Vitamins and their Importance in Health and Disease
The word ‘Vitamin’ meaning a vital amine was proposed by
a Polish Researcher, Dr. Cacimir Funk, in 1911 to
designate a new food substance which cured beri-beri.
Other terms were proposed as new factors were
discovered. But the word vitamin, with the final ‘e’
dropped, met with popular favour.
Vitamins are potent organic compounds which are found
in small concentrations in foods. They perform specific
and vital functions in the body chemistry. They are like
electric sparks which help to run human motors. Except
for a few exceptions, they cannot be manufactured or
synthesized by the organism and their absence or
improper absorption results in specific deficiency
disease. It is not possible to sustain life without all
the essential vitamins. In their natural state they are
found in minute quantities in organic foods. WE must
obtain them from
these foods or in dietary supplements.
Vitamins, which are of several kinds, differ from each
other in physiological function, in chemical structure
and in their distribution in food. They are broadly
divided into two categories, namely, fat-soluble and
water-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are all soluble in
fat and fat solvents and are therefore, known as
fat-soluble. They are not easily lost by ordinary
cooking methods and they can be stored in the body to
some extent, mostly in the liver. They are measured in
international units. Vitamin B Complex and C are water
soluble. They are dissolved easily in cooking water. A
portion of these vitamins may actually be destroyed by
heating.
They cannot be stored in body and hence they have to be
taken daily in foods. Any extra quantity taken in any
one day is eliminated as waste. Their values are given
in milligrams and micrograms, whichever is appropriate.
Vitamins, used therapeutically, can be of immense help
in fighting disease and speeding recovery. They can be
used in two ways, namely, correcting deficiencies and
treating disease in place of drugs. Latest researches
indicate that many vitamins taken in large doses far
above the actual nutritional needs, can have a
miraculous healing effect in a wide range of common
complaints and illnesses. Vitamin therapy has a distinct
advantage over drug therapy. While
drugs are always toxic and have many undesirable side
effects, vitamins , as a rule are non-toxic and safe.
The various functions of common vitamins, their
deficiency symptoms, natural sources, daily requirements
and their therapeutic uses are discussed in brief as
follows:
Vitamin A
Known as anti-ophthalmic, vitamin A is essential for
growth and vitality. It builds up resistance to
respiratory and other infections and works mainly on the
eyes, lungs, stomach and intestines. It prevents eye
diseases and plays a vital role in nourishing the skin
and hair. It helps to prevent premature ageing and
senility, increases life expectancy and extends
youthfulness. The main sources of this vitamin are fish
liver oil, liver, whole milk, curds, pure ghee, butter,
cheese, cream and egg yolk, green leafy and certain
yellow root vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, turnip,
beets, carrot, cabbage and tomato and ripe fruits such
as prunes, mangoes, papaya, apricots, peaches, almonds
and other dry fruits. A prolonged deficiency of vitamin
A may result in inflammation of the eyes, poor vision
frequent colds, night blindness and increased
susceptibility to infections, lack of appetite and
vigour, defective teeth and gums and skin disorders.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 5,000
international units for adults and 2,600 to 4,000
international units for children. When taken in large
therapeutic doses, which are usually 25,000 to 50,000
units a day, it is highly beneficial in the treatment of
head and chest colds, sinus trouble, influenza and other
infectious diseases. It is also valuable in curing night
blindness and other eye diseases as well as many
stubborn skin disorders. This vitamin can be
given upto 1,00,000 units a day for a limited period of
four weeks under doctor’s supervision. In a recent
year-long study, huge doses of vitamin A given twice a
year reduced death by about 30 per cent among Indonesian
children. This has raised the hope in the fight against
a significant cause of childhood mortality in developing
countries.
B COMPLEX VITAMINS
There are a large variety of vitamins in the B group,
the more important being B1 or thiamine, B2 or
riboflavin, B3 or niacin or nicotinic acid, B6 or
pyridoxine, B9 or folic acid, B12 and B5 or pantothenic
acid. B vitamins are synergistic. They are more potent
together than when used separately.
THIAMINE
Known as anti-beberi, anti-neurotic and anti-ageing
vitamin, thiamine plays an important role in the normal
functioning of the nervous system, the regulation of
carbohydrates and good digestion. It protects heart
muscle, stimulates brain action and helps prevent
constipation. It has a mild diuretic effect. Valuable
sources of this vitamin are wheat germ, yeast, the outer
layer of whole grains, cereals, pulses, nuts, peas,
legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, egg, banana
and apple. The deficiency of thiamine can cause serious
impairment of the digestive system and chronic
constipation, loss of weight, diabetes, mental
depression, nervous exhaustion and weakness of the
heart.
