Health Benefits of Vitamins

Start Improving Your Health and Brain Function Today!

There are countless health benefits of vitamins, especially if you take a high grade multivitamin that combines vitamins with other nutrients, such as antioxidants, flavonoids and herbal extracts.

These have been proven by scientific research to provide excellent health benefits. They become even stronger when used together in a multivitamin because of the synergistic effects that occur.

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. In nature, if you eat a banana or any other fruit, you are not just getting one vitamin or mineral, you are getting several, alongside with trace elements, enzymes, fiber and so on.

Some examples of health benefits in a multivitamin that uses the best vitamins are:

- Improved blood pressure
- Lowered cholesterol
- Healthier heart health
- More energy
- Improved sleep
- Better joint function
- Improved memory
- Better focus
- Enhanced motor function

This is the next logical step for multivitamins to take. The health benefits of vitamins are evolving to a whole new level. The unfortunate fact is that most people still do not know about this and continue to buy synthetic, cheap supplements.

These cheap alternatives usually have no health benefits whatsoever and can even damage your health in the long-run. The good news is that you can take advantage of the health benefits of vitamins by knowing what to look for.

A high grade multivitamin should contain the following things:

- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Enzymes
- Antioxidants
- Trace elements
- Anti-glycation agents
- Neuronutrients
- Methylation agents
- Adaptogens
- Herbal Extracts
- And Co-factors

Many products today only contain vitamins and minerals, with maybe antioxidants. The health benefits from these supplements are miniscule compared to the cutting-edge products that are being developed by many companies today.

However, you should still be careful about what you buy so you know you're getting good value for your money. Look for a trustworthy company that provides information about all of their supplements. This means scientific research of their ingredients and the purity of their products.

By Henri K. Junttila

Vitamin D: The Introduction 1-2

Introduction to Vitamin D - Part I-2

In some ways, it almost now seems a misnomer to describe vitamin D as a vitamin, its structure and function seem to have more in common with a steroid hormone. A steroid hormone which we can not manufacture, but which is so essential to good health that it is not merely obtained, in varying amounts through diet, but is also, the only essential molecule, produced in the skin through exposure to direct sunlight.

It will likely take quite some time to sort out the various effects and actions of vitamin D, and as with other scientific advances each new piece of knowledge will likely raise ten new questions. And it is important not to get carried away with new discoveries which have a way of often proving to be less important than first thought. However, these are undoubtedly important new findings and one of the first questions they bring to mind is what is the optimum level of vitamin D one should have for good health.

This question is currently an area of active debate, many physicians and scientists feel that the current guidelines, which were set to ensure healthy bones and good calcium metabolism, are not high enough to ensure proper immune function and to receive other health benefits from vitamin D. A related question involves the issue of the potential for toxicity from vitamin D. On the basis of very scant evidence, the value of which has been repeatedly challenged, a recommendation of no more than 2000 IU of vitamin D daily has been established. Without attempting to address this question in full in this post, one quite obvious argument against this position is that someone receiving 20-30 minutes of direct sunlight when sunbathing will produce some 10,000- 20,000 IU of vitamin D. This begs the question, unless one theorizes some yet undiscovered difference between dietary vitamin D and that produced in the skin from sunlight, why aren't lifeguards, for instance, showing hepatic calcifications and other signs of vitamin D toxicity when they are daily receiving a dose some 5-10x greater than the maximum safe dose. Instead, such individuals, are often the picture of health.

Even using the current guidelines for what constitutes vitamin D deficiency, one finds this to be an underdiagnosed and wide-spread problem, especially in the elderly. If as many physicians and scientists now feel, the guidelines for adequate vitamin D levels are too low than a very significant percentage of the population is vitamin D deficient and would benefit from either more sunlight or greater dietary intake of vitamin D. And there is reason, considering the changes brought about by modern life, for this to be a concern. People work outdoors far less than they used to in previous generations. Even in commuting back and forth to work they are usually in cars, buses or trains away from the sun, while recent concerns about skin cancer further incentivise people to avoid all direct exposure to sunlight. Finally, the diets of many people have changed radically with much more processed and less nutritious foods being consumed while more healthy foods including ones rich in vitamin D such as fish are often ignored.

Paul D Maher

Vitamin D: The Introduction

Introduction to Vitamin D - Part I

When I was in medical school, not so very long ago, the understanding of vitamin D was basically that it played a role in regulating calcium metabolism and hence bone health and that was about it. However, we have come to realize very recently that vitamin D is a pleiotrophic regulator, involving itself in the proper function of many bodily systems involved in health. Vitamin D's relation to the immune system, as we now understand it, would have read more like something from a science fiction book than a medical textbook just a few short years ago.

