best supplements

Have you ever waltzed into your friendly neighborhood Nutrition Store or frantically surfed the worldwide web searching for that elusive miracle pill
deluding yourself into believing that maybe
just maybe
it would somehow magically transform your so-called body into the next Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie? Or perhaps you want pecks like Arnold. Or the energy to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Or heck
maybe you’d simply settle for enough energy to pry your sleepy little self out of that comfy bed as your annoying alarm clock goes berserk Monday morning
like a runaway freight train on steroids. If so
then you’ve probably encountered a severe mega-dose of chronic overwhelm. Yikes! We are continually bombarded with a never-ending avalanche of pills and potions. Plus
you’d almost need the bank account of Bill Gates or Donald Trump to afford the buffed-up body you’d “really” like to have. Meanwhile
Madison Avenue persistently insists that you won’t be able to live with yourself until you finally succumb to today’s latest nutritional fad.

So what’s the solution?

If you’ve read this far
you are probably convinced that supplementing your diet with vitamins is critically important. You probably already know how depleted our topsoil is. Chances are
you’re also cognoscente of the highly processed state of the foodless foods we consume on a regular basis. Taber's Medical Dictionary concludes that vitamins are indispensable for the maintenance of good health. Likewise
The Journal of American Medical Association concluded that everyone should take a multi-vitamin everyday.

So it’s not a question of whether or not we should take vitamins. Rather
the question we ought to be asking is
“With so many brands of vitamins on the market
which one is the smartest choice?”

Great question.

However
before we can even begin to answer that question
we have to answer a series of other sub-questions
such as:

1. Are cheap
synthetic vitamins just as good as all-natural vitamins?

2. Which vitamins and minerals do my body need?

3. What dosage should I take?


Let’s narrow the playing field by addressing those questions one at a time.

Are cheap
synthetic vitamins just as good as all-natural vitamins?

First
let’s compare synthetic vitamins with all-natural vitamins. I just completed an article entitled “Vitamin Wars: Natural VS Synthetic.” Putting everything into a nutshell
synthetic vitamins simply cannot measure up to nature’s finest. Over 3
800
different compounds have been identified in foods as having nutritional significance. However
in a laboratory
twenty nutrients are about all that modern science can reproduce and put into a vitamin product.

But even more of a concern than the ineffectiveness of these synthetic vitamins is the harm that they can cause. One of many examples is a recent study on Vitamin C as synthetic ascorbic acid. It was found to thicken the walls of the arteries.

On the other hand
all-natural vitamins made from whole-food sources have many positive benefits that synthetic vitamins just can’t duplicate in a lab. Whole-food vitamins derive their nutrients directly from fruits and vegetables. Unlike synthetic vitamins
whole-food vitamins do not rob precious nutrients from the body. Rather
they supply the individual cells with the nutrients they need to flourish. For greatest gains in terms of health
take only whole food vitamins. When evaluating a vitamin supplement
simply read the label. Rather than multi-syllable
unpronounceable chemical names
you should find the names of foods listed as the vitamin sources. What a concept! This is your way of knowing that you are getting the best possible absorption and retention of your vitamins.

Which vitamins and minerals do my body need?

The short answer is
there are many benefits to all vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A is important for our vision
while preventing cancer and promoting wellness of bones
eyes
hair
mucous linings
membranes
nails
skin and teeth.

Vitamin B2 promotes healthy skin
nails
and hair.

Vitamin C extends life by enabling protein cells to hold together.

And we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.

Minerals are critical

Minerals are also critical to maintaining good health. Approximately 75% of the people living in the Western World are not ingesting the right amount of Magnesium
approximately 68% are not ingesting enough Calcium
approximately 58% are not ingesting enough Iron
and approximately 40% are not ingesting enough Zinc.

Make sure your minerals are chelated – here’s why:

Most minerals found in synthetic supplements are cheap and not what we would recommend for the body. They are not chelated minerals and therefore it is extremely difficult for the body to absorb and utilize these minerals after ingesting them. Many times they cause problems with the digestive tract and other systems of the body.

