Vitamin D Supplementation

 By Jon Le Tocq
Vitamin D is a highly underrated supplement in many cases. Unfortunately, those who know of its importance are trying to source it from the wrong places!
Isolating nutrients ignores the fact that they work much more like a well-oiled production factory where synergy is the key and the sum is much, much greater than its parts.

Take out one of them and the whole machine become much less effective. Your body will still work but you may never know just how energetic and strong your body could be!

Vitamin D production occurs in the skin following exposure to the UV rays in sunlight. In some ways it functions more like a hormone than a vitamin as it is produced in one part of the body but used in another.
Whilst we can obtain Vitamin D from certain fish oils and supplements as well as fortified milk, these forms are nowhere near as effective as sunlight - yet another reason to use the natural source before the scientific version!

Once the Vitamin D has been produced in the skin it travels down to the liver where it is converted into a substance known as a metabolite which is the human body's storage form of Vitamin D (like keeping it in storage until we need it!)

When our body needs Vitamin D, some of this storage form is transported to the kidneys and converted into another Vitamin D metabolite but this time it is around 1000 times more powerful than the previous stored form. T.Campbell refers to this as the 'supercharged Vitamin D'.

Now that we have some supercharged Vitamin D ready for use, why is it so important?
One key job for Vitamin D is to prevent healthy cells becoming diseased which can lead to any number of diseases resulting from cell degeneration including all forms of cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Obviously poor nutrition is also a factor but this is likely to be one of the reasons why there is a marked increase in the incidence of such diseases the further you travel from the equator.

As always, the truth is that it is the combination rather than one factor that causes problems. An acidic diet too high in protein and chemically-enhanced 'food' may reduce the effectiveness of the kidneys in producing the supercharged Vitamin D so even if you get lots of sun, your diet could prevent you fully utilising the benefits of Vitamin D.

Along the same lines, Vitamin D aids apoptosis (natural cell death) rather than allowing the growth and proliferation of diseased and potentially cancerous cells.

Vitamin D is also essential in reducing the risk of heart disease.

We know now that Vitamin D is essential for liver function. As the liver produces bile which aids in the digestion of fats, a deficiency of Vitamin D may lead to high levels of fat in the blood vessels, ultimately increasing your risk of heart disease.

It is also common knowledge that disruption of normal insulin production leads to diabetic conditions, but what role does Vitamin D play in the onset of diabetes?

Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas and as they have Vitamin D receptors to make them work, it follows that a lack of direct sunlight could contribute to the development of diabetic conditions where nutrition is also poor.

Vitamin D has also been shown to aid the production of natural steroid hormones in the human body thus aiding muscle growth. This will clearly effect everything from strength and power to burning body fat more efficiently.

Also, Vitamin D is important in calcium absorption in the body (remember how we can't isolate nutrients). A Vitamin D deficiency can therefore lead to weaker bones thus increasing the risk of injury (as well as osteoporosis) and enabling your body to cope with heavy weightlifting sessions.

Now you know how critical Vitamin D is to your overall health and athletic performance, how much do you need and what's the best way to get enough?

Recommendations generally suggest that athletes require 400-1000 IU of Vitamin D per day (approximately 20mg to 45mg)
 This can be achieved easily by exposing as much skin as possible to the sun for 10-20 minutes per day.

However, you should note that it is the UVB rays from sunlight which are required for Vitamin D production but...

1) UVB rays are blocked by cloud and pollution so don't assume just going outside your office in the city is enough.
2) UVB rays are only effective when the sun's rays are at particular angles - namely between 10am and 2pm.
3) These rays are blocked by sunscreen along with the 'burning' UVA rays.
So your best bet is to expose your skin WITH NO SUNSCREEN for 10-20 minutes EVERY DAY then cover up. Should you wish to be out in the sun more (as we all do on holiday), apply sunscreen at other times to prevent burning and increased risk of skin cancer.

If this is not possible or practical (taking your shirt off at your conference may not go down well...) look to increase your intake of fish oils, eat more fish and take a Vitamin D supplement aiming for 30-45mg per day.