A significant component of the immune system was, until recently, not merely not well understood, it was entirely undiscovered. About ten years ago or so researchers began to become aware of a variety of endogenous small molecules that came to be known as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). As the name implies, these molecules were found to attack invading bacteria although some of them are now known to attack viruses as well. They attack the invading pathogens through a variety of different mechanisms such as punching a hole in the cell membrane or binding to and interfering with molecules inside the invading bacteria. There are now whole different classes of AMPs that have been described, each class in turn has many individual AMP molecules, there are now over 1200 unique AMPs which have been identified. For those interested in reading further on AMPs, a March 2009 article from the journal Trends in Immunology (see ref 1 below gives an excellent overview of the current state of knowledge.

Our understanding of AMPs is very far from complete and it remains an area of intense research. In addition to fighting off invading pathogens it also appears that AMPs have a role in modulating the broader immune response itself. One of the more fascinating aspects to all this is that it has also only recently became apparent that vitamin D is an important regulator of AMP expression. So, far from simply preventing rickets and regulating calcium metabolism, it is the consensus medical research opinion, supported by a large number of studies that vitamin D plays an important role in immune regulation.

However, even this is not the end of the story for what we are now learning about this fascinating molecule. A recent article (see ref 2 below) from Bioessays summarizes the multiple potential effects of vitamin D,

"Molecular genetic techniques including genomics have helped reveal that 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 can control more than calcium homeostasis. It has widespread effects on cellular differentiation and proliferation, and can modulate immune responsiveness, and central nervous system function. Moreover, accumulating epidemiological and molecular evidence suggests that 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts as a chemopreventive agent against several malignancies including cancers of the prostate and colon."

By Paul D Maher

Daily Vitamins

Taking Vitamins Daily is the Source For Health and Wellness

There is no doubt that we need to supplement our bodies with vitamins and minerals. There is no doubt that you understand we cannot get the proper nutrients our body needs from the foods that we eat. There is no doubt, then, that even after acknowledging and understanding those two statements that you are either currently taking a vitamin supplement or not.

Obviously you need to ensure you are eating healthy foods that provide good nutrition, but you need supplements to compliment your diet to make sure you are getting the all the nutrients that you need.

Quick Look at Some Vitamins

Vitamin A is responsible for many bodily functions like vision, bone growth, reproduction and immune system regulation. Having the correct levels helps the body to fend off infection and disease. It also helps to protect the linings of the eyes, urinary tract and intestinal tract. It also protects the surface of the skin from being invaded with bacteria.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and it aids in the growth and repair of tissues. It also helps to make skin, tendons and ligaments. It is essential in the healing of wounds and in keeping your bones and teeth at their healthiest.

Quick Look at Some Minerals

Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the human body, making up 99% of your teeth and bones. It is a mineral that can easily be supplemented and is essential for bone growth and optimum density. What many don't know is that calcium is also responsible for blood clotting, nerve signaling and the contraction and relaxation of your muscles. Taking a calcium supplement can prevent future osteoporosis, a debilitating bone disease that plagues mature adults across the world.

Chromium supplements are said to help the body process glucose and insulin more efficiently. This aids the body in creating lean muscle and in the breaking down of carbohydrates and fats.

Magnesium is found in the bones while the rest is stored in tissue and organs. It is responsible for over 300 bodily functions and reactions such as keeping your bones strong, keeping your heart rhythm steady, keeping your blood sugar at a normal level and keeping your immune system in fighting form.

Quick Look at Some Herbal Supplements

Ginseng has been known to improve mood, lower blood sugar, cure erectile dysfunction, treat cancer and heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and improve menopausal symptoms.

Green Tea is known to boost your metabolism, increase your well-being and protect your body from certain cancers, digestive and respiratory infections.

As you can see, there are many benefits to be gained from taking vitamin supplements daily. These are only a small sampling of the vitamins, minerals and herbal compounds found in multivitamins today.

However, none of the multivitamins on the market today utilize All Natural Patented Nanotechnology™ as a vehicle to deliver the payload of vitamins, minerals and herbal compounds your body so desperately needs.

