Vitamins
are VITAL MINERALS and used by the body in a variety
of ways. Here are the main ones.
Vitamin A
–
Promotes healthy cell growth; used in cell division and
specialisation throughout the body; and helps regulate
the immune system. Poisonous if taken to excess.
Beta Carotene
–
Converted into Vitamin A by the body. Commonly used in
supplements instead of Vitamin A as excess is simply
unconverted.
Biotin –
Uses: converts fats and carbohydrates into energy;
synthesises hormones and cholesterol; helps control blood
sugar levels.
B Complex – a combination of most or
all of the B Vitamins. General uses: converting foods
into energy; growth; metabolism.
Vitamin B1
(thiamine) –
Uses: helps supports the normal function of the nervous
system, muscles and heart.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) –
Uses: red blood cell and antibody production;
respiration; and regulating human growth and
reproduction.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) –
Uses: in the digestive and nervous systems; promotes
healthy skin. Helps balance good and bad cholesterols.
Vitamin B5
(Pantothenic Acid) -
Uses: normal growth; metabolism of fat and sugar to
energy.
Vitamin B6
(pyridoxine) –
Uses: to balance the hormonal changes in women; assists
in the growth of new cells and the functioning of the
immune system; and in controlling moods, behaviour and
sex drive.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) –
Uses: The primary functions are to maintain a healthy
nervous system and to produce red blood cells.
There are numerical gaps in the B series because improved
knowledge has shown that many things thought to be
variants have in fact no known nutritional value. The
following one is of interest:
Vitamin B17 (Laetrile or Amygdalin) –
An extract of many seeds, nuts, etc, especially almonds.
Claimed to be a cancer cure. Claimed by opponents to be
poisonous because it includes an arsenic compound.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) –
Humans are the only animals unable to store Vitamin C.
Lack of this vitamin causes scurvy, a potentially fatal
disease. It is used in forming collagen, cartilage,
muscle and blood vessels and in maintaining bones and
teeth, and in the absorption of iron.
Vitamin
D –
Is made in the body by exposure to UV rays (sunlight).
Uses: promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorous
that are vital in forming and maintaining strong bones.
It may also be involved in regulating cell growth and
maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vitamin E –
Uses: as a powerful source of antioxidants; is involved
in immune system function; DNA repair; the protection of
blood cells, the nervous system, muscles and the retinas.
Vitamins
are VITAL MINERALS and used by the body in a variety
of ways. Here are the main ones.
B Complex – a combination of most or
all of the B Vitamins. General uses: converting foods
into energy; growth; metabolism.
Vitamin B17 (Laetrile or Amygdalin) – 
Vitamin
D –