Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Vitamin E also known as Alpha Tocopherol) is crucial for the health of nerves throughout
the body. As vitamin E is present in many foods signs of vitamin E deficiency may
represent a larger problem, such as the body's difficulty in absorbing vitamins and
minerals.
Any signs of vitamin E deficiency should be looked at in depth.
There are two available forms of Vitamin E:
Synthetic - written as "dl-alpha tocopherol"
Natural written as "d-alpha tocopherol"
Involved in:
Assists in preventing degenerative diseases and is essential for red blood cells.
It is also useful in preventing blood clots from forming and promotes fertility,
helps reduce hot flushes in menopause.
Protecting cells from oxidation, and neutralising unstable free radicals.
Vitamin H also known as Biotin. A shortage of Biotin is very rare, but it can happen
and may result in dry scaly skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting,
mental depression as well as tongue inflammation and high cholesterol
Part of the vitamin B-complex group
Involved in:
Assists with the transfer of carbon dioxide.
Involved with cell growth, the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and
proteins.
Has a function in the Krebs cycle. A series of enzyme-catalysed chemical reactions
of central importance in all living cells that use oxygen as part of cellular respiration.
Indicated for healthy hair and skin, healthy sweat glands, nerve tissue, and bone
marrow, and assisting with muscle pain.
Helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level.
Best with the B-group vitamins. Vitamin C, Vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin
B12 and sulphur are good companions to it.
Vitamin K also known as Phylloquinone. Vitamin K can be produced in the intestines.
Found in nature in two forms - K1is found in plants. Vitamin K2, also called menaquinone
can be synthesized by many bacteria. Vitamin K3, menadione, is a synthetic form.
A deficiency of this vitamin in newborn babies results in hemorrhagic disease, as
well as postoperative bleeding and hematuria while muscle hematomas and inter-cranial
haemorrhages have been reported.
A shortage of this vitamin may manifest itself in nosebleeds, internal haemorrhaging.
Involved in:
Assists in converting glucose to glycogen in the intestine.
Involved in controlling blood clotting and to synthesise the liver protein that
controls the clotting also involved in creating prothrombin, the precursor to thrombin
an important factor for blood clotting.
Involved in bone formation and repair.
Dietary fat is required for the absorption of this vitamin.
