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Vitamins and minerals are essential for your well being. We all know we need them but most of us don't really know what we actually need them for. It's by no means a complete reference but here's our guide to help make sense of them all. Vitamin AIs required for the maintenance of healthy vision, growth and repair of cells and tissue, and for the proper functioning of skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant. Vitamin B1 Also known as 'Thiamine' is necessary for the body to breakdown carbohydrates into glucose. Vitamin B1 is also necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system by influencing the production of chemicals that transmit messages between nervous cells. Vitamin B2 Also known as 'Riboflavin' is essential to the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and to the body's ability to utilise them. Vitamin B3 Otherwise known as Niacin (Vitamin B3) Helps lower blood levels of cholesterol. Acts as a detoxifying agent. Vitamin B5 Also called Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, is needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also essential in producing, transporting, and releasing energy from fats. Synthesis of cholesterol (needed for vitamin D) depends on pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid also activates the adrenal glands and has been reported to lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin B6 Is necessary for the production of an enzyme that is involved in many metabolic processes including protein metabolism. Important in maintaining healthy skin, muscles and blood. Vitamin B12 Also known as Cobalamin is essential to the healthy functioning of all body cells particularly those within the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and the bone marrow (blood production). Vitamin B Complex Is a compound of related nutrients found together in nature that have a range of vital functions in the body, including the maintenance of healthy nerves, hormones, digestion, blood cells as well as the skin, hair and nails. B complex is most famous for the nerves, helping us to keep up with the pressures of a demanding lifestyle. Folic Acid Works alongside Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C to enable the body to make use of protein in the diet. I has a major role in the development of red blood cells and in the prevention during pregnancy of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Vitamin C Vitamin C has numerous roles within the body, it is required by the immune system for functioning, aids the body in fighting infections, such as colds. It is used in the formation of building blocks of collagen which collectively form the bones, teeth, gums, skin and blood vessels. Vitamin E Is one of the most important antioxidants used by the body to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals - chemicals generated within the body as a side-product of its' metabolic activities. Vitamin E is also essential to muscle cells' ability to use oxygen efficently. This applies particularly to skeletal and cardiac muscle. Vitamin E helps to prevent against disease of the breast, fights skin problems and baldness and reduces the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) Vitamin H Vitamin H has numerous roles within the body, it is required by the immune system for functioning, aids the body in fighting infections, such as colds. It is used in the formation of building blocks of collagen which collectively form the bones, teeth, gums, skin and blood vessels. Vitamin K Only a handful of researchers study vitamin K which has been long known for its critical role in blood clotting. But with the aging of Western populations, this vitamin may command a bigger following as its importance to the integrity of bones becomes increasingly clear and research suggests it activates at least three proteins involved in bone health. Minerals: Calcium |
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