Did You Know Just That Many Cancers Are Linked To A Vitamin Deficiency?

Vitamins are necessary substances found in certain foods, mainly fruits and vegetables, and are essential to good health. However, even those who eat only healthy foods don't necessarily get enough vitamins from eating. Vitamin supplements can help to ensure our bodies are obtaining the proper nutrients. Every person should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement on a daily basis in order to maintain good health. Vitamins can help to stave off illness, lower cholesterol, and assist in healing cuts and bruises. Vitamins can also slow down the aging process and keep vital organs functioning. There are even vitamins, such as beta carotene, that have been associated with fighting off cancer.
As with anything, too many vitamins can cause more damage than good. It is for this reason that the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, was established. The RDA lets us know how much of each particular vitamin we should be taking on a daily basis. In many cases, the RDA for each vitamin can be found in a multivitamin supplement. Those who are lacking in a particular vitamin can take an additional supplement to boost levels. The only one who can determine if you're lacking in a certain vitamin should be your doctor or nutritionist. Before you prescribe doses for yourself, it is best to consult a professional. It is important to note that RDAs vary depending on where you live. The recommended dosages of vitamins and minerals in the United States are not the same as in other countries. Additionally, RDAs vary by age. You wouldn't offer a child the same supplement as you would offer to a 40 year old adult. Women and men also need different vitamins. For example, women's supplements should include higher dosages of calcium and folic acid.
It is also important to note that vitamins do not replace a healthy diet and exercise regime. They will neither prevent illness nor cause you to lose weight. Vitamins should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, not as a replacement. Doctors and nutritionists also recommend that you obtain the bulk of your vitamins from food, especially fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. If you are confused about the vitamins you should be taking, consult your doctor or nutritionist. Not only will they have recommendations, but they can offer lifestyle recommendations.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is fat-soluble vitamin that is also known as retinol and carotenoids. Vitamin A serves a variety of functions including immunity, growth, development, and the production of red blood cells. Vitamin A is essential to the immune system and virus prevention. There are a few reasons why Vitamin A is so important to the immune system. First, Vitamin A helps to maintain the function of the cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract; this is important because these paths are lined with mucosal cells that act as a barrier to germs. Without sufficient Vitamin A, these cells would not function properly. Vitamin A is also important to maintaining a healthy immune system, as it is integral to white blood cell production. Pregnant women should be careful to regulate their Vitamin A intake because both deficiencies and an excess of this vitamin can be detrimental to the developing fetus. Vitamin A plays a part in the development of the limbs, eyes, ears, and heart of the embryo. Too much and too little of this vitamin have been associated with birth defects.

A deficiency of Vitamin A can have damaging effects on your vision as well as your susceptibility to infectious diseases. Vitamin A is readily available and, in industrial nations, deficiencies in it are very rare. However, deficiencies in Vitamin A are prevalent in third world nations where resources are scarce. A severe Vitamin A deficiency can result in corneal ulcers, scarring, and blindness. In its mildest forms, Vitamin A deficiencies can lead to poor night vision. Resistance to infectious diseases is also linked to insufficient intake of Vitamin A. Children who are even mildly deficient in Vitamin A are more susceptible to respiratory disease and diarrhea. Consuming products that contain Vitamin A, such as eggs, milk, carrots and spinach, should help to prevent Vitamin A deficiencies.

