Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications
Every condition, and also prevention of every condition. In other words, it is important to cover the bases of nutrition needed for everyday maintenance of optimal health.
Nutrient Applications
Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and repair of the body, especially epithelial (i.e. skin and organ linings) and mucus surfaces (i.e. lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc. which harbor the antibodies known as, "secretory IgA," a necessary "first defense" component of the immune system. Vitamin A also prompts secretion of gastric juices necessary for proper digestion of proteins. Vitamin A aids in the manufacturing of healthy red blood cells (RBCs), in the healing process, and is important in proper cellular reproduction. Vitamin A supports the immune system - supplementary treatment of vitamin A is reported to protect cells and enhance antibody formation (B cells) and T cell formation.
B-vitamins help give us the energy to function. They are known as the, "catalytic spark plugs" of the body; they catalyze many biochemical reactions because of their role as coenzymes. They provide energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose, and are vital in the metabolism of fats and proteins. Biotin is an example of a water-soluble B-vitamin.
Vitamin B-12 (also known as hydroxycobalamin) is essential in nervous system function, helps to build healthy red blood cells, increases energy level, stimulates utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is important in DNA and RNA synthesis (the material that makes up our genetic code).
Folic acid complements the actions of B-12 and synergistically boosts its activity, especially in red blood cell formation and homocysteine reduction. Folic acid is important in pregnancy since it is needed for the division of cells in the body. A recently recognized function is preventing neural tube defects in newborns.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which protects all cells, regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E, and guards against the increased production of free radicals (which damage cells). It has a powerful ability to detoxify heavy metals. Vitamin C is a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions, including collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is greatly involved in many aspects of the immune system, such as healing wounds, forming red blood cells (RBCs), fighting bacterial infections, enhancing white blood cell (WBC) production, reducing inflammation and aiding in phagocytosis (digestion of damaged, dead or foreign cells). Suboptimal vitamin C intake can result in impaired digestion, poor circulation, increased infection, and slow wound healing.
Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium. In addition to the fact that vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, is the fact that many people feel we are in a dire vitamin D deficiency state. Risk for deficiency is increased by low light exposure, diabetes, hypertension, and anti-convulsant drug therapy. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that vitamin D deficiency is common, even in those people exceeding the RDA, and also in those without apparent risk factors for D deficiency (NEJM 1998;338:777-783).
Vitamin E is the major lipid antioxidant in the body. It strengthens capillary walls, stabilizes cell membranes, and prevents lipids, proteins (including hormones such as pituitary and adrenal), and other substances from being oxidized. It contributes to the antioxidant protection of phase I in the liver. Its ability to stabilize cell membranes is critical to cell preservation, detoxification function, and glucose control.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and molybdenum are essential for various enzyme reactions, including muscle function, immune/blood clotting factors, detoxification and antioxidant enzymes. Potassium, chromium, vandium, and boron are also important, and zinc is an essential part of the immune system (as is selenium). Copper may or may not be added to a multiple vitamin/mineral formula and solely depends on the needs of each individual.
Beta-carotene works in areas of low oxygen tension, making beta carotene a good antioxidant for the lungs and blood, where tissue oxygen exchange is being conducted. Mixed carotenes include beta carotene, as well as other natural carotenoids.
Amino acids, such as phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, lysine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine and glutamic acid are all vital to the protein structures of essential substances in the body, including hormones, enzymes, blood clotting factors, transport factors, cell receptors, and immune antibody formation. Amino acids are building blocks for body tissue, including muscle and many of the glands, such as adrenals and thyroid.
Iodine nourishes the thyroid gland. Kelp is a sea plant extract, which is high in natural iodine. Multi-vitamins and minerals may or may not contain a source of iodine.
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