Archive for the 'Supplements & Vitamins' Category
Corwin Brown asked:
There are eight B vitamins in vitamin B complex as well as several related substances. The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamine (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. The other related substances include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
Although each individual vitamin or related substance performs a different function in the body, they all work together to maintain good health and vitality. A well balanced diet should provide us with all the B vitamins we require, but because they are water soluble and therefore not retained by the body, we need a daily dietary source.
The majority of multivitamin and mineral supplements contain B-complex vitamins as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Since multivitamin/mineral supplements are more complete than B-complex vitamins by themselves, multivitamin-mineral supplements are usually recommended to prevent deficiencies over individual vitamin supplements.
The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures – Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.
B1, known as thiamine, serves as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism and helps synthesize nerve-regulating substances. Deficiency can cause heart swelling, leg cramps, and muscular weakness. Rich food sources high in thiamine include liver, heart, and kidney meats, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes, berries, wheat germs, and enriched cereals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1.5 mg. Some believe thiamine helps protect against alcoholism and that it is good for depression, stress, and anxiety. It is also said to improve mental ability and to help indigestion.
Most B-complex vitamins work together in synergy to provide a number of health benefits for the body. In general, they have been shown to enhance the nervous system and immune function, bolster metabolism, promote cell growth and division—including red blood cells which prevent anemia, and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. They also work together to help combat stress, fatigue, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
The B-12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B-12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Manufacturers of plant-based foods will sometimes report B-12 content, leading to confusion about what sources yield B-12. The confusion arises because the standard US Pharmacopeia (USP) method for measuring the B-12 content does not measure the B-12 directly. Instead, it measures a bacterial response to the food.
Chemical variants of the B-12 vitamin found in plant sources are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by the human body. This same phenomenon can cause significant over-reporting of B-12 content in other types of foods as well.
The age of an individual will determine how much vitamin B complex they will take. There are several good benefits you can receive by taking vitamin B complex. Nervousness and pressure can be lessened if you take vitamin B complex. If you suffer from tiredness this can be reduced by taking vitamin B complex. In addition, a regular intake of vitamin B complex can help individuals recover sooner from sickness.
There are eight B vitamins in vitamin B complex as well as several related substances. The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamine (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. The other related substances include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
Although each individual vitamin or related substance performs a different function in the body, they all work together to maintain good health and vitality. A well balanced diet should provide us with all the B vitamins we require, but because they are water soluble and therefore not retained by the body, we need a daily dietary source.
The majority of multivitamin and mineral supplements contain B-complex vitamins as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Since multivitamin/mineral supplements are more complete than B-complex vitamins by themselves, multivitamin-mineral supplements are usually recommended to prevent deficiencies over individual vitamin supplements.
The Vitamin B Complex is essential for correct RNA and DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. As our Skin, Hair and Nails are constantly growing and renewing themselves we need the following B vitamins to ensure the good health of these structures – Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Choline. Deficiencies of any of these B Vitamins can lead to dry, grey skin, dermatitis, wrinkles, acne, rashes, falling hair and weak, splitting nails.
B1, known as thiamine, serves as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism and helps synthesize nerve-regulating substances. Deficiency can cause heart swelling, leg cramps, and muscular weakness. Rich food sources high in thiamine include liver, heart, and kidney meats, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes, berries, wheat germs, and enriched cereals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1.5 mg. Some believe thiamine helps protect against alcoholism and that it is good for depression, stress, and anxiety. It is also said to improve mental ability and to help indigestion.
Most B-complex vitamins work together in synergy to provide a number of health benefits for the body. In general, they have been shown to enhance the nervous system and immune function, bolster metabolism, promote cell growth and division—including red blood cells which prevent anemia, and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. They also work together to help combat stress, fatigue, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
The B-12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B-12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Manufacturers of plant-based foods will sometimes report B-12 content, leading to confusion about what sources yield B-12. The confusion arises because the standard US Pharmacopeia (USP) method for measuring the B-12 content does not measure the B-12 directly. Instead, it measures a bacterial response to the food.
