Vitamin B are a group of water-soluble vitamins (his means that they are excreted in the urine and can be quickly depleted from the body) that play important roles in cell metabolism. The B vitamins were once thought to be a single vitamin, referred to as vitamin B (much as people refer to vitamin C or vitamin D). Later research showed that they are chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. In general, supplements containing all eight are referred to as a vitamin B complex. Individual B vitamin supplements are referred to by the specific name of each vitamin.
Vitamin B act as coenzymes, compounds that unite with a protein component called an apoenzyme to form an active enzyme. The enzyme then acts as a catalyst in the chemical reactions that transfer energy from the basic food elements to the body. The B vitamins are a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. Most of the B vitamins have been recognized as coenzymes, and they all appear to be essential in facilitating the metabolic processes that are essential for life. These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which provides us energy, the breakdown of fats and proteins, which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, and healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Since these vitamins affect such important elements of your body, a source that provides them all in a single daily supplement is recommended.
The Vitamin B may be necessary to:
Vitamin B is water-soluble, so it must be replenished every day through the diet or supplements. There are many foods rich in vitamin B. Some natural sources include bananas, potatoes, tempeh, lentils, other whole grains, chili peppers, green vegetables, eggs, dairy products, and meats including turkey, tuna, and liver.
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Vitamin B Function and Sources
Functions of Vitamin A
Vitamin A (or Vitamin A Retinol, retinal, and four carotenoids including beta carotene) is a vitamin that is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite, the light-absorbing molecule retinal, that is absolutely necessary for both low-light (scotopic vision) and color vision. Vitamin A is needed for new cell growth, healthy skin, hair, and tissues, and vision in dim light. Vitamin A also functions in a very different role, as an irreversibly oxidized form of retinol known as retinoic acid, which is an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells.
In foods of animal origin, the major form of vitamin A is an ester, primarily retinyl palmitate, which is converted to the retinol (chemically an alcohol) in the small intestine. The retinol form functions as a storage form of the vitamin, and can be converted to and from its visually active aldehyde form, retinal. The associated acid (retinoic acid), a metabolite that can be irreversibly synthesized from vitamin A, has only partial vitamin A activity, and does not function in the retina for the visual cycle.
Vitamin A can be found in various forms:
Vitamin A is found in dark green and yellow vegetables and yellow fruits, such as broccoli spinach, turnip greens, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and apricots, and in animal sources such as liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs.
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Vitamin B-12 for Memory Loss
Many people ignore small occurrences of memory loss as a symptom of old age, but this assumption is not completely accurate. Few realize that increased levels of vitamin B12 can actually lead to improved memory, and are unaware that the application of the vitamin B12 patch can help in treating memory loss.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important water-soluble vitamin. In contrast to other water-soluble vitamins it is not excreted quickly in the urine, but rather accumulates and is stored in the liver, kidney and other body tissues. As a result, a vitamin B12 deficiency may not manifest itself until after 5 or 6 years of a diet supplying inadequate amounts. Vitamin B12 functions as a methyl donor and works with folic acid in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells and is vitally important in maintaining the health of the insulation sheath (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve cells.
Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency — most common in older adults and vegetarians — can cause various signs and symptoms, including memory loss. In such cases, vitamin B-12 supplements can help improve memory.
The lack of vitamin B12 affects nerve cells, and causes a reduced production of red blood cells. By supplementing the vitamin B12 in your body with a vitamin B12 patch, your body can continue to produce and insure the health of these cells. This leads to improved memory function and is a great way to treat memory loss.
Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat and poultry. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B-12 as well. If you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin B-12 or other specific nutrients, consult your doctor — especially if you're an older adult or a vegetarian.
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Vitamins for Memory Retention
Memory is the way humans store and recall objects and events they have experienced in the past. However, many individuals may loose their ability to remember things. This unusual forgetfulness is known as memory loss and may be temporary or permanent.
As we grow old, we experience numerous changes to our bodies. Many parts of our bodies will not function as they used to when we were younger. This is because as we age, our bodies age too. One of the parts of our bodies that start to not work properly as we age is our brain. Most of the elderly experience mild to severe memory loss, which varies between short-term and long-term memory. This may be because they lack some of the essential vitamins in their body. Certain vitamins and natural supplements may help promote memory function of the brain.
There are particular vitamins that will enhance our brain function. These can make our brain function correctly simply by taking one vitamin a day. These vitamins help prevent diseases and other conditions that will affect our mentality. These vitamins are the B vitamins. B vitamins are considered to be natural vitamins that are beneficial for our brain function, particularly vitamins B6, B9, and vitamin B12.
The reason behind this is the ability of these particular B vitamins to limit the production of homocysteine in our blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Experts have found that taking these particular vitamins will improve the brain condition of many older people. In one study, over 150 adults that were in their 70’s took these vitamins and a majority of them experienced improved memory. The other adults that took a placebo had lowered improvement rates.
Each vitamin memory product has been proven to be beneficial and effective in its own way. Vitamin B6 is good in improving an individual’s verbal ability as well as improving the speed at which we recall and recognize items, objects, and people. Vitamin B9 is good for preventing memory loss and anemia. This is also taken by many pregnant women so that their children aren’t susceptible to brain abnormalities. Taking these B vitamins will be even more beneficial if you combine them with Vitamin B12 because it can also increase your memory and level of thinking.
The benefits of these vitamins will be obtained if you eat foods that contain these vitamins or take vitamin supplements.
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Vitamins for Memory
Do you have trouble remembering the name of someone you just met? do not put names to the faces of your neighbors that you see in the film? or do not remember the one thing that actually go to the market to buy or forget your new phone number on workplace? then you have problems in your memory.
The only solution to your problem is a good vitamins in your brain. There are vitamins that you need to know what to eat that will improve your memory. The first thing is vitamin B6, is one of the most important vitamins that support and maintain various body functions. Folic acid is another important vitamin, folic acid helps produce red blood cells and can help increase the sense of mental clarity. Choline is an essential nutrient, which is an important neurotransmitter in the brain may prevent memory loss. Gingko Biloba is one of the most popular memory nutrients, ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation in the brain and improve your memory and alertness.
Fifth is a powerful antioxidant, hawthorn clean your brain toxins and strengthens blood vessels and tissues. Facilitates the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Centella asiatica is a plant extract native to Asia and Europe, which increases brain circulation, as well as mental performance.
Bacopin is to use the highest intellectual capacity, concentration and memory and reduce study time. Rosemary is popular in culinary dishes, it can improve brain function and improve memory and concentration. Schisandra improve your memory and sense of well being and your mental awareness.
DMAE is found in high concentrations in fish, and naturally produced by the brain, helping to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential to brain activity and function properly.
This vitamin helps in dealing with mild to moderate memory problems. The use of this center to help you understand how memory works. Vitamin memory can be very useful in stimulating the brain in conjunction with other important nutrients that improve memory. It can also help with other conditions. So, remember all the vitamins that will help you improve your memory in the brain.
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