Vitamin Supplements

At the end of this article we review one very good daily supplment that we have found to be just right for ourselves and many other people.

Vitamin A, a fat soluble vitamin used in all of the body’s tissues for general growth and repair. Vitamin A is especially important for bone formation, healthy skin/hair, night vision and function of the immune system. It is essential for skin health and is used both topically in cosmetics and internally as a dietary supplement.

Studies show that Vitamin A may help boost immune system function and resistance to infection 1,2. In addition, Vitamin A has been used for decades as treatment for various vision-related conditions, including night blindness, cataracts, conjunctivitis, retinopathy and macular degeneration.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin A can be stored in the body and levels can build up. Adhere to the daily recommended guidelines to avoid toxicity.

1. Daudu PA, Kelley DS, Taylor PC, Burri BJ, Wu MM. Effect of a low beta-carotene diet on the immune functions of adult women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994

2. Fortes C, Forastiere F, Agabiti N, Fano V, Pacifici R, Virgili F, Piras G, Guidi L, Bartoloni C, Tricerri A, Zuccaro P, Ebrahim S, Perucci CA. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1998 Jan;46(1):19-2

Vitamin B-1, otherwise known as thiamin, functions in carbohydrate metabolism and in maintaining nervous system and heart muscle health. It increases energy production, maintains memory and improves carbohydrate tolerance. Due to B-1’s role in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function, supplements with B-1 will promote increasing energy and maintaining memory.

Dietary thiamin requirements are based on caloric intake, so studies show that individuals who consumer more calories, like athletes, are likely to require a higher than average intake of thiamin to help process the extra carbs into energy1.

1. Manore MM. Effect of physical activity on thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 requirements. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):598S-606S.

Vitamin B-2 is also called riboflavin and it functions in many metabolic processes like red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Vitamin B-2 is involved in energy production, reducing chronic fatigues and improving concentration and mood.

Women need more riboflavin during pregnancy, lactation and when using oral contraceptives. Athletes may require more riboflavin due both to increased caloric intake and increased needs of exercise1. Taking an isolated riboflavin supplement is usually not necessary. Virtually all multi-vitamins and B-complex formulas will contain riboflavin at recommended daily requirements or higher levels.

1. Rokitzki L, Sagredos A, Keck E, Sauer B, Keul J. Assessment of vitamin B2 status in performance athletes of various types of sports. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1994 Feb;40(1):11-22.

Also called Niacin, Vitamin B-3 plays a role in many aspects of energy metabolism and nervous system function. Often used in cholesterol regulation at very high doses because it’s been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Vitamin B-3 has also been shown improve circulation and relieve arthritis.

B-3 has been studied for its cardiovascular benefits in many clinical trials. The primary cardiovascular measures such as cholesterol, heart attacks and strokes are all significantly reduced with Vitamin B-3 therapy. In many clinical trials, niacin has been shown to consistently lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by between 15-20% and triglycerides by 10-25%, and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol by 15-25%

1. Sikand G, Kashyap ML, Yang I. Medical nutrition therapy lowers serum cholesterol and saves medication costs in men with hypercholesterolemia. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998 Aug;98(8):889-94.

Vitamin B-5, also known as pantothenic acid, is known as the anti-stress vitamin because it supports the adrenal glands. Vitamin B-5, along with Vitamin C, helps cells metabolize fats and carbohydrates release energy. Often used to treat stress and fatigue after surgery or during recovery from illness or injury.

Some Naturopaths recommend Vitamin B-5 to prevent and treat some types of acne and to strengthen skin and increase the flexibility of scar tissue. Deficiency of Vitamin B-5 can lead to fatigue, adrenal weakness, problems in blood sugar metabolism and premature graying of hair.

A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B6 is frequently recommended as a nutrient to support mood and nerve conduction.

It is an important vitamin for supporting optimal nervous system function. Also required for immune support and red blood cell growth and white blood cell development. Vitamin B-6 needs are increased for women taking oral contraceptives and those consuming a high protein diet.

Scientific data has demonstrated that homocysteine concentrations are reduced with low to medium doses of Vitamin B-61.

1. Folsom AR, Nieto FJ, McGovern PG, Tsai MY, Malinow MR, Eckfeldt JH, Hess DL, Davis CE. Prospective study of coronary heart disease incidence in relation to fasting total homocysteine, related genetic polymorphisms, and B vitamins: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Circulation. 1998 Jul 21;98(3):204-10.

Vitamin B-12 is also known as cobalamin because it contains cobalt. Vitamin B-12 functions in a wide variety of metabolic processes like the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

B-12 works closely with folic acid for blood cell formation, nervous system maintenance and heart health. Vitamin B-12 supplements are recommended for individuals at highest risk for deficiency like strict vegetarians and the elderly with reduced B-12 absorption1.

Naturopaths recommend Vitamin B-12 for improving memory and concentration, increasing energy and reducing heart disease risk. Most multivitamin supplements contain Vitamin B-12 at recommended levels, high-risk individuals may consider a specific Vitamin B-12 supplement or a B-Complex product.

1. Baik HW, Russell RM. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. Annu Rev Nutr. 1999;19:357-77.

The Vitamin B family contains many B vitamins that are rather codependent on each other, in other words, they need each other to perform efficiently. The family consists of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12.

Each B vitamin has a unique function described under each individual definition. Your body typically does not store the B vitamins very well so it is important to consider supplementation.

The B vitamins help keep the nervous system functioning and are well known for helping stress and enhancing energy. A B complex is often recommended because the individual vitamins are so interdependent.

