by Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN
There is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease. The nutritional goals include:
* Eat well-balanced meals.
* Consume adequate calories to maintain body weight within a normal range.
* Minimize food and drug interactions.
* If chewing, choking or excessive coughing becomes a problem, provide food consistency easily tolerated.
* Feeding may become difficult and a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals
Eat a variety of foods. Include foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, bran, cereals, rice and pasta. Limit intake of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink eight cups of water per day. Balance exercise and food in order to maintain your weight within a healthy range. Ask your doctor if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications.
Medication and Food Interactions
Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may cause nausea. Let your doctor know if nausea is a problem. There are several ways to control nausea, including:
* Drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice), Clear sodas, sports drinks and plain gelatin.
* Avoid juices with pulp and orange and grapefruit juices.
* Eat and drink slowly.
* Beverages should be consumed between meals, not with the meal.
* Choose bland foods such as saltine crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
* Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
* Foods should be eaten cold or at room temperature.
* After eating keep your head elevated and avoid brushing your teeth.
Some medications for Parkinson's disease may cause thirst or dry mouth. Include 8 or more cups of liquid each day, unless other medical conditions require you to limit your fluid intake. Add sauces to foods to make them moister. Try sour candy or an ice pop to help increase saliva.
Malnutrition may become a problem for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This could be related to depression, nausea, difficulty feeding, problems with swallowing, chewing, coughing and/or a loss of interest in food.
Patients who experience swallowing difficulties should consult a physician. The doctor may recommend a swallow study to determine the food consistency best tolerated. If feeding becomes difficult, a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.
Showing posts with label vitamins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vitamins. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Vitamin B6 levels low in arthritis and Parkinson’s disease
by Newsletter Editor
Vitamin B6 levels are low in the general population and in arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, according to findings from three new studies.
In the first large study of vitamin B6 in the general population, researchers measured blood plasma levels of vitamin B6 in 7,822 males and females at least one year old. Nearly 25 percent of those who did not take supplements had low levels of vitamin B6, as did 11 percent of supplement users. Four groups were more likely than most to have low vitamin B6 levels, including women of childbearing age—especially those taking or who had taken oral contraceptives—male smokers, non-Hispanic African-American men and men and women over age 65. Three in four (75 percent) of women who had taken oral contraceptives and did not take vitamin B6 supplements had very low levels (deficiency) of B6. Investigators noted that the federal government uses the same blood plasma measure to set the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 and that even those who said they consumed more than the RDA had low vitamin B6 levels.
In an arthritis study of women over age 55, including 18 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 33 healthy women, researchers measured blood levels of vitamin B6, folate, fats and signs of inflammation. Participants weighed the food they ate for seven days and described their pain and ability to perform daily tasks. Compared to the healthy women, women with RA had lower levels of vitamin B6, folate and more inflammation. Because the women in both groups consumed the same amounts of nutrients, doctors theorized that those with RA do not absorb vitamin B6 as well as healthy people and may need to take supplements.
In a Parkinson’s disease (PD) study, researchers examined the diets of 5,289 healthy participants over age 55 and followed up for 10 years. Those who consumed at least 231 mcg of vitamin B6 per day were 54 percent less likely to develop PD than were those who consumed less than 185 mcg per day.
Vitamin B6 levels are low in the general population and in arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, according to findings from three new studies.
In the first large study of vitamin B6 in the general population, researchers measured blood plasma levels of vitamin B6 in 7,822 males and females at least one year old. Nearly 25 percent of those who did not take supplements had low levels of vitamin B6, as did 11 percent of supplement users. Four groups were more likely than most to have low vitamin B6 levels, including women of childbearing age—especially those taking or who had taken oral contraceptives—male smokers, non-Hispanic African-American men and men and women over age 65. Three in four (75 percent) of women who had taken oral contraceptives and did not take vitamin B6 supplements had very low levels (deficiency) of B6. Investigators noted that the federal government uses the same blood plasma measure to set the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6 and that even those who said they consumed more than the RDA had low vitamin B6 levels.
