Vitamins: deficiency and sourses

Vitamin D deficiency signs and Vitamin D sources

VitaminPilot — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:48:55 +0000

Post from: Vitamins: deficiency and sourses

Vitamin D intro:

The fat-soluble vitamin D’s most important role is maintaining blood levels of calcium, which it accomplishes by increasing absorption of calcium from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both effects keep calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is stored in bones. When necessary, vitamin D transfers calcium from the bone into the bloodstream, which does not benefit bones. Although the overall effect of vitamin D on the bones is complicated, some vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

Vitamin D deficiency signs:

In adults, vitamin D deficiency may result in a softening of the bones known as osteomalacia. This condition is treated with vitamin D, sometimes in combination with calcium supplements. Osteomalacia should be diagnosed, and its treatment monitored, by a doctor. In people of any age, vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal bone formation. It occurs more commonly following winter, owing to restricted sunlight exposure during that season. Living in an area with a lot of atmospheric pollution, which can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays, also appears to increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in strict vegetarians (who avoid vitamin D-fortified dairy foods), dark-skinned people, alcoholics, and people with liver or kidney disease. People with liver and kidney disease can make vitamin D but cannot activate it. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people suffering from intestinal malabsorption, which may have occurred following previous intestinal surgeries, or from celiac disease. People with insufficient pancreatic function (e.g., those with pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis) tend to be deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in individuals with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), particularly women. In children, vitamin D deficiency is called rickets and causes a bowing of bones not seen in adults with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people with hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid gland is overactive. In a study of 124 people with mild hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D levels were below normal in 7% of them and suboptimal in 53% of them. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in men with advanced prostate cancer. In one study, 44% of 16 men with advanced prostate cancer had decreased blood levels of vitamin D. One in seven adults has been reported to be deficient in vitamin D. In one study, 42% of hospitalized patients under age 65 were reported to be vitamin D deficient. In this same study, 37% of the people were found to be deficient in vitamin D, despite the fact they were eating the currently recommended amount of this nutrient. Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common among the elderly. Age-related decline in vitamin D status may be due to reduced absorption, transport, or liver metabolism of vitamin D.

Vitamin D sources and dosage:

Cod liver oil is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D, as are vitamin D-fortified foods. Traces of vitamin D are found in egg yolks and butter. However, the majority of vitamin D in the body is created during a chemical reaction that starts with sunlight exposure to the skin. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the animal form of this vitamin. People who get plenty of sun exposure do not require supplemental vitamin D, since sunlight increases vitamin D synthesis when it strikes bare skin. Although the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 200 IU per day for adults, there is some evidence that elderly people need 800 to 1,000 IU per day for maximum effects on preserving bone density and preventing fractures. Sun-deprived people should take no less than 600 IU per day and ideally around 1,000 IU per day.

Vitamin D is treatment for:

Crohn’s disease Cystic fibrosis Osteoporosis Rickets/osteomalacia Burns (severe) Celiac disease (for deficiency only) Depression Hypertension (for deficiency only) Prostate cancer Seasonal affective disorder Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Alcohol withdrawal support Amenorrhea (calcium for preventing bone loss) Breast cancer (reduces risk) Cardiac arrhythmia Colon cancer (reduces risk) Migraine headaches Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Vitiligo (topical calcipotriol only)

Vitamin D side effects

People with hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D without consulting a physician. People with sarcoidosis should not supplement with vitamin D, unless a doctor has determined that their calcium levels are not elevated. Too much vitamin D taken for long periods of time may lead to headaches, weight loss, and kidney stones. Rarely, excessive vitamin D may even lead to deafness, blindness, increased thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, irritability, children’s failure to gain weight, or death. Most people take 400 IU per day, a safe amount for adults. Some researchers believe that amounts up to 10,000 IU per day are safe for the average healthy adult, although adverse effects may occur even at lower levels among people with hypersensitivity to vitamin D (e.g. hyperparathyroidism). In fact, of all published cases of vitamin D toxicity for which a vitamin D amount is known, only one occurred at a level of intake under 40,000 IU per day. Nevertheless, people wishing to take more than 1,000 IU per day for long periods of time should consult a physician. People should remember the total daily intake of vitamin D includes vitamin D from fortified milk and other fortified foods, cod liver oil, supplements that contain vitamin D, and sunlight. People who receive adequate sunlight exposure do not need as much vitamin D in their diet as do people who receive minimal sunlight exposure. Vitamin D increases both calcium and phosphorus absorption and has also been reported to increase absorption of aluminum. Increased blood levels of calcium (which may be a marker for vitamin D status) have been linked to heart disease. Some, but not all, research suggests that vitamin D may slightly raise blood levels of cholesterol in humans. Certain medicines may interact with vitamin D. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids deficiency signs and Branched-Chain Amino Acids sources

