Multivitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds which are required by living organisms for maintaining health and were discovered in the early part of the twentieth century in various foods. They were classified according to their solubility's as water-soluble or fat-soluble and named after the letters of the alphabet according to their chronological discovery. Vitamins act as co-factors for different enzymes, which otherwise could not function. Vitamin and mineral preparations are commonly administered to treat specific medical conditions or as general nutritional supplements. Vitamin and mineral compositions are commonly taken as dietary aids either as therapeutic preparations directed to a specific medical problem or as general nutritional supplements. Many people do not take in sufficient nutrients for a nutritionally complete diet. In order to assist these people, nutritional supplements have been developed.
Nutritional supplements are usually not intended to provide all the nutrients necessary for a nutritionally complete diet; instead they are generally intended to supplement the diet such that it becomes more nutritionally complete. Daily requirements for vitamins and minerals vary depending upon such factors as sex, body size, growth rate, exercise, disease, and age. Such compositions are especially provided for pregnant or lactating women to ensure provision of adequate nutrients for the developing fetus and for the mother. Various vitamins can be used. The Vitamin B complex includes
thiamine (Vitamin B1),
riboflavin (Vitamin B2),
niacin (Vitamin B3),
pyridoxine (Vitamin B6),
folic acid (Vitamin B9), cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12),
pantothenic acid, and
biotin. The Vitamin B family aid metabolic activity and also produces energy. The Vitamin B family is also involved in making red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body and is necessary for every part of the body to work properly. Retinols, the major components of
vitamin A, and the related compounds, retinoids, are well known as inhibitors of cell growth. These compounds interact directly with membranes causing increases in permeability and fluidity, and destabilize biological membrane.
Vitamin C is one of several antioxidants and maintains collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C also enhances the immune systems that helps heal wounds and mend fractures. Vitamin C also aids in resisting some types of bacterial and viral infections, as well as also aiding in the absorption of iron. Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is known as having positive effects in counteracting membrane destabilizing actions of retinoids. In addition to their antioxidant activity, vitamins A, C, and E are well known to have other beneficial health effects. For example, vitamin E is known to help maintain proper blood sugar levels. As another example, vitamin C is known to play an integral role in the integrity of connective and structural tissues in the body. Vitamin A is known to play a role in maintaining good vision as well as in growth and development. Vitamin K's importance to the integrity of bones is essential.
Vitamin K activates at least three proteins involved in bone health. antothenic acid is important for the production of adrenal gland hormones, increases overall energy, and helps convert food into energy. Choline is necessary for nervous system function and brain function. It is also important for gall bladder and liver function.
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