The recommended daily allowance for this vitamin is
about two milligrams for adults and 1.2 mg for children.
The need for this vitamin increases during illness,
stress and surgery as well as during pregnancy and
lactation. When taken in a large quantity, say up to 50
mg. it is beneficial in the treatment of digestive
disorders, neuritis and other nervous troubles as well
as mental depression. For best results, all other
vitamins of B group should be administered
simultaneously. Prolonged ingestion of large doses of
any one of the isolated B complex vitamins may result in
high urinary losses of other B-vitamins and lead to
deficiencies of these vitamins.
RIBOFLAVIN
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin, also known as vitamin G, is
essential for growth and general health as also for
healthy eyes, skin, nails and hair. It helps eliminate
sore mouth, lips and tongue. It also functions with
other substances to metabolise carbohydrates, fats, and
protein. The main sources of this vitamin are green
leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, wheat germ, egg,
almonds, sunflower, seeds, citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Its deficiency can cause a burning sensation in the
legs, lips and tongue, oily skin, premature wrinkles on
face and arm and eczema.
The recommended daily allowance for this vitamin is 1.6
to 2.6 mg. for adults and 0.6 to one mg for children.
Its use in larger quantities, say from 25 to 50 mg. is
beneficial in the treatment of nutritional cataracts and
other eye ailments, digestive disturbances, nervous
depression, general debility, and certain types of high
blood pressure.
NIACIN
Vitamin B3 or niacin or nicotinic acid is essential for
proper circulation, healthy functioning of the nervous
system and proper protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
It is essential for synthesis of sex hormones,
cortisone, thyroxin and insulin. It is contained in
liver, fish, poultry, peanut, whole wheat, green leafy
vegetables, dates, figs, prunes and tomato. A deficiency
can lead to skin eruptions, frequent stools, mental
depression, insomnia, chronic headaches, digestives
disorders and anemia.
The recommended daily allowance is 12 to 20 mg. for
adults and 4.8 to 12 mg. for children.
Large doses of this vitamin say up to 100 mg. with each
meal, preferably together with other B group vitamins,
affords relief in case of migraine and high blood
pressure caused by nervousness, high cholesterol and
arteriosclerosis.
PYRIDOXINE
Vitamin B 6 or pyridoxine is actually a group of
substance - pyridoxine, pyridoxinal and pyridoxamine -
that are closely related and function together. It helps
in the absorption of fats and proteins, prevents nervous
and skin disorders and protects against degenerative
diseases.
The main sources of this vitamin are yeast, wheat, bran,
wheat germ, pulses, cereals, banana, walnuts, soybeans,
milk, egg, liver, meat and fresh vegetables. Deficiency
can lead to dermatitis, conjunctivitis, anemia,
depression, skin disorders, nervousness, insomnia,
migraine headaches and heart diseases.
The recommended daily requirement is 2.0 mg. for adults
and 0.2 mg. for children. This vitamin used
therapeutically from 100 to 150 mg. daily can relieve
painful joints and the discomforts of pregnancy and
pre-menstrual symptoms. Vitamin B6 is now the most
intensively studied of all vitamins. Researches are on
the threshold of a number of promising developments
involving treatments of various ailments with this
vitamin. They include hyperactivity in children, asthma,
arthritis, kidney stones, blood clots in heart attack
victims and nervous disorders.
FOLIC ACID
Vitamin B9 or folic acid, along with vitamin B12 is
necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It is
essential for the growth and division of all body cells
for healing processes. It aids protein metabolism and
helps prevent premature graying. Valuable sources of
this vitamin are deep green leafy vegetables such as
spinach, lettuce, brewers yeast, mushrooms, nuts,
peanuts and liver. A deficiency can result in certain
types of anemia, serious skin disorders, loss of hair,
impaired circulation, fatigue and mental depression.
The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin is 0.4 mg.
To correct anemia and deficiencies 5 mg or more are
needed daily. Some authorities believe that folic acid
is contraindicated in leukemia and cancer.
PANTOTHENIC ACID
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid helps in cell building,
maintaining normal growth and development of the central
nervous system. It stimulates the adrenal glands and
increases the production of cortisone and other adrenal
hormones. It is essential for conversion of fatty and
sugar to energy. It also helps guard against most
physical and mental stresses and toxins and increases
vitality. The main sources of this vitamin are whole
grain bread and cereals, green vegetables, peas, beans,
peanuts and egg yolk. It can be synthesized in the body
by intestinal bacteria. A deficiency can cause chronic
fatigue, hypoglycemia, graying and loss of hair, mental
depression, stomach disorders , blood and skin
disorders.
