The word” vitamin” is a relatively new term. The word first appeared in dictionaries in 1912 and was coined to describe the organic substances in food essential for most chemical processes in the body.
From the beginning, humans ate primarily whole foods or so-called “natural” foods, which underwent no processing. The nutrient content of food is decreased when it is processed. Intensive animal rearing, manipulation of crop production, and food processing have altered the qualitative and quantitative balance of nutrients of foods consumed by the Western world. This change is possibly one of the reasons that chronic, debilitating diseases are rampant in our modem culture. Modem research suggests that simply taking a synthetic multi-vitamin/mineral formula does not change this. Research from around the globe asserts that vitamins in their naturally-balanced state are essential for better assimilation, synergistic action, and maximum biological effect. And yet most consumers buy vitamins and minerals that are synthetic, which their bodies usually can’t assimilate properly. The U.S. National Academy of Science, Food and Nutrition Board, recommends that people meet their daily nutritional needs through a varied diet rather than through vitamin and mineral supplementation
A lot of people think vitamins can replace food. They cannot. In fact, vitamins cannot be assimilated without ingesting food. That is why we suggest taking them with a meal. Vitamins help regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bone and tissue.
About Vitamins
- Too much vitamin supplementation causes acidosis.
- Vitamin C is acidic, leaches out calcium, and lowers beneficial cholesterol.
- Do not mega dose anything, especially oil soluble vitamins.
- Supplementation of separated constituents can lead to imbalances in your body’s chemistry.
- Artificial vitamins accumulate in your tissues causing obstructions and toxicity.
Forms of Vitamins Supplements and How they works
Over-the-counter vitamin supplements come in various forms, combinations, and amounts. They are available in tablet, capsule, gel-capsule, powder, sublingual, lozenge, and liquid forms. They can also be administered by injection. In most cases, it is a matter of personal preference as to how you take them; however, due to slight variations in how rapidly the supplements are absorbed and assimilated into the body, we will sometimes recommend one form over another. These recommendations are given throughout this web site.
Vitamin supplements are usually available as isolated vitamins or in combination with other nutrients. It is important to select your vitamins based upon what you really need. A program designed for health maintenance would be different from one designed to overcome a specific disorder. If you find one supplement that meets your needs, remember to make it daily. If it does not contain a large enough quantity of what you want, you may consider taking more than one. Just make sure that you are aware of the increased dosage of the other nutrients it may contain. If there is no single supplement that provides you with what you are looking for, consider taking a combination of different supplements. This book lists each supplement separately, so you will know what each does and the amount needed. But you may find a supplement that contains several needed nutrients in one tablet or capsule.
Because the potency of most vitamins may be decreased by sunlight, make sure that the container holding your vitamins is dark enough to shield its contents properly. Some people may be sensitive to plastic, and may need to purchase vitamins in glass containers. Vitamin supplements should be kept in a cool, dark place. All vitamin supplements work best when taken in combination with food . Unless specified otherwise, oil-soluble vitamins should be taken before meals, and water-soluble ones should be taken after meals.
Certain vitamins are only available through a doctor’s prescription. Prenatal vitamins, for example, are a prescription vitamin that assists women before and during pregnancy. These prescription-only vitamins, and any over-the-counter vitamins, can be obtained online. This is a great choice for anyone looking to start taking vitamins regularly, as it is much easier to go online and have them sent to your door than it is to drive or walk to the local drug store. With just a few clicks, you’ll have access to both prescription and over-the-counter vitamins. And after following the aforementioned instructions, you will be on your way to living a healthier life.
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