Nutrients-a more wholistic view
Originally, the Vitamins were discovered because they were essential to
life. If you didn’t have Vitamin C you died of scurvy, etc. That’s not
a problem for much of anybody now. A more sophisticated view is to see
each Vitamin as the core of a Nutrient Group.
Vitamin A
Represents a group of pigmented nutrients key to membrane function
often call carotenoids. Did you ever think of the eye’s retina as a
membrane? Or the function of the prostate glandular tissue related to
tomato carotenoids (lycopenes). Which would work better, a high dose of
beta carotene or tomatoes? There are now tens of thousands of known
natural carotenoids in our vegetables. A supplement with a mix of
carotenoids will work better than straight beta carotene. More colored
vegetables works even better. You also have the benefits of chewing
(necessary for developing jaw strength and size in children; fiber for
digestion and reduced colon cancer risk.
Vitamin C
The tip of a group of water soluble nutrients found in high quantity in
fruits. Natural sources of Vitamin C often have high quantities of
bioflavenoids. A few decades ago, these were thought to be “impurities”
by some. Now, we know that they are very helpful for strengthening soft
tissue, which will contribute to more flexible blood vessels and better
blood flow. They are a natural ‘blood thinner”.
Some M.D.s
actually discourage people from eating fruits and vegetables because
they consider their Coumadin and other Rx blood thinners to be a better
choice. I have never been able to follow that thought process.
Vegetarians have naturally thinner blood. The viscosity of the blood is
one of the simplest and fastest lab tests available. I am not a
vegetarian, but my blood tests’ low viscosity like a vegetarians
because I live mostly on whole natural food.
Vitamin E
describes a family of eight antioxidants: four tocopherols
(alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-,
gamma-, and delta-). Alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E found in the
largest quantities in blood and tissues. The main function of alpha-tocopherol
in humans appears to be that of an antioxidant. Fats,
which are a part of all cell membranes, are vulnerable to oxidation by free
radicals. The fat-soluble vitamin, alpha-tocopherol, is suited to
intercept free radicals and prevent lipid destruction. Alpha-tocopherol maintains
cell membranes and protects low density lipoproteins (LDLs) from
oxidation. Lipoproteins, LDLs transport cholesterol from the liver to the
tissues of the body. Oxidized LDLs have been implicated in cardiovascular
diseases. Other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are capable of regenerating
the antioxidant capacity of alpha-tocopherol (2,
3). vitamin E deficiency relates to nerves,
muscle, and eyes. Cardiovascular disease
Studies suggest that increased vitamin E consumption is associated with
decreased risk of myocardial
infarction (heart attack). High levels of alpha-tocopherol seem to be
inversely associated with the atherosclerosis.
Cataracts
formed by protein oxidation in the lens of the
eye may be prevented by antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol
has been shown to enhance the immune response that appear to decline as people
age. vitamin E supplementation has no effect on the risk of various cancers,
except a possible benefit against development of prostate cancer which makes
sense when you consider the the prostate is a gland (think cell membranes). Dementia
(impaired cognitive function)
The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is thought
to play a role in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
disease (53).
Additionally, some studies have documented low levels of vitamin E in
cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's disease (54).
A study of individuals with moderate neurological impairment found that
supplementation with 2,000 IU of synthetic alpha-tocopherol daily for two years
(equivalent to 900 mg/day of RRR-alpha-tocopherol) slowed progression of
Alzheimer's dementia
(55).
A study for vascular dementia found that
supplemental vitamin E and vitamin C intake was associated with a significantly
decreased risk of vascular and other types of dementia but not Alzheimer's
dementia (57).
Among those without dementia, vitamin E supplement use was associated with better
scores on cognitive tests.
Food sources
Major sources of alpha-tocopherol in
the American diet include vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, and safflower
oils), nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. All eight forms of
vitamin E (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols and tocotrienols) occur
naturally in foods
Drug interactions
Use of vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in
individuals taking anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin. Of course, I always
thought that if you could thin the blood with natural foods and supplements,
why would you use the drugs? Just me I suppose.
Scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute feel there exists
credible evidence that taking a supplement of 200 IU (134 mg) of natural source
d-alpha-tocopherol (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) daily with a meal may
help protect adults from chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke,
neurodegenerative diseases, and some types of cancer. The amount of
alpha-tocopherol required for such beneficial effects appears to be much
greater than that which could be achieved through diet alone (see Sources). Since
supplements containing 200 IU of d-alpha-tocopherol are often as
expensive as supplements containing 400 IU of d-alpha-tocopherol, a less
expensive alternative may be to take 400 IU (268 mg) of d-alpha-tocopherol
every other day. Alpha-tocopherol supplements are unlikely to be absorbed
unless taken with food. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminE/
Minerals
Selenium is another headline anti-oxidant nutrient. Like calcium, it is
a mineral. The best sources of minerals are Leafy Vegetables grown in
mineral rich soil (that’s why you pay extra for organic) and Sea Salt.
Processed Sodium Chloride has no place anywhere in the food chain. It
shouldn’t be in the grocery store or in anything that you eat. Every
time they talk low salt, what they mean is low sodium choride. You
should never be eating that stuff anyway except what is naturally in
your seasalt and food.
Any mineral supplement should be Multi Mineral unless it is prescribed for you for a specific problem.
I hope this gives you a bit of insight into nutrition and supplements.
Hopefully you can begin to understand how the appropriate professional
can customize your lifestyle. Holistic Chiropractors and Naturopaths
can tailor your exercise, nutrition and supplements to you,
individually. That’s a standard part of my practice. Medical Doctors
are trained to pick the surgery or drug that they think is indicated
for you.
Therefore, your Philosophy of Health will determine your choices. Don’t fear thinking and choosing for yourself.