Overview
VITAMINS: All natural vitamins are organic food substances found only in
living things, that is, plants and animals. With few exceptions the body
cannot manufacture or synthesize vitamins. They must be supplied in the diet
or in dietary supplements. Vitamins are essential to the normal functioning
of our bodies. They are necessary for our growth, vitality, and general
well-being.
HOW THEY WORK: A lot of people think vitamins can replace food. They cannot.
Vitamins cannot be assimilated without ingesting food. That is why we suggest
taking them with a meal. Vitamins help regulate metabolism, convert fat and
carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.
VITAMIN A (Beta Carotene)
FOOD SOURCES: Vegetables, eggs, milk, fish oil, liver oil.
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for growth & repair of body tissues; helps maintain
smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the
mouth, nose , throat & lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections;
protects against air pollutants; counteracts night-blindness & weak
eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation. Current medical research shows
that foods rich in Beta Carotene will help reduce the risk of lung cancer &
certain oral cancers. Unlike Vitamin A from fish liver oil, Beta Carotene is
non-toxic.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in night blindness; increased susceptibility
to infections; rough, dry, scaly skin; loss of smell & appetite; frequents
fatigue; lack of tearing; defective teeth & gums' retarded growth.
VITAMIN B-1 (Thiamin)
FOOD SOURCES: Whole grains, liver, milk.
IMPORTANCE: Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating
energy; aids in the digestion of carbohydrates; essential for the normal
functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart; stabilizes the appetite;
promotes growth & good muscle tone.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to the loss of appetite ; weakness & feeling
tired; paralysis & nervous irritability; insomnia; loss of weight; vague
aches & pains; mental depression & constipation; heart & gastrointestinal
problems.
VITAMIN B-2 (Riboflavin)
FOOD SOURCES: Vegetables, eggs, milk, liver.
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism; aids in
the formation of antibodies and red blood cells; maintains cell respiration;
necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, nails & hair; alleviates
eye fatigue; promotes general health.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in itching and burning eyes; cracks and
sores in the mouth & lips; bloodshot eyes; purplish tongue; dermatitis;
retarded growth; digestive disturbances; trembling; sluggishness; oily skin.
VITAMIN B-6 (Pyridoxine)
FOOD SOURCES: Whole grains, liver, meat, milk, eggs.
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for the synthesis & breakdown of amino acids, the
building blocks of protein; aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism; aids in
the formation of antibodies; maintains the central nervous system; aids in
the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women; promotes healthy skin;
reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, nausea & stiffness of
hands; helps maintain a proper balance of sodium & phosphorous in the body.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions,
loss of muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders, muscular weakness,
dermatitis, arm & leg cramps, loss of hair, slow learning, and water
retention.
VITAMIN D
FOOD SOURCES: Milk, liver oil, fish oil. ALSO: Vitamin D comes from sunlight.
IMPORTANCE: Improves absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorous;
required for bone and teeth formation; maintains a stable nervous system and
normal heart action.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to rickets, tooth decay, softening of bones,
improper healing of fractures, lack of vigor, muscular weakness, inadequate
absorption of calcium, retention of phosphorous in the kidneys.