VitaminPilot — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:46 +0000

Post from: Vitamins: deficiency and sourses

Branched-Chain Amino Acids intro:

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are considered essential amino acids because human beings cannot survive unless these amino acids are present in the diet.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids deficiency signs:

Only a person deficient in protein would become deficient in BCAAs, because most foods that are sources of protein supply BCAAs. Few people in Western societies are protein deficient.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids sources and dosage:

Dairy products and red meat contain the greatest amounts of BCAAs, although they are present in all protein-containing foods. Whey protein and egg protein supplements are other sources of BCAAs. BCAA supplements provide the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Most diets provide an adequate amount of BCAAs for most people, which is about 25–65 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Athletes involved in intense training often take 5 grams of leucine, 4 grams of valine, and 2 grams of isoleucine per day to prevent muscle loss and increase muscle gain, though most research does not support this use of BCAAs.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids is treatment for:

Kidney failure (intravenous BCAAs) Liver cirrhosis Phenylketonuria Athletic performance (for high altitude and extreme temperature only) Hepatic encephalopathy Spinocerebellar degeneration Tardive dyskinesia

Branched-Chain Amino Acids side effects

Side effects have not been reported with the use of BCAAs. Until more research is conducted, people with ALS should avoid taking supplemental BCAAs. In one study, supplementation with a large amount of BCAAs (60 grams) caused alterations in the blood levels of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. The changes in the blood levels of these amino acids could, in theory, cause depression in susceptible individuals. Until more is known, individuals with a history of depression should consult a doctor before supplementing with BCAAs. People with kidney or liver disease should not consume high amounts of amino acids without consulting their doctor. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with branched-chain amino acids.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides deficiency signs and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides sources

VitaminPilot — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:32:37 +0000

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Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides intro:

The term “oligosaccharide” refers to a short chain of sugar molecules (“oligo” means “few” and “saccharide” means “sugar.”) Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which are found in many vegetables, consist of short chains of fructose molecules. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which also occur naturally, consist of short chains of galactose molecules. These compounds can be only partially digested by humans. When oligosaccharides are consumed, the undigested portion serves as food for “friendly” bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides deficiency signs:

As FOS, GOS, and inulin are not essential nutrients, no deficiency state exists.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides sources and dosage:

FOS and inulin are found naturally in Jerusalem artichoke, burdock, chicory, leeks, onions, and asparagus. FOS products derived from chicory root contain significant quantities of inulin, a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and plants, which is classified as a food ingredient (not as an additive) and is considered to be safe to eat. In fact, inulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most of the world’s population. FOS can also be synthesized by enzymes of the fungus Apergillus niger acting on sucrose. GOS is naturally found in soybeans and can be synthesized from lactose (milk sugar). FOS, GOS, and inulin are available as nutritional supplements in capsules, tablets, and as a powder. The average daily intake of oligosaccharides by people in the United States is estimated to be about 800 to 1,000 mg. For the promotion of healthy bacterial flora, the usual recommendation for FOS, GOS, or inulin is 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day with meals. In the studies on diabetes and high blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), amounts ranged from 8 to 20 grams per day.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides is treatment for:

Elevated triglyceride levels Pre- and post-surgery health Type 2 diabetes

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides side effects

Generally, oligosaccharides are well tolerated. Some people reported increased flatulence in some of the studies. At higher levels of intake, that is, in excess of 40 grams per day, FOS and the other oligosaccharides may induce diarrhea. There is a report of a 39-year old man having a life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming high amounts of inulin from multiple sources, including FOS. Allergy to inulin in this person was confirmed by laboratory tests. Such sensitivities are extremely rare. People with a confirmed sensitivity to inulin should probably avoid FOS. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Other Oligosaccharides.

Beta-Sitosterol deficiency signs and Beta-Sitosterol sources

VitaminPilot — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:24:28 +0000

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Beta-Sitosterol intro:

Beta-sitosterol is one of a group of organic compounds found in plants that, alone and in combination with similar plant sterols, reduces blood levels of cholesterol.

Beta-Sitosterol deficiency signs:

Because beta-sitosterol is not an essential nutrient, deficiencies do not occur.