By David W Leonard

Liquid Vitamins and Minerals

What You Don't Know Has Been Discovered

When my friend was telling me about his natural dietary supplement, I was impressed. "Gulp just a single tablet per day and you are fit and fine always!" Well, but my impression did not last long. After a few days, when I found my friend in same dizzy and drowsy condition, I was surprised and ask whether he stopped his diet supplement. His negative answer didn't give me any hint. Why should it happen? Despite being on a diet or health supplement, many people keep searching for fitness in vein. The weakness takes over, they leave the regime, and the cycle continues.

Being interested in this study, I delved deeper and to my astonishment this is what I found:

1) The solid forms of diet supplements take long time to enter the digestive phase and longer time to get assimilated and absorbed. Liquids on the other hand enter the digestive tract almost immediately and are absorbed faster.

2) The most surprising fact is that from tablet form of dietary supplements, only 10-20% of the ingredients are absorbed. But from the liquid supplements, nearly 98% ingredients are absorbed.

No wonder my friend was feeling drowsy despite choosing the so-called best diet pill from the market. Also it is stressed that while choosing the liquid form of supplement too, you should make sure to search for the most natural supplement that will exert nothing but positive influence on your body and mind. One should remember that vitamins and minerals are extremely important ingredients in our diet and as we fail to achieve the optimal ratio of these elements in the body, we tend to look for diet supplement. Therefore, it is better to look for herbal and natural forms instead of synthetic or artificial ones.

Here are some of the factors that loudly applaud the effectiveness of liquid vitamin and mineral supplements:

1) Liquid supplements are said to be a remarkable discovery of nutrition because of the amazing
level of absorption they attain.

2) Liquid vitamins are said to have three to five times more punch than in solid form.

3) After you take liquid, the concentration level of the vitamins and minerals remain sustained for good period of time than when taken in tablet form.

4) The liquids do not exert any pressure on your system because they need not be broken down in digestive tract and therefore can be assimilated easily. However the pill has to travel through the digestive
tract and that will require obviously more time to be released to use in the body.

5) The liquids that are good to taste are easy and comfortable to take.

6) The liquids being absorbed easily exert energizing effect on the immune system strongly, thus attaining bodily homeostasis quickly.

7) The liquids are quite affordable options than pills or tablets.

The trace elements like vitamins and minerals are extremely important for the body. Therefore it is obviously best to select them in liquid form so that we can utilize them effectively. Since my friend switched over to liquid form of natural dietary supplement, I have never seen him fatigued!

By Koua Her

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Necessary For Optimum Health

For optimum health, the most important elements that are needed in our body is the correct and balanced amount of vitamins and antioxidants.

Antioxidants help protect our body from free radicals and protect your cells from damage and go a long way to ensuring that we maintain a healthy body.

There are lots of vitamin and antioxidant supplements to choose from to ensure that your body will always have all it needs. Your diet is obviously the ideal way to take in a good balance of vitamins and antioxidants but, with a busy life and the advent of convenience foods, we can not be sure that we are consuming the right amount for optimum health. There are lots of different supplements available today and, due to the increase in internet shopping, they are very easy to obtain.

You should however, make sure that you buy the very best quality vitamin and antioxidant supplements that are available. Try to buy supplements that contain only natural ingredients. Yes, there are cheap, synthetic supplements available but always go for the ones with natural ingredients. They will dissolve and be absorbed better in the body giving you the full benefits almost immediately.

The ideal time to take supplements is with your meals. Your body can absorb the nutrients better, as your digestive system will be stimulated with food. If you are using time released supplements, you should take them with food to ensure that they move through your body at the right pace and release the proper amount of nutrients and vitamins your body needs at the right time.

Not everyone will need the same type of vitamins and antioxidants, your lifestyle will help you to determine the right supplement for you. A good beginning is to buy a good quality multi vitamin supplement. This will ensure that you are getting a good all round selection of vitamins and minerals. You could then begin to consider narrowing down your specific requirements. If you are currently on a weight loss diet, look for a higher than average RDA (recommended daily allowance) on the label because you may not be getting all the necessary vitamins, antioxidants and minerals due to a change in your diet. Pregnant women, women experiencing the menopause, bodybuilders etc. all have different needs, so do some research to find the perfect supplements for your situation.

By Karen Connel

Vitamin Benefits

Common Vitamins and Their Benefits

Vitamins are essential for our ongoing good health, and are most effective when consumed in fresh natural foods. We are often bombarded by mention of this or that vitamin and may need a reminder as to what each vitamin actually does within these wondrous bodies of ours! As follows is a very brief break down of a few of the more common vitamins and how they help our bodies function in the most optimal way.

