A Study of Vitamins and minerals - Part I

VITAMINS:

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body  tissues,which helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin.  Internally, it helps protect the mucous membranes of the nose,  sinuses, lungs, eyelids, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines (digestive tract),  vagina and uterus, thereby reducing susceptibility to infection. This  protection also aids the mucous membranes in combating the effects of invasive  microorganisms and other harmful particles, including air pollutants. The  soft tissues of the kidneys and bladder are also protected. Vitamin A  also prompts the secretion of gastric juices necessary for proper  digestion of proteins. Other important functions of Vitamin A include  the building of strong bones and teeth, the formation of rich blood,  reproduction, cell membrane stability and development, immunity and the  maintenance of good eyesight. Research shows that beta-carotene helps defend  the body against some types of cancer.

 Vitamin B Complex:

 The eight B Vitamins function in many different ways  to help enzymes carry out thousands of molecular  conversions in the body and are therefore known as coenzymes.  All B vitamins are water-soluble substances that can be cultivated from bacteria,  yeasts, fungi or molds. The known B-Complex Vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2  (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal,  pyridoxmine), B12 (cobalamin), biotin and folic acid (folate, folacin,  pteroylglutamin). The grouping of these compounds, under the term B  complex is based upon their common source distribution, their close  relationship in vegetables and animal tissues and their functional  relationships. The B-Complex Vitamins provide the body with  energy by aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose, which  the body "burns" to produce energy. They are also vital in  the metabolism of fats and protein. In addition, the B Vitamins are necessary for  normal functioning of the nervous system and may be its single  most important factor for maintenance of the nerves. B Vitamins are  essential for maintenance of muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract  and for the health of skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.

Vitamin C Complex:

A primary function of Vitamin C is maintaining  collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of  connective tissue in skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C plays a role in  healing wounds and burns because it facilitates the formation of connective  tissue in the scar. Cells in the arterial walls need collagen to help  them expand and contract with the beats of the heart; it is also needed in  the capillaries, which are more fragile. Another major role of  Vitamin C is as an antioxidant. Vitamin C also aids in forming red blood  cells and preventing hemorrhaging. It has been found that Vitamin C  acts as an antihistamine and may be used to reduce the use of the drug form.

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Vitamin D:

Vitamin D can be acquired either by ingestion or by exposure  to sunlight. The previtamin form is known as the "sunshine" vitamin.  The provitamin form is found in plant and animal tissue. A  unique aspect of Vitamin D is that it functions very much like a hormone and  has been referred to as one, as it targets organs like the kidneys  and intestines. Other target tissues are the brain, pancreas,  skin, bones, reproductive organs and some cancer cells.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is composed of a group of compound  called tocopherols. four forms of tocopherol exists in nature  including alpha, beta, delta, and gamma. Vitamin E is necessary for all  forms of oxygen-consuming life forms. It is also an antioxidant,  which means it opposes oxidation of substances in the body. The B and C  Complex are also protected against oxidation when Vitamin E is present  in the digestive tract. It has the ability to unite with oxygen  and prevent it from being converted into toxic peroxides. This leaves the  red blood cells fully supplied with the pure oxygen that the blood  carries to the heart and other organs. Vitamin E is not only an  antioxidant, it plays an essential role in cellular respiration of all muscles,  especially cardiac and skeletal. Vitamin E makes it possible for these  muscles and their nerves to function with less oxygen, thereby  increasing their endurance and stamina. It also causes dilation of the blood  vessels, permitting a fuller flow of blood to the heart. Vitamin E  is a highly effective anti-thrombin in the bloodstream, inhibiting  coagulation of blood by preventing clots from forming. Vitamin E  stimulates urine excretion, which helps heart patients whose body tissues  contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid (edema). As a diuretic,  Vitamin E helps lower elevated blood pressure. It protects against the  damaging effects of many environmental poisons in the air, water and food,  and it protects the lungs and other tissues from damage by polluted air.
 
Contributed by: asharaj53 @ gmail.com
 
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