Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Vitamin A (Beta carotene & Retinol) Fat Soluble - In general, there are two categories
of vitamin A, depending on whether the food source is an animal or a plant.
Vitamin A found in foods that come from animals is called preformed vitamin A. It
is absorbed in the form of retinol, one of the most usable forms of vitamin A.
Common provitamin A carotenoids found in foods that come from plants are:
Beta-carotene
Alpha-carotene
Beta-cryptoxanthin
Amongst these, beta-carotene is most efficiently converted into retinol Alpha-carotene
and beta-cryptoxanthin are also converted to vitamin A, but not as effectively as
beta-carotene.
Involved in:
Acts as a co-factor in the enzyme system.
Helps the skin and mucous membranes function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.
Promotes healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal
tracts.
Required for the regulation of the immune system.
Food sources - Butter - Egg yolk - Fish - Fruit - Vegetables.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Water soluble - a biological reducing agent and is linked
to the prevention of degenerative diseases. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant.
May be more effective if taken with bioflavonoids , calcium and magnesium. (Bioflavonoids
are chemical compounds derived from plants).
The chemical structure of vitamin C is the same in synthetic and natural sources.
Involved in:
Assists in the prevention of blood clotting, bruising, and strengthening the walls
of the capillaries.
Clearing up infections
Considered to enhance the immune system.
Involved in healthy cell development, calcium absorption, tissue growth and repair.
Involved in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid
hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bio
availability.
Best with other anti-oxidants.
Food sources - Dark coloured leafy vegetables and brightly coloured fruits.