What you might not know is that a chelated mineral acts differently within the body. A chelated mineral is a mineral that is bonded with amino acids or malates naturally found within the food in a stable form. Since 95% of amino acids are absorbed through the intestinal tract
it makes it very easy for high quality chelated minerals to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Don’t forget to take your Probiotics!

You may be asking
“Probi – what – ics”?

The term “probiotics” simply means “pro life.” Their role in maintaining good health is tremendous. In the scientific community
they are known as “friendly bacteria.” Probiotics aid the digestive system and strengthen the immune system. Bottom line
probiotics have such a wide range of positive roles that nearly everybody could improve their health by supplementing their diet with probiotics.


The importance of Enzymes

Like probiotics
enzymes also aid digestion. Proper digestion of food should be your body’s top priority. Why? Because all other bodily functions
including the immune system
energy production and even brain functions
are all put on pause until the body digests its food. When digestion is functioning properly
food is broken down and nutrients are made available by the body itself for repair
metabolism
and healing without undue stress. Many negative factors wreck havoc on our digestive systems: the way our foods are grown and processed
toxins in the environment - even undue stress and anger. As a result
up to 70 million Americans experience a whole range of digestive disorders such as bloating
gas
and stomach cramps.

What dosage should I take?
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

RDA's are based on scientific research and are set at levels to provide for 98% of all healthy persons living in the US. There is a cushion built in so that if you get 67% of the RDA for a nutrient
you should be getting a minimum amount as an average person. Remember that the RDA's are based on preventing deficiency symptoms specific to each vitamin and mineral. So when choosing a multi-vitamin
check to see if a daily serving contains 100% of the RDA
providing
of course
that a daily value has been established.

So in summary
there are five Steps to Choosing a Great Vitamin:

1. Choose a multi-vitamin made from the highest grade of Whole-Food sources. Do NOT choose a multi-vitamin that contains a concoction of synthetic ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.

2. Choose minerals that are chelated.

3. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Probiotics.

4. Choose a multi-vitamin containing Enzymes derived from vegetables.

5. Choose a multi-vitamin containing 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowances whenever established.

Keeping the above criteria in mind dramatically narrows the playing field.

It’s also a good idea to select a product that gives you a money-back guarantee. Quality multi-vitamins are not as cheap as synthetics
but they are affordable.

I hope this information has educated you and will help you make smart choices. Remember - you only get one body in this life. Treat it well and stay healthy!

For additional information
visit:

http://www.TomsVitamins.com.

Why bother taking vitamins at all? Our forefathers survived just fine without multi vitamin packs
why can't we? The answer to that question is easy
go look in your cupboards. Our forefathers ate a lot better than we do. High processed
homogenized
pasteurized
canned and prepackaged fast food means less chance of natural occurring vitamins surviving for any length of time.

While some of us pick our own fruit and grow our own vegetables
most of the country chooses to rely on packaged
store bought fruits and veggies. These aren't as healthy as they look
either. The longer the apples and tomatoes are off the vine
the faster they begin to lose their nutritional value
losing vitamins during processing and shipping.

Your body needs vitamins to boost your immune system
ward off colds and other viruses
and even keep you even tempered
so to speak. Did you know with a vitamin deficiency that you are less likely to clot when you cut yourself? Vitamins play a much bigger part then we think
and the average diet does not include all the vitamins necessary to keep the body in top shape.

A good multi-vitamin is your best choice
but here again you can be misled into believing that 100% of the USDA recommended dosage is good enough. They mean 100% total
not 100% of each vitamin necessary. Think about it
they can't possibly pack the right amount of every kind of vitamin that you need into one pill a day
and most multi vitamins sold in your local grocery store are cut with fillers and preservatives. Nope
you'll have to visit your local food co op and get some natural
all inclusive vitamin supplements. Along with eating well
these supplements contain everything you need for balanced vitamin intake
with none of the fillers and preservatives that I
for one
resent paying for.

