Discount Vitamin Dietary Supplements Information

The following is a brief description of each of the major vitamin groups that are widely consumed as dietary supplements: Vitamin A and Beta-carotene, B Vitamins (B Complex, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, B Deficiency) Vitamin C and Vitamin E. HealthPost have a large selection of single vitamin and multivitamin dietary supplements available at heavily discounted prices. We accept orders from around the world through our online store.

Vitamin A and Beta-carotene Dietary Supplements Information

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that occurs in nature in two forms: preformed vitamin A and provitamin or precursor vitamin A. Retinol is a term used to describe the amount of usable vitamin A that has been broken down and is in place in the blood, ready to do its work. Preformed vitamin A is concentrated in animal tissues, where it has already been metabolised from the carotene food the animal has eaten. One of the richest natural sources of preformed vitamin A is fish liver oil (link to fish oils category) which is available from HealthPost in supplement form. Other preformed vitamin A foods are milk, cheese, butter, eggs and all meats. Some animal products such as cream and butter may contain both preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is the other half of the vitamin A consumed and is also called precursor or provitamin. This half comes from fruits and vegetables, and half of that from the dark leafy vegetables like spinach and yellow or deep orange vegetables and fruits like butternut squash and cantaloupe. Carotene is the primary pigment of these deeply coloured vegetables and unlike the nutrient from animal sources, it must undergo conversion to vitamin A within the body before it can be absorbed.

Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues (involving epithelial cells), which helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin. Internally it helps protect the mucous membranes of the nose, sinuses, lungs, eyelids, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines (digestive tract), vagina, and uterus, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection. Other important functions of vitamin A include the building of strong bones and teeth, the formation of rich blood, reproduction, cell membrane stability and development, immunity, and the maintenance of good eyesight.

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Vitamin B Dietary Supplements Information

Vitamin B Complex

The eight B vitamins function in many different ways to help enzymes carry out thousands of molecular conversions in the body and are therefore known as coenzymes. All B vitamins are water-soluble substances that can be cultivated from bacteria, yeasts, fungi, or moulds. The known B-complex vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine), B12 (cobolamin), biotin and folic acid (folate, folacin, pteroylglutamic). The grouping of these compounds under the term B complex is based upon their common source distribution, their close relationship in vegetable and animal tissues, and their functional relationships. The B complex vitamins provide the body with energy by aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose, which the body “burns” to produce energy. They are also vital in the metabolism of fats and protein. In addition, the B vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system and may be its single most important factor maintenance of the nerves. B vitamins are essential for maintenance of muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and for the health of skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. All the B vitamins are natural constituents of brewer’s yeast, liver, and whole-grain cereals. Brewer’s yeast is the richest natural source of some of the B complex group.

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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine)

Vitamin B6 has been called the “sleeping giant of vitamins” because of a surge of new research. It has also been termed the “woman’s vitamin” because of the myriad of PMS symptoms that is may help. It is a water-soluble vitamin consisting of three related compounds: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It is required for the proper functioning of more than 60 enzymes and is essential for the normal RNA and DNA and amino acid synthesis. Vitamin B6 is involved in the energy cycle by activating the release of glycogen from the liver and muscles. For this reason, it is essential to physical activity. Pyridoxine plays an important role as a coenzyme in the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is required for the proper absorption of vitamin B12 and for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium.

The best sources of vitamin B6 are meats and whole grains. Desiccated liver and brewer’s yeast are the recommended as supplemental sources.

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Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, is unique in being the first cobalt containing substance found to be essential for longevity. It is also the only vitamin that contains essential mineral elements. Vitamin B12 and folic acid share a special relationship to cell division work. This vitamin has been known as the energiser (if already deficient, under stress, fatigued, or recovering from illness). Vitamin B12 is necessary normal metabolism of nerve tissue and is involved in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps iron function better in the body and aids folic acid in the synthesis of choline. B12 helps the placement of vitamin A into body tissues by aiding carotene absorption or vitamin A conversion. Vitamin B12 cannot be made synthetically and must be grown, like penicillin, in bacteria or moulds. Animal protein is almost the only source in which B12 occurs naturally in foods in substantial amounts. Liver is the best source; kidney, muscle meats, fish, and dairy products are other good sources.

