Vitamin |
Other Names |
|
A |
Carotene, retinol |
Needed to protect the linings of the lungs, stomach,
intestines, urinary tract and other organs. Deficiency produces night blindness. |
|
Beta-carotene |
Vegetable substance that the body can convert to Vitamin A.
It has an anti-cancer effect, and is not toxic in any way ... unlike vitamin A. |
B1 |
Thiamine |
Helps to process proteins, fats and carbohydrates |
B2 |
Riboflavin |
Involved in processing amino acids and fats, activating
vitamin B6 and folic acid, and helps convert carbohydrates into ATP, an energy rich
molecule which transports energy from food reactions. |
B3 |
Nicotinic Acid, Niacin |
Helps the body release energy from carbohydrates. Its
needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. The niacin form of vitamin
B3 also regulates cholesterol. |
B5 |
Calcium Pantothenate, Pantothenic acid |
Involved in the Krebs cycle of energy production and
is needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Essential in releasing energy from
fats. Synthesis of cholesterol (needed for vitamin D and hormone synthesis) activates the
adrenal glands. Pantethinea variation of pantothenic acidhas been reported to
lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. |
B6 |
Pyridoxine |
Vitamin B6 involved with many amino acids and is also needed
to make serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine, and several neurotransmitters |
B7 Choline |
|
A member of the B-complex vitamins that emulsifies fats,
including cholesterol. Works with inositol. |
Inositol |
|
Like choline, inositol helps fat metabolism. Involved in the
formation of cell membranes. It affects nerve transmission and helps in transporting fats
within the body. |
B8 Biotin |
Coenzyme R, Vitamin H |
A coenzyme in metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates |
B9 |
Folic Acid, Folacin |
Folic acid is needed for DNA synthesis. DNA allows
cellsincluding cells in the foetus when a woman is pregnantto replicate
normally. |
B10 PABA |
Para-aminobenzoic acid |
Helps to form folic acid and in the utilization of protein. |
B12 |
Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin |
Vitamin B12 is needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA
replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance called SAM (S-adenosyl
methionine). Vitamin B12 works with folic acid to control homocysteine levels. Excessive
homocysteine, which is an amino acid (protein building block), increases the risk of heart
disease and perhaps osteoporosis. |
B13 |
Orotic Acid |
Metabolizes folic acid and vitamin B12 |
B15 |
Pangamic Acid |
An antioxidant with similar effects to vitamin E. |
B17 |
Laetrile |
Made from apricot stones (or pits), this vitamin is the one
that is not present in Brewer's yeast. |
C |
Ascorbic Acid |
Also water-soluble, vitamin C is the opposite of vitamin B12
in that it is found in almost all plant foods but not in meat. It is a powerful
antioxidant and is required for the formation of collagen; i.e., in wound healing. |
P |
C-complex, citrus bioflavonoid, rutin, hesperidin |
Works with vitamin C. Also increases capillary strength. |
D |
Calciforol |
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, and cholecalciferol is the major
active substance. Its main function is to stimulate the absorption of calcium. |
E |
Tocopherol |
An antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other
fat-soluble parts of the body. |
K |
Menadione |
Menadione is involved in the processes of coagulation. |