B12 Vitamin Basics

The b12 vitamin is just one of the essential b vitamins that are needed to maintain a healthy body and mind. Cobalamin is the alternative name for the 12b vitamin. The body needs the b12 vitamin for a number of different processes including converting the fats, carbohydrates and proteins from all food that is consumed into energy. One of the most important processes that the b12 is essential for is to create healthy red blood cells. The prevention of heart disease relies on the production of healthy blood cells and therefore the b12 vitamin is vital. The b12 vitamin is also vital for keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum efficiency. Not only this, but the b12 vitamin also works to form the protective covering of all the nerve cells in the body.

The production of red blood cells is not the only type of cells that the b12 vitamin is essential for. In fact, all of the cells in the body require the b12 vitamin, including white blood cells and nerve cells. The white blood cells are an important part of the immune system and without the b2 vitamin the effectiveness of the immunity of the body to germs and viruses is heavily reduced. The nerve cells need the b12 vitamin to create the fatty layer that will protect them from damage. The brain cells are particularly open to disease and damage if there is not enough b12 vitamin present to form this protective layer.

Even though the b12 vitamin is involved in so many essential processes the actual recommended daily amount that a body needs is quite small. The fact is that the majority of people consume much more of the b12 vitamin than their body actually requires. The only issue is that the body cannot absorb the b12 vitamin very easily and has to create its own aid to the process. The intrinsic factor that the body produces helps the body to absorb the b12 vitamin that it needs from food but this still amounts to only half of the total b12 vitamin available. A deficiency in the b12 is extremely rare in most people and is made even less likely because the body can recycle the b12 vitamin that it already has absorbed.

A few groups of people may develop anaemia due to a lack of b12 vitamin in their diet. Young children often have a problem getting enough of the b12 vitamin because they may be extremely fussy eaters and it is important to encourage them to eat as wide a variety of foods as possible. This is not only the case with the b12 vitamin but is true for all essential vitamins and minerals.


 

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What Are Antioxidants And Antioxidant Supplements?

What Are Antioxidants And Antioxidant Supplements?

It’s a continuing puzzle even for scientists why people who eat lots of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop diseases like cancer and heart disease. Sure, fresh fruits are generally low in fat and high in fiber, but it’s much more than that. Enter the science of antioxidants & antioxidant supplements…

Recent studies have shown that part of the benefit from eating fresh produce everyday comes from antioxidants. These are substances that defend our body against the ravages brought on by free radicals. The first ever antioxidants to catch the attention of scientists and the vitamin supplement industry is beta-carotene or more commonly known as Vitamin A. Now, you can find antioxidant supplements in the form of Vitamin A capsules in almost any pharmacy or health food store.

Beta-carotene antioxidant supplements generally come from orange, yellow, and green leafy vegetables and fruit. It has been observed that people who eat a lot of foods rich in beta-carotene are not generally prone to cancer. However, the beta-carotene antioxidant supplements didn’t last that long in the industry. It seemed that in most major trials designed to see whether taking extra beta-carotene antioxidant supplements could ward off cancer, beta-carotene didn’t do a good job at it. Worse, beta-carotene antioxidant supplements and pills seemed to increase rates of cancer for smokers in two large trials.

And so, studies began to look towards other sources of antioxidants as possible antioxidant supplements. Vitamins C and E were the next contenders but again, studies showed mixed results. Although Vitamin C antioxidant supplements didn’t look as though it could reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease, it didn’t have any adverse effects either. In fact, Vitamin C might even provide some protection against loss of sight associated with cataracts in older people.

So far the most promising of all antioxidant supplements is Vitamin E, especially when it comes to working against heart disease. People who eat more foods rich in Vitamin E tend to have reduced risk of heart disease.

Antioxidant supplements have been available for years now and while they can’t substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, they do play a role in reinforcing your overall health and resilience. It is best to take antioxidant supplements in the form of combination products. Multiple antioxidants tend to work synergistically and far more effectively when they are taken together than when they are taken as a single antioxidant.

Most antioxidant supplements you find in health stores today contain a standard ingredient base. Antioxidant supplements generally contain vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and the mineral selenium. Other combinations include other antioxidants as well but typical antioxidant supplements include those already mentioned.

[tags]antioxidants, antioxidant supplements, supplementing with antioxidants, nutrition, nutritional supplements, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium[/tags]


 

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Are Liquid Vitamins Better Supplements?

Are Liquid Vitamins Better Supplements?

Several years ago, liquid vitamin supplements were never heard of. In the past, tablets and pills were the ideal way to take supplements. Although they were considered to be great, they wouldn’t get into the bloodstream of the body fast enough, with some people just passing them through the body without reaping the benefits. With the market craving more and manufacturers looking for ways to make vitamins better, they decided to turn to liquid vitamins.

