Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce and therefore must acquire through the diet. To help maintain good health, humans need 13 different vitamins. These include: vitamin A, the various B and D vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Deficiencies of these essential vitamins can cause the body to enter a diseased state. Deficiencies of different vitamins manifest themselves with differing diseased states. For example, night-blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, while Rickets is linked to vitamin D deficiency.
The relationship between foods and maintaining health has been recognized for centuries. For example, in 1747, Dr. James Lind discovered that citrus fruits prevented scurvy. Some stores of vitamins within the body can last well over a year, as is the case with vitamin B12. Others can deplete more rapidly-lasting only a couple of weeks. A vitamin can be either fat or water soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Often they need to be replenished more frequently. Fat-soluble vitamins, however, are stored in the body. Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, E, D and K.
Today there is debate among experts over the benefits of vitamin supplements. Some believe supplements must be taken in conjunction with the daily diet. This is because many foods are processed and artificially enriched-which can reduce the nutrient level naturally found in these foods. Moreover, even fresh fruits and vegetables are picked prematurely and shipped long distances before arriving on grocery shelves. For this reason, some physicians recommend taking vitamins.
The US RDA is a standard set forth by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences National Research Council to help Americans determine a proper level of daily vitamin intake. It is important to note, however, that these levels are sometimes quite modest- intended to meet the nutrient needs of already healthy individuals. For some, these amounts may be lower than optimal. For example additional amounts of vitamins may be needed during illness. Consequently, the Board has also set two other values: the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) and the adequate intakes (AI). The UL values are designed to help people avoid over consumption. AL values are established when there is not enough scientific evidence to set an RDA.
It is important to note that different developmental stages and physiologies may require varying vitamin intakes. Children, adolescents, women, and men all have differing needs. Consulting a specialist is the best way to determine personal vitamin needs. Moreover, some supplements may negatively interact with prescription drugs. Therefore, all supplemental intakes should be discussed with a physician.
A proper balance of vitamin intake can enhance personal health and increase energy levels. These essential nutrients aid in the regulation of many bodily functions and can prevent illnesses. Their value must not be underestimated.
Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about the benefits of vitamins. Learn more at http://www.myvitaminguide.com/.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDon't be overwhelmed by this big word, ... Read More
Looking for quality nutritional supplements can seem quite overwhelming at... Read More
Vitamin B3 is one of the vitamins that make up... Read More
Weight Lifting Supplement ? what is it?The term "weight lifting... Read More
Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to... Read More
MSM is a wonderful supplement with a low toxicity rating... Read More
Nitric Oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body,... Read More
What Is Thiamin?Known as Vitamin B1, thiamin was the very... Read More
April 14,2005 federal judge Tena Campbell of the federal district... Read More
As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More
No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More
A long time ago, in the country far, far away,... Read More
The skeletal muscle component known as creatine is not only... Read More
I wanted to write this article because of my sincere... Read More
There is a paradox of sorts when dealing with injections... Read More
ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More
If you think that smoking is a harmless little hobby... Read More
At some time or another, most people have taken some... Read More
As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health... Read More
It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More
What Is Nitric Oxide (NO)?Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by... Read More
Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More
Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition... Read More
There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More
Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional sun exposure is necessary... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Many of you are probably aware that The American Medical... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More
A ranch house, a zip lock bag and some ordinary... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
Anti aging has become the latest craze.Wherever we look at,... Read More
Everyone has an occasional sleepless night, and this is not... Read More
A dose of vitamin C may give a quick boost... Read More
Coenzyme Q10 has exploded onto the health scene. This powerful... Read More
Bodybuilding supplements generally fall under the classification of dietary supplements,... Read More
Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
Liquid vitamins are the same vitamins that you find in... Read More
The mankind has never stopped searching for the scerets of... Read More
Looking for quality nutritional supplements can seem quite overwhelming at... Read More
Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low... Read More
With a high cholesterol and heart disease in the family,... Read More
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More
Vitamins and minerals play a major role in becoming healthy... Read More
When looking for health care supplements Texas residents can enjoy... Read More
There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More
Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every... Read More
Amino acid supplements and amino acid food intake can bring... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
Vitamins are the stars of the nutrition scene. Nutrition, the... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |