Month: July 2009
The Importance of Vitamin CThe Importance of Vitamin C
Many of us have heard about the importance of vitamin C, yet we sometimes forget and need a reminder of the many benefits of this all important vitamin. With that said, I’ve gathered some information from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Because this vitamin is so important to your health, I’ve left the majority of the site’s content intact, and I give UMM full credit for this information.
“Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body doesn’t store it. You get what we need, instead, from food. You need vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein in skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which occur naturally when our bodies transform food into energy. The build-up of free radicals over time may be largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Some evidence suggests that many people may be mildly deficient in vitamin C, although serious deficiencies are rare in industrialized countries. Smoking cigarettes lowers the amount of vitamin C in the body, so smokers are more at risk of deficiency. Signs of vitamin deficiency include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising; nosebleed; and a decreased ability to ward off infection. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.
Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers, and atherosclerosis (the build-of plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke). Getting enough vitamin C from your diet (by eating lots of fruit and vegetables) may help reduce the risk of developing some of these conditions. The evidence that taking vitamin C supplements will help or prevent any of these conditions is lacking, however.
Results of scientific studies on whether vitamin C is helpful for preventing heart attack or stroke are mixed. Vitamin C doesn’t lower cholesterol levels or reduce the overall risk of heart attack, but some evidence suggests that it may help protect arteries against damage.
Some studies — though not all — suggest that vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant, can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It helps prevent damage to LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which then builds up as plaque in the arteries and can cause heart attack or stroke. Other studies suggest that vitamin C may help keep arteries flexible.
In addition, people who have low levels of vitamin C may be more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, all potential results of having atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease is the term used to describe atherosclerosis of the blood vessels to the legs. This can lead to pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication. But there is no evidence that taking vitamin C supplements will help.
The best thing to do is get enough vitamin C through your diet. That way, you also get the benefit of other antioxidants and nutrients contained in food. If you have low levels of vitamin C and have trouble getting enough through the foods you eat, ask your doctor about taking a supplement.
Vitamin C (500 mg) appears to work with other antioxidants, including zinc (80 mg), beta-carotene (15 mg), and vitamin E (400 IU) to protect the eyes against developing macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 55 in the United States. The people who seem to benefit are those with advanced AMD. It isn’t known whether this combination of nutrients helps prevent AMD or is beneficial for people with less advanced AMD.
Some excellent sources of vitamin C are oranges, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and citrus juices or juices fortified with vitamin C. Raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, canned and fresh tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapple are also rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat, so you’ll get the most vitamin C if you eat fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.” [1]
Since vitamin c is so important to your health, and it’s so sensitive to light, air, and heat, I believe you should take a daily supplement to make sure you get enough of this essential vitamin. This is my choice for a healthier body, and I’m not alone!
Many nutritionists and medical doctors consider Vitamin C absolutely vital to good health. So much so that many doctors have written extensively about its extraordinary importance on living longer.
In the early 1990s, several large population studies showed a reduction in cardiovascular disease in those who consumed vitamin C. The most significant report came from UCLA in 1992, where it was announced that men who took 800 mg a day of vitamin C lived six years longer than those who consumed the FDA’s recommended daily allowance of 60 mg a day. The study, which evaluated 11,348 participants over a ten-year period of time, showed that high vitamin C intake extended average life span and reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease by 42%. This study was published in the journal Epidemiology (1992; 3:3, pp 194-202).
Separately, Thomas Levy, MD, JD, Cardiologist has said this, “The lower your vitamin C blood and tissue levels go, the greater your chances of developing significant heart disease.”
Most pharmaceutical companies claim that all supplements are the same. I believe there is a difference between many supplements. Although I don’t have all the answers, I personally prefer Vitamin C crystals. Although this is what I prefer, it’s up to each individual to find the supplements that deliver the best results for you.
After reading this article, I think we can all AGREE on the importance of vitamin c. It’s not a mystery regarding the benefits of vitamin c. Case studies and scientific evidence has proven that vitamin c is essential to your daily diet. If you’re not getting enough through your regular diet, Vitamin C crystals may be right for you.
To learn more about vitamin c, please contact me.
Find Vitamin C and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.
Sources:
[1] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-c-000339.htm
Omega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 Fatty Acids
Did you know that your brain is made up of 60% fat? And did you know that the neurons that communicate messages to your brain need high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids to get the job done? If you answered no to one of both of these questions, chances are, you’re not getting enough omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).
If you’re not getting enough omega-3’s—your brain is one of the first organs to feel the effects. And that means…
- Sluggish thinking and mental fog
- “Senior moments” and forgetfulness
- Poor concentration and memory recall
- Inability to learn new things
- Mood swings and sadness
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mood problems will become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. [1]
And researchers say this increase may be due to the fact that we’re eating fewer amounts of essential omega-3’s. It’s suggested that we should not take a chance with our brain health. We need to make sure we boost our levels of healthy omega-3’s.
“Regular fish consumption (1-2 servings per week) is protective against coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke and is recommended. The serving should provide an equivalent of 200-500 mg of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. People who are vegetarians are recommended to ensure adequate intake of plant sources of a-linolenic acid.” [2]
If you’re not a fish eater, like many people, it’s never been easier to get your regular dose of omega-3 because there is an omega-3 supplement that contains healthy omega-3’s, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are both found only in cold water fish like salmon and herring.
With a healthy dose of 400 mg of omega-3—you get powerful omega-3 supplementation to help boost your brain and body health.
Other ingredients in this supplement are organic flaxseed oil, which contains “alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health conditions”[3], and evening primrose oil, which “contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is believed to be the active ingredient.”[4]
This supplement not only protects the brain, but also meets the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for omega-3 intake. One daily dose provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.
Now, you can protect your brain and heart at the same time by taking an omega-3 fatty acids supplement daily.
To learn more about this supplement, please contact me.
Sources:
[1] http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/
[2] http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/5_population_nutrient/en/index13.html
[3] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/flaxseed-oil-000304.htm
[4] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/evening-primrose-oil/NS_patient-Primrose
Vitamin B-12Vitamin B-12
Vitamin b-12 and folate are two of the main ingredients in many B-12 supplements. The others are Vitamin B-6 and biotin. Since b-12 and folate are considered very important to the human body, I thought I’d use this article to concentrate on those two ingredients.
What is B-12 and Folate?
According to the Labs Tests Online website, a public resource on clinical lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing, “B12 and folate are B complex vitamins that are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.” [1]
Vitamin B-12 and Folate Deficiency
It’s more of a deficiency of b-12 and folate that causes problems rather than an over abundance of these vitamins. As a matter of fact, a lot of research and studies have been conducted on these complex vitamins. The main findings have been that a deficiency of b-12 and/or folate “can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen.” [1]
Information from Lab Tests Online also states that “a deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet and mental changes that range from confusion and irritability to severe dementia.” [1]
There are many symptoms that occur which leads doctors to a vitamin b-12 deficiency. However, ":the symptoms associated with B12 and folate deficiency are frequently subtle and nonspecific. They are related to the resulting macrocytic anemia, nerve involvement, and gastrointestinal changes. Patients with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms.” [1]
Other symptoms may include, “confusion, paranoia, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue/weakness, loss of appetite, malabsorption, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sore tongue and mouth, tingling, numbness, and/or burning in the feet, hands, arms, and legs (with B12).” [1]
Causes of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
One of the main causes that I’ve heard about, especially when it comes to the elderly, is inadequate absorption. Most of the elderly population is unable to absorb vitamin b-12 from the food they eat. And once again, according to the Labs Tests Online website, they confirm what I’ve come to learn over the past year. “B12 and folate deficiency may be due to insufficient intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or to increased need.” [1]
Lab Tests Online continues with, “B12 deficiency can be caused by insufficient stomach acid – necessary to separate B12 from ingested protein. This is the most common cause of B12 deficiency in the elderly and individuals on drugs that suppress gastric acid production. Deficiency may also be due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance produced by parietal cells in the stomach that binds with B12 before absorption by the intestines. An autoimmune condition called pernicious anemia involves damage to the parietal cells, resulting in decreased production of intrinsic factor.” [1]
Sublingual B-12
I believe it’s the deficiency and malabsorption factors that led to the invention of a patented Sublingual B-12 formula, on a trek to develop an easy to use B-12 and folate concentrated supplement. Before this formula came to the market, the most popular way to get the proper dose of the b-12 vitamin was through a shot, which had to be administered by a doctor, and was guaranteed to be absorbed into the body.
