Vitamins are essential nutrients which contribute to many bodily functions. Supplements such as Woundvite are helpful for some people, particularly those on restricted calorie diets or with vitamin deficiencies.
Water-soluble vitamin are easily absorbed in the small intestinal tract, while fat soluble vitamins will be broken down by the liver cells and fatty tissue.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, which includes retinoids and provitamin A carotenoids, plays a critical role in vision, immune function and reproduction. It’s fat-soluble, meaning any amount it isn’t used right away is stored in the body, primarily in the liver. A high intake can increase your risk for osteoporosis, hip fractures and some birth defects.
Vitamin A helps to slow age-related macular disease (AMD) and reduce night blindness. It also boosts immunity, which helps the body fight off diseases and infections, including cancer. Taken in excess, vitamin A, particularly retinol can be toxic and cause serious side-effects. Speak to your doctor about the amount of vitamin A that is safe for you. The Recommended Dietary Amount (RDA) of vitamin A for adults is 900 mcg RAE.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that’s essential for growth and well-being. It’s an antioxidant that protects indispensable molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), from the damage caused by free radicals produced during normal metabolism, active immune cells, certain chemotherapy drugs and environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and radiation.
It also helps maintain healthy skin and reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. It also improves iron absorption and prevents scurvy among non-human primates.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health as well as immune function. It can be used to treat or prevent conditions such as rickets, which can lead to soft bones and deformities in children. Other complications can include failure-to-thrive, hypocalcemia and tetanus. People with malabsorption disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease and short bowel syndrome, may be at increased risk of severe vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells. It also helps the body make red blood cells and use vitamin K, and it keeps your immune system strong. It also widens your blood vessels, which can help prevent dangerous blood clots.
In several population studies, people with higher levels vitamin E in their body have a reduced risk of heart disease. A large randomized trial did not show that taking vitamin E supplements would reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in high-risk individuals.
Vitamin E can be found in foods, dietary supplements and foods such as dark leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is often listed as RRR-alpha tocopherol or dl-alpha tocopherol on food and supplement labels.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting and bone metabolism and in regulating blood calcium levels. Deficiency of this vitamin is rare, but in some cases may lead to excessive bleeding. Vitamin K has also been shown to prevent osteoporotic breaks and promote cardiovascular health. It does so by activating Matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits calcification of blood vessels. In a prospective seven-year study, participants who consumed more vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, had lower rates of cardiovascular mortality (CVD).
Vitamin K is found in many green vegetables. Fermented foods and some animal products contain this vitamin as well, in the forms of menaquinones that range in length between MK-4 and MK-13 (2). It is essential to include both types vitamin K in your diet for optimal health.
Vitamin B1
Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 helps to turn food into energy and keep nerves and muscles healthy. It can also help with heart function and certain conditions. Thiamine can also be found as a supplement and in a variety of foods.
Unlike other vitamins, water-soluble vitamin B1 cannot be stored in the body and must be consumed daily. Heat and cooking destroy it, so a balanced diet is essential.
Vitamin B1 helps to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body. All cells use ATP as an energy source. Deficient in vitamin B1, vitamin B1 has been shown to relieve dysmenorrhea, fibromyalgia and other symptoms. It can also help reduce the effects of sepsis.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is one of the 8 water-soluble vitamins known as the B vitamins, also called the “B complex.” It is needed for energy production by helping to convert carbohydrates into fuel in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It can reduce migraine symptoms and prevent eye disease and neurological disorders. It can also be used to treat a sluggish, fatty liver or to protect from certain types of cancer.
In most developed countries, riboflavin is easily available in food, such as meat, dairy products and fish, and in B-complex and multivitamin supplements. It is also found in fortified food products labeled as “enriched” or “fortified.” Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is referred to as the “B vitamin complex.” Both work together with riboflavin to help produce energy.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, or niacin as it is also known, is a vital nutrient for the body’s proper functioning. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it cannot be stored in the body and must be consumed regularly through diet.
Niacin lowers high blood pressure because it releases chemicals that cause blood vessels to expand and improve blood circulation. It also helps lower blood levels for cholesterol and triglycerides.
According to research conducted on fruit flies, high doses of the nicotinamide derivative riboside can boost energy levels in brain cells. This could slow down Parkinson’s progression. To confirm this result, larger phase-2 studies are required. Vitamin B3 is found in a variety of foods including meat, fish, eggs, milk and peanuts. It is also available as a supplement.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many foods. It’s known as pantothenic acid or vitamin B5. It’s involved in a number of important biological processes including supporting proper nervous system function, aiding the liver’s metabolic functions and helping to produce red blood cells.
It’s also been shown to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.12 It also seems to have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Pantothenic acid is safe to supplement in the recommended dose. Supplements in higher doses can cause diarrhea or interfere with certain medications such as tetracycline antibiotics and cholinesterase enzyme inhibitors, which are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.13-14 So check with your doctor first before adding supplements. They’ll help ensure you’re getting the best results while avoiding any potential side effects.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is involved with many chemical reactions within your body. This includes the production of neurotransmitters which carry signals between nerve cell. It also helps regulate homocysteine (an amino acid linked with heart disease). B6 can be found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, fortified cereals and supplements. B6 is usually combined with other B-vitamins in multivitamins.
Research suggests that high doses of vitamin B6 may help prevent or reduce symptoms of PMS and morning sickness during pregnancy, although more research is needed. In addition, B6 may improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults, though more research is needed in this area. It is also essential for the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen through your body.