In an arthritis study of women over age 55, including 18 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 33 healthy women, researchers measured blood levels of vitamin B6, folate, fats and signs of inflammation. Participants weighed the food they ate for seven days and described their pain and ability to perform daily tasks. Compared to the healthy women, women with RA had lower levels of vitamin B6, folate and more inflammation. Because the women in both groups consumed the same amounts of nutrients, doctors theorized that those with RA do not absorb vitamin B6 as well as healthy people and may need to take supplements.
In a Parkinson’s disease (PD) study, researchers examined the diets of 5,289 healthy participants over age 55 and followed up for 10 years. Those who consumed at least 231 mcg of vitamin B6 per day were 54 percent less likely to develop PD than were those who consumed less than 185 mcg per day.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
An Ibuprofen A Day Could Keep Parkinson's Disease Away
New research shows people who regularly take ibuprofen may reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study released that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010.
The research involved 136,474 people who did not have Parkinson's disease at the beginning of the research. Participants were asked about their use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.After six years, 293 participants had developed Parkinson's disease.
The study found regular users of ibuprofen were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who didn't take ibuprofen.Also, people who took higher amounts of ibuprofen were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who took smaller amounts of thedrug. The results were the same regardless of age, smoking and caffeine intake.
"Ibuprofen was the only NSAID linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's,"said Xiang Gao, MD, with Harvard School of Public Health in Boston."Other NSAIDs and analgesics, including aspirin and acetaminophen, did not appear to have any effect on lowering a person's risk of developing Parkinson's. More research is needed as to how and why ibuprofen appears to reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, which affects up to one million people in the United States."
The study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
The research involved 136,474 people who did not have Parkinson's disease at the beginning of the research. Participants were asked about their use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.After six years, 293 participants had developed Parkinson's disease.
The study found regular users of ibuprofen were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who didn't take ibuprofen.Also, people who took higher amounts of ibuprofen were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people who took smaller amounts of thedrug. The results were the same regardless of age, smoking and caffeine intake.
"Ibuprofen was the only NSAID linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's,"said Xiang Gao, MD, with Harvard School of Public Health in Boston."Other NSAIDs and analgesics, including aspirin and acetaminophen, did not appear to have any effect on lowering a person's risk of developing Parkinson's. More research is needed as to how and why ibuprofen appears to reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, which affects up to one million people in the United States."
The study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Six once-forbidden foods that aren’t so bad for us
Care2 via Sarah Krupp, DivineCaroline
For years, nutrition advice could be summed up something like this: If you like eating or drinking (fill in the blank), it’s bad for you. Health experts blacklisted sugar, butter, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.
The Grim Reaper, it seemed, doubled as tiramisu cake. So we abstained from these forbidden foods or flagellated ourselves while indulging in them. No longer!
Researchers have found that these foods are less sinful than we thought and, in some cases, can actually provide health benefits. Plus, eating real foods in moderation is better for you and the planet than eating processed imitations.
Find out what makes these “bad” foods not so bad after all.
1. Butter is (sometimes) better
We all know that butter isn’t good for us. But, according to the scientists at Harvard Health Publications, a little butter isn’t so bad and is actually better than stick margarines.
Margarine was thought to be heart-healthy because, unlike butter, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fat. But the common process to convert liquid oil into margarine by adding hydrogen atoms creates harmful trans fats that, like butter, increase bad cholesterol in the blood while decreasing the good kind.
The hydrogenation is essential to create the stick margarine, but many of the soft margarines in tubs are now made with fewer or no trans fats and some health experts recommend those over butter. As for the overall fat and calorie content, it’s a tie–neither will do your waistline any favors, so use them sparingly.
2. A good egg
Nutritional experts had long maligned eggs because they are high in cholesterol, but more recent research revealed that saturated fat -- not cholesterol -- poses the greatest risk. Plus, eggs provide protein, iron, and lutein, a nutrient that helps stem age-related eyesight decline. (Spinach and other leafy greens are also good sources of lutein.)
