Vitamins and Minerals Supplements

Vitamins and Minerals that are Essential for the Human Body

Vitamin A – is also called retinol. It is needed for good eye vision at night and for maintaining healthy teeth and skin. There are 2 types, the Preformed Vitamin A which comes from animal products and the Pro-Vitamin A which comes from vegetables. Speaking about natural products for your body, you can find herbal supplements that are high quality. More information about Herbal Supplements.

Vitamin B Complex – are group of 8 B vitamins namely B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. They are all water soluble. They work together for cell metabolism. Benefits are boost energy level, activate the immune system and will make you happy! Food sources are meat, chicken, fish, dairy, grains, nuts, beans and vegetables.

Vitamin B6 – is also know as pyridoxal phosphate. It is soluble in water. It is needed in lots of enzyme reactions including the metabolism and breakdown of protein. It is available in most food sources, but some of the best sources are wheat and rice bran, pistachios, raw garlic, turkey and beef livers .

Vitamin B12 – a vitamin needed to create myeline, DNA and necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin C – needed for collagen synthesis and it’s antioxidant activities helps clean the hearts arteries.

Vitamin D Supplements – comes in few types, the important one’s are cholecalciferol – D3 and ergocalciferol – D2. They are fat soluble and very important for phosphate and calcium absorption. It is also important for the brain and nerve functions. Best source is exposure to sunlight. Best food sources are fatty fish like mackarel, salmon, herring, sardines, egg yolks and supplements like cold liver oils.

Vitamin E – is an important and needed antioxidant. 2 most used forms are Gamma-tocopherol and Alpha-tocopherol. They are fat soluble. It protects tissues from free radical. It keeps oxidation happening from polyunsaturated fatty acids and guard the lipids. Best food sources are vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and wheat germ.

Vitamin K – works with vitamin D and calcium to build strong bones. Helps in preventing osteoporosis and lowers cancer risk. Food sources are broccoli, natto, spinach and kale.

Biotin – also called vitamin H or B7 is a water soluble vitamin. Plays an important role in amino acid and fats metabolism. Best food sources are swiss chard, chicken eggs, carrots, liver, milk and soybeans.

Calcium – is basically needed to have strong bones and teeth. It is also essential for neurotransmission.

Folic Acid – is vitamin B9 and also known as folate. It is water soluble. Folic acid together with vitamin B12 are needed to produce red blood cells, and along with other vitamin B’s, specially B12 have important roles for maintaining the nervous system and DNA synthesis. Best food sources are lentils, okra, cooked asparagus and spinach.

Niacin – is vitamin B3 and also called nicotinic acid. It is water soluble. While it reduces the “LDL” bad cholesterol and triglycerides, It also increase “HDL” the good cholesterol. Excellent food sources are chicken, fish like tuna and anchovies, turkey, yeast extract, rice and wheat bran.

Disclaimer:

The information written here is not meant as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to following what is written on the article or taking herbal supplements of any kind.