Vitamin A, or Retinol, is required to build healthy eyes and is necessary for growth and bone development. Beta Carotene is a good antioxidant and helps the healing of infections. Vitamin A is commonly found in carrots, yams, pumpkins, yellow or orange fruits, beet greens, fish, eggs, and tuna.

The triplets of the Vitamin B world are Thiamine (B1), Niacin (B2), and Riboflavin (B3). Vitamin B1 is required for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production as well as normal nerve function. Vitamin B2 aids in the production of energy from foods and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B3 assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins and helps promote healthy skin. Not to be outdone, there's also Vitamin B5, B6, B9, and B12! Vitamin B5 helps release energy from foods and is required for the synthesis of many substances. Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism and nervous system functions. It also participates in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells.

Folic Acid (Vita B9) is essential for red blood cell formation and the synthesis of DNA and protein. Lastly, Cyanocobalamin or B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system and is required for normal growth and for production of red blood cells. It also helps break down fatty acids. The various vitamins B are found in whole grain cereals, lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, pork, liver etc.

Vitamin C is required for the formation of connective tissue, bones and teeth and assists in the utilization of other vitamins. It also acts as an antioxidant. We find Vitamin C in citrus and other fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin!) aides in normal bone growth and tooth function. It also facilitates calcium and phosphorus absorption. Sun exposure is mandatory for proper levels of vitamin D!

Vitamin E should be called the bird vitamin for we get it from whole grains, wheat germ, nuts, spinach, and sunflower seeds! Vit E is an antioxidant and it protects body cells and helps maintain normal red blood cells.

Vitamin H, or Biotin assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the synthesis of fats and proteins. It is found in legumes and nuts.

Vitamin K is essential in the blood clotting process. It is most commonly found in green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower.

By Alex S.

Best Vitamin B12 Foods

Protect Your Health and Say Goodbye to B12 Deficiency

There have been a lot of concerns about vitamin B12 deficiency as of late. This little vitamin is needed for normal nerve cell function, DNA function and making SAMe, a mood enhancing chemical.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A deficiency has been shown to cause the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Sore mouth
• Nerve disorders
• Brain disorders
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Depression

The list goes on and on. This little vitamin is crucial for your health and well-being, but getting it into your body can be difficult for many people today.

The Best Vitamin B12 Foods

With all that said, let's have a look at some of the best vitamin B12 foods that exist today and how you can get it from other sources as well.

Here are a few of the best vitamin B12 foods:

• Calf's liver
• Venison
• Salmon
• Beef
• Lamb loin
• Shrimp
• Halibut
• Yogurt

Many people do not especially enjoy many of these foods and sometimes there can be an issue with getting enough B12 even from these sources.

One of the best ways to guarantee that you will never be deficient in vitamin B12 and run into any health problems is to take a multivitamin supplement.

Why a multivitamin if you only need B12? Because researchers have discovered that a large amount of people today are deficient in many different nutrients, it's not just B12 that people are having trouble with.

I highly suggest that you do a bit of your own exploring and learn more about what you can do to improve your health. There are a lot of simple tricks and methods that can help you live a healthier and happier life.

Taking care of your body and giving it what it needs is one of the first steps you should take if you want to avoid health problems and depression down the road.

By Henri K. Junttila

The Health Benefits of Vitamin B1

Learn More About the Health Benefits of Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is, like any vitamin, crucial to your body. With the majority of people today eating a very unhealthy diet and living an unhealthy lifestyle-more and more people are becoming deficient and dangerously low in many nutrients.

This has been confirmed by researchers and scientists from all around the world. We need to start eating healthier and exercising. Many doctors also recommend that everyone take a daily multivitamin to cover their bases and ensure that no nutritional deficiencies are present.

With all that said, here are some of the health benefits of vitamin B1:

• Powerful antioxidant
• Has anti-aging properties
• Reduces the damage done by alcohol and smoking
• Aids in healthy digestion
• May prevent Alzheimer's disease
• Improves memory
• Used to treat nervous disorders
• Important for enzyme function

There are, of course, many more benefits of vitamin B1 that I have listed here. All of the vitamins and minerals have big lists of benefits.

Most of the vitamins are present in healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fish. This is why they are called healthy foods.

Vitamin B1 can be found in beans, lentils, sunflower seeds and tuna. I personally like taking a multivitamin supplement that not only contains vitamin B1, but also all the other nutrients that are required for proper and vibrant health.

Finding a high-quality health supplement is very easy in this day and age. You can go online and do your research and educate yourself on what is beneficial for your body. In the end, it is you who has to decide what you want to do.