Vitamin B

or the B complex, is comprised of several vitamins. The name originates from the fact that, at one point, it was believed to be a single vitamin such as Vitamin E. Vitamin B is actually a complex of unique vitamins often found in the same foods. Generally speaking, they often function with one another to support a host of functions in the body, including the metabolizing of food, red blood cell production, maintenance of skin, muscle tone, and nervous system function. They also bolster the immune system and promote cell growth and division.
Vitamin B-1 (thiamin) is integral in the metabolism of carbohydrates into energy, and for normal nerve and heart function. Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) helps to metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids, and nourishes mucous membranes. Vitamin B-3 (niacin) metabolizes carbohydrates and fats. Excess niacin can cause flushing, itching, gout, liver damage, and increase glucose blood levels. Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is used to metabolize amino acids and fatty acids, produce red blood cells, keep skin healthy, and preserve nerve functioning. Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) along with folic acid, is used in DNA synthesis and to produce red blood cells. It is also required for proper nerve function and is unique as a vitamin, since it is stored in the body, mainly in the liver, in vast amounts. Folic Acid works with Vitamin B-12 in DNA synthesis and to produce red blood cells
Sources of Vitamin B complex include whole grains, meat (beef, pork, lamb, and especially liver and kidney products), eggs, milk, cheese, fish, potatoes, and nuts. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including anemias, depending upon which specific Vitamin B is deficient. Excess syndromes are not usually a problem as B Vitamins are water soluble, and usually pass safely out of the body. Folic Acid is usually not toxic, but when high doses are given to people deficient in Vitamin B-12, nerve damage may result.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C might be the most widely known and most popular vitamin purchased as a supplement. It is a water-soluble nutrient, making it very safe, and it is essential for the production of bones and connective tissue. With the exceptions of humans, apes, guinea pigs, a species of trout, a certain fruit-eating bat, and the red-vented bulbul, it is believed that all other plants and animals synthesize their own Vitamin C. The vitamin helps with the absorption of iron and aids in healing wounds and burns. It is also an antioxidant, meaning it bonds with free radicals in the body that may damage cells and contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature aging. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a weak acid. Commercial supplements generally combine a mix of ascorbic acids with bioflavonoids, which help in Vitamin C absorption. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, liver products, and oysters. The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, with smokers encouraged to take another 35 mg.

Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, which is characterized by bruising, bleeding under the skin, around the gums, and into the joints, as well as infections or wounds that won’t heal, weak immunity, and loose teeth. Scurvy rarely develops in people who eat a balanced diet inclusive of fruits and vegetables.
Many people take high doses of Vitamin C, either because they know it to be an antioxidant or they believe it will aid their immunity. While immune system functionality does suffer from Vitamin C deficiency, there is currently no evidence that taking megadoses of Vitamin C will help the immune system and dispel a cold. Vitamin C is also popular in its use as an antioxidant, and some advocate taking large doses (1500 mg +) for this reason, or to treat memory loss, cataracts, atherosclerosis, cancer, and lung disorders. While the benefit of Vitamin C in treating these disorders is unclear, taking large doses of the Vitamin is relatively safe. It is water soluble, and will cause diarrhea when the tolerance level is reached. Bowel tolerance of Vitamin C varies from individual to individual, and can range from 5 mg a day to thousands of mg. While Vitamin C is safe, it is an acid, and high oral doses in forms meant to be chewed or sucked on may damage tooth enamel.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and into the bloodstream. A vitamin is a molecule required by the body in sufficient amounts for proper health, nearly always obtained from external sources. Vitamin D is unique in its categorization as a vitamin, since it can sometimes be produced by the skin. There are two forms of Vitamin D, both of which are important for nutrition. The first is produced by plants, and consumed in the diet. This form of Vitamin D is most commonly found in fish liver oils, fatty fish, and fortified dairy products. Since many higher latitude locations do not receive enough sunlight -- particularly during the winter -- milk and other foods are fortified with vitamin D to avoid widespread deficiency. The second form of Vitamin D is produce by the skin after exposure to ultraviolet sunlight triggers its synthesis.

