PCOG | Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

• Are organic substances, not synthesized within the body, that are essential in small amounts for the maintenance of normal metabolic functions.

  • They do not furnish energy and are not utilized as building units for cellular structure.

Primary Deficiency

Occurs when an organism does not get enough of the vitamin in its food.

Secondary Deficiency

May be due to an underlying disorder that prevents or limits the absorption or use of the vitamin, due to a "lifestyle factor", such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or the use of medications that interfere with the absorption or use of the vitamin.

Vitamin (Retinol)

Source: Cod Liver Oil

Vitamin A (Retinol)

• Composed of compounds called retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are precursors of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is measured in Retinol Equivalents (RE's).

• Retinol Equivalents measure the vitamin A activity of a food.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced in the epidermis and dermis of the skin by a small band of radiation from the sun (UV-B radiation).

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Wheat germ oil, cosmetic and liver

Vitamin K

• The several existing forms of Vitamin K have similar biological activity in blood clotting.

• Phylloquinone: is the major form found in plants.

• Menaquinone: synthesized by intestinal bacterial flora

• Menadione: a water-soluble vitamin K analog

• Mephyton: Used for Hypothrombopenia

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

• Vitamin C is needed to form and maintain collagen, a fibrous protein that gives strength to connective tissues in skin, cartilage, bones, teeth, and joints. Collagen is also needed for the healing of wounds.

• Source: Lemons

• Vitamin C promotes a healthy immune system, helps wounds heal, maintains connective tissue and aids in the absorption of iron

• RDA: 60 mg (Water-soluble)

Vitamin A

• Alphalin & Aquasol A: Acne Vulgaris

• Retin-A: Cystic Acne, Keratinization

• Accutane: Reducing photosensitivity

Vitamin E

• Aquasol E, Cen-E, E-Vital → Skin Disorder

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

• Helps the body convert food into energy, and aids the function of the heart and cardiovascular system and the brain and nervous system

• RDA: 1.5 mg (Water-Soluble)

• Source: Rice Bran

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with other & vitamins to promote healthy growth and tissue repair, and helps release energy from carbohydrates.

• RDA: 1.7 mg (Water Soluble)

• Source: Egg

Deficiency Symptoms of Riboflavin

Riboflavin deficiency causes a condition known as ariboflavinosis, which is marked by cheilosis (cracks at the corners of the mouth), oily scaling of the skin, and a red sore tongue, dermatitis, growth retardation, conjunctivitis, nerve damage.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

• Synonyms: Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid

• Any excess is excreted in Urine.

• Niacin is one of the most stable of the B vitamins. It is resistant to heat and light, and to both acid and alkali environments.

• An inability to absorb niacin (vitamin B3) or the amino acid tryptophan may cause pellagra, a disease characterized by scaly sores, mucosal changes and mental symptoms.

• Source: Liver

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

• Source: Liver

• Deficiency: Dietary deficiency occurs in conjunction with other B-vitamin deficiencies.

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Impaired muscle coordination

  • Abdominal cramps

  • Vomiting

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important for maintaining healthy brain function, the formation of red blood cells, the breakdown of protein and the synthesis of antibodies in support of the immune system

• RDA: 2 mg (Water Soluble)

• Source: Rice Bran

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

• Folate aids in the production of red blood cells.

• Folate aids in the synthesis of DNA

• Folate works with B12 and vitamin C to help the body digest and utilize proteins

• Source: Liver

Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B,2 is found in its free-vitamin form, called cyanocobalamin, and in two active coenzyme forms.

• Absorption of vitamin B,2 requires the presence of intrinsic factor, a protein synthesized by acid-producing cells of the stomach.

• The vitamin is absorbed in the terminal portion

  of the small intestine called the ileum.

• Most of body's supply of vitamin B, is stored in the liver.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Vitamin Bj2 deficiency results in pernicious anemia, which is caused by a genetic problem in the production of intrinsic factor.

• When this occurs, folate function is impaired, leading to macrocytic anemia due to interference in normal DNA synthesis.

Calcium

• Best Sources: Milk products, canned fish, dark green, leafy veg, citrus fruits, & dried beans.

• Needed For: Strong bones & teeth, heart and nerve action, blood clotting

• Deficiency Disorder: Rickets in children (Bowed legs, stunted growth), osteoporosis in adults

• Risk of Megadose: Serve fatigue, Calcium Deposits in body tissues.

Phosphorus

• Best Sources: Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dried peas and beans, Milk Products

• Needed For: Strong bones & teeth, Energy release from nutrients

• Deficiency Disorder: Appetite loss, Fatigue

• Risk of Megadose: Calcium Deficiency

Magnesium

• Best Sources: Raw green leafy veg., Nuts, Seeds, Whole Grains

• Needed For: Strong bones & Muscle, Nerve Action

• Deficiency Disorder: Muscle Weakness, Irregular Heart Beat

• Risk of Megadose: Disorders in nervous syste,

Sodium

• Best Sources: Naturally Present in Most food and water table salt

• Needed For: Internal water balance, trans-mission of nerve impulses

• Deficiency Disorder: Muscle cramps and weakness, nausea, diarrhea

• Risk of Megadose: High blood presume in some peope

Potassium

• Best Sources: Oranges, Bananas, Meat Bran, Dried beans, Potatoes

• Needed For: Fluid balance in cells, Trans-mission of Nerve Impulses

• Deficiency Disorder: Abnormal heart action, Fatigue

• Risk of Megadose: Muscle paralysis, abnormal heart beat

Sulfur

• Best Sources: Beef, Wheat Germ, Dried Beans & Peas, Peanuts

• Needed For: Formation of body cells

• Deficiency Disorder: Unknown

• Risk of Megadose: Unknown

Chloride

• Best Sources: Table Salt

• Needed For: Regulation of Body Fluids

• Deficiency Disorder: Upsets acid-base balance body fluids

• Risk of Megadose: Upsets acid-base balance in the body fluids

Iron

• Best Sources: Red meat, Egg Yolk, Leafy

• Needed For: Formation of Red blood cells

• Deficiency Disorder: Anemia, Fatigue

• Risk of Megadose: Toxic buildup in lover, Pancreas heart

Copper

• Best Sources: Oyster, Nuts, Cocoa Powder, Liver, Kidneys, Dried beans

• Needed For: Formation of Red blood cells

• Deficiency Disorder: Unknown

• Risk of Megadose: Violet vomiting and Diarrhea

Selenium

• Best Sources: Seafood, Whole Grains, Meat, Eggs, Milk, Garlic

• Needed For: Prevents breakdown of body chemicals

• Deficiency Disorder: Unknown

• Risk of Megadose: Unknown

Zinc

• Best Sources: Meat, Liver, Eggs,Poultry, Seafood, Milk, Whole Grains

• Needed For: Enzyme Formation

• Deficiency Disorder: Delayed wound healing, Loss of Taste, Stunted Growth

• Risk of Megadose: Nausea, Vomiting, Anemia, Stomach Bleeding