The American Dietetic Association considers eating eggs in moderation a healthy habit and suggests removing some of the egg yolks to reduce fat and cholesterol. For example, in a recipe that calls for two whole eggs, the association recommends substituting with two egg whites and one whole egg.
3. The case for coffee
Forgoing coffee was like a badge of honor in health nut circles, but not any longer. Recent studies have refuted caffeine’s link to heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. In addition, health experts now tell us that filling up our mugs has health benefits.
According to the American Medical Association, regular coffee drinkers are less likely to have type II diabetes, and their caffeine habit may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, liver disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have also seen a reduced risk of dementia among people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day.
4. Sweet sin or simply sugar?
Cane sugar earned a bad rap, sparking a move to replace it with everything from honey to concentrated fruit juice. Studies show that the substitutes are no better than the real deal. Whatever the original source, consuming too many of these sweet simple carbohydrates can cause health problems like obesity, type II diabetes, and tooth decay. Yet, cane sugar can be part of a healthful diet in reasonable quantities.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar to 10 percent of daily calorie intake. And as for the new pariah, high fructose corn syrup, the nutrition gurus say that it’s probably no better or worse than all the rest. Although food marketers are taking advantage of the public’s negative perception of high fructose corn syrup, experts say that consumers shouldn’t be fooled by the new marketing techniques.
In terms of your health, it’s the calories that count.
5. A drink a day
For a long time, science was lockstep with Puritan thinking, shunning all alcohol. But within the last few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that alcohol in small amounts is associated with better health.
Experts believe that having a few drinks a week may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Studies indicate that red wine in particular has positive benefits. Rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, red wine may help prevent clogged arteries.
Be warned, though, while it’s tempting to embrace the more-is-better philosophy, three plus drinks a day will up your risk of liver, mouth, breast, and throat cancer as well as memory loss. Experts recommend one beverage a day for women and two for men.
Not exactly a night on the town, but a glass of syrah with dinner. Not bad!
6. Dispelling the chocolate myth
For ages it seems, parents and health professionals said that chocolate makes us pimply, rots our teeth, and offers no health benefits. Au contraire. Chocolate is chock full of minerals and has some of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that ward off disease, particularly heart disease.
Unlike gummy and caramel candies, chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth causing cavities. And don’t try to blame chocolate for blemishes; researchers have found no correlation between the two. In fact, the antioxidants may improve the appearance of your skin by combating inflammation from free radicals.
Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa -- the higher the cocoa percentage, the more healthy flavanol antioxidants it contains. (Tea, grapes, blueberries, and cranberries are also high in flavanols.) The label should also say non- or lightly alkalized or non-dutch processed.
An even better way to get your flavanol fix is with natural cocoa powder; when converted into chocolate bars, the cocoa beans lose some of their antioxidants. Plus, chocolate is a mood-booster, increasing serotonin in the brain.
Now that you know the truth about these gustatory pleasures, stay calm. Resist the urge to stock up on all the goodies you have been missing. Remember that nutritionists, researchers, and doctors universally agree that moderation is the key. Drink a few cups of coffee, but don’t down the whole pot. Savor a few squares of chocolate, but try not to make eating the whole bar a habit.
And go ahead, order that piece of tiramisu every once in a while. It won’t kill you.
For years, nutrition advice could be summed up something like this: If you like eating or drinking (fill in the blank), it’s bad for you. Health experts blacklisted sugar, butter, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.
The Grim Reaper, it seemed, doubled as tiramisu cake. So we abstained from these forbidden foods or flagellated ourselves while indulging in them. No longer!
Researchers have found that these foods are less sinful than we thought and, in some cases, can actually provide health benefits. Plus, eating real foods in moderation is better for you and the planet than eating processed imitations.
Find out what makes these “bad” foods not so bad after all.
1. Butter is (sometimes) better
We all know that butter isn’t good for us. But, according to the scientists at Harvard Health Publications, a little butter isn’t so bad and is actually better than stick margarines.
