Easy Guide to Vitamins and Their Uses

Keith Woolley

The following publication shows some simple, informative self help tips that will allow you to have a far better experience when deciding which Vitamins to take.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Vitamins is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Vitamins, what they do, how they work, and what to buy?

Vitamins are important molecules that can allow our bodies to function properly. For instance, some vitamins work as catalytic molecules: they bind to important enzymes, and, as cofactors, work to make molecular reactions happen. Vitamins can also work as substrates: they are acted upon by different enzymes in the body, so that when they are broken down, their individual subunits can help the different body organs work better.

Vitamins can also serve as co-enzymes or carriers of molecules from one enzyme to another.

We can obtain vitamins through the food that we eat, although we no longer get the amounts we used to, due to intesive farming techniques and depleted soils. The latest technology has allowed scientists to produce some vitamins in the laboratory. These vitamins can be packaged individually as pills, or they can be packed with other vitamins into a multivitamin tablet that people can use to supplement their diets as they see fit. Research has also shown that we all have a different recommended daily intake or need of essential vitamins, a group of thirteen important molecules that our bodies must get in order to function properly and not die.

Vitamin A, which belongs to the retinoid group of vitamins, is soluble in fat. Vitamin A can be found in many orange foods, such as carrots or squash. Experts recommend a daily dose of nine hundred to three thousand micrograms of Vitamin A; an overdose of Vitamin A can result in a disease known as hypervitaminosis A, which, among others can cause people to have yellow or orange skin. Individuals who lack Vitamin A can suffer from night blindness; in fact, doctors recommend that children consume a lot of carrots so that these children's eyes can develop properly.

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. A debilitating disease called beriberi results when we take less than 1.2 milligrams of Vitamin B1 a day. So far, there is no upper limit for Vitamin B1 consumption.

Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is a member of the B-complex group and is also soluble in water. Like other B-complex vitamins, riboflavin functions in keeping the immune systemfunctioning. It has no derermined upper limit, although taking less than 1.3 milligrams of Vitamin B2 a day can result in a disease called ariboflavinosis. This again does not mean it can be taken in very large amounts necessarily as a supplement.

Another B-complex vitamin is niacin, or Vitamin B3. Water soluble and an immune system sustainer, niacin also functions in growth in young children. The allowable daily dose for Vitamin B3 is from sixteen to thirty-five milligrams; below this range, pellagra can result.

The water-soluble Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a B-complex member that not only functions to allow growth and immune system development, but can contribute to strength and energy as well. We are all required to consume at least five milligrams of Vitamin B5 each day; lower consumption can result in paresthesia, a numbness in certain extrematies of the body.

Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, also functions in proper growth and development, especially in young children. A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, pyridoxine must be consumed at a minimum of 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams a day; consumption of the vitamin beyond the hundred milligram mark is considered an overdose, and can result in some eye or perception disorders. Conversely, anemia can occur when the proper amounts of pyridoxine aren't consumed.

Vitamin B7, biotin, is another water soluble B-complex vitamin. Although no biotin-deficiency related diseases have been detected, we are required to consume at least thirty micrograms of Vitamin B7 every day as a minimum.

Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, is extremely important for developing children and pregnant mothers. This B-complex vitamin must be consumed at about four hundred to a thousand micrograms a day, or severe birth defects may result in pregnant mothers.

Cyanacobalamin, or Vitamin B12, functions in proper growth and development. About 2.4 micrograms of this water-soluble B-complex vitamin must be consumed each day. Anemia often results from Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a highly important water-soluble essential vitamin that can be found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Only ninety to two thousand milligrams should be consumed each day, or kidney damage can result. Vitamin C deficiency results in scurvy, which is manifested in cracked skin and a damaged immune system.

Vitamins D, E, and K are similar in that they are fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin D helps in supporting the body's skeletal system by working alongside calcium; it also aids in boosting the immune system. At least fifteen milligrams of Vitamin E must be consumed each day; Vitamin E aids in cell regeneration and wound healing, and is often credited with bringing life and youth to skin. Finally, Vitamin K can helps in wound healing and aiding blood clotting.

All these vitamins can be obtained from a balanced diet that is filled with lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables - or even a vegetarian or vegan diet. Always consult with your doctor or health care professional on what vitamins you should be taking in higher amounts. With a healthier diet, you can have a better lifestyle, with thanks to essential vitamins that keep your body going. Some supplements, however, can be considered worthless. A supplement company to trust is Solgar Vitamins, who have produced quality supplements for over 60 years.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news. Follow the information on qulaity websites which specialise in natural health information.