Articles Archive - Vitamins and Vitamin Supplements
Free Resource for Vitamin-Related Articles On Line - VitaminsLife.netA vitamin which has received a lot of interest lately, for a host of reasons, is vitamin D. Various studies have shown the importance of vitamin D in the prevention of aggressive forms of prostate cancer, colon cancer and even skin cancer. It acts as an insulin stimulator to help deter diabetes. It can help to offset the effects of PMS as a regulator of the hormone, estrogen. It boosts seretonin which has been found to help depression. It is also important to understand the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption. Without vitamin D, calcium does not find its way to the bones. Not only does it aid in calcium absorption but in strengthening the muscles which gives added mobility to the elderly. The significance of this can be seen when we realize that falls are the largest cause of injury related deaths in nursing homes.
For all of these reasons, the importance of getting the proper amount of vitamin D is becoming more and more apparent. This, however, presents a dilemma. The single best way that we receive vitamin D is through sunshine. In recent years, it is becoming clear that Americans are not getting enough vitamin D. This has been due, in part, to the increased use of sunscreens. Sunscreen blocks the absorption of vitamin D in the skin. Does this mean we should stop using sunscreen? No, absolutely not. Some studies suggest that we spend 5-10 minutes, three times a day , in the sun without sunscreen. Other studies suggest that we spend 10-15 minutes, one to two times a day, in the sun without sunscreen. I think it is clear that only small doses of being exposed to the sun, without sunscreen are recommended.
There are some foods, although not many, which provide vitamin D. These would be fatty fish, milk, fortified orange juice and fortified cereals. Mushrooms that are sun grown are also a good source of vitamin D. Green leafy vegetables are not a good source of vitamin D. Because of this, a daily supplement is recommended. Traditionally, 200 I.U.s were the recommended dose but new studies are suggesting anywhere from 600-800 I.U.s as a minimum dose. Up to 2,000 I.U.s a day has not been shown to pose a toxicity risk but there is really no reason to take this much.
Given the known benefits of vitamin D, all of us, especially as we age, should pay as close attention to this vitamin as we do calcium.
Constance Weygandt is a balance mentor who specializes in finding answers for those individuals who are seeking an alternative to conventional weight management. For more information or to sign up for Constance's newsletter, visit her website at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com
Written by: Constance Weygandt
French wild fish stew Fiji Times Like Fijian herbal medicines, some cooking herbs and fruits have hidden vitamins that the ancient civilisations would eat or drink to prevent sickness. So continuing our Sunday journey to explore old civilisations, I wanted to find an old land that has ... |
Vitamin Shoppe Voted #1 Vitamin Store Three Years in a Row by ConsumerLab.com ... Sacramento Bee About Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI)Vitamin Shoppe is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products based in North Bergen, New Jersey. The company sells vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition ... |
Chinese Herb Stimulates Hair Growth and Reverses Gray Hair PR Web (press release) Natures Elements, a vitamin and herbal supplement online provider, is pleased to announce the release of Advanced Shou Wu. This new product is an extension of the well-known and successful He Shou Wu, which has helped thousands of users stimulate hair ... |
 Fox News | 10 uses for plastic pill bottles Fox News However. There's one piece of the plastic puzzle that I've found as-of-yet unavoidable. Pill bottles! My vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications and, on rare occasions, prescriptions. You can't buy vegan vitamin K2 in bulk (yet!) ... |
Introducing Vital Vitamins for Vitiligo from Merry Clinic San Francisco Chronicle (press release) Dr Merry Li, a renowned Chinese herbalist based in San Francisco, brings you her unique blend of Chinese herbs, Viti-Nutrients, which may help to restore skin pigmentation and encourage healthy skin. Vitiligo is caused by the death or malfunction of ... |
Vitamin Shoppe Voted #1 Vitamin Store Three Years in a Row by ConsumerLab.com ... PR Newswire (press release) Vitamin Shoppe is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products based in North Bergen, New Jersey. The company sells vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, ... |
5 Important Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
One of the essential nutrients for your body optimal health is vitamin B-12. It is part of what is called the “B complex” of vitamins and since it contains cobalt, it is also known as cobalamin. Vitamin B-12 is important for the maintenance of...
Avoid Having a Lack Of Vitamins With Female Basic Multiple
Wouldn’t it be absolutely great if there were a supplement out there in the market that specifically caters to a woman’s basic nutritional needs? Well, that’s where the Female Basic Multiple comes in, since it carries all the vitamins and minerals...
Quick Guide to Making Vitamins Work
Can I share a secret with you? Vitamins are more than popping a capsule. Chances are you've bought a bottle of vitamins lately. Have you taken them?
Vitamins are easy to buy and hard to take. At least this has been my experience and
that of...
The Importance of Vitamin B-12 Supplementation in a Vegetarian Diet
It's something we read or hear about all the time: people, in general, do not eat healthy. The average diet contains too much saturated fat and simple carbohydrates, elements that can lead to heart disease, obesity and other serious conditions....
Vitamins to help combat stress
In the busy world that we live in today, stress can be a very real threat to your health. In addition to throttling your brain with negative thoughts, stress can lead to serious physical symptoms that can be a major detriment to your body and...