Margarine was thought to be heart-healthy because, unlike butter, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fat. But the common process to convert liquid oil into margarine by adding hydrogen atoms creates harmful trans fats that, like butter, increase bad cholesterol in the blood while decreasing the good kind.
The hydrogenation is essential to create the stick margarine, but many of the soft margarines in tubs are now made with fewer or no trans fats and some health experts recommend those over butter. As for the overall fat and calorie content, it’s a tie–neither will do your waistline any favors, so use them sparingly.
2. A good egg
Nutritional experts had long maligned eggs because they are high in cholesterol, but more recent research revealed that saturated fat -- not cholesterol -- poses the greatest risk. Plus, eggs provide protein, iron, and lutein, a nutrient that helps stem age-related eyesight decline. (Spinach and other leafy greens are also good sources of lutein.)
The American Dietetic Association considers eating eggs in moderation a healthy habit and suggests removing some of the egg yolks to reduce fat and cholesterol. For example, in a recipe that calls for two whole eggs, the association recommends substituting with two egg whites and one whole egg.
3. The case for coffee
Forgoing coffee was like a badge of honor in health nut circles, but not any longer. Recent studies have refuted caffeine’s link to heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. In addition, health experts now tell us that filling up our mugs has health benefits.
According to the American Medical Association, regular coffee drinkers are less likely to have type II diabetes, and their caffeine habit may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, liver disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have also seen a reduced risk of dementia among people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day.
4. Sweet sin or simply sugar?
Cane sugar earned a bad rap, sparking a move to replace it with everything from honey to concentrated fruit juice. Studies show that the substitutes are no better than the real deal. Whatever the original source, consuming too many of these sweet simple carbohydrates can cause health problems like obesity, type II diabetes, and tooth decay. Yet, cane sugar can be part of a healthful diet in reasonable quantities.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar to 10 percent of daily calorie intake. And as for the new pariah, high fructose corn syrup, the nutrition gurus say that it’s probably no better or worse than all the rest. Although food marketers are taking advantage of the public’s negative perception of high fructose corn syrup, experts say that consumers shouldn’t be fooled by the new marketing techniques.
In terms of your health, it’s the calories that count.
5. A drink a day
For a long time, science was lockstep with Puritan thinking, shunning all alcohol. But within the last few years, there has been a growing body of evidence that alcohol in small amounts is associated with better health.
Experts believe that having a few drinks a week may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Studies indicate that red wine in particular has positive benefits. Rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, red wine may help prevent clogged arteries.
Be warned, though, while it’s tempting to embrace the more-is-better philosophy, three plus drinks a day will up your risk of liver, mouth, breast, and throat cancer as well as memory loss. Experts recommend one beverage a day for women and two for men.
Not exactly a night on the town, but a glass of syrah with dinner. Not bad!
6. Dispelling the chocolate myth
For ages it seems, parents and health professionals said that chocolate makes us pimply, rots our teeth, and offers no health benefits. Au contraire. Chocolate is chock full of minerals and has some of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that ward off disease, particularly heart disease.
Unlike gummy and caramel candies, chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth causing cavities. And don’t try to blame chocolate for blemishes; researchers have found no correlation between the two. In fact, the antioxidants may improve the appearance of your skin by combating inflammation from free radicals.
Look for dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa -- the higher the cocoa percentage, the more healthy flavanol antioxidants it contains. (Tea, grapes, blueberries, and cranberries are also high in flavanols.) The label should also say non- or lightly alkalized or non-dutch processed.
An even better way to get your flavanol fix is with natural cocoa powder; when converted into chocolate bars, the cocoa beans lose some of their antioxidants. Plus, chocolate is a mood-booster, increasing serotonin in the brain.
Now that you know the truth about these gustatory pleasures, stay calm. Resist the urge to stock up on all the goodies you have been missing. Remember that nutritionists, researchers, and doctors universally agree that moderation is the key. Drink a few cups of coffee, but don’t down the whole pot. Savor a few squares of chocolate, but try not to make eating the whole bar a habit.
