Little Known Facts About Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin A

While most people know that Vitamin A is needed for the body's good health,
they do not realize what happens when the supplement is taken in excess.
Too much Vitamin A can actually cause liver damage, damage to the nervous
system, yellow skin, hair loss, and bone damage. In pregnant women, excess
Vitamin A can cause birth defects to the child.

If you take it in the correct amounts, Vitamin A is not only healthy, but is
also known to be essential to most bodily functions. The best way to get
enough Vitamin A is through the foods you eat. This important vitamin can
be found naturally in eggs, whole milk, liver, and in fruits and vegetables
that are brightly colored.

Vitamin A is absolutely essential because when it is not received by the body
in adequate proportions, it can lead to immunity problems and infections.
Luckily, this is rather uncommon in developed countries, and usually is only
problematic with those who are on strict diets or maintain a high alcohol
intake.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is actually a group of four vitamins, vitamin B-1 also called
thiamine, vitamin B-2 also called riboflavin, vitamin B-6 also called
pyridoxine, and vitamin B-12 also called cobalamin. Together, these four
vitamins make the B vitamin group.

Most individuals in developed countries get plenty of B vitamins; however
vegetarians sometimes have a deficiency due to their being found primarily
in animals. Some medications also affect the way B vitamins are absorbed
into the body and can cause a deficiency. A vitamin B deficiency is usually
characterized by skin rashes, nerve problems, and anemia.

Although a B vitamin overdose is almost unheard of, when it does occur
symptoms include severe burning of any part of the body, itching, or
numbness. As with all supplements, it is best to take vitamin B only as
recommended.

Vitamin C

Ascorbic Acid, which is another name for Vitamin C, is essential for helping
the body absorb iron. When too much Vitamin C is taken, it can cause
diarrhea and stomach pain. This is important to keep in mind when someone
suggests taking a Vitamin C overload to help cure a cold!

Vitamin C is has been commonly associated with the immune system. What
most people do not realize, however, is that there is a whole host of potential
problems that can come from a deficiency of Vitamin C. Lesser known
problems stemming from a lack of Vitamin C include nosebleeds, general
weakness and lassitude, swollen gums, and scurvy.

Vitamin C is found naturally in most fruits and vegetables, and is found in
larger portions in raspberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, and
cabbage. Surprisingly, Vitamin C can also be found in liver. When taken in
the form of supplements, Vitamin C is best consumed in liquid form, as the
pill form is not always absorbed properly by the body.

Vitamin D

There are actually two different forms of vitamin D. There is one form that is
found in vegetables, and another form found in animals. The form of Vitamin
D found in vegetables is called ergocalciferol, while the alternative form is
called cholecalciferol. This is the form that is metabolized by the body
whenever we expose it to sunlight.

Vitamin D is an essential hormone in the body, and deficiencies are usually
found in people who have milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or those who
are strict vegetarians. When not enough Vitamin D is taken into the body, it
can cause rickets and osteomalacia, which are both diseases that affect the
bone structure.

When too much Vitamin D is consumed, however, it can cause an overabsorption
of calcium. This can result in calcification, urinary stones, and
problems with the central nervous system. Problems with the central muscle
system can show up as well. Vitamin D should be taken only as
recommended by your doctor.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in wheat germ, spinach, olives, nuts, seeds, and leafy
greens. Eating foods that are rich in Vitamin E can help to prevent
Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer, as well as helping to guard against
the UV rays of the sun.

Although it is exceptionally rare for people to develop a Vitamin E deficiency,
it’s still important to make sure that the recommended daily dose is taken. A
Vitamin E deficiency has been known to cause severe problems with the
nervous system.

Too much Vitamin E can cause fatigue, weakness, flu-like symptoms,
abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and headaches. These symptoms will
increase in severity if the overdose is continued over a period of time.

Article Written By J. Foley