Vitamin D Pain Treatment

By Ryan C Marshall

By an added consumption of Vitamin D, pain can be relieved to a great extent, researches pronounce. At least 8 out of every 10 people experience pain in one form or the other in their span of life. The symptoms and causes of pain however, differ from person to person. A deficiency of Vitamin D is a cause for many forms of pain, the most common among which is muscle pain. You may feel that this deficit of vitamin D is rare. In that case, you will be surprised to know that in a recent study concentrating on the six regions of the world, namely Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Middle East and Oceania, the results have revealed that vitamin D concentrations lower than 75 nmol/L were rather common.

Vitamin D Pain Relif Overview
Vitamin D is also known as the 'sunshine vitamin'. This is because the skin makes vitamin D when exposed to sunrays. It is then broken down by the kidney into active chemicals that function as hormones. Vitamin D is very important to help the body absorb calcium from food and retain it. Calcium is integral to bone health. Lack of Vitamin D can cause many problems, including pain and discomfort. Researches show that people with long-term pain are usually deficit in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency may be due to:

• Lack of exposure to sun
• Body not absorbing vitamins correctly
• Lack of Vitamin D in the diet

With an intake of extra quantity of vitamin D, pain can be made to reduce. It relieves muscle pain, joint pain and pain in bones and back pain.
Kinds Of Pain Treated:
Consuming Vitamin D is useful for treating chronic pains like:

• Fibromyalgia: The muscular pain and weakness experienced by patients of fibromyalgia is often related to lack of vitamin D in the body. This however does not mean that the disease is rooted in this deficiency. It is functional in aggravating the symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis: It is the most common form of arthritis. Lack of vitamin D in body hampers the process of absorption of calcium. This in turn results in osteoarthritis. Low intake of vitamin D can increase this risk.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a chronic inflammatory disorder. It mainly affects tissues, organs and synovial joints. Consumption of vitamin D is very important to patients suffering from this disease.
• Myalgia: It means 'muscle pain'. Myalgia is the symptom of many disorders and diseases. Studies have revealed that almost 28% of patients have severe inadequacy of vitamin D.
• Diabetic neuropathy: It involves serious pain. An Australian research has revealed that vitamin D deficiency is common in patients suffering from type II diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation is an effective way to treat this problem.

Since all these diseases engage painful conditions and in some way or the other, are triggered off by inadequate supply of vitamin D in the body, increased intake of vitamin D can help treat it.
Treatment Process
Treating pain with Vitamin D is cost-effective. You can consult your physician for advice. Along with other medicines and therapies, if one continues to have proper Vitamin D levels, pain will be mitigated to a good extent. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms mainly: vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is more effective in treating chronic pain. You can easily get them in online stores.
Vitamin D Pain Treatment Effects
Vitamin D is known to treat the possible source of pain and not the pain itself. You have to maintain your patience because it takes time to work. The relief is not instant. Research says that even if the pain treatment procedure is not very successful, you will definitely notice the following improvements:

• The pain is reduced at least by some degree
• You experience pain less frequently
• You have to take less number of pain killers than before
• Lessening of fatigue
• Your overall health improves

Thus, we find, the vitamin D pain cure method is effective when supported by regular therapies. It is not an immediate medicine but it is definitely helpful when supplemented over time.

How Vitamin D Affects Penis Well Being

By John Dugan

Known as the sunshine Vitamin D is rarely found in foodstuffs and never in large quantities. Vitamin D is actually a hormone vital to the body for sustained health and wellbeing.

Forms of Vitamin D which are gained from foodstuffs, such as Vitamins D2 and D3, are converted into their active forms after receiving exposure from UV-B light from the sun. Not getting enough sunlight, consistently eating foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, and wearing (if the climate calls for it) high factor sun block all the time may lead to a Vitamin D deficiency. Scientific studies report that a deficiency in Vitamin D may be one of the causes of male sexual dysfunction and low fertility.