Beta-Sitosterol sources and dosage:

Beta-sitosterol is one of several plant sterols (cholesterol is the main animal sterol) found in almost all plants. High levels are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oil, and soybeans. Peanuts and its products, such as peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour, are good sources of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol. Between 500 mg and 10 grams of beta-sitosterol per day have been used in clinical research to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Between 60 (20 mg three times per day) and 130 mg per day have been used in trials reporting a reduction in prostatic hyperplasia-related symptoms.

Beta-Sitosterol is treatment for:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia High cholesterol Athletic performance (in combination with beta-sitosterol glucoside for reducing the risk of post-exercise infection)

Beta-Sitosterol side effects

Ingesting plant sterols interferes with beta-carotene and vitamin E absorption, resulting in lower blood levels of these nutrients. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with beta-sitosterol.

DMAE deficiency signs and DMAE sources

VitaminPilot — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:16:19 +0000

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DMAE intro:

DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain.

DMAE deficiency signs:

No deficiencies of DMAE are reported or believed to occur.

DMAE sources and dosage:

DMAE is found as a supplement, although it is not widely available. DMAE supplementation is not recommended at this time.

DMAE is treatment for:

Alzheimer’s disease Tardive dyskinesia

DMAE side effects

Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects. For this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic. However, one study using higher intakes for Alzheimer’s disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE. A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use. Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania) have been reported as side effects of DMAE. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with DMAE.

Inosine deficiency signs and Inosine sources

VitaminPilot — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:08:10 +0000

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Inosine intro:

Inosine is a nucleoside, one of the basic compounds comprising cells. It is a precursor to adenosine, an important energy molecule, and plays many supportive roles in the body.

Inosine deficiency signs:

Inosine is not an essential nutrient, so deficiencies do not occur.

Inosine sources and dosage:

Inosine is found in brewer’s yeast and organ meats. It is also available as a supplement. Although a common amount of inosine taken by athletes is 5,000–6,000 mg per day, little scientific evidence supports the use of this supplement in any amount.

Inosine is treatment for:

Multiple Sclerosis

Inosine side effects

No side effects have been reported with the use of inosine for two to five days in the limited research available. However, unused inosine is converted by the body to uric acid, which may be hazardous to people at risk for gout. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with inosine.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine deficiency signs and Acetyl-L-Carnitine sources

VitaminPilot — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:01 +0000

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Acetyl-L-Carnitine intro:

Acetyl-L-carnitine is similar in form to the amino acid L-carnitine and also has some similar functions, such as being involved in the metabolism of food into energy. The acetyl group that is part of acetyl-L-carnitine contributes to the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for mental function.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine deficiency signs:

Acetyl-L-carnitine levels may decrease with advancing age. However, because it is not an essential nutrient, true deficiencies do not occur.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine sources and dosage:

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Most research involving acetyl-L-carnitine has used 500 mg three times per day, though some research has used double this amount.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is treatment for:

Age-related cognitive decline Alzheimer’s disease Cerebellar ataxia, degenerative Depression (for elderly people) Down’s syndrome Erectile dysfunction (in combination with L-carnitine) Macular degeneration (in combination with fish oil and coenzyme Q10) Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Amenorrhea Male infertility Peripheral neuropathy

Acetyl-L-Carnitine side effects

Side effects from taking acetyl-L-carnitine are uncommon, although skin rash, increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, agitation, and body odor have been reported in people taking acetyl-L-carnitine. Certain medicines may interact with acetyl-L-carnitine. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

Quercetin deficiency signs and Quercetin sources

VitaminPilot — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:51:52 +0000

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Quercetin intro:

Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called flavonoids.

Quercetin deficiency signs:

No clear deficiency of quercetin has been established.

Quercetin sources and dosage:

Quercetin can be found in onions, apples, green tea, and black tea. Smaller amounts are found in leafy green vegetables and beans. Some doctors recommend 200–500 mg of quercetin taken two to three times per day. Optimal intake remains unknown.

