Why Vitamins Are Essential For Optimal Health

Yesterday, I published another article on the Internet entitled: Why Vitamins Are Essential For Optimal Health. In this article, I discuss all of the 13 essential vitamins in detail. I give the dietary sources of each of these vitamins and I talk about the risks of toxicity from consuming any given vitamin in excess.

Of particular interest is the video that is included with my latest article entitled: "The Truth About Vitamins and Supplements - Clinical Nutrition." In this video, Dr. Vincent Bellonzi, D.C., C.C.N., gives a 3 minute talk about whether or not to include supplements in your diet.

Although many doctors advise that you should eat a healthy and balanced diet, the truth is that most people just can't consume all of the essential vitamins in enough quantity on a daily basis. As we age, our needs for certain vitamins and minerals increases. We have a whole host of issues to contend with, such as bone loss, heart health, skin aging, eyesight degeneration, memory difficulties, osteoarthritis, among many other health concerns.

During certain times in our lives, it is simply critical to consume a daily vitamin supplement. One example is pregnancy where a daily folic acid supplement has clearly been shown to reduce the risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.

My goal has always been to assist as many women as possible to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. The more informed you are, the more you are able to positively impact the lives of those that you love. I hope that you will find this article to be informative and helpful.

'Healthy. Fit. Living Fully.'

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

13 Essential Vitamins and Profile on Vitamin C

Today, I wanted to talk broadly about the 13 essential vitamins and do a specific profile on Vitamin C, which is the most common vitamin taken in supplement form.

There are 2 types of vitamins, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K, and water-soluble vitamins include the B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12) and Vitamin C. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in the presence of water and are used immediately or excreted from the body. B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the liver for several years. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissue and are absorbed through the small intestine.

Vitamin C, known as "ascorbic acid", is an antioxidant that fights free radicals that can lead to cancer, visible signs of aging, heart disease or arthritis over time. It is necessary for the maintenance and repair of cartilage, bones and teeth. Vitamin C promotes healthy gums and aids in the absorption of iron. As an example, vegetarians who have low iron levels are advised by many physicians to take an iron supplement along with a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C is also required for the production of collagen, which is necessary for healing wounds and creating tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

Since the body can neither create nor store Vitamin C, it must be consumed on a daily basis, either through food sources or in supplement form. Excellent sources of dietary Vitamin C include many fruits and vegetables, including green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes and cantaloupes. Of course, there are many other excellent sources of fruits and vegetables within the entire color spectrum. My favorites are blueberries, raspberries and watermelon.

Vitamin C deficiency shows up typically in the poor condition of your hair, skin, gums and teeth. If your hair is splitting, your skin is dry and flaky or your gums are bleeding, you could be deficient in Vitamin C. If your wounds are slow to heal, your joints are painful and swollen or you bruise easily, this could also indicate Vitamin C deficiency. Try increasing your intake of Vitamin C through natural sources and/or through vitamin supplementation. And of course, always consult a doctor if necessary.

The amounts of Vitamin C that are recommended vary by age for children and teens and by sex for men and women, so read the labels carefully should you decide to supplement.

I will profile other vitamins in upcoming posts. Go to Wikipedia online for a ton of additional and more technical information about Vitamin C.

Be healthy, fit and happy!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International