Vitamin A (retinol and beta-carotene)

Vitamin A and carotene can be obtained from either animal or vegetable sources. The animal form is divided between retinol and dehydroretinol, whereas the vegetable carotene can be split into four very potent groups - alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, gamma-carotene and crypto-carotene. With enough beta-carotene available in the body, the body can manufacture its own vitamin A.

Vitamin A is required for night vision and for a healthy skin. It assists the immune system and - because of its antioxidant properties - protects against pollution, cancer formation, and other diseases. It also assists the sense of taste, as well as helping the digestive and urinary tract. In addition, many believe that it helps to slow aging.

It is required for development and maintenance of the epithelial cells, in the mucous membranes and skin, and is important in the formation of bone and teeth, storage of fat, and the synthesis of protein and glycogen.

Deficiency of vitamin A may lead to eye problems with dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, dry skin and hair, night blindness, and poor growth. Dry itchy eyes that tire easily are normally a warning of too little vitamin A. If the deficiency becomes severe, the cornea can ulcerate and permanent blindness can follow.

Abscesses forming in the ear, sinusitis, frequent cold and respiratory infections, and skin disorders (such as acne, boils and a bumpy skin), as well as weight loss might be indicative of the vitamin being in short supply, as may insomnia, fatigue and reproductive difficulties. Hair and scalp can also become dry with a deficiency, especially if protein is also lacking.

Vitamin B1 – thiamine, thiamin

Vitamin B1 is used in many different body functions. Its deficiencies may have far reaching effects on the body, yet very little of this vitamin is stored in the body, and its depletion can happen within 14 days. It is also a miraculous nutrient.

Vitamin B1 may enhance circulation, and it helps with blood formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is also required for the health of the nervous system and is used in the biosynthesis of a number of cell constituents, including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is used in the manufacture of hydrochloric acid, and therefore plays a part in digestion. It is also great for the brain and may help with depression and assist with memory and learning. In children, it is required for growth, and has shown some indication to assist in arthritis and cataracts, as well as infertility.

Deficiency of Vitamin B1 will result in beriberi, and minor deficiencies may be indicated with extreme fatigue, irritability, constipation, edema and an enlarged liver. Forgetfulness, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart changes, irritability, labored breathing and loss of appetite may also be experienced.

With too little Vitamin B1, a person may also experience nervousness, numbness of the hands and feet, pain and sensitivity, poor coordination, tingling sensations, weak and sore muscles, general weakness and severe weight loss.

Vitamin B2 - riboflavin

Vitamin B2 is manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora and is easily absorbed. However, only very small quantities are stored, so there is a constant need for this vitamin

Vitamin B2 is required by the body to use oxygen and for the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. It is also needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine); it helps to create niacin, and it assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth.

It eases watery eye fatigue and may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, and it helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6. Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

Deficiency of Vitamin B2 may manifest itself as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth, eye disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, and skin lesions. Dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retarded growth, and slow mental responses have also been reported. Burning feet can also be indicative of a shortage.

Vitamin B3 - niacin

Vitamin B3 (also called niacin, nicotinic acid, niacinamide or nicotinic acid) can be manufactured by the body. It is required for cell respiration, helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and it aids in proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and is a memory-enhancer.

Nicotinic acid given in drug dosage improves the blood cholesterol profile, and has been used to clear the body of organic poisons, such as certain insecticides. People report more mental alertness when this vitamin is in sufficient supply. Aids in counteracting the vascular restrictions produced by nicotine, as found in tobacco.

Deficiency of vitamin B3 may cause pellagra, the classic niacin deficiency disease, and is characterized by bilateral dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. A shortage of niacin may be indicated with symptoms such as canker sores, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, and inflammation.

Vitamin B5 - pantothenic acid

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. This nutrient can be manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora. Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the secretion of hormones (such as cortisone) because of the role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland. These hormones assist the metabolism, help to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.

Pantothenic acid is also used in the release of energy and the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin. Some are of the opinion that pantothenic acid is also helpful to fight wrinkles as well as graying of the hair.

Deficiency of vitamin B5 shows symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes, and cardiac instability. Frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders including numbness, paresthesia (abnormal sensation such as "burning feet" syndrome), muscle weakness and cramps are also possible indications that this nutrient is in short supply.

Biochemical changes include increased insulin sensitivity, lowered blood cholesterol, decreased serum potassium, and failure of adrenocorticotropin to induce eosinopenia.