Many people have found success with the patented sublingual vitamin b12. It has become the number one selling product which is sold and distributed by only one company. As mentioned before, the b12 vitamin is very important, and should be taken on a daily basis. It’s almost impossible to get enough of b-12 and folate through a proper diet, especially if you’re starting to get up there in age.
Before taking any dietary supplement, you should talk to a health care professional or doctor. The information in this article is just to inform people of the health risks related to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Although my information comes from reliable sources, it’s up to you to verify this information, just ask your doctor.
I believe that taking a b12 supplement on a daily basis is a must. To learn more about the sublingual vitamin b12, its patented delivery system, contact me.
Find Vitamin B 12 and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.
Sources:
[1] http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/vitaminb12.html
Omega-3 Essential Fatty AcidsOmega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
I continue to do research on nutritional products provided by many companies. In a effort to solidify the information provided by these companies, along with the claims made on their products, I always feel a need to go that extra mile, and do my own research. With that said, here is what I’ve found experts, backed by case studies, have said about the importance of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).
“Dr Emanuel Severus of the Berlin University finds that major depression is characterized by a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and that these acids possess powerful anti-arrhythmic properties. He suggests that the missing link in the recently established association between major depression and sudden cardiac death may be the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency which characterizes both conditions.” [1]
The American Heart Association (AHA) has been claiming that omega-3 is important to keeping the heart healthy. I’ve also written about that in my past articles. As a matter of fact, the AHA recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week. Your can learn more by going to their web site.
“DHA, a major component of fish oils, is the most important fatty acid in the brain and retina and makes up more than 30% of the structural lipid (fat) in neurons. There is ample evidence that a deficiency of DHA is associated with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dementia. Clinical studies have shown that an increased intake of DHA may benefit patients with dyslexia and Alzheimer’s disease.” [2]
“Researchers at Boston University and Tufts University School of Medicine now report that they have found a clear association between low blood levels of DHA and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease…The researchers suggest that maintaining adequate levels of DHA through the consumption of fish or dietary supplements rich in DHA may be particularly important for the elderly.” [2]
I’ve written articles about Alzheimer’s Disease, and the importance of omega-3 fatty acids as a preventative natural product. In the previous study, it’s a proven fact that “increased intake of DHA may benefit patients with dyslexia and Alzheimer’s disease.” Supplements high in omega-3 fatty acid, are great sources of DHA to help prevent this terrible disease.
“Manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder) is a common, severe mental illness involving repeated episodes of depression, mania (rapid mood changes, hyperactivity, and excessive cheerfulness) or both. It is usually treated with drugs such as lithium carbonate or valproate. Unfortunately, these drugs are not very effective and recurrence rates are high. It is generally believed that bipolar disorder involves an overactivity in the neuronal signal pathways. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to dampen this overactivity and medical researchers at the Harvard Medical School have confirmed that omega-3 oils may be useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder.” [3]
This is the first information I’ve seen regarding omega-3 being used to treat bipolar disorders. However, it must be working because the Harvard researchers urge that further trials of fish oils in the treatment of depression and manic-depressive illness be completed.
Those are just a few findings on the importance of incorporating omega-3 into your daily diet. I know a lot of people do not like fish, that’s why finding an omega-3 supplement with a premier blend of essential fatty acids from 4 sources — Fish, Flaxseed, Evening Primrose and Perilla Seed, may be right for you.
If you need additional information, please contact me.
Sources
[1] Severus, W. Emanuel, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids: the missing link? Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol.56, April 1999, pp. 380-81 (letter to the editor)
[2] Kyle, D. J., et al. Low serum docosahexaenoic acid is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s dementia. Lipids, Vol.34 (suppl), 1999, p.S245.
[3] Stoll, Andrew L. et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol.56, May 1999, pp.407-12 and pp.415-16 (commentary)