Quercetin is treatment for:

Prostatitis (nonbacterial prostatitis, prostadynia) Allergies Asthma Atherosclerosis Capillary fragility Cataracts Childhood diseases Edema (water retention) Gout Hay fever Peptic ulcer Retinopathy Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes

Quercetin side effects

No clear toxicity has been identified. Early quercetin research suggested that large amounts of quercetin could cause cancer in animals. Most, but not all, current research finds quercetin to be safe or actually linked to protection from cancer. Quercetin has been shown to cause chromosomal mutations in certain bacteria in test tube studies. Although the significance of this finding for humans is not clear, some doctors are concerned about the possibility that birth defects could occur in the offspring of people supplementing with quercetin at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Since flavonoids help protect and enhance vitamin C, quercetin is often taken with vitamin C. Certain medicines may interact with quercetin. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

Liver Extracts deficiency signs and Liver Extracts sources

VitaminPilot — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:43:43 +0000

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Liver Extracts intro:

Extracts of beef (bovine) liver are a rich natural source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron.

Liver Extracts deficiency signs:

As it is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.

Liver Extracts sources and dosage:

Liver extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets. The recommended amount depends on the concentration, method of preparation, and quality of the liver extract.

Liver Extracts is treatment for:

Iron-deficiency anemia

Liver Extracts side effects

No side effects or adverse reactions have been reported. Liver extracts should not be used by people suffering from iron-storage disorders, such as hemochromatosis. As the liver is a major filtering organ for many potentially toxic environmental chemicals, some doctors are concerned that consumption of liver extracts may result in increased intake of these chemicals. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with liver extracts.

5-Hydroxytryptophan deficiency signs and 5-Hydroxytryptophan sources

VitaminPilot — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:34 +0000

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5-Hydroxytryptophan intro:

5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions.

5-Hydroxytryptophan deficiency signs:

Disruptions in emotional well-being, including depression and anxiety, have been linked to serotonin imbalances in the brain. People with fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in their blood. Supplements of 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis in these cases. The cause of migraine headaches is related to abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels, and 5-HTP may help correct this abnormality. Insomnia has been associated with tryptophan deficiency in the tissues of the brain; therefore, 5-HTP may provide a remedy for this condition.

5-Hydroxytryptophan sources and dosage:

5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels. Supplemental 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a West African medicinal plant. In a controlled trial, 5-HTP (300 mg per day) was shown to be effective in reducing many symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, morning stiffness, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. For depression, 300 mg per day is often effective, though much of the research used 5-HTP in combination with drugs or was uncontrolled. For insomnia, a single 100-mg nighttime dose of 5-HTP was sufficient to improve the duration and depth of sleep in one placebo-controlled trial. For migraine headaches, amounts ranging from 400–600 mg per day have been shown to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of attacks in most clinical trials. For tension headaches, 100 mg of 5-HTP taken three times per day led to a significant decrease in consumption of pain-relievers, but no significant change in headache duration or intensity. Appetite reduction and weight loss (averaging 11 pounds in 12 weeks) has occurred with amounts of 600–900 mg daily. In another clinical trial, 750 mg per day has been shown to be effective at decreasing carbohydrate and fat intake, and promoting weight loss.

5-Hydroxytryptophan is treatment for:

Depression Fibromyalgia Insomnia Migraine headaches Sleep terrors Tension headache Weight loss and obesity Bipolar disorder/manic depression Eating disorders Parkinson’s disease (with Sinemet®) Seasonal affective disorder

5-Hydroxytryptophan side effects

During the clinical trials described above, some people taking large amounts of 5-HTP experienced gastrointestinal upset (e.g. nausea) or, less often, headache, sleepiness, muscle pain, or anxiety. A substance known as “Peak X” has been found in low concentrations in several over-the-counter 5-HTP preparations. Some researchers think this substance may be linked to toxicity previously reported in a 1989 L-tryptophan contamination incident. However, there is serious question about whether Peak X is actually the toxic agent and it may be unrelated to the problems previously associated with L-tryptophan. Although two articles reported possible associations between 5-HTP consumption and toxicity symptoms similar to those attributed to contaminated L-tryprophan, evidence linking 5-HTP or Peak X with any toxicity symptoms remains speculative. Although the structure of Peak X has recently been identified, there is no firm evidence that this substance has caused or contributed to any toxicity or disease. Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs and both muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice. Injected 5-HTP has also caused kidney damage in rats. To date, these problems have not been reported in humans. “Serotonin syndrome,” a serious but uncommon condition caused by excessive amounts of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation with 5-HTP; in theory it could be triggered by the supplement. However, the level of intake at which this toxic effect might potentially occur remains unknown. 5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have excessive effects. People with liver disease may not be able to regulate 5-HTP adequately and those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others, to 5-HTP. These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting a knowledgeable healthcare professional. The safety of taking 5-HTP during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known at this time. Certain medicines may interact with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.