So let's talk B vitamins as an example. You need several different kinds of B vitamins alone. B6 and B12 are just two
but the most commonly talked about. Vitamin B6 promotes the development of red blood cells
and 12 helps promote energy and fights Alzheimer's disease. You need these and other vitamins to be in the purest form possible in order to be the most beneficial. Let's skip back for a moment
the history of vitamins
if you will. Vitamins began being "discovered" by scientists and surgeons around 1914
and the word "vitamin " comes from the word "vital" as in vital energy for life
but as far back as the 1600's sailors knew to eat citrus fruits to prevent scurvy. It wasn't until later that they knew it as vitamin C.

Now we will skip forward to the future. Many vitamins are now available as liquids. Remember cod liver oil? Well now most vitamins can be taken from a spoon rather than choked down (although if you were one of the kids forced to down cod liver oil
you were choking anyway)
what's more
they taste good now as well.

Now before you get all excited and run out to stock up on each vitamin that you are deficient in
let me remind you that you can
in fact
'overdose' on vitamins
kind of. The water soluble vitamins such as B's and C's will simply be expressed through your urine if you've taken in more than your body needs
but fat soluble vitamins such as D and E can accumulate and cause problems such as diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
and rash.

I recommend contacting a homeopath to test for vitamin deficiencies before you run out and spend a lot on vitamins. Knowing exactly what you need the most and in what daily dosage will save you some money
because again
you really need to purchase each vitamin separately
rather than in a multi-vitamin pill.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice
diagnosis
or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose
treat
cure or prevent any disease.”

Millions of people take daily vitamin supplements to encourage good health. With all the different kinds of vitamins
minerals and herbs flooding the market these days
it's sometimes difficult to know what to choose.

The first thing you need to know is that vitamin supplements are not a replacement for eating healthy
vitamin rich whole foods. Food contains the nutrients your body needs in their very purest form
and interact with each other and your body in a way supplements cannot. However
taking vitamin supplements in addition to eating a vitamin-rich diet can be a great way to stay healthy and protect against damage from harmful free radicals.

When shopping for vitamin supplements
there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Always read the label

Reading labels is a wise practice you should do every time you shop for supplements. Labels can tell you more about dosages
ingredients
safety precautions
and other important information.

Choose a reputable manufacturer

Always choose products with “USP” on the label. “USP” is the abbreviation for the U.S. Pharmacopeia and the inclusion on the label means the product has been tested and checked for quality and safety.

Check the Date

Expired vitamins can lose their potency. Always make sure there is an expiration date printed on the bottle
and never purchase or use expired supplements.

Avoid Giant Doses

Do not choose supplements that offer extremely high doses of a particular vitamin or vitamins. Too much of anything can be harmful
sometimes even fatal.

Store Safely

Always keep your vitamins out of the reach of children. Store in a cool
dark
dry place as heat and humidity can affect the integrity of the vitamins.

Always Do Your Homework

Research is always a good idea before deciding to take vitamin supplements. Consult with your doctor. Perform some Internet searches or visit your local library. There is a wealth of resources available for you on the topic of vitamin supplements and the benefits they offer.

Best vitamin supplements must meet high standards in three critical areas. Quality in all three areas is vital not only for health benefits but for safety reasons as well. The best vitamin supplements should excel in these ways:

1. The Design of the Supplement - the term 'efficacy' means 'to produce an effect'. When combined correctly
the effects or efficacy of certain vitamins and minerals in the body can be increased several times. And substances
whether natural or synthetic
when mixed together
can form other undesired or dangerous substances if they are not combined scientifically. When creating a complex best vitamin supplement formula
the professional qualifications of the design staff is a crucial part of the process.

2. The Quality of the Ingredients - there can be enormous differences in quality and potency as well as differences in costs of the individual ingredients. Priority should be given to quality
potency and purity with the best vitamin supplements since the final product will only be as good as the raw ingredients used. The manufacturer must have a system in place to verify that the ingredients used are as the suppliers claim.

3. The Procedures Used in Manufacturing - the large volume vitamin manufacturers may use a ribbon type blender and mix ingredients for only about 20 minutes. This means that low dose substances may not be mixed properly. The time that passes after mixing before encapsulating or tableting is important - less than two hours between blending and tableting makes sure that the blend's integrity remains intact during the manufacturing process. The only dependable way to be sure you are getting the best vitamin supplements is to buy them from a facility that meets pharmaceutical industry production standards.

