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VITAMIN AND MINERAL FACTS:
By Rosha Roush
Vitamins are essential to life. They contribute to good health by regulating the metabolism and assisting the biochemical processes that release energy from digested food. They are considered micronutrients because the body needs them in relatively small amounts compared with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water.
Minerals are needed for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function and the regulation of muscle tone, including that of the muscle of the cardiovascular system.
Enzymes are essential chemicals that are the foundation of human bodily functions. They are catalysts (activators) in the chemical reactions that are continually taking place within the body. Coenzymes, vitamins work with enzymes, allowing all the activities that occur within the body to be carried out, as they should. Like vitamins, minerals function as coenzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions, including energy production, growth, and healing. Because all enzyme activity involve minerals, minerals are essential for the utilization of vitamins and other nutrients.
There are two groups of vitamins. Some vitamins are water-soluble which need to be taken daily, as they cannot be stored and are excreted within one to four days. These are Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins. And some vitamins are oil soluble which can be stored for longer periods of time in the body’s fatty tissue and the liver. These are vitamins A, D, E, and K. Both types of vitamins are needed by the body for proper functioning.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made up of mineral salts. Rock and sand are gradually broken down into tiny fragments by erosion. The dust and sand accumulate, forming the basic soil. The soil is teeming with microbes that utilize these tiny crystals of mineral salts, which are passed from the soil to plants. The plants are eaten by herbivorous animals. We obtain these minerals by consuming plants, or herbivorous animals.
There are two groups of minerals. Bulk minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). Bulk minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. These are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals. Trace minerals include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium, and zinc. Minerals are stored in the body’s bone and muscle tissue, and it is possible to develop mineral toxicity if extremely large quantities are consumed.
RDA versus ODA Recommended Daily Allowance. Instituted over forty years ago by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board as a standard for the daily amounts of vitamins needed by a healthy person. These amounts only give us the bare minimum required to ward off deficiency diseases such as rickets, scurvy and night blindness, etc. What they do not account for are the amounts needed to maintain maximum health, rather borderline health.
Scientific studies have shown that larger dosages of vitamins help our bodies work better. Optimum Daily Allowance. The amounts needed for vibrant good health. By consuming larger amounts of vitamins than the RDA’s, we can enhance our health.
Balance and Synergy The proper balance of vitamins and minerals is important to the proper functioning of all vitamins. Scientific research has proved that an excess of an insolated vitamin or mineral can produce the same symptoms as a deficiency of a vitamin or mineral. For example, high doses of B vitamins have been shown to cause depletion of other B vitamins. Zinc taken in excess may cause symptoms of deficiency of Zinc. Taking 100 milligrams of zinc daily enhances the immune function, but as excess of 100 milligrams daily may actually harm the immune system.
Synergy is a phenomenon where two or more vitamins are combined to create a stronger vitamin function. For example, in order for bioflavoniods to work properly, they must be taken with vitamin C.
In addition, certain substances can block the absorption and effects of vitamins. The absorption of vitamin C is greatly reduces by antibiotic drugs, so a person on antibiotics requires a higher than normal intake of this vitamin.
As for minerals such as selenium, it needs vitamin E to be absorbable. Amino acid lysine if needed for calcium absorption. Once a mineral is absorbed, it must be carried by the blood to the cells and then transported across the cell membranes in a form that can be utilized by the cells. After minerals enter the body, they compete with one another for absorption. For example, too much zinc can deplete the body of copper; excessive calcium intake can affect magnesium absorption. Mineral supplements should always be taken in balanced amounts. Otherwise, they will not be effective and may even be harmful. The absorption of minerals can also be affected by the use of fiber supplements. Fiber decreases the body’s absorption of minerals. Therefore should be taken at different times.
Synthetic versus Natural Ideally, all of us would get all of the nutrients we need for optimal health from fresh, healthful food. In reality, this is difficult, if not impossible. In our chemically polluted and stress-filled world. Our nutritional requirements have been increasing, but the number of calories we require has been decreasing, as our general level of physical activity has declined. At the same time, due to cooking and processing of foods, which destroy most of the nutrients, getting even the RDA’s of vitamins from our diet is hard.
Synthetic vitamins are produced in laboratories from isolated chemicals that mirror their counterparts found in nature. Natural vitamins are derived from food sources. Synthetic supplements contain the isolated vitamins only, while natural supplements contain other nutrients. This is because these vitamins are in their natural state. If you are deficient in a particular nutrient, the chemical source will work, but you will not get the benefits of the vitamins as you would in their natural state.
Herbs and Herbal Supplements Herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. Pharmaceutical industry was originally based upon the ability to isolate these ingredients, and make them available in a purer form. Herbalist, however, contend that nature provides other ingredients in the same herbs to balance the more powerful ingredients. These other components, though less potent, may also act as buffers, synergists, or counterbalances working in harmony with the powerful ingredients. Therefore, by using herbs in their complete form, the body’s healing process utilizes a balance of ingredients provided by nature.
Herbs do perform many healing functions in the body, but they must be used appropriately, not indiscriminately. Although herbal remedies are less likely than most conventional medicines to cause side effects, herbs nevertheless can be very potent. Not all plant life is beneficial. There are poisonous plants, and some of them can be deadly, especially if used for long periods of time. Qualified herbalist use herbs with great care. And since herbs contain active ingredients, you should be aware that some of these elements may interact negatively with prescribed medications. Therefore, it is wise to consult a health professional when there are any questions.
Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only, and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. I am not claming that the product will cure any of these diseases or that I created them to cure these disorders. I am merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions. Always consult with a qualified health practitioner before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for serious or life threatening illnesses. |