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is active throughout the body, Vitamin C helps strengthen blood vessels, cell walls and is crucial for the formation of collagen. Vitamin C’s history is in relation to the prevention of scurvy.

Today, interest in Vitamin C is based more on its potential to protect cells. Vitamin C is classified as an antioxidant that fights damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is thought to boost immunity and prevent colds. It promotes wound healing and protects against the effects of stress.

Over 100 studies have been completed on Vitamin C’s role in colds and flus. At least three controlled studies have shown an 80% reduction in the incidence of pneumonia among Vitamin C users. One large study with over 700 students demonstrated that Vitamin C (1000mg per hour for the first 6 hours followed by 3000mg per day), reduced cold and flu symptoms by 85%1.

1. Halliwell B. Oxidative stress, nutrition and health. Experimental strategies for optimization of nutritional antioxidant intake in humans. Free Radic Res. 1996 Jul;25(1):57-74.

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the intestinal tract. Due to its key role in the absorption of calcium, it is an important vitamin in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and hypocalcaemia.

Required for growth, it is essential for the normal growth and development of bones and teeth in children. Breast fed babies are given Vitamin D liquid supplements to ensure proper bone development in their vital first year.

Studies show that a lack of Vitamin D could lead to osteoporosis1, hip fractures, premenstrual syndrome, muscle weakness, and prostate cancer.

1. Dawson-Hughes B. Vitamin D and calcium: recommended intake for bone health. Osteoporos Int. 1998

A very popular supplement, vitamin E is best known for its role in preventing cardiovascular disease. It is thought to boost immune system function and help in wound healing.

A proven antioxidant, Vitamin E helps fight free radicals and prevent them from causing damage. Several recent studies clearly demonstrated that natural vitamin E is about two to three times more bioavailable than synthetic Vitamin E.

Wide varieties of studies have shown health benefits associated with higher than average Vitamin E consumption. In most cases, the level of Vitamin E intake required for heart, lung, eye and cancer protection are 10-30 times higher than recommended daily allowance levels1.

1. Behl C. Vitamin E and other antioxidants in neuroprotection. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1999

Vitamin K is required for blood clotting and bone formation. Vitamin K improves bone density and bone strength. Deficiency of Vitamin K is associated with lower bone mineral density and increased risk of hip fracture.

Women with higher vitamin K intakes have a significantly lower risk of hip fracture (about 30% lower) than women with lower vitamin K intake1. Many multivitamin formations or bone supplements contain Vitamin K at recommended daily levels.

However, supplementation of Vitamin K on its own is often only available by prescription. Individuals at risk for not consuming the recommended levels of Vitamin K, and seniors who may have higher dietary needs for Vitamin K, should ask their doctor if supplements may be necessary to ensure optimal calcium deposition into bone tissue.

1. Booth SL, Tucker KL, Chen H, Hannan MT, Gagnon DR, Cupples LA, Wilson PW, Ordovas J, Schaefer EJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Kiel DP. Dietary vitamin K intakes are associated with hip fracture but not with bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 May;71(5):1201-8.

How to Choose the Best Vitamin Supplements

1. Be a careful consumer and buy your supplements only from manufacturers that are pharmaceutical GMP compliant. The most professional companies maintain strict adherence to regulatory standards and practices. Please shop carefully because dietary supplements are not standardized or regulated in the U.S. and may not contain the quantity of extracts which are stated on the label. Some supplements have even been found to contain contaminants.

2. Check the label to make sure your supplements do not contain any cheap fillers, additives, or artificial colors, etc. Some additives may include sugar, gluten, cornstarch, rice starch, silica (sand), artificial flavoring, artificial color, etc.

3. To get your money’s worth and enjoy the benefits of quality herbal extractions, make sure you buy only standardized extracts. Why standardized extracts? Because they deliver true-to-label ingredients and potency for the best efficacy and benefits.

Tests of some supplements have show they contain far less of the active ingredients than they claim on their labels. Get what you pay for and what your body needs for optimum health. Why gamble? Use only the best - only standardized extracts. Your good health may depend on it.

One very high quality product that meets and exceeds these requirements is Xtend-Life’s Total Balance. Our endless quality comparisons of various products has given us many reasons to recommend Total Balance as an excellent quality nutritional supplement that also contains a great number of the beneficial herbs on this website.

Total Balance is an all-natural comprehensive supplement that provides a broad range of synergistic nutrients known to enhance overall health. It contains dozens of the herbs and nutrients that are documented as being beneficial to optimal health.

The scientifically chosen formula includes vitamins and co-factors, essential minerals, amino acids, standardized herbal extracts, digestive enzymes, specialty nutrients and immunity support ingredients.

These are standardized extracts with a pharmaceutical grade enteric coating and are free of any fillers and are guaranteed to contain exactly what is stated on the label. These are made in a facility that follows rigorous manufacturing requirements that far exceed U.S. FDA standards.

We here at Quality-Nutritional-Supplements have been personally taking Total Balance and their pure fish oil and other fine products with excellent results.

When we take these high quality nutritional supplements we notice that we have more energy during the day and we sleep better at night. We feel less stressed, more mentally focused and we enjoy an overall feeling of healthy well being.

The best vitamin supplements are carefully balanced formulas that contain standardized extracts and are processed in a carefully regulated environment that exceeds government standards. Our favorite is Total Balance and we recommend it if you are looking for the best supplement for your body. Why take chances with your health? Get the best and get the best results.

The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. All information here is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting any new supplement, diet or fitness regimen.

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