Chemical variants of the B-12 vitamin found in plant sources are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by the human body. This same phenomenon can cause significant over-reporting of B-12 content in other types of foods as well.
The age of an individual will determine how much vitamin B complex they will take. There are several good benefits you can receive by taking vitamin B complex. Nervousness and pressure can be lessened if you take vitamin B complex. If you suffer from tiredness this can be reduced by taking vitamin B complex. In addition, a regular intake of vitamin B complex can help individuals recover sooner from sickness.
Anne Harvester asked:
In determining whether or not collagen supplements would be right for you, it helps to know exactly what such supplements are, what they do and how they work. There are many companies on line and at local shopping centers offering collagen supplements, but not all are created equal.
All About Proteins
Collagen is a type of protein. You’ve probably thought of protein as something necessary to one’s diet. While this is true, “proteins” in this particular case are defined as organic (carbon-based) compounds made up of amino acids (naturally-occurring molecules made up primarily of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen). The amino acids that make up a given protein are held together by chemical reactions between the molecules known as peptide bonds.
Proteins are essential for the numerous cellular processes that allow living bodies to function; without proteins, the biochemical molecules in our cells would simply not function.
There are several different kinds of proteins, and each one’s specific function is genetically determined.
The Function of Collagen
Collagen supplements rely on a specific kind of protein that is responsible for the maintenance of connective tissues, which includes tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It is also a main component in the cells of the bones, teeth, blood vessels and particularly the skin. In mammals (including humans), it is the most common protein, making up about a quarter of the protein content in our bodies.
This particular protein has a fibrous structure that is strong and elastic – rather like rubber bands. It is what keeps skin healthy, and plays a prominent role in the healing of wounds. Plastic surgeons use it for cosmetic and restorative surgery, particularly with burn patients.
As we age, the collagen in our bodies is gradually lost. This is what causes wrinkles and sagging. On the average, people may lose as much as 30% by the time they reach the age of 40.
This has more serious implications than simple cosmetic considerations; overall mobility is compromised, bones may be weakened and muscles may atrophy.
How Collagen Supplements Can Help
A Collagen supplement can help to replace that which is lost to the aging process; however the form in which a collagen supplement is taken is important. Because collagen is made up of relatively large, complex molecules, most people see the best results from taking collagen supplements orally, in the form of a pill or capsule. This allows the body to absorb collagen from the inside.
The Benefits
Those who take collagen supplements on a regular basis over an extended period can expect to enjoy an overall rejuvenating effect, as well as a reduction in wrinkles, improved mobility in stiff joints, and better maintenance of lean muscle tissue. In addition, many people experience the benefits of healthier, more youthful looking hair and nails.
Since collagen loss is an ongoing process, those who take collagen supplements will not see immediate results. It generally takes about two weeks in order to experience any real difference, and since the results are cumulative, the collagen supplement should be taken on an ongoing basis.
In determining whether or not collagen supplements would be right for you, it helps to know exactly what such supplements are, what they do and how they work. There are many companies on line and at local shopping centers offering collagen supplements, but not all are created equal.
All About Proteins
Collagen is a type of protein. You’ve probably thought of protein as something necessary to one’s diet. While this is true, “proteins” in this particular case are defined as organic (carbon-based) compounds made up of amino acids (naturally-occurring molecules made up primarily of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen). The amino acids that make up a given protein are held together by chemical reactions between the molecules known as peptide bonds.
Proteins are essential for the numerous cellular processes that allow living bodies to function; without proteins, the biochemical molecules in our cells would simply not function.
There are several different kinds of proteins, and each one’s specific function is genetically determined.
