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| Sunday, 31 July 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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All about vitamins Different types and what they do
A - Essential for good vision, cell growth and the proper functioning of the immune and reproductive systems. An excess may damage the liver, bones and vision and may increase the risk of birth defects. Is present in liver, dairy products, fish oils and carrots. B6 - Aids cardiovascular and nervous systems and helps build protein, hormones and red blood cells. Excess amounts can cause nerve damage. Chicken, liver, fish, milk, bananas and potatoes are sources. Beta-Carotene - Converts to vitamin A inside the body. Is an antioxidant and immune booster. An excess can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Yellow and green leafy vegetables and yellow fruits are the best source. C - An antioxidant which helps produce collagen. Too much can lead to gastro-intestinal effects and diarrhoea. Is present in citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, kidney and liver. E - An antioxidant which protects against free radicals. Vegetable oils, raw nuts, oily fish and green leafy vegetables are good natural sources. We know of vitamins as an essential component of our diet. Scientists all over the world have made many contributions to the discovery of vitamins. The term 'vitamines' was coined by a Polish biochemist who decided they are substances vital to life and similar to amines (nitrogen compounds). Although the chemical connection was never made, the term vitamins was adopted, with the dropping of the 'e' at the end. We learn about vitamins, about their importance to our bodies, and what would happen if we don't get enough. Some of us even take vitamin supplements, fearing that we may not be getting enough from our diets. But researchers around the world now say that there is no proof that multivitamins can actually cure any diseases, or correct an unhealthy and unbalanced diet. If anything, they say, an excess of certain vitamins and minerals in the body can actually increase the chances of contracting disease. They say, the human body can absorb the required amount of nutrients from food, although people with specific health issues such as the elderly, those recovering from illnesses and pregnant women may need supplements. Vitamins are generally classified according to their solubility(ability to dissolve) in fat or water. The fat-soluble vitamins - A, D, E and K - are not passed out of the body through urine and can be harmful to the body if taken in excess quantities. The B (except B12) and C vitamins are water-soluble, therefore they are not stored in the body. The most popular vitamin supplements are said to be vitamins C and E. Some researchers claim that supplements have failed to show any beneficial effects on the body, while some of them have actually aggravated the condition that they are supposed to prevent. They claim that a healthy and balanced diet is all one needs, to maintain a healthy body, as the human body has a good source of vitamins and minerals in the food it consumes. This means, if you take your daily requirement of fruits and vegetables, you won't need to spend extra money on vitamin supplements. |
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