Vitamin B6 - pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both physical and mental health. It is beneficial if you suffer from water retention, and is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. Pyridoxine also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance, and promotes red blood cell formation. It is required by the nervous system, and is needed for normal brain function and for the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which contain the genetic instructions for the reproduction of all cells and for normal cellular growth. It activates many enzymes and aids in the absorption of vitamin B12, in immune system function, and in antibody production.

Vitamin B6 plays a role in cancer immunity and aids in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. It inhibits the formation of a toxic chemical called homocysteine, which attacks the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart muscle. Pyridoxine acts as a mild diuretic, reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and it may be useful in preventing oxalate kidney stones as well. It is helpful in the treatment of allergies, arthritis, and asthma.

Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and is required for both mental and physical health. Vitamin B6 is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women, as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells. It is also used in the processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, while assisting with controlling mood as well as behavior. Pyridoxine might also be of benefit for children with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

It assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium, as well as promoting red blood cell production. It is involved in the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. It is further linked to cancer immunity and fights the formation of the toxic chemical homocysteine, which is detrimental to the heart muscle.

Women in particular who are deficient in this vitamin may suffer from pre-menstrual fluid retention, severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual acne and nausea in early pregnancy. Mood swings, depression as well as loss of sexual drive is sometimes noted when pyridoxine is in short supply and the person is on hormone replacement therapy or on birth control pills.

Deficiency of Vitamin B6 causes irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as general weakness, skin changes (such as dermatitis and acne); also, asthma and allergies might develop when pyridoxine is in short supply. Symptoms may include nails that are ridged, an inflamed tongue, and changes to bones - which can include osteoporosis and arthritis. Kidney stones may also appear. Vitamin B6 deficiency symptoms will be very much like those of B2 and B3. Vitamin B6 is needed by the body to manufacture its own B3 vitamin.

Vitamin B12 - cyanocobamin and cobolamin

Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin, cobolamin, and the ‘energy vitamin’) is a very widely-researched vitamin, used in supplementation to a very large degree. This complex structured compound with its cobalt content forms part of the B group vitamins, and the body needs very small amounts.

Vitamin B12 is required in the manufacture and maintenance of red blood cells, and it stimulates appetite, promotes growth, and releases energy. It is often used with older people to give an energy boost, assist in preventing mental deterioration, and helping with speeding-up the thought processes. Some people are also of the opinion that it helps with clearing up infections and providing protection against allergies and cancer. This vitamin is also used in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Deficiency. Some symptoms of deficiency include a sore tongue, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss, back pain and apathy. It might further result in loss of balance, decreased reflexes, tingling of the fingers, ringing in the ears, etc. A deficiency may also result in the raising of the level of homocysteine in the blood - which in high doses can be toxic to the brain, and which may be involved in Alzheimer’s Disease. Severe deficiency may result in pernicious anemia - also called Addisonian pernicious anemia. Another problem that appears in deficiency is the eroding of the myelin sheath - the fatty sheath of tissue which insulates the nerve fibers in the body.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most prevalent and the broadest spectrum antioxidant in nature. It aids in monitoring the pH of excreted fluids of the body, thus aiding in controlling infections. The hydrocarbons from smoking deplete our vitamin C reserves. Deficiency of vitamin C expresses the signs of scurvy.

The majority of smokers will be deficient in Vitamin C. Non-smokers will also benefit from Vitamin C - a 2003 study by the University of California, Berkeley, showed that non-smokers exposed to environmental smoke who took 500 mg of Vitamin C daily had lower levels of F2-isoprostanes, a compound linked to the damage done by tobacco smoke. F2-isoprostanes are generated through a form of oxidative stress called lipid peroxidation, and can damage the cell membrane and help form plaque that blocks arteries. The study conclusion was that “Vitamin C may help protect nonsmokers from the oxidative damage caused by second-hand tobacco smoke”. (© Reuters, 2003, cited in CNN.com, August 5, 2003).

Magnesium Aspartate

Magnesium aspartate is a dietary supplement to support proper nerve and muscle functions. It is an amino acid chelate of Magnesium and Aspartic Acid. This complex forms a tight bond and is released in the inner layer of the outer cell membrane.

Magnesium stearate

Magnesium is vital to many basic metabolic functions; it is necessary for protein synthesis, and it assists energy metabolism. Magnesium is also essential for maintaining bone structure, it helps stabilize nerve function and relaxation of the heart muscle, and it is essential for vitamin D metabolism. The primary food source of magnesium is from whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and from legumes – particularly, beans.

