Staying in Good Health: The Role of Vitamins

The following information is simply a description of the effects of vitamins. Please consult with a health professional before taking any supplements.

• Prevents night blindness and other eye problems
• Aids some skin disorders such as acne
• Enhances immunity and protects against colds, influenza, and infections
• May heal gastrointestinal ulcers
• Protects against pollution and cancer formation
• Acts as an antioxidant needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair important for formation of bones and teeth
• Aids in fat storage
• Slows the aging process
• Protein cannot be utilized by the body without this

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

• Enhances circulation
• Assists in the production of hydrochloric acid, blood formation, and carbohydrate metabolism
• Affects energy, growth disorders, and learning capacity
• Needed for normal muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart
• Warning: antibiotics, sulfa drugs, and oral contraceptives may decrease thiamin levels in the body
• Warning: a high carbohydrate diet increases the need for thiamin

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cellular respiration, and growth
• Alleviates eye fatigue and is important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts
• Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• When used with vitamin A, it maintains and improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, facilitates oxygen use by body tissues, eliminates dandruff, helps the uptake of iron and B6 (important during pregnancy since a lack can lead to fetal damage)
• Aids in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Warning: oral contraceptives and strenuous exercise decrease riboflavin levels in the body
• Riboflavin is easily destroyed by light, cooking, antibiotics and alcohol

Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid)

>Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin
• Aids in the functioning of the nervous system
• Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• Used in the production of hydrochloric acid
• Lowers cholesterol

Pantothenic Acid (B5)

• Known as the "anti-stress vitamin" since it is used in the production of adrenal hormones and antibodies
• Helps convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy needed to produce vital steroids and cortisone in the adrenal gland
• Required by all cells of the body
• Needed for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• May be helpful in treating depression and anxiety

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

• Involved in more bodily functions than any other single nutrient
• Affects both physical and mental health
• Is a natural diuretic
• Reduces swelling associated with PMS, injury, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Aids in preventing oxalate kidney stones from forming
• Necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and proteins
• Maintains sodium and potassium balance
• Needed for a properly functioning nervous system
• Promotes red blood cell formation
• Aids in the production of antibodies
• Plays a role in cancer immunity and arteriosclerosis
• Inhibits the formation of homocysteine, which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle
• Helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma
• Warning: anti-depressants, estrogen, and oral contraceptives may increase the need for vitamin B6 in the body

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

• Needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells
• Helps prevent coronary heart disease
• Important for healthy cell division and replication
• May help depression and anxiety
• Shown to help in uterine cervical dysplasia
• Essential to regulate embryonic and fetal development of nerve cells
• Vital for normal growth and development
• Significantly reduces risk of colon cancer

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

• Needed to prevent anemia
• Aids in cell formation and cellular longevity
• Required for proper digestion, absorption of food, protein synthesis, and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
• Prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and development
• Warning: B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption—especially in the elderly and those with digestive disorders

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

• Powerful antioxidant that protects against pollution and prevents cancer
• Required for tissue growth and repair
• Essential in the formation of collagen to form tissue
• Protects against blood clotting and bruising
• Promotes healing of wounds and the production of anti-stress hormones
• May reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Protects against genetic damage, cataracts, colon cancer, respiratory illnesses, asthma, and breast cancer
• Warning: aspirin, alcohol, analgesics, anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids may reduce levels of vitamin C
• Warning: pregnant women should use amounts no larger than 5,000 mg, as the fetus may become dependent on this supplement and develop scurvy

Vitamin D

• Required for calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization
• Necessary for growth and especially important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children
• Essential for the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets
• Enhances immunity

Vitamin E

• Antioxidant that prevents cancer and cardiovascular disease
• Has been shown to reduce the chance of a heart attack by 75%
• Improves circulation and aids in normal clotting and healing
• Reduces blood pressure
• Aids in preventing cataracts
• Aids in the repair of tissue
• Useful in treating fibrocystic breasts, PMS, and leg cramps
• Retards aging and may prevent age spots

If you want to learn more healthy living tips, you can visit the Healthy Living Center at Everyday Health, a SpineUniverse partner.

 

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