The Function of Collagen
Collagen supplements rely on a specific kind of protein that is responsible for the maintenance of connective tissues, which includes tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It is also a main component in the cells of the bones, teeth, blood vessels and particularly the skin. In mammals (including humans), it is the most common protein, making up about a quarter of the protein content in our bodies.
This particular protein has a fibrous structure that is strong and elastic – rather like rubber bands. It is what keeps skin healthy, and plays a prominent role in the healing of wounds. Plastic surgeons use it for cosmetic and restorative surgery, particularly with burn patients.
As we age, the collagen in our bodies is gradually lost. This is what causes wrinkles and sagging. On the average, people may lose as much as 30% by the time they reach the age of 40.
This has more serious implications than simple cosmetic considerations; overall mobility is compromised, bones may be weakened and muscles may atrophy.
How Collagen Supplements Can Help
A Collagen supplement can help to replace that which is lost to the aging process; however the form in which a collagen supplement is taken is important. Because collagen is made up of relatively large, complex molecules, most people see the best results from taking collagen supplements orally, in the form of a pill or capsule. This allows the body to absorb collagen from the inside.
The Benefits
Those who take collagen supplements on a regular basis over an extended period can expect to enjoy an overall rejuvenating effect, as well as a reduction in wrinkles, improved mobility in stiff joints, and better maintenance of lean muscle tissue. In addition, many people experience the benefits of healthier, more youthful looking hair and nails.
Since collagen loss is an ongoing process, those who take collagen supplements will not see immediate results. It generally takes about two weeks in order to experience any real difference, and since the results are cumulative, the collagen supplement should be taken on an ongoing basis.
Dr John Anne asked:
Vitamins affect all types of skin greatly. Inadequate supply of vitamin may actually make the skin dull and rough. Various studies have been conducted to ensure the benefits of vitamins for skin care. If you really care for a healthy skin, quite naturally you need to supply your system a variety of vitamins. Most importantly, researchers put their emphasis on vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin D – they suggest these are most effective vitamins for skin care.
Skin and Antioxidants
Free radicals are the precariously malformed variety of oxygen that may trigger various skin and health complications such as wrinkles, inflammation, visible lines and ageing in general. Antioxidants help protect skin damage from free radicals. Vitamin E and vitamin C consist of antioxidant properties, and these two useful nutrients are mostly found in citrus foods and vegetables.
Studies suggest that vitamin A protect the skin from sun damage. On the other hand, vitamin C helps in skin healing. Furthermore, it is also suggested that vitamin C can enter through skin layers and it helps in healing damaged tissues under the visible skin layer. Vitamin D can be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin and aid in healing of the skin especially when applied in combination with vitamin A.
So, we can easily understand effectiveness of vitamins for skin care. Now let us move in discussing the contribution of each of the vitamins in more details.
Vitamin A
This is one of the essential vitamins for skin care. It has a direct and profound influence over the skin. Both inadequate and excess supply may cause harmful effect over the skin. Synthetic vitamin A can be applied directly over the inflamed skin area caused by acne, spotted pigmentation or skin wrinkling. A systematic use of vitamin A may also help prevent certain type of skin cancers.
Vitamin B
Many studies argued that vitamin B -3 and vitamin B-5 help preserve moisture in. It is a known fact that a well-hydrated skin has the less probability to become aggravated. Vitamin B actually does this job nicely. Also it is found that vitamin B exfoliates dead cells from the skin area so that the skin looks livelier.
Vitamin C
It is commonly known as ascorbic acid. This is one of the important vitamins for skin care in terms of playing significant role in healing damaged skin. It is particularly beneficial in healing wounds in the skin area. Vitamin C supplements are used in preventing scurvy as well. Several studies suggest that systematic usage of vitamin C may actually help in nourishing and rejuvenating skin from inside and help it looking younger than usual. It functions by activating the oxidizing property of the skin on which it is actually focused.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is synthesized in our body cells itself in the presence of sun light. Vitamin D is known to play its role as an antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic substance. It affects skin pigmentation. It is absorbed by the skin, so external application of vitamin D affects skin health greatly. However, you should avoid taking vitamin D in large dosages because large dosage may result in toxicity. However, sunbathing doesn’t necessarily mean to mega dosages.