In deficiency syndromes, calcium and phosphate levels in the blood decrease because they cannot be absorbed without the synergistic aid of Vitamin D. This may lead to bone disorders, rickets in children, or osteomalacia in adults. Breast milk contains low levels of Vitamin D, so infants who lack exposure to sufficient sunlight or lack proper nutritional supplementation may develop rickets. Older adults, whose skin may not synthesize sufficient quantities of Vitamin D, or who do not get enough sun exposure or proper supplementation in their diet, may be at risk for osteomalacia or osteoporosis. Recent studies have indicated that Vitamin D deficiency may also be linked to diseases such as cancer, chronic pain, weakness, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, periodontal disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 200 IU up to the age of 50, 400 IU for ages 51 to 70, and 600 IU over age 70.
Excessive intake of Vitamin D over several months can cause toxicity, with symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst, weakness, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Overdose is very rare.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive electrons, necessary for thousands of chemical reactions. When there are too many in the body, they can damage cells and contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature aging. Antioxidants have the ability to bond with free radicals and halt them from causing damage. Vitamin E has also been shown to influence immune function, DNA repair, and is required for other metabolic processes. Whether or not it can be used to prevent heart disease is still being studied. Some trials have shown it may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin E is also lauded for contributing to healthy skin, and is used in many skin creams and lotions.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, nuts, wheat germ, poultry, fish, and green leafy vegetables. The body is not capable of producing this substance, and it must be consumed in the diet or supplements for proper health. Naturally occurring Vitamin E comes in eight different forms; other synthetic forms have been developed. Naturopathic and orthomolecular medicine practitioners do not believe synthetic Vitamin E is effective in preventing cancer, circulatory or heart disease.
The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin E in adults is 22 IU (15mg) of naturally occurring Vitamin E, or 33 IU of synthetic forms, with an upper limit of 1,500 IU as a maximum daily intake. Vitamin E deficiency is rare in older children and adults, and usually results from low-fat diets or a person’s inability to metabolize the vitamin. Newborn children have low levels of Vitamin E reserves, and premature infants or infants with a low birth weight can be at risk for deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency include reduced reflexes, difficulty walking, coordination problems, weak muscles, and a loss of a sense of limb position. Premature infants with Vitamin E deficiency are at risk for cranial bleeding and eye disorders. The affects of taking too much Vitamin E are under dispute and still unclear. Excess intake may increase the risk of bleeding, including stroke in adults, particularly with people taking anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin or warfarin. Other side effects of Vitamin E excess may include muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for normal blood clotting. Its role is so large -- it produces six of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting -- that a Vitamin K deficiency can cause serious bleeding disorders. Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults, but the supplement is routinely given to newborn infants to prevent bleeding problems related to birth, or if surgery is planned.
Though most commonly used to treat and prevent bleeding problems, Vitamin K may also help build bone and protect against osteoporosis. Research has linked low levels of Vitamin K to low bone density, while new studies link Vitamin K supplementation to improved bone density and a reduced a chance of fractures. Although Vitamin K deficiency is rare, several conditions can increase the risk, including chronic malnutrition, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, short bowel syndrome, and regional enteritis. In addition, many drugs can reduce Vitamin K levels by interfering with liver function or by killing the intestinal bacteria that make Vitamin K. Such drugs include antibiotics, salicylates, anti-seizure medications, and some sulfa drugs.

It is recommended that men get at least 80 micrograms, and women at least 65 micrograms, of Vitamin K daily. Vitamin K is found in several foods, especially green leafy vegetables. Good sources of Vitamin K include spinach, broccoli, asparagus, watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, beans, olives, canola, soybeans, meat, cereals, and dairy products. Cooking does not deplete much Vitamin K, so a diet rich in these foods should provide adequate amounts of the vitamin. Vitamin K is available in both an oral doses and injections. It should not be taken with anticoagulants such as warfarin, because it can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. Vitamin K can also interact negatively with several medical conditions, including pancreatic diseases, gallbladder disease, prolonged diarrhea, intestinal problems, liver disease, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. It should be stored away from heat and light, in a dry place, and between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it is not known to cause birth defects, Vitamin K should be used with caution in children, who may be more sensitive than adults.

 

 

 

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