Vitamin D and Testosterone
According to research from the Medical University of Graz, Austria, Vitamin D increases testosterone levels in men. In a study, 160 overweight men were given Vitamin D for 12-months in order to test the effects of the nutrient on their hormonal levels. By the end of the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the men who were given 3,332 IU of Vitamin D daily had significantly greater testosterone levels than those given placebo. Through increasing male hormone levels, men should experience increasing energy, vitality, libido and sexual performance. Supplementing the body with artificial testosterone can be both dangerous and expensive. Natural products, such as Vitamin D which increase testosterone production are by far more preferable for the majority of men out there who want to safely improve hormonal balance.

Secret Cause of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction and impotence are complicated conditions with many possible causes; physical, hormonal and psychological. Compared to other forms of treatment, Vitamin D is one of the few vitamins to work on all of these causes. Vitamin D has a remarkable effect on the production of nitric oxide (NO); a chemical responsible for the dilation of blood vessels in the penis. Studies on animals have shown that Vitamin D-deficient animals produce half the amount of normal NO, when compared to animals with normal Vitamin D levels. Scientists from the Sunlight Institute, USA have also found that Vitamin D is effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack. Vitamin D is a powerful protector for the entire cardiovascular system, including the penis, and supplementing with Vitamin D has been proven to reduce the risk of death by cardiovascular disease by 61%.

The SAD Winter Blues
It's hard to have that get up and go feeling when you feel down. Depression in men is a common and very powerful cause for low libido and erectile dysfunction. While in many cases depression is psychogenic and is purely emotional in nature, for many men the cause is nutritional. Over the winter months it is more common for people to feel blue, and one of the reasons for this is the declining Vitamin D status in the body from reduced sun exposure. When winter blues become so serious as to require a clinical diagnosis, it is termed as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

Vitamin D supplementation is often the primary treatment for men suffering from SAD. In addition, scientists from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran found that Vitamin D combined with anti-depressants was a more effective treatment for patients with major depression than medication alone. So to bring the spring back into your step, lighten your mood, and improve the action between the sheets, Vitamin D may well be just what the doctor ordered.

Penis Health Crèmes
Penis health crèmes are therapeutic products designed to support the connective tissues, circulation and performance of the penis. It is not advisable to use most types of artificial chemicals found in creams and soaps on the penis, as the skin cells are highly sensitive. Specialist male crèmes (most professionals recommend Man1Man Oil) use nutrients, such as Vitamin D, in a shea butter base for fast absorption. This takes the nutrients directly to the tissues that require them, supporting hormone production, blood vessel health and nerve sensitivity. For men who want to improve penis health the natural and safe way, using penis health crèmes as a primary source of Vitamin D will support the entire reproductive system in a holistic fashion.

Sources Of Vitamin C: Facts About Orange Juice

  By Jim S Lovasz
Traditionally orange juice has been touted as the favored choice of a good source of vitamin C. I am not about to argue the point. I am also sure that those of you who are careful about what you eat, seek to drink OJ that is unadulterated.

Hence, the big producers of "not from concentrate" brands have the Lion's share of the market. There is no need to point out who they are. The "not from concentrate" crowd of major corporations have pretty well cornered the OJ market by offering "100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice."

If you are one of the multitudes who think that is what they are drinking, I have some disturbing news for you!
Facts About Orange Juice
These "100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice" products, made famous by advertising with misleading pictures such as a straw stuck into an orange are not what they are made out to be. In order to provide this juice to a massive part of the population year round invariably requires a long storage time as well as shelf-life.

The incredible power of advertising is seen in the fact that most of us know that it is just not biologically possible to store pure, fresh juice for long periods. Yet, few of us challenge the claims that these are pure juices. How on earth do these corporations manage to do this without any additives, let alone preservatives?
They accomplish this by aerating the juice in aseptic storage vessels capable of holding millions of gallons. By aerating I mean they remove the oxygen to preserve the OJ. Along with the oxygen goes the flavour. If you drink the OJ now it would taste like sugar water. But, they can store this liquid for up to a year!
How do they get the taste back in?

Have you ever wondered why the same famous brand tastes the same in every part of the world or how certain brands always have their own distinctive flavor if the stuff really is natural? Here is how.

