Vitamins

Vitamins have there own unique role to play in the body. Apart from Vitamin D and K, all vitamins must come from your diet. Vitamins are categorised into 2 forms

Water soluble ~ Which refers to vitamin C and the B group. They flush through the body and therefore are not stored. They can be lost when foods with these vitamins are boiled or soaked

Fat soluble ~ Which refers to vitamin, A, D, E, and K which are carried on fats in the body, and stored in adipose tissue and the liver

Vitamins do not provide energy directly but indirectly by assisting the mechanisms of the body to produce energy.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A functions is to assist in vision, bone growth and the formation of cells on the surface of the skin and lining of the gut. Sources ~ deep yellow, orange and green fruit and vegetables, full cream dairy products, butter, margarine, eggs and liver.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin is significant in normal body growth and development. In particularly, vitamin D is used to absorb calcium and phosphorus to create bone. Great sources of this supplement include fortified milk, oily fish, liver, sunlight and eggs.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E otherwise known as alpha-tocopherol, serves as a cofactor in several enzyme systems. It keeps excessive oxidation from occurring that could cause harmful effects in the body. Great sources of vitamin E may be found in wheat germ, nuts and seeds, whole grain cereals, eggs, and leafy greens

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K otherwise known as phytonadione, promotes production factors critical to normal blood clotting. When foods are processed or cooked, very little of vitamin K contained in foods is lost. Great sources of this vitamin include dark leafy greens, oils from green plants, and some dairy products

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the manufacturing of collagen and tissue repair. It is needed for metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, folic acid, iron. Vitamin C is also vital for healthy immune and nervous systems because it strengthens blood vessels, as it is an antioxidant that participates in oxidation-reduction reactions. Also, it is required for utilizing carbohydrates, synthesizing fats and proteins, promotes calcium absorption, aids adrenal gland function and reduces free-radical production. Sources of Vitamin C include Orange juice, lemons, guava, tangerines...

VITAMIN B -- COMPLEX

Vitamin B complex is made up of 8 separate compounds. (Please find a short description of 7)

VITAMIN B1 -- THIAMIN

Thiamin is vital to normal functioning of the nervous system and as a co-enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism. Sources include Baked Potato, Beef kidney/liver, Brewers yeast, vegemite, lean pork, legumes, wholemeal bread and white bread.

VITAMIN B2 -- RIBOFLAVEN

Essential to energy generation, nerve development and keeps healthy mucous membranes linings. It is also necessary for protein metabolism, as well as tissue repair and healthy skin. Good sources range from beef liver, dairy products, breakfast cereals, vegemite, offal, chicken, lean meat and almonds.

VITAMIN B3 -- NIACIN

Niacin creates enzymes that are essential to metabolic cell activity and it is required for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It decreases cholesterol and triglycerides in blood. Sources ~ Beef liver, Brewer's yeast

VITAMIN B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)

Vitamin B5 is a coenzyme involved in energy metabolism. It may have properties to relieve stress and fatigue. Good sources include avocados, bananas, and blue cheese.

VITAMIN B6 -- PYRIDOXINE

Vitamin B6 performs as a coenzyme to carry out metabolic processes that affect the body's use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. It promotes healthy cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Also, supports healthy skin, hair, and normal red-blood-cell formation.. Sources ~ Avocados, Bananas, Beef liver, Chicken, Fortified cereals, Ground beef, Ham, Hazelnuts (filberts), Lentils, Potatoes, Salmon, Shrimp, Soybeans, Sunflower seeds, Tuna and Wheat germ

VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin performs as a coenzyme for the creation of DNA material. It also promotes growth and cell development and is important to fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. Sources include Dairy products, Eggs, Flounder, and all animal products

FOLATE (FOLIC ACID)

Folate serves as a coenzyme during the creation of DNA. This vitamin is also very important to the growth and reproduction of all body cells, including red blood cells. Folate can promote a healthy pregnancy. Sources include liver and dark green leafy vegetables, nuts citrus fruits, and avocado.