The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin has not
been established, but is estimated to be between 30 and
50 mg a day. The usual therapeutic doses are 50 to 200
mg. In some studies, 1,000 mg or more were given daily
for six moths without side effects. It is useful in the
treatment of insomnia, low blood pressure and
hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 or cobolamin, commonly known as "red
vitamin”, is the only vitamin that contains essential
mineral elements. It is essential for proper functioning
of the central nervous system, production and
regeneration of red blood cells and proper utilization
of fat, carbohydrates and protein for body building. It
also improves concentration, memory and balance.
Valuable sources of this vitamin are kidney, liver,
meat, milk, eggs, bananas and peanuts. Its deficiency
can lead
to certain types of anemia , poor appetite and loss of
energy and mental disorders.
The recommended daily allowance of this vitamin is 3
mcg. Taken in large therapeutic doses
from 50 to 100 mcg., it is beneficial in the treatment
of lack of concentration, fatigue, depression, insomnia
and poor memory.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is essential for normal
growth and the maintenance of practically all the body
tissues, especially those of the joints, bones, teeth,
and gums. It protects one against infections and acts as
a harmless antibiotic. It promotes healing and serves as
protection against all forms of stress and harmful
effects of toxic chemicals. It helps prevent and cure
the common cold. It also helps in decreasing blood
cholesterol. This vitamin is found in citrus fruits,
berries, green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes,
sprouted Bengal and green grams. A deficiency can cause
scurvy marked by weakness, anemia, bleeding gums and
painful and swollen parts, slow healing of sores and
wounds, premature ageing and lowered resistance to all
infections.
The recommended daily allowance is 50 to 75 mg. for
adults and 30 to 50 mg. for children. Smokers and older
persons have greater need for vitamin C. It is used
therapeutically in huge doses from 100 to 10,000mg a
day. It prevents and cures colds and infections
effectively, neutralizes various toxins in the system,
speeds healing processes in virtually all cases of ill
health, increases sexual vitality and prevents premature
ageing. According to Dr. Linus Pauling, a world famous
chemist and nutrition expert, “because vitamin C is one
of the least toxic vitamins, it is very safe to use in
high doses.” Your body will take exactly what it needs
and excrete any excess naturally."
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is necessary for proper bone and teeth
formation and for the healthy functioning of the thyroid
gland. It assists in the assimilation of calcium,
phosphorus and other minerals from the digestive tract.
This vitamin is found in the rays of the sun, fish,
milk, eggs, butter and sprouted seeds. A deficiency can
cause gross deformation of bones and severe tooth decay.
The recommended daily allowance of this vitamin for both
adults and children is 400 to 500 international units.
Therapeutically, up to 4,000 to 5,000 units a day for
adult or half of this for children is a safe dose, if
taken for not longer than one month. It is beneficial in
the treatment of muscular fatigue, constipation and
nervousness. It can be toxic if taken in excessive
doses, especially for children. Signs of toxicity are
unusual thirst, sore eyes, itching skin, vomiting,
diarrhea, urinary urgency, abnormal calcium deposits in
blood vessel walls, liver, lungs, kidneys and stomach.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is essential for normal reproductory
functions, fertility and physical vigour. It prevents
unsaturated fatty acids, sex hormones and fat soluble
vitamins from being destroyed in the body by oxygen. It
dilutes blood vessels and improves circulation. It is
essential for the prevention of heart diseases, asthma,
arthritis, and many other conditions. It is available in
wheat or cereals germ, whole grain products, green leafy
vegetables, milk, eggs, all whole, raw or sprouted seeds
and nuts. Its deficiency can lead to sterility in men
and repeated abortions in women, degenerative
developments in the coronary system, strokes and heart
disease.
The official estimated requirement of this vitamin is 15
international units. Expert nutritionists estimate the
actual requirement at 100 to 200 I.U. a day. The
therapeutic doses are from 200 to 2400 I.U. daily. It is
beneficial in the treatment of various forms of
paralysis, diseases of the muscles, arteriosclerosis
heart disease by diluting blood vessels. It prevents
formation of scars in burns and post-operation healing.
It protects against many environmental poisons in air,
water and food. It also has a dramatic effect on the
reproductive organs and prevents miscarriage, increases
male and female fertility and helps to restore male
potency.
VITAMIN K
Vitamin K is necessary for the proper clotting of blood,
prevention of bleeding and normal liver functions. It
aids in reducing excessive menstrual flow. This vitamin
is contained in egg yolk, cow’s milk, yogurt, alfalfa,
green and leafy vegetables, spinach, cauliflower,
cabbage and tomato. Its deficiency can lead to
sufficient bile salts in the intestines, colitis,
lowered vitality and premature ageing.
Vitamins
and their Importance in Health and Disease
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