And go ahead, order that piece of tiramisu every once in a while. It won’t kill you.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Nutrition for Parkinson's Disease
Constipation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), thinning bones, and unexplained weight loss are all common in persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Preventing or managing these conditions can be accomplished through proper hydration and nutritional intake.
Proper hydration, which is achieved by drinking plenty of fluids, is important in the prevention of constipation and UTIs. Fluid replacement is important, especially when participating in physical activity. Be sure to drink fluids throughout the day, ideally water. Consuming fruits and vegetables, foods which are naturally high in water content, can also increase daily fluid intake. Side effects of anti-Parkinson medications or anticholinergic agents (i.e., Cogentin, Artane) may include dry mouth, feelings of thirst, thick or sticky saliva, dry eyes, and constipation. It is important to consume adequate fluids; again, preferably water, when taking medications. Aim for 8 glasses per day of water in addition to any other fluids normally consumed within the course of the day (such as juice, milk, or coffee). Remember to include adequate fiber in any healthy diet and be sure to consume adequate water when increasing your fiber intake in order to further prevent risk of constipation.
Persons with PD are also at risk for thinning bones and need to consider adequate nutritional intake to promote strengthening of bones and maintenance of bone density. This intake should include foods containing micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Continue to consume a variety of foods, and incorporate foods high in the aforementioned micronutrients, such as dairy products (i.e., low-fat versions of milk, cheese, and/or yogurt). Vitamin D maintains calcium blood levels in the body within normal limits, and is crucial for adequate absorption of calcium from the blood stream. If adequate calcium is not available, the body begins to break down bone in order to supply the needed nutrient. Often, vitamin D needs are not met by dietary methods alone. Recent research indicates that limited exposure to the sun during the spring, summer, and fall of 5 to 15 minutes per day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) will provide the body with the current recommended amount of vitamin D. Allow some sun exposure to hands, arms, and face for a few minutes each day to total 60 minutes per week. In the absence of any sun exposure, be sure to increase daily intake of vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk and orange juice (products fortified in vitamin D indicate this message on their containers). Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include liver, eggs, and fatty fish (i.e., salmon). Healthy sun exposure and adequate nutritional intake may maximize a person’s vitamin D status to promote good health. In addition to healthy sun exposure and consumption of foods high in vitamin D, persons with PD may want to speak with a primary care physician about taking a supplement.
Unexplained weight loss may also occur and may be considered a nutritional risk factor if weight loss of 10% or more of usual body weight occurs.
Reference: Holick, M. (2005). The Vitamin D Epidemic and its Health Consequences. The Journal of Nutrition; 135:2739S-48S.
Proper hydration, which is achieved by drinking plenty of fluids, is important in the prevention of constipation and UTIs. Fluid replacement is important, especially when participating in physical activity. Be sure to drink fluids throughout the day, ideally water. Consuming fruits and vegetables, foods which are naturally high in water content, can also increase daily fluid intake. Side effects of anti-Parkinson medications or anticholinergic agents (i.e., Cogentin, Artane) may include dry mouth, feelings of thirst, thick or sticky saliva, dry eyes, and constipation. It is important to consume adequate fluids; again, preferably water, when taking medications. Aim for 8 glasses per day of water in addition to any other fluids normally consumed within the course of the day (such as juice, milk, or coffee). Remember to include adequate fiber in any healthy diet and be sure to consume adequate water when increasing your fiber intake in order to further prevent risk of constipation.