Are vitamin and mineral supplements really needed? Numerous studies have concluded that because of soil depletion
the overall nutrient value of foods has been declining for decades. Also
even the best vitamin supplements cannot substitute for a poor diet. Eating mostly junk food and taking vitamins will not provide you with the nutrients you will obtain with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin supplements should be considered supplements
not replacements for food. For example
the latest USDA food pyramid recommends consuming 2.5 cups of vegetables a day for women and 3 cups a day for men - most people do not.

The best vitamin supplements cannot be the one-a-day type. Why? One capsule or tablet simply cannot hold all that's needed in necessary quantities - it would be way too large to swallow. One-a-day vitamins are probably a waste of money. And on the other hand
it is easy to end up with a dozen or more individual vitamins to take daily
requiring bottles and bottles which is both a hassle and expensive.

And finally
women need a different vitamin formula than men. A woman's supplement should contain nutrients that are proven by clinical studies to support the balancing of female hormones before
during and after menopause. The best vitamin supplements for men should contain ingredients specifically for supporting healthy male prostate. Including ingredients proven in clinical studies for the prevention of BPH or enlarged prostate is an important part of the best vitamin supplements for men.

Yes
there are manufacturers that meet or exceed the above criteria. Learn as much as you can about what finding the best vitamin supplements really means - before spending your money
be informed about the products you will be taking every day.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Most people want to improve their health
particularly if they can do it easily. Since the way modern food is processed can destroy nutrients
many people choose to supplement their diets by taking vitamin pills. What are the best vitamin supplements to maximize health? Here is a suggested list.

Always consult your physician before you start taking vitamins. Your medical advisor is the only person who can determine what the best vitamin supplements and dosages are for you.

The basics

A multivitamin tablet is a great foundation when looking for the best vitamin supplements. It will contain some of all the basic vitamins and minerals you need and in some cases
a full dose. For example
the amount of Vitamin A in multivitamins is plenty and a separate Vitamin A tablet won't be needed.

Vitamin B complex
which includes 11 different B vitamins
contributes to the health of the nervous system. It is beneficial for medication overuse
alcoholism or recovery from a serious illness. B vitamins assist in reducing the effects of stress and support the adrenal glands. They aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates
fats and proteins and are essential for the health of your skin
hair
eyes
mouth and liver.

Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin or niacinamide. It helps maintain healthy functioning of the nervous system
digestive system and skin.

Vitamin B-6 combats carpal tunnel syndrome
joint pain
trigger finger
sensitivity to bright light
burning or tingling in the extremities and inability to recall dreams. It works in combination with magnesium and zinc.

Vitamin B-12 is used as a tonic. It assists in the conversion of iron to hemoglobin in the blood
helps normalize hormone production and increases short-term memory in the elderly. It also contributes to nervous system health.

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that promotes heart health. Pregnant women need ample supplies of folic acid to reduce the risk of serious birth defects in their babies.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. It reacts with free radicals in the bloodstream to combat cell damage
so it can be considered a cancer fighter. It is important in immune system health and collagen formation. Some people believe high doses of vitamin C can help fight colds
but research to support this is mixed. It is present in citrus fruit and prevents scurvy
a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin D helps promote healthy bones
largely by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of diabetes
heart attack
muscle and bone pain
rheumatoid arthritis
multiple sclerosis
and cancers of the breast
colon
prostate
ovaries
esophagus and lymphatic system. It may also help lower blood pressure. It stimulates the pancreas to make insulin and regulates the immune system.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals whose accumulation can lead to premature cell aging. In addition
vitamin E enhances immune response
which is beneficial in preventing and fighting cancer. Studies suggest it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It was formerly believed that Vitamin E helped reduce the risk of heart attack
but recent studies suggest it may increase that risk.

Calcium is necessary for bone maintenance and assists in muscle contraction and nerve function. It may also help prevent colon cancer.

Magnesium works with calcium to build bones. It helps keep muscles strong and nerves alert
as well as helping protect the heart from the stress of exercise. It may also protect against type two diabetes.

Optional extras

Beta carotene supplements the activity of vitamin A. It is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer.

