Showing posts with label Vitamins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vitamins. Show all posts

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Are Vitamins Dangerous for Kids?

Aug 25, 2010 | By KevinS Photo Caption Vitamins that help kids focus. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Kids can be distracted from paying attention at home or school for a variety of reasons, such as not enough sleep, improper nutritional intake or stress. Having kids focus is important because it will help them get a sense of a daily routine. A number of vitamins may help your kids focus, although scientific evidence to support these claims is not conclusive.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is required for proper development and growth, says Medline Plus. Vitamin C leftovers leave your body through urination, which means you need to continuously consume sources of vitamin C, such as juices and citrus fruits. Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of all tissues in the body and helps form a protein called collagen, used to make ligaments, skin, muscles and scar tissue. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that helps reduce the body's chance of being damaged by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can attack your organs and cause a number of health conditions.

Vitamin B6 helps support and maintain a number of bodily functions, according to Herbal-supplement-guide.com. It has been shown to increase memory retention and is beneficial for maintaining brain health. Folic acid, also a B vitamin, helps aid in the production of red blood cells and helps improve the sense of mental clarity. Vitamin B12 is also essential as it helps form red blood cells as well. If the brain does not receive the proper amount of blood cells, then kids may feel extremely tired or weak.

Ginkgo biloba is a tree spice, and its leaves are the most-studied botanical supplement. In the United States, ginkgo biloba is one of the best-selling herbal medications. It has been used as traditional medicine to help treat circulatory disorders, along with enhancing memory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It also improves blood circulation in the brain and helps improve alertness. Like all herbal supplements, ginkgo may interact with other medications, so talk to a health-care professional before taking any supplement.

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Saturday, November 23, 2013

List of B Vitamins & Benefits for Physical and Mental Health

Feb 02, 2013 | By Diane Tomkin, R.D., C.D.N. Photo Caption Vitamin B complex activates essential chemical reactions in the body. Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Normal metabolism, growth and development require B vitamins, each playing a specific role and working together to perform biological functions. Deficiencies of B vitamins can lead to anemia, fatigue, depression, confusion, poor immune function, abnormal heart rate and poor muscle control. There is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of vitamin B supplements to decrease the risk of chronic disease; however, some studies show a link between B vitamins and a decreased incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

The primary role of thiamine and riboflavin are acting as coenzymes in metabolism by converting food to energy. Thiamine and riboflavin also assist in the regulation of appetite, heart rate, muscle and central nervous system function. Foods rich in thiamine include pork, seafood, enriched whole-grains, potatoes, legumes and seeds. Dairy products, liver and green leafy vegetables are noted for their high content of riboflavin.

Niacin acts primarily as a coenzyme in energy metabolism and in maintaining normal skin, digestion and nervous system function. Large doses of niacin have been used to lower triglycerides, a type of fat in the bloodstream associated with heart disease. Niacin is present in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and enriched grains.

Pyridoxine is essential for protein and carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating sleep, appetite and mood, requires the presence of pyridoxine. Pyridoxine has been used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep disorders with mixed results. Some evidence suggests that low a dietary pyridoxine intake is associated with decreased immunity and increased risk for heart disease. Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts and enriched breads and cereals are plentiful in pyridoxine.

Folate, also termed folic acid, is responsible for protein metabolism and the production of new tissue, DNA and red blood cells. Dietary deficiencies of folate result in anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, mental confusion, numbness and poor immunity and digestive function. Folate needs increase significantly during pregnancy to meet the demands of the developing fetus, and deficiencies can result in birth defects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all enriched grain products must be fortified with folate. Fresh fruits and vegetables, beef liver and beans are excellent sources of folate.

Vitamin B12 is essential for carbohydrate and protein metabolism and the synthesis of red blood cells, DNA and hormones. Proper function of the nervous system and digestive tract requires vitamin B12. A deficiency of this vitamin can result from poor dietary intake and intestinal absorption, resulting in anemia with symptoms similar to that of folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in animal products but can be obtained from plant foods and in fortified grains and cereals.

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