Archive for the ‘Vitamin’ Category
Vitamin Variations
As you probably know, all vitamins come in several forms. Vitamin D, for example, has D1 through D5 variations, and most of these have at least a couple of different possibilities for their chemical composition. Vitamin D3 is available in three different forms:
Cholecalciferol: Is an inactive form of vitamin D3, similar in structure to testosterone, cholesterol and cortisol.
Calcifediol: This is the form that is measured during a blood test and is the hydroxylated form of cholecalciferol.
Calcitriol: Once calcifediol has been hydroxylated, it turns into calcitrol, which is the most active vitamin D3 hormone
An Overview of Vitamin D
Although our body produces vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, many of us still have deficiencies—especially if you live in mild or temperate climates. There are several variations of vitamin D, but D2 and D3 are the most relevant to humans. Vitamin D3 is also referred as cholecalciferol and is classified as a secosteroid, which is a molecule structurally similar to a steroid.
Vitamin D3 can be broken down into three categories, but calcitriol is the active form. Regulation of metabolism and other essential functions are made possible through vitamin D and a deficiency can affect these processes and heighten the risk of other diseases. If you have a deficiency, you best bet is to begin taking some sort of vitamin D3 supplement.
How to Fortify Your Body’s Natural Defenses
With flu season reaching its annual apex and concern about the H1N1 virus running rampant across the country, there’s never been a better time to focus on healthy living. Of course that means eating a healthy, balanced diet and sticking to a rigorous exercise routine, but there are other techniques you can use to strengthen immune system as well. In his 2007 book “Maximum Healing,” H. Robert Silverstein shares a few helpful pointers.
It’s a well-known fact that vitamin C helps bolster the body’s natural defenses, so it’s never a bad idea to take a few Nature Made time-release vitamin C supplement tablets. Maintaining clean hands is also of the utmost importance. Even if you wash your hands frequently all year round, it’s best to do so even more often during flu season. Refrain from sharing food or drinks if the other person is demonstrating flu-like symptoms.
Are You Getting Your Vitamins?
When you’re on the go all the time it’s hard to eat a balanced diet. Unfortunately, this is the case for most busy men and women. When you are too busy to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. An on-the-go meal plan is likely lacking some of the following important nutrients:
Folate: This acid is essential for new cell development. This acid can be obtained by eating leafy greens, legumes or liver. If you don’t eat those foods often you’ll need to take a daily supplement.
Vitamin D: This vitamin fortifies the bones and aids in maintenance of the brain, pancreas, skin, muscles, reproductive organs and immune system. People who spend a lot of time in the sun may be getting the vitamin naturally, but others holed up in offices all day may needed a supplement.
Chromium: Blood sugar is balanced by this nutrient. Those lacking chromium in their diets may feel unenergetic and sluggish.
Most daily vitamin and mineral supplements will carry folate, vitamin D and chromium.
Help Your Body Digest Calcium Properly
Most of us grew up with a fundamental understanding that calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones. People can get their daily allotment of calcium from a variety of different sources, including milk and enriched foods. The fact that vitamin D3 is essential in helping the body use that calcium effectively. Calcium is in such high demand inside the body that occasionally it will be pulled from the bones and into the bloodstream to be sent to vital organs.
In order to absorb and digest calcium properly, the body utilizes vitamin D3, also known as choleocalciferol. Of course we know that much of the vitamin D we need is absorbed through the skin when we come in contact with sunlight. Unfortunately, people in northern climates don’t always get enough vitamin D. With the help of a vitamin D supplement, these people can maintain strong, healthy bones.
Boost Your Bone Density
As our bodies age, bone density tends to decrease. You might have heard or read about the dangers associated with osteoporosis – a disease of the bone that greatly increases the risk of fracture. Young people might view a slip-and-fall situation as a cause for minor embarrassment, but for senior citizens the matter should be taken much more seriously. Something as simple as a broken hip can lead to major medical conditions and in some cases even death.
It’s never too late to stop the loss of bone density. A vitamin C supplement is useful in this regard as the human body is unable to create vitamin C on its own. The benefits of vitamin C are not just limited to bone health, however. It also bolsters the immune system against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Now that flu season is hitting its annual apex, it’s best to be prepared.