FoOdS In ViTaMiN C(AsCoRbIc AcId)

Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Ascorbic (a-SKOR-bik) acid, also known as vitamin C, is necessary for wound healing. It is needed for many functions in the body, including helping the body use carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Vitamin C also strengthens blood vessel walls.

Lack of vitamin C can lead to a condition called scurvy, which causes muscle weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and bleeding under the skin, as well as tiredness and depression. Wounds also do not heal easily. Your health care professional may treat scurvy by prescribing vitamin C for you.

Some conditions may increase your need for vitamin C. These include:

• AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

• Alcoholism

• Burns

• Cancer

• Diarrhea (prolonged)

• Fever (prolonged)

• Infection (prolonged)

• Intestinal diseases

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

• Stomach ulcer

• Stress (continuing)

• Surgical removal of stomach

• Tuberculosis

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Also, the following groups of people may have a deficiency of vitamin C:

• Infants receiving unfortified formulas

• Smokers

• Patients using an artificial kidney (on hemodialysis)

• Patients who undergo surgery

• Individuals who are exposed to long periods of cold temperatures

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Increased need for vitamin C should be determined by your health care professional.

Vitamin C may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care professional.

Claims that vitamin C is effective for preventing senility and the common cold, and for treating asthma, some mental problems, cancer, hardening of the arteries, allergies, eye ulcers, blood clots, gum disease, and pressure sores have not been proven. Although vitamin C is being used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, there is not enough information to show that these uses are effective.

Injectable vitamin C is given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. Other forms of vitamin C are available without a prescription.

Vitamin C is available in the following dosage forms:

Oral

• Extended-release capsules (U.S.)

• Oral solution (U.S.)

• Syrup (U.S.)

• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

• Chewable tablets (U.S. and Canada)

• Effervescent tablets (U.S.)

• Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral

• Injection (U.S.)

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For good health, it is important that you eat a balanced and varied diet. Follow carefully any diet program your health care professional may recommend. For your specific dietary vitamin and/or mineral needs, ask your health care professional for a list of appropriate foods. If you think that you are not getting enough vitamins and/or minerals in your diet, you may choose to take a dietary supplement.

Vitamin C is found in various foods, including citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), green vegetables (peppers, broccoli, cabbage), tomatoes, and potatoes. It is best to eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible since they contain the most vitamins. Food processing may destroy some of the vitamins. For example, exposure to air, drying, salting, or cooking (especially in copper pots), mincing of fresh vegetables, or mashing potatoes may reduce the amount of vitamin C in foods. Freezing does not usually cause loss of vitamin C unless foods are stored for a very long time.

Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide energy. Your body also needs other substances found in food such as protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamins themselves often cannot work without the presence of other foods.

The daily amount of vitamin C needed is defined in several different ways.

FoOdS In PABA(PaRa AmInO BeNzOiC AcId)

PABA is classified as a micronutrient and an antioxidant. The nutrient basically mops up free radicals otherwise known as “loose electrons” that cause cellular damage that is mentioned in the theories of aging. PABA helps the body form erythrocytes (red blood cells). Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

PABA also helps to improve the body’s use of protein, and helps to make folic acid. The nutrient breaks down protein and maintains intestinal flora. The nutrient is best used with vitamin C and the group B vitamins, as well as folic acid.

PABA can be found in such foods as liver, molasses, whole grains, mushrooms and spinach. It is also sometimes made by intestinal bacteria. A diet that includes these things will normally prevent a deficiency.

Benefits of PABA

There are some benefits to taking PABA. The nutrient may reduce fatigue and limit the effects of depression. It may also help in the reduction of the inflammatory effects of Osteoarthritis. PABA could reduce the onset of wrinkles as we age and smooth out the skin. The nutrient may restore the original hair color to some who have gone gray. It is possible that supplementation with PABA may actually correct a deficiency. It also helps with hair growth and improves the pigmentation (color or lack of color) in the skin.

PABA Deficiency

There is a possibility one could experience a deficiency in PABA. Some signs of a deficiency maybe depression, fatigue, irritability, nervousness, and constipation. It could also be indicated by weeping eczema and/or patchy skin.

Research is a bit contradictory at the moment because some reports state that PABA has no known toxicity problems, where as others report some issues. Sunscreens that have a SPF over 8 may reduce the body’s ability to make Vitamin D. Signs of toxicity include skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting. Excessive levels could lead to liver damage.

Many people take paba as part of their nutritional plan, however, we suggest that you take paba as a more comprehensive formula rather than as a stand alone supplement product.

Just because a nutrient is supposed to be good for you, it does not mean it will have an therapeutic benefits if taking alone. Many nutrients need other nutrients to work to their true potential.

FoOdS In ChOlInE

Which foods contain choline?

Choline is a compound that is an essential part of the human diet. Without it, no cell in the human body could function normally; it is involved in the metabolism and transport of fats from the liver. It is usually found in a c hemical called phosphatidylcholine, which makes up about 25 to 35 per cent of lecithin, commonly used as an emulsifier in foods.

It is also present as a natural compound in a number of foods, particularly eggs, fish, legumes (soybeans), grains (wheat), nuts (peanuts), organ meats, lean meat, and vegetables, as well as in human breast milk. Choline supplements are available in lecithin capsules, granules and tablets.

FoOdS In InOsItOl

Inositol

Inositol is a substance found as a primary component in vitamin B-complex and is used by the body's cell membranes. Inositol is a facilitator of nerve transmission and assists in transporting fats within the body. Inositol is chemically different than inositol hexaniacinate, a form of vitamin B3. Suggested Benefits of Inositol While no conclusive data is available to support the suggested health and medicinal benefits of inositol, it has been used in connection with a number of conditions including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Foods containing Inositol Foods containing substantial amounts of inositol include nuts, beans, wheat and wheat bran, cantaloupe, and oranges. Most supplemental inositol is sold in the form of phytate. Dosage and Administration While most people do not need to take supplemental inositol, doctors sometimes suggest 500 mg twice per day in connection with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While no recommended dosages are available, 12 to 18 grams per day appeared to be effective in double-blind trials.