Chromium picolinate stabilizes blood sugar and may promote weight loss as part of a balanced diet and exercise regimen. It can also be used for body building
decreased and increased blood sugar levels and morning sickness.

Coenzyme Q10 is a major antioxidant used in the transfer of cellular respiration inside the inner mitochondrial membranes of the body's cells. It supports heart health.

Lutein promotes eye health. It may protect against aging related eye diseases
including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Selenium binds with heavy metals and helps the body get rid of them. It supports the immune system and may protect against some forms of cancer.

Zinc is another antioxidant supplement believed to be helpful in shortening the duration of colds. People with zinc deficiency may have significantly higher glucose levels and lower insulin levels than similar patients without normal zinc levels.

If you are experiencing health problems
do some research on the Internet to find what the best vitamin supplements are for your condition. People who prefer to avoid taking prescription drugs may be able to find solutions by selecting the best vitamin supplements supported by research studies.

Vitamins are compounds found in food
which help us to be fit and healthy. These organic compounds help in the functioning of the various metabolic systems of our body. Vitamins are found naturally in the various foods
which we consume and we can also obtain vitamins in the form of vitamin supplements. Vitamins also help to protect our body from diseases and infections. Vitamins are also essential for the formation of various enzymes and hormones of the body which control the metabolic activities such as digestion
circulation excretion etc. There are about eleven types of vitamins
which are essential for the human body. Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of our eye and it also acts as an anti oxidant preventing certain oxidizing chemical reactions
which cause harm to our body. Vitamin A can be obtained from green leafy vegetables
broccoli
carrot
sweet potatoes
pumpkin
papaya etc. The B group vitamins include thiamin
riboflavin
niacin
folic acid
cyanocobalamin and biotin. These are essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system and for the conversion of food in to energy by the body. It is also essential for the proper functioning of various metabolic activities of our body. Vitamin B is available from whole grains
beans
fish
lean meat
fruits and vegetables
dry fruits
nuts
milk
egg
soy beans
etc. Vitamin B-12 can be obtained only from animal sources such as liver
egg
meat
cheeses etc. B group vitamins are essential for the amino acid metabolism
nitrogen metabolism
and for the healthy skin. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits such as lemon
sweet lime
oranges
grapes
grapefruit etc. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of diseases and infection. It also helps in the absorption of iron. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight. It is essential for the bones and teeth. It is also needed for the growth of our body. Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant. It can be obtained from whole grains
asparagus
wheat germ
corn
green leafy vegetables and seeds.

If you do not take a proper nutritious diet then you may suffer from vitamin deficiency health problems. Lack of Vitamin A can cause problems related to eyesight such as night blindness. Insufficient Vitamin B can cause diseases like Beriberi
Anemia
poor resistance to diseases
etc. Lack of Vitamin C causes gum bleeding
weakness
loss of appetite
tiredness etc. Insufficient vitamin D causes deformation of bones and teeth. Deficiency of vitamins in food leads to poor health. An effective way of filling the nutritional gaps due to poor eating habits is the use of vitamin supplements. These vitamin supplements can help us to boost our immune system and to build up stamina.

It is always better to take vitamins as a whole from food sources rather than synthetic vitamins. Taking synthetic vitamins is more like taking half vitamin and our body treats natural and synthetic vitamin differently. It is very essential to provide our body with natural nutrients for protecting various organs and body functions. Our body needs whole vitamins
which are found naturally in the foods such as grains
vegetables and fruits rather than vitamin supplements. Our body utilizes the natural vitamin more efficiently than the synthetic vitamin.

Vitamins are chemical compounds the body cannot make itself and that must therefore be supplied. Besides fat
carbohydrates
proteins (amino acids)
minerals and trace elements
we must ingest these with our foods or with supplements.

Vitamin B complex comprises a number of vitamins that exist as a family. They should not be taken individually. In this modern era
millions of people suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B for several reasons
chief among which are: stress
processed foods in the diet
toxins
refined sugar
drugs
cooking
malnutrition.

Deficiency of vitamin B leads to anemia and neurological disorders; deficiency in children can cause profound damage
much of which is reversible.