There have been many studies done in the past few years that are confirming the amazing benefits of getting the right nutrients into your body. One of the best ways to do this and take advantage of these health benefits is to use a pharmaceutical grade multivitamin supplement.

By Henri K. Junttila

Nutritional Supplement Review

Discover the Truth About Multi-Vitamin Products

Nowadays, you can easily go online and read a nutritional supplement review, but are they really providing you with the best information available? Only you can know the truth, which is why you have to educate and discover for yourself what is right and what is not.

There have been a lot of advances made in nutritional science, which is why reading a really good nutritional supplement review can be beneficial, the only trouble is finding one.

With all that said, how do you know if a nutritional supplement review is trustworthy?

What to Look for in a Nutritional Supplement Review

The first thing you want to look at is that their claims are backed up by scientific studies and clinical trials. I'm not saying that every nutritional supplement review that you read has to be backed up by anything.

I'm just saying that is easier for you to know if a nutritional supplement review is good when you can see that they have done their research.

The next thing you want to look at is what they are comparing against. You want to see high-quality products being compared to each other. It might be hard to know which ones are high-quality when you're just starting out.

Don't worry though, by doing your own research and educating yourself about what is going on, you can start finding really high quality, pharmaceutical grade supplements.

The Sad Truth About Most Supplements

Many products today contain chemicals and additives that you want to avoid at all costs. These are used because they are cheap and bring down the manufacturing costs.

But not all companies use these manufacturing methods, which is why it is important to find something that is both natural and effective.

By knowing what is really going on out there, your less likely to believe the marketing and advertising that is going on out there. I love supplements, but there are a lot of products out there that do not provide any health benefits.

By Henri K. Junttila

The Types of Vitamin B

The Nine Different Types of Vitamin B

Vitamin B has many benefits for the body and within the Vitamin B category there are nine different sub categories that each have a specific purpose in the body. The nine categories are: B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7 B9 B12 and B15.

B1

This is the one that helps us to have more energy and regulate our blood sugar level. The lack of this vitamin can cause cardiovascular problems such as your arms and legs falling asleep and tightness of the chest as well as neurological issues such as tiredness, loss of concentration, irritability and depression. You can find vitamin B1 in: meat, fish, nuts, and whole grain cereals.

B2

Aside from also increasing our energy levels, it also helps our eyes and skin. A lack in vitamin B2 manifests itself as skin, mucous membrane and eyes lesions. It is found in milk and other dairy products, almonds, green vegetables and mushrooms.

B3

Vitamin B3 controls our cholesterol and helps process sugar. It is difficult to find a deficiency in this vitamin. It is found in meat, fish and peanuts.

B5

Vitamin B5 helps metabolize proteins, sugars and fats. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause lack of focus, apathy, allergies and low energy levels in general. This vitamin is found in almost all foods but whole grains and eggs are the best sources.

B6

This vitamin supports helping major neurotransmitters in the production of red cells. It is found in almost all foods of both animal and vegetable origin, so it is very rare to find a deficiency in this vitamin. It is found in meats, poultry, fish, avocados, bananas, nuts, soy, whole grains and in some vegetables.

B7

This vitamin helps cell growth, metabolize fatty acids and to maintain blood sugar levels. A lack of vitamin B7 can cause problems with skin, hair, nervousness, loss of appetite and vomiting. You can find it in dairy products, salmon, oysters, yeast, cauliflower, chicken and egg yolks.

B9

Vitamin B9 helps the nervous system and in the production of new cells. A lack of this vitamin can cause anemia, weakness, weight loss, palpitations, diarrhea and depression. It is found in liver and kidneys, all green vegetables especially spinach, avocado and fortified cereals.

B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary in the production of red blood cells, brain cells and genetic material or DNA. A lack of this vitamin primarily leads to anemia and can be found in meats, liver, eggs, milk and yeast.

B15

The essence of vitamin B15 to improve oxygenation of tissues, increase resistance to fatigue and help accelerate the body's recovery process. It also protects against pollution as it has detoxifying effects. It is recommended for those suffering from respiratory problems like asthma or chronic bronchitis. A deficiency in vitamin B15 causes glandular and nervous disorders, heart disease and decreased oxygenation of tissues. It can be found in apricot seeds, rice, grains, sesame and horse liver.

By Marc D.

The Important Function of Vitamin D

What Does Vitamin D Do For You?

What is vitamin D? It is fat-soluble (it is stored in fatty tissues and stays in your body longer) vitamin that we need to keep normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in our blood. The main thing we know about vitamin D is that it helps to keep our bones strong. A recent study showed that getting enough vitamin D may prevent diabetes. Further studies have shown that most Americans don't get enough vitamin D.