Persons with PD are also at risk for thinning bones and need to consider adequate nutritional intake to promote strengthening of bones and maintenance of bone density. This intake should include foods containing micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Continue to consume a variety of foods, and incorporate foods high in the aforementioned micronutrients, such as dairy products (i.e., low-fat versions of milk, cheese, and/or yogurt). Vitamin D maintains calcium blood levels in the body within normal limits, and is crucial for adequate absorption of calcium from the blood stream. If adequate calcium is not available, the body begins to break down bone in order to supply the needed nutrient. Often, vitamin D needs are not met by dietary methods alone. Recent research indicates that limited exposure to the sun during the spring, summer, and fall of 5 to 15 minutes per day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) will provide the body with the current recommended amount of vitamin D. Allow some sun exposure to hands, arms, and face for a few minutes each day to total 60 minutes per week. In the absence of any sun exposure, be sure to increase daily intake of vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk and orange juice (products fortified in vitamin D indicate this message on their containers). Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include liver, eggs, and fatty fish (i.e., salmon). Healthy sun exposure and adequate nutritional intake may maximize a person’s vitamin D status to promote good health. In addition to healthy sun exposure and consumption of foods high in vitamin D, persons with PD may want to speak with a primary care physician about taking a supplement.
Unexplained weight loss may also occur and may be considered a nutritional risk factor if weight loss of 10% or more of usual body weight occurs.
Reference: Holick, M. (2005). The Vitamin D Epidemic and its Health Consequences. The Journal of Nutrition; 135:2739S-48S.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Vitamins - Small Complex Nutrients Found in Food
Major Players in Maintaining Good Health
© Linda Mundorff
Apr 14, 2009
Vitamin Choices, Linda Mundorff
In the body, vitamins play a vital role, from aiding in the production of blood cells, hormones, and energy, to boosting the immune system and preventing disease.
Vitamins are organic or carbon-based compounds that are necessary for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins are categorized as either water-soluble (vitamins B and C,) or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) . Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily while fat-soluble vitamins are stored, and depending on individual needs, daily replacement may not be necessary.
Role of Vitamins
Vitamins have many functions within the body, some vitamins:
* Are required to breakdown foods during digestion
* Are necessary to produce blood cells
* Assist in the formation of hormones
* Participate in energy-producing reactions
* Boost the immune system
Vitamin Preservation
To get the full benefit of vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones, foods should be eaten as close to whole and natural as possible. For example, produce that is eaten close to harvest has the highest vitamin content, than produce that must travel long distances to get to your grocery store. In addition vitamins can be lost due to improper handling or storage, such as being exposed to air, light, heat, and alkalinity (neutralization of acids).
Natural vs. Synthetic
In nature, vitamins come from a variety of foods such as B vitamins which are predominately found in dark green leafy vegetables while Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ. Attempting to memorize the various dietary sources of all vitamins is not necessary as The National Institute of Health has an excellent reference site on the Internet.
Basically, natural vitamins are extracted from foods while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory. Chemically both are exactly the same and generally work the same within the body. But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form.
As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. But there are issues related to synthetic vitamins as well, for example, not all vitamins are created the same. Vitamin production varies greatly, and one of the biggest issues is with chemical substitutes that do not metabolize as well as the original, but are easier and cheaper to produce.
As a consumer it is important to do the research and always read the label to:
* Determine how much active ingredient vs. additives or fillers are in the supplement.
* Determine the source of the dietary ingredient ( rose hips is one source for vitamin C)
* Check for type and amount of additives (gelatin, starch, stabilizers, and dyes)
* Dosage - how many pills are necessary per day to reach recommended requirement.
* Check for known potential allergens as you might be allergic to one of the inert ingredients.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies usually happen over time and are almost always related to poor dietary intake:
* Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.
* Starvation diets.
* Meal replacements lacking proper vitamin supplementation.
* Cigarette smoking.
Also important to note is that the symptoms related to deficiencies are not always obvious, and sometimes are misdiagnosed. The most common disorders related to deficiencies are:
* Scurvy > Vitamin C deficiency
* Beriberi > Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
* Rickets > Vitamin D deficiency
* Pellagra > Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency
Lastly, when dietary intake of fat soluble vitamins is adequate and symptoms of deficiencies are evident, one of two conditions might be the cause:
* Fat malabsorption syndrome (which blocks fat soluble vitamins from being absorbed) or
* A liver defect (that prevents the production of the proteins needed for vitamin transport).