A normal level of serum vitamin B does not guarantee adequacy
methylmalonic acid concentrations (either serum or urine) are a much more reliable metabolic measure of vitamin B metabolism. People following a pure vegetarian (vegan) diet are at high risk (>50%) for metabolicvitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B is found in all animal products (liver
muscle flesh
eggs
and dairy products are sources
in order from richest to poorest sources).

Plant foods contain little if any active vitamin B; produce grown in soil fertilized with cow dung may contain more B than commercially grown produce.Other good B vitamin sources are: baked potato
banana
spinach
soybeans
wheat germ
cantaloupe
tuna in water
navy beans
bok choy
avocado
sunflower seeds
chicken breast
turnip greens etc.

Probiotic supplements are not a sufficient source of vitamin B; some products work better than others. A deficiency of vitamins B can increase your risk of heart disease. They help keep a substance called homocysteine in check by breaking it down. If the homocysteine levels go too high
your blood may clot easier which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.

There are many ways to getting enough B vitamins: eat a variety of fresh fruits and veggies
choose dark green leafy types
not pale green ones
eat whole grains like brown rice
whole wheat pasta
whole grain cereals
oatmeal and barley instead of those with refined white flour
eat beans (or split peas) every day.

In today's health-conscious society
much attention has been paid to vitamin supplementation and the role it plays in total body health. In addition to promoting optimum wellness
vitamin supplements are taken for reasons such as protecting the heart
reducing the risk of cancer
boosting the immune
system
relieving the symptoms of PMS
alleviating depression and anxiety
improving the memory
and even weight loss.

There have been some publicized theories that advocate the use of extremely high doses
or mega-doses
of certain vitamins. Care should be taken when considering this kind of supplementation. While some vitamins are safe in large doses
others can be harmful. Here are the most commonly used
vitamins and the safest maximum doses for each:

Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is crucial for healthy vision
cell growth
and immune system function. Vitamin A should not be taken in excess of 10
0
IU which is twice the daily recommended allowance for adults.

Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is required for protein metabolism
the delivery of oxygen to cells
and the regulation of blood glucose. Excessive Vitamin B6 can cause debilitating and dangerous nerve damage. Do not exceed 100 mg of Vitamin B6 per day.

Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is essential to healthy red blood cells and nerve cells in the body. Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the creation of human DNA. Although this compound is well-tolerated and has a low level of toxicity
it is recommended that you do not exceed 3
0
mcg per day.

Folic Acid - Folic acid contributes to the development of DNA
and is also needed for the metabolism of important amino acids. It is especially crucial for pregnant women. Folic acid has a low toxicity level
however the recommended maximum dose for adults is 1
0
mcg.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen
growth and repair of the body's tissues
and a healthy immune system. However
too much Vitamin C can cause harmful oxidation in the body. No more than 2000 mg per day should be consumed.

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is essential for normal levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. Vitamin D is an important contributor to strong bones and teeth. Excessive Vitamin D intake (more than 10
0
IU) can lead to bone pain
nausea
vomiting
and even kidney stones.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals. However taking more than 1
0
mg can cause heart problems and excessive bleeding.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about the safe dosage levels of vitamin compounds. It’s not always a good idea to buy into the latest health fads
or to believe the sales copy you read on the product bottle.

The focus of research on vitamins these days is how antioxidant supplements may play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidant supplements – E
C
and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) – have potential when it comes to health promotion. However
most data available about such health promoting properties of antioxidant supplements are incomplete. And only up to 30 percent Americans are taking some form of antioxidant supplements.

But what exactly are antioxidants and how important are they?

Antioxidants come in two forms. They can either be vitamins or minerals. They help prevent oxygen from reacting with other chemicals in cells. Such reactions – called oxidation – could lead to cell damage which may result in heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods
but they are far more common in fresh fruits and vegetables. A health diet of fresh produce could lead to high levels of antioxidants in your body
which could only mean one thing – less free radicals (those harmful molecules that cause cell damage) and a healthier you.

