V
Vitamin A (retinol) (see also 'Beta-carotene')
- Oil soluble vitamin found in animal products e.g. liver, egg yolks, cod liver oil.
- Can be stored in the body, so overdosing is possible.
- Take only low levels during pregnancy.
- Used as an antiageing ingredient in skincare.
- Needed for: immune defence, antioxidant, night vision, cancer protection.
Consider Vitamin A (retinol) if you suffer from mouth ulcers, poor night vision, frequent colds and infections, dry flaky skin, dandruff, thrush.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, brain function, digestion.
Consider Vitamin B1 (thiamine) if you suffer from tender muscles, eye pains, prickly legs, constipation, rapid heartbeat.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Water soluble vitamin in animal sources only e.g. liver, oysters, sardines, lamb, dairy products.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- No effective vegetarian alternatives. B12 sourced from algae is not the same molecular shape. Vegans should consider supplementation.
- Needed for: protein use, oxygen carriage, red blood cell production, DNA synthesis.
Consider Vitamin B12 if you have poor hair condition; anaemia; eczema; irritability; tender muscles; red sore tongue; 'woolly' feeling feet.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Water soluble vitamin found in many vegetables, wheatgerm, mushrooms, mackerel.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, tissue repair, skin and eye protection.
Consider Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) if you are suffering from burning or gritty eyes, light sensitivity, sore tongue, cataracts, cracked lips.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Water soluble vitamin found in meat, oily fish, mushrooms, wholewheat.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, brain function, skin health, blood sugar balance, cholesterol control.
Consider Vitamin B3 if you are suffering from lack of energy, diarrhoea, insomnia, acne, eczema, irritability.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Water soluble vitamin found in mushrooms, eggs and many fruit and vegetables.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: energy production, fat metabolism, brain function, skin and hair health, production of antistress hormones.
Consider Vitamin B5 if you are suffering from muscle tremors, exhaustion, burning hands and feet, nausea, teething grinding.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Water soluble vitamin found in bananas, broccoli, red kidney beans and many vegetables.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Needed for: protein digestion, brain function, sex hormone balance.
- Natural antidepressant and diuretic. Helps control allergies.
- Do not take more than 25mg daily except under direction of a health professional.
Consider Vitamin B6 if you are suffering from PMS, infrequent dream recall, water retention, tremors, flaky skin.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Water soluble vitamin found in most fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly peppers, kiwi fruit, oranges, tomatoes, strawberries. Not heat stable so best sources are raw.
- Not storable, so regular daily intake required.
- Best taken in 'time release' form.
- Needed for: immune function; collagen products for skin, bone and joint strength; antioxidant; detoxifying. Protects against heart disease and cancer; production of antistress hormones.
Consider Vitamin C if you are suffering from frequent colds, slow healing, tender gums, infections, nosebleeds.
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
- Oil soluble vitamin found in animal products only: cod liver oil, herrings, salmon, cheese, eggs.
- Produced in the skin by the effect of sunlight.
- Storable, so excess is possible.
- Needed for: absorption, retention and use of Calcium; therefore, essential for bone health.
Consider Vitamin D if you are suffering from osteoporosis, joint pains, tooth decay, muscle cramps.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E very high levels of this superb antioxidant in a skincare product provides protective and antiageing effects.
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