Vitamin E
One of the essential vitamins for skin care, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. Likewise any antioxidants, it helps put off free radicals and hence provide a sheath against skin damage. Primarily the skin damages caused by sun burn can be alleviated naturally with the help of vitamin E. Current researchers are continuously putting their effort in investigating various other health benefits associated with vitamin E.
In recent years, vitamins have become the latest trend in the beauty markets. They are really popular and the market is continuously expanding. However, we should always remember that if we lack a healthy diet and regular exercise, there is no possibility that we will get a healthy body or a healthy skin.
Vitamins affect all types of skin greatly. Inadequate supply of vitamin may actually make the skin dull and rough. Various studies have been conducted to ensure the benefits of vitamins for skin care. If you really care for a healthy skin, quite naturally you need to supply your system a variety of vitamins. Most importantly, researchers put their emphasis on vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin D – they suggest these are most effective vitamins for skin care.
Skin and Antioxidants
Free radicals are the precariously malformed variety of oxygen that may trigger various skin and health complications such as wrinkles, inflammation, visible lines and ageing in general. Antioxidants help protect skin damage from free radicals. Vitamin E and vitamin C consist of antioxidant properties, and these two useful nutrients are mostly found in citrus foods and vegetables.
Studies suggest that vitamin A protect the skin from sun damage. On the other hand, vitamin C helps in skin healing. Furthermore, it is also suggested that vitamin C can enter through skin layers and it helps in healing damaged tissues under the visible skin layer. Vitamin D can be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin and aid in healing of the skin especially when applied in combination with vitamin A.
So, we can easily understand effectiveness of vitamins for skin care. Now let us move in discussing the contribution of each of the vitamins in more details.
Vitamin A
This is one of the essential vitamins for skin care. It has a direct and profound influence over the skin. Both inadequate and excess supply may cause harmful effect over the skin. Synthetic vitamin A can be applied directly over the inflamed skin area caused by acne, spotted pigmentation or skin wrinkling. A systematic use of vitamin A may also help prevent certain type of skin cancers.
Vitamin B
Many studies argued that vitamin B -3 and vitamin B-5 help preserve moisture in. It is a known fact that a well-hydrated skin has the less probability to become aggravated. Vitamin B actually does this job nicely. Also it is found that vitamin B exfoliates dead cells from the skin area so that the skin looks livelier.
Vitamin C
It is commonly known as ascorbic acid. This is one of the important vitamins for skin care in terms of playing significant role in healing damaged skin. It is particularly beneficial in healing wounds in the skin area. Vitamin C supplements are used in preventing scurvy as well. Several studies suggest that systematic usage of vitamin C may actually help in nourishing and rejuvenating skin from inside and help it looking younger than usual. It functions by activating the oxidizing property of the skin on which it is actually focused.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is synthesized in our body cells itself in the presence of sun light. Vitamin D is known to play its role as an antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic substance. It affects skin pigmentation. It is absorbed by the skin, so external application of vitamin D affects skin health greatly. However, you should avoid taking vitamin D in large dosages because large dosage may result in toxicity. However, sunbathing doesn’t necessarily mean to mega dosages.
Vitamin E
One of the essential vitamins for skin care, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. Likewise any antioxidants, it helps put off free radicals and hence provide a sheath against skin damage. Primarily the skin damages caused by sun burn can be alleviated naturally with the help of vitamin E. Current researchers are continuously putting their effort in investigating various other health benefits associated with vitamin E.
In recent years, vitamins have become the latest trend in the beauty markets. They are really popular and the market is continuously expanding. However, we should always remember that if we lack a healthy diet and regular exercise, there is no possibility that we will get a healthy body or a healthy skin.