How can we make sure we get enough vitamin D? The sun is a good source of vitamin D. When you are out in the sun, your body naturally produces vitamin D. While you are out in the sun, make sure you use a good sunscreen to prevent burns. Get as much exposure to the sun as you possibly can. Why? Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun. If you have limited exposure with the sun, whether it is because you work indoors or live somewhere that does not get a lot of sun, you should make sure to eat foods that are good sources of vitamin D. It is also in many of our foods. Some of our foods milk, yogurt, breakfast cereal, and breads are fortified with vitamin D. It also occurs naturally in salmon, tuna, and eggs. It is recommended that you should get at least 1,000 IUs of vitamin D daily in addition to getting exposure to the sun. Your body will not over produce vitamin D.

If you don't get enough vitamin D due to limited sun exposure or not eating enough foods with vitamin D in them, you can take a multivitamin. Multivitamins are a good way of getting enough vitamins and minerals that we may be lacking in our diets. What happens if you don't get enough vitamin D in your diet? There are three common bone softening disease that can happen because of not getting enough vitamin D: Rickets, Osteomalacia, and Osteoporosis. Rickets is a disease mostly seen in children. It causes the bones in the body to not grow and become deformed. Osteomalacia is a disorder that occurs in adults. It is caused by muscle weakness and fragile bones. Osteoporosis is when the bones become less dense and more fragile. However, recent studies are showing that vitamin D can also protect us from high blood pressure, cancer, chronic pain, and depression.

Studies are showing that men may not be getting the amounts of vitamin D like they did in the past. Men who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have a heart attack. Women who can become pregnant or are pregnant should make sure they are getting enough vitamin D. Women who take a multivitamin with proper amounts of vitamin D in it are more likely to have children with stronger bones. Vitamin D helps improve the outcomes of pregnancy. Women who get proper amounts of vitamin D while pregnant decrease the risk of health problems later on in life for the child.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin, so important that our body naturally produces it when we are in the sun. Make sure you are getting proper amounts of vitamin D each day by taking a good multivitamin supplement.

By Gerald Fitz

Baby's Vitamins

Ensure Your Baby's Health With Vitamins

One of the most exciting times in a woman's life is finding that there will be a new life coming their way in nine months. Although pregnancy is a wonderful phase, it can also be very tricky to ensure the mother-to-be and baby's health. Doctors and nutritionists alike believe that taking vitamins and supplements while pregnant can ensure optimum health for the growing child and mother.

Why take vitamins during pregnancy?

When women find out they are pregnant, it's very likely that they can be weeks or even months along in gestation. While the body is preparing for the birth, the nutritional intake of the mother often stays the same. Therefore, to ensure that the mother and baby's nutritional needs are met and the baby hits all its developmental key milestones (in relation to growth and formation) during the pregnancy, vitamins are an essential part of the mother's health regime.

Which vitamins are best to take?

Before conception and in the early stages of pregnancy it is recommended to take 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid. This supplement is crucial for the baby's brain and spinal development and is said to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida by up to 70%.

Another important supplement to consider taking while pregnant is iodine. This essential vitamin helps to develop your baby's nervous system, plays an important role in regulating your thyroid glands and in producing the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which regulates your metabolism.

As the baby grows into the later months, the blood supply will be increased and therefore anaemia can set in. To avoid this, organic iron supplements such as iron amino acid chelate can be beneficial, as is calcium, as the baby's bones are forming and will require the additional nutrients. If additional supplements are required, look for ones that also contain vitamin C as it aids in absorption. A non-acidic vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate is more gentle on the stomach.

It can sometimes be difficult to maintain a balanced diet fit for pregnancy due to nutritional choices (being vegetarian or vegan), allergies or just not having the time. In these cases, a multi-vitamin can lift the mother's nutritional intake. However, choosing a pregnancy multi-vitamin as opposed to a regular woman's multi-vitamin is preferred as they often contain more iron and folate and have lower levels of vitamin A which can be potentially harmful to the unborn child.

Finally, it is important throughout the pregnancy to listen to your doctor and your body. Not only is your body going through an immense change, but so is the baby. The nutritional plan that is followed during the pregnancy can often impact the baby, not only whilst in the womb, but for years to come. Make sure that every effort is taken to adhere to the doctor's advice and follow a well balanced, healthy diet and vitamin supplement plan.

