Vitamins
Organic compounds which means it contains carbon and are essential for normal growth
required in small quantities in our diet and are present in natural foods
essential for normal metabolism
Vitamin A
fat-soluble vitamin
powerful antioxidant
involved in reducing inflammation through fighting free radical damage
consuming a diet high in antioxidants is a way to naturally slow aging
responsible for building strong bones, maintaining healthy clear skin, facilitating cell differentiation, and supporting immune function
protects eye health, provides immune support, fights inflammation
essential for normal vision, as well as proper bone growth, healthy skin, and protection of the mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts against infection
Sources
eggs, milk, liver, carrots, yellow or orange vegetables such as squash, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables
Symptoms of Deficiency
poor eye health, premature skin damage and respiratory problems.
Vitamin B1
also known as thiamine
a coenzyme used by the body to metabolize food for energy and to maintain proper heart and nerve function
a water-soluble vitamin and is used in nearly every cell in the body
especially important for supporting energy levels and a healthy metabolism
Sources
yeasts, certain whole grains, beans,nuts and meat
Symptoms of Deficiency
burning feet, weakness in extremities, rapid heart rate, swelling, anorexia, nausea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems
can cause weakness,chronic fatigue, heart complications, psychosis, and nerve damage
Vitamin B2
an important vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant within the body
responsible for maintaining healthy blood cells, helping to boost energy levels, facilitating in a healthy metabolism, preventing free radical damage, contributing to growth, protecting skin and eye health, and even more
a water soluble vitamin like all B vitamins
must be obtained through a healthy diet and replenished often, ideally every day, in order to avoid a riboflavin deficiency
Vitamin B2 is needed for the functioning of every single cell within your body, and a riboflavin deficiency or lack of B vitamins in your diet can create a number of serious side effects
used in combination with other B vitamins, which make up the “B Vitamin Complex”. In fact B2 must be present in high enough amounts in the body to allow other B vitamins including B6 and folic acid to properly do their jobs
All B vitamins are used to help digest and extract energy from the foods you eat
Symptoms of Deficiency
nerve damage, mouth or lip sores or cracks, skin inflammation and skin disorders, especially around the nose and face, inflamed mouth and tongue, and changes in mood, such as increased anxiety and signs of depression
Sources
Meat and organ meat, dairy products especially cheeses, eggs, green leafy vegetables, beans and legumes, certain nuts and seeds
Vitamin B3
also known as niacin and niacinamide
an important water-soluble vitamin that has been studied extensively and shows positive results treating a wide range of many commonly occurring health problems
onsidered an important treatment option for helping to reduce dangerously high cholesterol levels, lowers cardiovascular disease risk, can help treat diabetes, maintains skin health, supports proper brain function and helps with joint mobility and to treat arthritis
Sources
Mushrooms, asparagus, peanuts, brown rice, corn, green leafy vegetables, sweet potato, potato, lentil, barley, carrots, almonds, celery, turnips, peaches, chicken meat, tuna, salmon
Symptoms of Deficiency
dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and stomatitis.
Vitamin B5
also known as pantothenic acid
a water-soluble vitamin that is found in all living cells within the body
Important Roles
converting nutrients from food into energy, balancing blood sugar, reducing bad cholesterol, lowering high blood pressure, preventing nerve damage and pain, and preventing heart failure
Like the other B-vitamins, vitamin b5 plays a role in energy metabolism, acting as a coenzyme to energy-producing chemical reactions.
It plays a role in the synthesis of fat, hormones, and carbohydrates that we take in from the foods we eat, turning them into usable energy that the body uses in many ways.
Benefits
improves cardiovascular health, synthesizes cholesterol, metabolizes food into energy, maintains healthy nerve function, improves mental performance, helps control the body’s stress response
Sources
Broccoli, lentils, split peas, avocado, whole wheat, mushrooms, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, eggs, squash, strawberries, liver
Symptoms of Deficiency
fatigue, depression, irritability, insomnia, stomach pains, vomiting, burning feet, upper respiratory infections, muscle cramps