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Vitamin B Deficiency

If a person is tired, irritable, nervous, depressed, or even suicidal, a vitamin B deficiency may be involved. Gray hair, falling hair, baldness, acne, or other skin troubles indicate a lack of B vitamins. A poor appetite, insomnia, neuritis, constipation, or high cholesterol level may be an indicator of a vitamin B deficiency. An enlarged heart, abnormal heart rythyms, and heart failure are symptoms. Wasting, weakness, pain, low morale and mental confusion are indications of a deficiency as well as hypersensitivity to light and reddening of the cornea. Having an enlarged toungue (including the buds on each side) that is shiny and bright red (magenta tongue) or a black, smooth tongue that is full of grooves means B vitamins are needed. The need for the B complex vitamins increases during infection or stress. Children, adolescents, and pregnant women need extra B vitamins (namely, folic acid) for rapid cell growth.

Vitamin C Dietary Supplements Information

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble compound similar to glucose. Although fairly stable in acid solution, it is normally the least stable of vitamins and is very sensitive to oxygen. Its potency can be lost through exposure to light, heat, and air, which stimulate the activity of oxidative enzymes. A primary function of vitamin C is maintaining collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of connective tissue in skin, ligaments, and bones. This vitamin plays a role in healing wounds and burns because it facilitates the formation of connective tissue in the scar. Cells in the arterial walls need collagen to help them expand and contract with the beats of the heart; it is also needed in the capillaries, which are more fragile. Another major role of vitamin C is as an antioxidant, which also makes it a useful food additive. This function happens when vitamin C oxidises itself and then regenerates already-oxidised substances such as iron and copper to their original forms. In this process, the damaging oxidising agent is removed. Vitamin C aids in forming red blood cells and preventing hemorrhaging. In addition, the vitamin fights bacterial infections and reduces the effects on the body of some allergy-producing substances. For these reasons, it is frequently used in preventing and treating the common cold. Vitamin C has significant relationships with other nutrients and is part of the metabolism of some amino acids that end up as hormones such as thyroxin, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. Vitamin C converts the inactive form of folic acid to the active form, folinic acid, and plays a role in calcium and iron metabolism. In addition, it protects thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A and E against oxidation and protects the brain and spinal cord from destruction by free radicals. The study of vitamin C in relation to cancer therapy is still ongoing, but over large populations there is strong support for the vitamin having protective effects for certain kinds of cancer.

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Vitamin E Dietary Supplements Information

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is composed of a group of compounds called tocopherols. Seven forms of tocopherol exist in nature: alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, eta, gamma, and zeta. Of these, alpha-tocopherol is the most potent form of and has the greatest nutrtional and biological value. Tocopherols occur in highest concentrations in cold-pressed vegetable oils, all whole raw seeds and nuts, and soybeans. Wheat germ oil is the source from which vitamin E was first obtained. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it opposes oxidation of substances in the body. Oxidation involves a compound called an oxidizer which attacks another compound, removing an electron from it. Vitamin E protects other substances by being oxidised itself, taking the brunt of any attack on lipids or other components of the membranes. Vitamin E prevents saturated fatty acids and vitamin A from breaking down and combining with other substances that may become harmful to the body. Fat oxidation results in the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are highly destructive molecules that can alter DNA and cause extensive damage to the body, from blood clots to cancer. The vitamin B complex and ascorbic acid are also protected against oxidation when vitamin E is present in the digestive tract.

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HealthPost have a huge selection of vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements available worldwide through our online store. We stock many of the best brands and all of our products are sold at the lowest possible discount prices.  For help at any stage, we welcome you to contact us.