By Ralph Lauren

Hair Vitamins

Do They Really Work?

So everywhere your turn some company has made a vitamin for something. Weight loss, arthritis, calorie burning and hair growth just to name a few, I don't know about you but I have to see it to believe it and the only way to do that is by using science to prove that it works. This is where most of the vitamins fall short they talk the talk but they can't walk the walk. So my objective is to choose one type of vitamin and see if it really works by using scientific reasoning and the power of deduction, I know sounds fun right.

Lets take a look at hair nutrition vitamins they claim to help your hair grow faster stronger and become more healthy so I am going to test their claims by breaking down the ingredients and tell you exactly what each one does and if it will help you.

Here are the ingredients taken directly off the bottle, after tons of research here is what I found about each one.

* Niacin - Naturally decreases the amount of sebum which can clog pores and slow or stop the growth of hair.
* Vitamin B-12 - Speeds up the production of healthy fats and energy, while supplying nutrients to the body.
* Panthonenic Acid - Is an essential fatty acid that helps metabolize proteins.
* Iodine - Gets absorbed into the blood and converted into a hormone.
* Maganese Gluconate - Acts as a carrier for the other ingredients.
* Folic Acid - Helps stimulate rapid cell division to help hair cells replicate faster.
* Biotin - Helps the body convert fatty acids into nutrients.
* Chlorophyll - Helps the body absorb nutrients.
* Zinc Oxide - An essential nutrient for the body.
* PABA - Helps balance out any disorders in the scalp.

Those were the main active ingredients overall they tested really well and there were no signs of any fillers or unnecessary ingredients. Next is a list of the secondary essential amino acid ingredients.

* L - Isoleucine - Gets converted into a fatty acid.
* L - Arginine - Helps with the division of cells.
* L - Leucine - Increases protein production.
* L - Lysine - Is converted into a protein to help the body grow and mend itself.
* L - Methionine - Is a carrier for certain hormones.
* L - Phenylalanine - Helps stimulate the circulatory system, which can increase blood flow.
* L - Threonine - Helps convert enzymes.
* L - Valine - Helps form proteins that the human body cannot create on its own.
* L - Cystine - Helps form the base structure of most proteins.
* L - Aspartic Acid - Regulates biosynthisis.
* L - Serine - A main component of silk protein.
* L - Glutamin Acid - Stimulates the nervous system.
* L - Proline - Is the main component in cellular metabolism.
* L - Glycine - Is a precursor to the development of proteins.
* L - Alanine - Regulates the function between your liver and other tissue.
* L - Tyrosine - Reduces stress hormones.
* L - Histidine - Helps increase zinc production which helps your body absorb more nutrients.

Overall after looking through the ingredients everything seemed to add up. All of the ingredients are there to make a good vitamin that will help your hair grow faster. So I did what any questioning person would do... I tested it. From April 09 - July 09 (3 months) my hair grew 2.78 inches on average with no supplements. So I started taking the hair nutrition vitamins on August 1st 09 and by October 1st my hair had already grown 2.59 inches (with the vitamins), so in just 2 months my hair grew almost what it had been in the previous three months. So in my findings it really worked well. It made my hair grow 2/3's faster than it would normally grow, if you ask me that is pretty impressive.

By Tim Faber

Vitamin and Herbal Supplements

Should We Or Should We Not Take Supplements?

A vitamin and herbal supplement is taken purely to optimize your health and performance. Especially in today's times whereby everyone is living in the fast lane and slowly but surely we are all burning out fast and furiously.

Most people that take vitamin or herbal vitamin replacements have no idea why they are taking them or what the end results may be. It has become a fashion to take this and that herb vitamin. You watch TV and see that a new product's promises to do all kinds of things for you like increase and boost your energy levels and improve your immune system etc.

But do these products really deliver and do they improve your health. Unfortunately I have to say yes - living in the fast lane promotes the taking of additional supplements as we do not have the time or patients to eat correctly and rest when the body has had enough.

Generally people are becoming more aware of becoming healthy and changing their lifestyles. There has been a notable increase in heart disease as well as cancer. This is due to pushing the body on an empty tank and not refuelling till we virtually drop. It is a case of - well I feel Ok - and then it's too late. We all fall into this trap some time or other.

Although I am saying take supplements to complement your health which will partially elevate your symptoms; but the first and foremost thing you need to do is look at what and how you are eating. Supplements will only enhance proper nutrition to the body. Imagine if we were able to take pills and not eat; life would not be worth much would it - that is why we have taste buds to enjoy the different tastes we experience when eating food.

