Vitamin Supplements

At one time vitamin B was thought to be one single substance. Now we know there is a whole family of these vitamins, more than a dozen of them. We refer to them as the B complex vitamins. They are often found together in various foods. But they are all different in their effects upon the human body. Some are needed in the transfer of energy within the cells. Others are required for the formation of red blood cells. But they have other activities as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Understanding Your Digestive System

Knowing how your digestive system works will clear up, right at the start, some of the more common confusions about how, when, and where nutrients operate.

Mouth and OesophagusDigestion begins in the mouth with the grinding of food and admixture of saliva. An enzyme called ptyalin in the saliva already begins to split starches into simple sugars. The food is then forced to the back of the mouth and into the oesophagus, or gullet. Here is where peristalsis begins. This is a kneading “milking” constriction and relaxation of muscles that propels material through the digestive system. To prevent back-flow of materials, and to time the release of proper enzymes — since one enzyme cannot do another enzyme’s work — the digestive tract is equipped with valves at important junctions. Read the rest of this entry »

Iodine [Iodide]

FACTS:

Two-thirds of the body’s iodine is in the thyroid gland.

Since the thyroid gland controls metabolism, and iodine influences the thyroid, an under-supply of this mineral can result in slow mental reaction, weight gain, and lack of energy.

The RDA, as established by the National Research Council, is 80 to 150 mcg. for adults [1 mcg. per kilogram of body weight] and 125 to 150 mcg. for pregnant and lactating women respectively. Read the rest of this entry »

Cobalt

FACTS:

A mineral that is part of vitamin B12.

Usually measured in micrograms [mcg.].

Essential for red blood cells.

Must be obtained from food sources.

No daily allowance has been set for this mineral, and only very small amounts are necessary in the diet [usually no more than 8 mcg.]. Read the rest of this entry »

• Sweats and flushes can occur from too much vitamin K. Niacin should be used cautiously by anyone with severe diabetes, glaucoma, peptic ulcers, or with impaired liver function.
• Do not give niacin to your dog or cat; it causes flushing and sweating and greatly discomforts the animal. Do not supplement a pet’s diet with vitamins A or D unless your vet specifically advises it.
• Excessive amounts of PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid) in certain individuals can have a negative effect on the liver, kidneys, and heart.

• Iron should not be taken by anyone with sickle-cell anaemia, haemochromatosis, or thalassaemia. Read the rest of this entry »