National dietary surveys reveal that 75% of the U.S. population consumes less than the U.S. recommended Daily Allowance of magnesium of 400mg per day. The average U.S. diet supplies only 50-67% of the RDA of magnesium. These alarming figures indicate a need for an effective supplemental form of magnesium. Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body, necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates, protein and fat to energy and critical to proper cardiovascular function. It is a co-factor necessary for over 3,000 enzymatic processes in the body. Magnesium regulates and maintains vascular tone in the body, and is crucial to maintaining bone integrity.

Specifically, magnesium supports the electrical stability of cells and helps to maintain membrane integrity. It regulates the gates through which calcium enters into cells to switch on vital functions, such as the heartbeat. Magnesium also facilitates muscle relaxation and constriction, as well as nerve transmission and conduction. Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid which also functions as a lubricant, binder, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent in tablet manufacture. It is used as a lubricant or die-release in tableting pressed candies and is also used in sugarless gum and mints

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata):

This botanical acts as a gentle sedative, and is known to be a depressant to the motor side of the spinal cord, slightly reducing arterial pressure though affecting circulation but little, while increasing the rate of respiration. It is official in homoeopathic medicine, and – when used with bromides - it is said to be of great service in epilepsy. Its narcotic properties cause it to be used in diarrhea and dysentery, neuralgia, sleeplessness and dysmenorrhea.

It is helpful for anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, neuritis, and stress-related disorders. This herb is one of nature's best tranquilizers. It relieves muscle tension and other manifestations of extreme anxiety. It is especially good for nervous insomnia - the kind that keeps you lying in bed worrying until the wee hours of the morning. Passionflower has become very popular as a safe, natural alternative to help promote a good night's sleep. Herbalists often recommend passionflower for times of extreme emotional upset.

Silymarin (milk thistle extract)

Has received wide publicity for its antioxidant and detoxifying benefits for the liver. In Germany, silymarin is sold as a drug to treat alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Published studies show that silymarin is able to significantly protect and restore liver function.

Tumeric (Curcuma domestica; Curcuma longa)

This botanical is a rhizome which is also known as “Indian saffron”. Tumeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammation and also has very effective antioxidants. Examples of its effective use are against inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute infections. It is also effective for health conditions caused by free radical damage – such as cardiovascular problems, arterial damage, and heart disease. Tumeric is also used in the treatment of certain cancers.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant, and is particularly effective in inhibiting the carcinogens in tobacco smoke. It counteracts the excessive generation of free radicals in persons who exercise, and can lower Lipoprotein levels by up to 70%. It inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol. It also helps to maintain healthy lung function by protecting the lungs from free radical damage and preventing the development of many ailments of the lungs. 1,200 mg per day appears to help to prevent influenza infection, reduces the symptoms of existing influenza infection and reduces the duration of influenza infections (especially in elderly and chronically ill people).

NAC at 1,800 mg per day is presently undergoing clinical trials as an enhancer of the immune system in persons with AIDS and as a possible means of preventing HIV developing into full-blown AIDS. NAC reduces the toxic side effects of Cyclophosphamide (a Pharmaceutical Drug used to treat some cases of Cancer).

NAC protects the body's endogenous Protease Inhibitor Protein (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin) by preventing the oxidation of Methionine residues within this Protein. It enhances the effectiveness of Interferon Alpha in the treatment of Hepatitis C (primarily by counteracting the depletion of Glutathione), raises intracellular Cysteine levels (this intracellular Cysteine is then incorporated into Glutathione), and prevents the destruction of Glutathione (by preventing the oxidation of Glutathione).

NAC enhances the effectiveness of Interferon Alpha in the treatment of Hepatitis C, and inhibits the proliferation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (especially in the bronchial tissue of smokers with chronic bronchitis).

Supplementation with NAC has been shown to reduce the proliferation of certain cells lining the colon, and may reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with recurrent polyps in the colon.

Omega 3, 6, 9 Oil

The World Health Organization recommends adult fat consumption equal at least 15% of energy intake, and in women of reproductive age, no less than 20%. Fatty acids promote healthy cholesterol levels, heart and arterial health.

These “essential fatty acids” are oils from flax and canola seeds (Omega 3), primrose (Omega 6), and oleic acid (Omega 9). The combination of these oils supports a healthy heart, mood, and cholesterol levels.