Check
the label on many "fortified" foods. You may see
some basic vitamins that have been added, but remember that
processing, heat and light destroys many vitamins. Plus,
you need to keep in mind that the actual level of vitamins
you actually need in many cases can far exceed the basic
US RDA requirements. (by Dr. George Obikoya)
http://www.vitamins-
nutrition.org/vitamin-
articles/index.html
What Can Vitamin Deficiencies Lead To?
What Can Vitamin Deficiencies Do?
By: Dr. George Obikoya
Vitamins are essential to healthy living,
and they perform best when there are adequate amounts
of each and every one. There are many different types
of vitamins, each having its own specific benefit to various
parts and functions of the human body. Take gasoline and
oil in an automobile for instance (one can pretend they
are vitamins). A car (the human body) needs gasoline to
drive. Now, gasoline by itself doesn't keep the car driving
without oil in the engine. In that same sense, the perfect
amount of oil in the engine is useless without gasoline
to power it. The two vital substances are both required
at the same time, and need to be replenished very frequently
to keep the car running smoothly in the same way all people
constantly need vitamins to continue living healthy. If
just one of the many things needed to run a car (oil in
the engine, air in the tires, gas in the tank, and headlights
at night) are missing, the entire car is inoperable, totally
useless. While the human body still may be able to perform
without the appropriate levels of just a few vitamins
for a short period of time, hundred of years of research
point towards disease and sickness as a result.
Each vitamin has a complex of symptoms
and signs that characterize its deficiency. Currently,
the most important benefit attributed to vitamins in general
are their anti-oxidant properties. Vitamins A, C, E, and
many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals are scavengers
for particles known as oxygen-free radicals (or oxidants).
These chemically active particles are by-products of many
of the body's normal chemical processes. Their numbers
are increased by environmental assaults, such as smoking,
chemicals, toxins, and stress. The simple act of living
also produces them, as we breathe in oxygen constantly.
At moderate to high levels, oxidants and
free radicals can be very harmful. They can damage cell
membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly
contributing to the development of a number of disorders
including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and even the
aging process itself. Oxygen-free radicals can also enhance
the dangerous properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol, a major player in the development of atherosclerosis.
Antioxidant Vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, and many phytochemicals
can neutralize free radicals, and may reduce or even prevent
some of their damage.
For instance, deficiencies of Vitamins
A, C, E, and beta carotene have been linked to heart disease.
All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects and other
properties that may benefit the heart. Vitamin E may prevent
blood clots and the formation of fatty plaques and cell
proliferation on the walls of the arteries. Of interest
are studies suggesting that 1200 IU of the natural (d)
alpha tocopherol form of Vitamin E (4000% US Recommended
Daily Value) reduces inflammation and damage to blood
vessels. Type 2 Diabetics, as suggested by many health
professionals, may in particular benefit from this as
well. Vitamin E deficiency should therefore never be allowed
to occur if you have this type of Diabetes.
Other Vitamin E compounds, including gamma
tocopherol or tocotrienol may also have specific benefits.
Studies are fairly consistent in indicating that eating
foods rich in natural Vitamin E may be protective. Vitamin
C appears to maintain blood vessel flexibility and improve
circulation in the arteries of smokers. In one English
2001 study, people whose diets were rich in foods that
elevated levels of Vitamin C in their blood were at lower
risk for heart disease, overall poor health, and even
death. Vitamins E and C in combination have even been
shown to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease!
Several important studies have demonstrated
a link between deficiencies in the B Vitamins (folate,
B6, and B12) and elevated blood levels of homocysteine,
an amino acid believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis
and heart disease. Both Vitamins B12 and folate reduce
homocysteine levels, although it is not yet clear if this
effect is actually protective against heart disease. (Homocysteine
may simply be a marker, not a cause, of heart disease.)
Major studies are under way and early results are promising.
Another 2001 study for example, reported lower rates of
heart disease in populations that had high levels of folate
and B12, regardless of any other risk factor.
A supplemental dosage of 0.8 mg/ day (200%
US Recommended Daily Value) of folate (also known as folic
acid) appears to be necessary for reducing homocysteine
levels. Folate also improves blood flow through the arteries,
which may be of equal or greater importance for the heart
than its effect on homocysteine. Niacin (Vitamin B3) is
used for lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels. Although
Vitamin B3 is available over the counter, a physician
should prescribe niacin in order to ensure its safety
and effectiveness.
Studies have reported that a high intake
of fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene, lycopene,
and other carotenoids may reduce the risk of heart attack.
For example, lycopene-poor diets (particularly lycopene
in tomatoes) were associated with a significantly higher
risk of heart disease and stroke. In another study involving
animals, lutein protected against early hardening of the
arteries.
It should be stressed, however, that studies
are continuing to indicate that high doses of supplements
of any of these antioxidants have pro-oxidant effects
that can harm the arteries and incur other damage, so
avoid very high doses.
The protection that vitamins offer us
against a variety of other diseases such as heart disease,
Alzheimer’s diseases, respiratory diseases and infectious
diseases by boosting our immunity and eyes and skin function
among others will be lost if these and other vitamins
are deficient. The human body is at high risk of suffering
from the symptoms and signs of the lack of each respective
vitamin. Maintaining proper vitamin intake is quite simple,
with the help of a healthy diet and a high-quality liquid
multivitamin taken daily. Don't take a chance with your
health - take preventative measures and combat these problems
at hand with a quality multivitamin, today.
A
good multivitamin is the foundation of health and nutrition.
Take a look at our scientific reviews of many of the popular
brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement,
quality level, and overall value. If you are looking for
a high quality liquid multivitamin, we suggest that you
take a look at the Multivitamin Product Comparisons.
http://www.vitamins-
nutrition.org/vitamins/
vitamin-deficiencies.html