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Numerous studies have found promising results that certain vitamins might reduce the incidence of:
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's Disease
* Osteoporosis
* Neurological Disorders
* Aging Process
But there have been numerous conflicting studies, as in The Oxford University Clinical Trial Service that found daily doses of vitamins had shown no improvement in heart disease, cancers, and cataracts, among others.
In conclusion, vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and provides many benefits to the overall function of the body.
Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/vitamins_small_complex_nutrients_found_in_food#ixzz0D782UkNC&B
Major Players in Maintaining Good Health
© Linda Mundorff
Apr 14, 2009
Vitamin Choices, Linda Mundorff
In the body, vitamins play a vital role, from aiding in the production of blood cells, hormones, and energy, to boosting the immune system and preventing disease.
Vitamins are organic or carbon-based compounds that are necessary for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue. Vitamins are categorized as either water-soluble (vitamins B and C,) or fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) . Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily while fat-soluble vitamins are stored, and depending on individual needs, daily replacement may not be necessary.
Role of Vitamins
Vitamins have many functions within the body, some vitamins:
* Are required to breakdown foods during digestion
* Are necessary to produce blood cells
* Assist in the formation of hormones
* Participate in energy-producing reactions
* Boost the immune system
Vitamin Preservation
To get the full benefit of vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones, foods should be eaten as close to whole and natural as possible. For example, produce that is eaten close to harvest has the highest vitamin content, than produce that must travel long distances to get to your grocery store. In addition vitamins can be lost due to improper handling or storage, such as being exposed to air, light, heat, and alkalinity (neutralization of acids).
Natural vs. Synthetic
In nature, vitamins come from a variety of foods such as B vitamins which are predominately found in dark green leafy vegetables while Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ. Attempting to memorize the various dietary sources of all vitamins is not necessary as The National Institute of Health has an excellent reference site on the Internet.
Basically, natural vitamins are extracted from foods while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory. Chemically both are exactly the same and generally work the same within the body. But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form.
As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. But there are issues related to synthetic vitamins as well, for example, not all vitamins are created the same. Vitamin production varies greatly, and one of the biggest issues is with chemical substitutes that do not metabolize as well as the original, but are easier and cheaper to produce.
As a consumer it is important to do the research and always read the label to:
* Determine how much active ingredient vs. additives or fillers are in the supplement.
* Determine the source of the dietary ingredient ( rose hips is one source for vitamin C)
* Check for type and amount of additives (gelatin, starch, stabilizers, and dyes)
* Dosage - how many pills are necessary per day to reach recommended requirement.
* Check for known potential allergens as you might be allergic to one of the inert ingredients.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies usually happen over time and are almost always related to poor dietary intake:
* Insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.
* Starvation diets.
* Meal replacements lacking proper vitamin supplementation.
* Cigarette smoking.
Also important to note is that the symptoms related to deficiencies are not always obvious, and sometimes are misdiagnosed. The most common disorders related to deficiencies are:
* Scurvy > Vitamin C deficiency
* Beriberi > Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
* Rickets > Vitamin D deficiency
* Pellagra > Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency
Lastly, when dietary intake of fat soluble vitamins is adequate and symptoms of deficiencies are evident, one of two conditions might be the cause:
* Fat malabsorption syndrome (which blocks fat soluble vitamins from being absorbed) or
* A liver defect (that prevents the production of the proteins needed for vitamin transport).
Vitamins Found to Prevent Disease
Numerous studies have found promising results that certain vitamins might reduce the incidence of:
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's Disease
* Osteoporosis
* Neurological Disorders
* Aging Process
But there have been numerous conflicting studies, as in The Oxford University Clinical Trial Service that found daily doses of vitamins had shown no improvement in heart disease, cancers, and cataracts, among others.
In conclusion, vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and provides many benefits to the overall function of the body.
Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/vitamins_small_complex_nutrients_found_in_food#ixzz0D782UkNC&B
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