Overview-Vitamins

A to Z of Vitamins

Overview-Vitamins is intended to give you information on the main vitamins, in which you can find them and what are the symptoms if we are suffering from a deficiency or have side effects or overdoses of any particular vitamin.

As mentioned elsewhere, this A-Z of vitamins is for information purposes only, and does not replace the services of a qualified medical practioner who is trained to diagnose and treat medical problems.

All About Vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine. These are then carried to the liver where they are stored. Patients with disorders leading to the mal absorption of fats (e.g. celiac disease) will likely have a deficiency of fat soluble vitamins.

Water soluble vitamins, unlike fat soluble ones, are not absorbed. Instead, they are temporarily kept and are then excreted through urine. The only exception to this rule is vitamin B12 which is kept in the liver. It is important that we replace these once they are lost. This can be accomplished by eating foods that contain these vitamins on a daily basis.

While a varied diet should provide you with adequate nutrients, as we age and our needs for certain vitamins and minerals increase, it can be difficult to get all that we need from our diet, especially if we live alone. A multi-vitamin tablet can be taken daily without problems of overdose. This and any anti-aging supplement should be obtained from a reliable source, such as - xtend-life supplements.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Fat Soluble Vitamins

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Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin B1 - Thiamin

Functions: essential for growth, involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids, helps maintain a healthy heart, muscles and nervous system

Deficiency: when severe it can result in Beriberi which results in muscle weakness, neuritis and paralysis. Other symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, mental depression, constipation and gastrointestinal problems.

Overdose: can lead to a rapid pulse, agitation, hypersensitivity, insomnia and high blood pressure

Suggested Daily Intake: 1.2 mg

More in-depth information about Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Functions: involved in the citric acid cycle and the production of some enzymes. It is also a component of flavin adenine dinucleotide and can act as an antioxidant.

Deficiency: eye disorders, cracking of the skin (especially chapped lips) and painful cuts around the mouth.

Overdose nausea, vomiting, anemia, low blood pressure and fatigue.

Suggested Daily Intake: 1.3 mg

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide or Niacin)

Functions: involved in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Vitamin B3 is also used for releasing energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It also promotes healthy skin, digestive system and a good nervous system.

Deficiency: this can result in Pellagra, which involved diarrhea, dermatitis and disorders of the nervous system. Other symptoms include, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and a swollen, red tongue.

Overdose: these symptoms can include high blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, headaches, jaundice, insomnia, skin rashes, joint pains, calcium loss and others.

Suggested Daily Intake: 16 mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Functions: involved in the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, aids lipid metabolism, helps maintain a healthy nervous system and plays a role in the release of glycogen from its storage in the liver.

Deficiency: can result in dermatitis, retarded growth, nausea, numbness in the hands and feet, depression, insomnia, irritability, kidney stones, anemia, headaches and others.

Overdose: can cause severe fatigue, depression, numbness in the hands and feet, migraines, heart palpitations, low blood sugar, hyperthyroid, damage to the spine and nerves, cramps and muscle spasms, arthritis and others.

Suggested Daily Intake: 1.7 mg

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Functions: involved in synthesis of nucleic acids (the main components of DNA and RNA), hematopoiesis, the prevention of birth defects and for cell replication and growth.

Deficiency: can lead to macrocytic anemia (red blood cells are inflated), neural tube defects, high blood pressure, vascular degeneration, mental disorders, insomnia, cervical dysplasia, depression and others. This type of deficiency is common in alcoholics, people living at poverty level, those with malabsorption disorders or liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), and women taking the birth control pill. Recently, elderly people with hearing loss have been reported to be much more likely to be folic acid deficient than healthy elderly people.

A variety of prescription drugs including antacids, some anticancer drugs, and anticonvulsants interfere with folic acid. Folic acid is needed by the body in order to use vitamin B12. People taking proteolytic enzymes are advised to supplement with folic acid as these enzymes inhibit folic acid absorption.

Overdose can cause nausea, kidney damage, abdominal bloating or distention, increased cholesterol, loss of appetite and increased zinc and potassium requirements.

Suggested Daily Intake: 0.4 mg

Vitamin B12 (Colalamin)

Functions: production of red blood cells, involved in some amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism along with the metabolism of all cells. It also helps maintain the nervous system, involved in DNA synthesis and prevents anemia along with folic acid (see Vitamin B9).

Deficiency: can lead to pernicious anemia, disorders of the nervous system, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, weight loss, severe fatigue, dementia, birth defects and a decrease in the formation of white blood cells and platelets.

Overdose can result in anemia (due to folic acid), anxiety, heart palpitations, hyperthyroid, tingling/numbness in the right side of the face or in the right arm, insomnia, liver and kidney diseases and some types of leukemia.

Suggested Daily Intake: 2.4 ug

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Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Functions: this antioxidant is need for the synthesis of collagen and helps maintain healthy blood vessels, teeth, gums, bones and ligaments. It is also commonly known for building up immune systems so that we can respond appropriately to infection. It will also improve iron absorption.

Deficiency: leads to scurvy, which results in defective formation of the bones and poor healing of wounds. Furthermore, this type of deficiency will increase the risk of infection (due to weak immune system), extreme fatigue and deterioration of the gums.

Overdose can affect the body’s metabolism resulting in stomachaches and diarrhea.

Suggested Daily Intake: 90 mg

More in-depth information about Vitamin C

Pantothenic Acid

Functions: involved in glucose production from lipids and amino acids, synthesis of the steroid hormone and part of a co-enzyme (A).

Deficiencies: neuromuscular dysfunction and fatigue

Overdose N/A

Suggested Daily Intake: 5 mg

Biotin (Colalamin)

Functions: synthesis of nucleic and fatty acids, movement of pyruvic acid into the citric acid cycle

Deficiencies: mental and muscle dysfunction, fatigue and nausea

Overdose There are no official problems associated with Biotin overdose but is it recommended to seek medical attention immediately

Suggested Daily Intake: 30 ug

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