When antioxidants start to work
they destroy the free radicals or break the chain. You see
here’s what happens when you have lots of free radicals in your body. Because they are highly unstable
these free radicals have the tendency to steal or get electrons from stable molecules and in so doing
make those molecules unstable as well
turning them into free radicals. This becomes a long chain and will go on and on until such a chain in broken. This is where antioxidants come in whose sole function is to break the chain and neutralize free radicals.

During the process of neutralization
the antioxidants are neutralized themselves. Hence
they also become oxidized. That is why the body needs a constant source of antioxidants in order to keep combating these harmful free radicals and stop them from multiplying.

With the kind of diet most of us have these days
it is very likely that we may not be getting enough antioxidants from the foods that we eat. And remember that the body needs to replenish its levels of antioxidants constantly. This is where antioxidant supplements come in.

Because the body may not be getting enough antioxidants because you don’t enough fruits or you don’t eat a lot of vegetables
you therefore need an alternate source such as antioxidant supplements.

Antioxidant supplements are that source. And while antioxidant supplements can’t very well take the place of natural antioxidants
they can however aid in increasing the level of antioxidants in your body.

To find more about antioxidant supplement go to:
http://www.antioxidant-supplement.info/

Copyright 2006 Donovan Baldwin

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) may possibly be a "wonder vitamin" in some people's books. A lot of claims have been made for it in the past few years
not the least of which was Dr. Linus Pauling's claims for its ability to prevent and lessen the duration and intensity of the common cold when taken in large doses.

Unfortunately
although vitamin C is anti-viral and does support the immune system
it is not necessarily a magic bullet that will defeat the common cold or even cancer! In fact
some recent studies seem to be indicating that Dr. Pauling's claims might be a little overstated.

Vitamin C
like most other vitamins and mineral supplements primarily helps the body do its job effectively. Deficiencies of vitamin C CAN predispose the body to certain ills
and proper intake either through daily diet or vitamin supplementation can HELP prevent certain conditions and illnesses. Vitamins and mineral supplements should never be used as the only path to health
but should be part of a lifestyle that includes overall attention to nutrition
activity (okay
exercise)
proper rest and sleep
and enjoyable forms of recreation and relaxation. I personally would throw in yoga and meditation
but those are MY enjoyable forms of recreation
relaxation
and exercise
I guess. You will have to find what works best for you.

SOURCES

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin
and
as such
is not stored in the body. This means it must be regularly replaced by diet and/or supplementation. The most commonly recognized sources of vitamin C are citrus and other fruits - oranges
tangerines
limes
guava
lemons
papayas
strawberries
black currants
grapefruit and mangoes - as well as a wide range of vegetables. Some vegetables which contain Vitamin C include collard greens
sweet and hot peppers
broccoli
tomatoes
brussel sprouts
cabbage
potatoes
kale
spinach
and watercress.

AFFECTS

Vitamin C is a nutrient valuable for tissue growth
protection of cell membranes from toxic wastes
wound healing
and
as mentioned
support of the immune system. It supports the growth of collagen and cartilage
protecting in this way against many of the effects of aging.

As an antioxidant
vitamin C helps combat free radicals
and it may help with cancer
high cholesterol
cataracts
diabetes
allergies
asthma
and periodontal disease.

The effectiveness of vitamin C is believed to be increased when taken with vitamin E.

DOSES

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin C is 60 mg per day for adults
although many people
following Dr. Pauling's lead
take much higher doses in hopes of preventing colds and warding off the effects of aging. However
in higher doses there may be some toxicity with one of the side effects being diarrhea. In some cases
higher doses of vitamin C may cause kidney stones or anemia
due to an interference with the absorption of vitamin B12.

A reminder: vitamin C is water soluble
and unused portions will be flushed from the body
so daily intake of foods rich in vitamin C or supplementation with a multivitamin may be of value.

While there do not seem to be major problems associated with an high doses of Vitamin C
it might a good idea to stick within recommended daily allowances since the jury is still out on side effects.

DEFICIENCIES

The most well-known result of a vitamin C deficiency is scurvy
a condition characterized by weakness
anemia
gum disease
and skin lesions. Fortunately
scurvy is very rare in our modern society although still found to a greater degree in areas of poor nutrition.

Frequent infections
severe colds
nose bleeds
tiredness
and painful joints may also indicate a deficiency.