, are an essential part of the function... Read More

A Look at Whey Protein Powder

There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More

Evening Primrose Oil and Co-Enzyme Q-10: A Dynamic Supplement Duo for Women

During the past few years, I've become more interested in... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Taurine

Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More

The Vitamin Breakdown

Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More

Coenzyme Q10 - Learn All the Wonderful Properties of this Vitamin-Like Nutrient

Sometimes I ask myself why this wonderful antioxidant supplement was... Read More

More Complete Arthritis Supplement

People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More

Sugar, Vitamin C and Competitive Inhibition

Carboloading of a different variety.Saturday in Tucson before the 1982... Read More

Nutritional Vitamin Fiber Supplements ? Which One Is For You?

Nutritional vitamin fiber supplements come in a variety of types,... Read More