Although fruit and vegetables contain the right amounts of minerals and nutrients, it’s nearly impossible to live off them alone. Even though they contain the right amount, it’s also impossible to eat the right amount that our bodies need on a daily basis. While some may choose to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, the human stomach simply isn’t big enough to contain all of the fruits and vegetables that an individual needs on a daily basis.

To get the right amount of minerals and nutrients, you’ll need to take vitamin supplements. Supplements have long time been the ideal way to supply your body with the minerals and nutrients it needs. Although pill and tablet vitamins can give you what you need, they don’t deliver the vital nutrients your body needs quick enough. Liquid vitamin supplements gets into your bloodstream and your body fast, proving to be effective in a fraction of the time.

Liquid vitamin supplements can also help you to improve your health and live a better life. Even though you may be on a healthy diet, there will always come a time when you aren’t able to eat a healthy meal. Busy lifestyles can make it hard to get the food you need, which is where supplements really come in handy. No matter how busy your day may get – you can always take liquid supplements wherever you are.

Another ideal fact about liquid vitamin supplements are the fact that they contain everything you need. With pills and capsules, your body will normally absorb around 20% of the nutrients found in the supplements. Liquid vitamin supplements on the other hand are easily absorbed by your body, and move to your vital areas faster. Due to them being liquid, they are much easier to digest than pills or tablets. Therefore, pills and tablets are becoming replaced by liquid supplements.

If you’ve been looking for the best vitamin supplements for your body, you should be looking at liquid supplements. There are many manufacturers available, each one offering you cutting edge vitamins for your body and your health. You can take them the say way that you take pills and tablets, with your meals. This way, you’ll get the protein and other sources you need from food – and the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs from liquid vitamin supplements.

[tags]liquid vitamin supplements, liquid vitamins, best vitamins, nutritional supplements, nutritional supplementation, nutrition, healthy diet, minerals, nutrients[/tags]


 

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What Are The Benefits & Risks In Taking Vitamin A?

What Are The Benefits & Risks In Taking Vitamin A?

Vitamin A was first discovered back in 1912, by a Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk. He came up with the word vitamine, which was later given the name vitamin. Funk was the first to discover vitamins as we know them today, although vitamin A was actually the first one discovered, hence the letter “A” in the title of the vitamin.

You can find vitamin A in natural foods such as oranges and yellow fruits. It can also be found in vegetables as well, such as spinach and fats. When found in vegetables, vitamin A is water soluble, coming in the form of beta carotene. The beta carotene form of vitamin A can be eliminated from your body through natural processes, making it an excellent way to get vitamin A.

Vitamin A is required by the body on an every day basis to maintain healthy skin and keep your eyesight on track. There are many people who say that carrots provide enough vitamin A to prevent you from getting night blindness. The fact is, ancient Egyptian doctors prescribed liver in their time, which they said contained enough vitamin A to combat night blindness. Vitamin A is also known as an antioxidant, which makes it ideal to prevent cancer and anti aging. Along with these benefits, it also helps with your immune system as well.

To get the proper absorption of vitamin A, you’ll need to consume fat. Those of you who happen to be on a low fat or restricted diet, simply may not be getting the right amounts of vitamin A from your supplements that you may think. To get the proper absorption of vitamin A in your diet, you’ll need to consume a high enough level of protein. Protein combines with vitamin A to make it stronger, and help it move through your body.

On a normal day, you should be consuming around 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A. Depending on your health and your age, you may need to consume more or less. The safest form of vitamin A is beta carotene as mentioned above, and it can be taken in much larger doses. No matter what age you may be, you can feel safe to consume high amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene.

If you don’t consume enough vitamin A in your diet, you’ll end up with a deficiency. A deficiency is never a good thing, as it normally results in skin problems, increased infections, and even night blindness as well. A prolonged deficiency in vitamin A can put you at a risk for cancer as well, and you’ll also miss out on any effects of anti aging that the vitamin might have. Although you should begin taking it immediately if you have a deficiency, the effects wouldn’t be the same as they would be if you stayed up to date with the right amount on a daily basis.

On the other hand, if you are getting too much vitamin A, you’ll put yourself at risk for pain in your joints, abdomen, and your bones. Even though too much or not enough can cause you serious side effects, you should always get the right amount in your diet. Vitamin A is very important, and should always be included in your diet.

If you are going to take supplements, you should make sure that they provide the right amounts – with no side effects. As with all dietary changes, be sure to talk to your doctor or a certified nutritionist before starting a new supplementation regime to discuss the benefits & risks of taking vitamin A and/or any other vitamins and supplements.

[tags]vitamin A, vitamin A supplements, vitamin A benefits, supplements, supplementation, nutrients, nutrition[/tags]


 

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