Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is the great healing vitamin of the body. It has many functions and is very important, especially when the body is under some stress, such as during a prolonged illness or when fighting a severe infection. It is needed for the cells that produce the collagen substances that hold the tissues together. It is particularly important in maintaining the walls of the smaller blood vessels. It also aids in the absorption of iron from the digestive tract.

Grain of wheat, greatly magnified to show the various layers where vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and wheat germ are found. Some of these are lost in the milling process as it is often carried out today. Whole-wheat flour is best because it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

When vitamin C is lacking in the diet, hemorrhages appear on the gums and around The teeth. The bones become painful and tender, and there may be pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. The teeth may loosen and fall out. This is the serious disease known as scurvy.

At one time it was a very widespread disease. Today it is less common except in milder forms. Elderly people living in institutions where the food is poor and unappetizing are very prone to develop the disease. It may also be found in remote fishing villages and in certain rural areas. Old people living alone may have the disease in a mild form. Scurvy is sometimes seen in pregnant women and nursing mothers who are on a restricted diet. Food faddists may develop scurvy because of their extreme views.

Vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat. It does not withstand prolonged cooking. Soda, when used in cooking, destroys this vitamin. It is readily excreted through the urine. Hence one must have a new supply each day for optimum health. Young babies who are being fed on artificial formulas should be given fresh orange juice each day. This will provide a natural source of vitamin C.

Best sources of vitamin C are oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tomatoes, avocados, cantaloupe, and most other fresh fruits in season. Leafy vegetables and potatoes also contain appreciable amounts of vitamin C, some of which is probably lost in the process of cooking. Modern commercial methods of refrigeration do not destroy this vitamin, but it is probably safer to use fresh fruits and vegetables when they are available.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed for the development of strong, healthy bones. Its chief function is to maintain the right concentration of calcium and phosphorus within the body. This is particularly important in babies and young children when the bones are growing rapidly.

A deficiency of vitamin D is the cause of the disease known as rickets. This is a bone deformity due to the lack of lime salts in the growing cartilage and newly formed bone. It was an exceedingly common disease at one time. But the widespread use of irradiated milk fortified with vitamin D has greatly lowered the incidence of the disease. Today it is more common in breast-fed than in artificially fed infants.

Rickets has a serious effect upon the growing child. The bones become soft and easily bent. Under the constant pull of the muscles, the bones lose their shape and cannot function properly. In young infants there may be a marked softening of the bones of the skull. The head may be somewhat flattened on the side on which the child habitually lies. The chest may be deformed.

Premature infants are very prone to have rickets unless they are given adequate amounts of vitamin D. Darker-skinned children are also susceptible to rickets, especially when they live in a temperate climate. Rickets occurs more frequently during the winter months, because the rays of the sun are more slanting. Clouds also prevent the ultraviolet light from coming through.

Best sources of vitamin D are egg yolk, cod liver oil, and irradiated vitamin D milk. Infants and growing children need a liberal supply of vitamin D, at least 400 International units a day. Adults need less. The human body produces much of its own vitamin D in the summer. The effect of the sun on the skin results in the formation of large quantities of vitamin D from the oils that are present in the skin. A good summer tan is an excellent insurance of better health during the winter months. Ultraviolet radiation can be used to accomplish the same thing. One should avoid taking too much of the commercially prepared vitamin D because of the danger of overdosage.

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