This is what supplements do - they help you overcome any deficiency you may have and provide the correct amount of vitamins and trace elements the body require. These pills or herbs can help boost the immune system and give your body more fight against diseases. Especially smokers which need to take vitamin C as smoking depletes your natural resources.

By taking supplements you are in fact eliminating your body of waste products like harmful toxins that are taken in on a daily if not hourly basis. The use of drugs and harmful substances deplete the body of its natural vitamins - Hemp is known to absorb you natural vitamins from your body and leave you feeling rather limp.

So by taking additional supplements as well as a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetables you will not only optimize your health but also minimize the risk of getting ill. When you are on top form and your body is functioning normally; you will perform better all round; at work and at home. Go online for more information and find out how you can benefit from an additional vitamin and herbal supplement.

By Richard Hairston

Hair Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin For Thicker Hair

Thick hair indicates healthy hair. It is also a good indicator of the general well being of the whole person. Hair may lose its thickness due to several conditions like hair loss, splitting, brittleness, etc. All these conditions indicate unhealthy hair which is not just unpleasant to look at but also detrimental to a person’s health in the long run.

Thickness of the hair is determined by many factors: genetic, general health condition, external environment, stress levels and emotional balance of the person and so on. While there are several reasons for hair loss, thickness of the hair is very difficult to restore even by correcting these factors. Hence it is very important to maintain the health of the hair throughout.

Just like the rest of the body, hair’s health is also determined by the kind of food we take. The body takes the required nutrients from the food we consume hence it is very important that we take a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Vitamins help the body in effective metabolism to break the fats and carbohydrates into energy and to supply this energy to the whole body. When the body does not receive the essential nutrients, or when it fails to absorb the nutrients from the food, the effect is first shown on the skin, hair and fingernails.

The necessary vitamins that aid in promoting thick hair are: vitamin A (produces healthy sebum in the scalp), vitamin C (antioxidant), vitamin E (improves scalp circulation), Biotin (produces Keratin), Inositol (keeps hair follicles healthy), Niacin (promotes scalp circulation) and pantothenic acid, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that prevent graying and hair loss. There are several products in the market today in the form of shampoos, oils, conditioners, sprays and other applicants that can be put on externally for improving the health of the hair. These products contain necessary vitamins, protein and mineral supplements that are believed to enter the skin on the scalp and provide proper nourishment to the hair. Apart from these, hair vitamin supplements are also available in tablet/capsule form for internal ingestion. There are numerous companies that are developing hair vitamin products from herbal and traditional ingredients like ginseng, jojoba, green tea, He Shou Wu etc, which are believed to contain the essential vitamins for promoting healthy hair. The most common food-based sources of these vitamins are: citrus fruits, green vegetables, fruits like pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, potatoes, green peppers, vegetable oils, soybean, raw seeds, dried beans, wheat germ oil, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, eggs, liver, rice, milk, fish, turkey, chicken and red meat. Today, almost all hair care products advertise the presence of a necessary vitamin in their products that would make the hair thicker.

There are several websites that provide information about hair vitamin products. There are also exclusive stores that specialize in hair vitamin products. However, it is better to consult a physician before using these products to understand the exact condition of the hair so that the right products can be used.

By Kent Pinkerton

Curing A Hangover With Vitamin C

Using Vitamin C to Cure a Hangover

One of the most important aspect of curing or preventing a hangover is neutralizing free radicals that invade your body as a byproduct of alcohol metabolizing in your liver. Free radicals can lead to disease, organ damage and premature aging and need to be removed from your body as soon as possible. That's where vitamin C comes in.

Aside from being a great, all natural immunity booster, vitamin c is a powerful anti oxidant and therefore, a great ingredient in any hangover cure. Taking vitamin C before bed after a night at the bar (taking shots, drinking beer after beer, the usual) can play a huge role in waking up hangover free. It makes sense when you think about it. Vitamin C, a key nutrient, gets depleted in your body when you drink too much. Smoking a cigarette or two is even worse for your C levels. Obviously many people like drinking and smoking at the same time, so you are getting a real double shot of depletion in your body.

While you sleep, vitamin C helps knock out all the bad stuff in your body that is produced as a bi product of alcohol being metabolized in your liver. It's similar to the way the vitamin works when dealing with an illness or disease. I have had some great nights out followed by some pretty good mornings by simply loading on plenty of C right before bed. It's also not a stimulant so it won't keep you up all night when all you want to do is sleep. It's available at any grocery store in the health section. Try it out!

By Tony Alamo