Flavor packs developed by the same companies that add fragrance to perfumes, like Calvin and Dior are used to give each OJ its distinctive taste. That is impossible you say? It says it is 100% pure. In a devious manner of speaking it does flirt with truth.

The said flavor packs are formulated from products synthesized from oranges. Although the orange essence and oils used, are refined from oranges, they resemble nothing made by Mother Nature. They also contain large amount of ethyl butyrate.

I don't know about you, but I would look for something a little less suspicious for a source of vitamin C. My main focus is good sources of vitamin C. For those of you who find the facts about orange juice hard to believe or just want more information I'll refer you to the lady who put the squeeze on the industry.

In her book Squeezed: What You Don't Know About Orange Juice, Alissa Hamilton pulled the rug out from underneath the producers. Although she appeared on ABC News and a host of talk shows her message seems to have largely missed the mark. Therefore I thought it worth re-visiting.

Sources of Vitamin C
To begin with vitamin C supplements aka ascorbic acid have been, unsurprisingly, shown to be less effective in treating scurvy than natural sources. I tend to be leery of supplements because it is, in my view, dangerous to picture nutrients as separate entities.


Vitamins work symbiotically with one another as well as with enzymes, minerals and other nutrients in natural foods, such as a host of acids. Therefore, natural sources are always preferable. With the coporatization of the food industry and depletion of soil through unsustainable commercial agricultural techniques they are, unfortunately, not always easily available.

Before the convenience of modern food storage our ancestors often resorted to sprouting dried legumes or fermenting milk or vegetables when fresh vegetables were not available. These processes increase vitamin C, in the case of fermentation, dramatically.

For example to avoid the plague of scurvy experienced by their European counterparts, ancient Chinese sailors took barrels of dried mung beans on their voyages. In a similar manner Captain Cook kept his crew from scurvy with sauerkraut fermented from cabbage on his 27 month circumvention of the globe.

The following is a list of good sources of vitamin C:
Orange juice 1 cup (caveats apply): 93 mg
Papaya 5 oz: 85 mg
Pineapple 1 cup: 67 mg
Acerola powder 3.7 gm: 60 mg
Kombucha 4 oz: 60 mg
Lemon 1: 54 mg
Sauerkraut 1 cup: 20.9 mg
I use to take vitamin C supplements as I was always concerned about getting sufficient since it is so crucial. It has been used in large doses to cure cancer and is known to be a strong defence. Now that my principle beverage is kombucha not only for the health benefits, which are numerous, but because it is super cheap and very tasty I have no worries.

Penis Health Benefits of Vitamin C

 By John Dugan
Most men experience problems with erectile dysfunction from time to time. Using a penis health crème that contains Vitamin C on a regular basis provides vital immune system support and helps to maintain healthy blood vessels, an important factor in sexual function. In addition to supporting sexual health, there are numerous other penis health benefits of vitamin C; in fact, ongoing research is constantly adding to the list of advantages that can be obtained from this vital nutrient.

What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important to many bodily functions. Because it is water-soluble, unused portions of this nutrient are excreted from the body in the urine; for this reason, a constant supply of vitamin C from external sources is needed. This vitamin is available from a wide range of food sources, including melon, citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, greens, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Many cereals and other processed foods are fortified with vitamin C, as well, although it is not clear how much of the nutrient is absorbed from these sources.

How does vitamin C help to promote good health?
Vitamin C is essential to numerous metabolic and restorative processes. It is used to form proteins that are needed to grow and repair tissues such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels; it also works alongside calcium to build and maintain bones, teeth, and cartilage. In addition, this nutrient is necessary for healing wounds and forming scar tissue, and it helps to build collagen, which is needed for maintaining healthy, wrinkle-free skin.
Vitamin C is also one of several antioxidants, nutrients that block the effects of environmental contaminants known as free radicals. These harmful agents have been linked to cancer and other life-threatening diseases; maintaining a good source of vitamin C has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

What are the most important penis health benefits of vitamin C?
The benefits of vitamin C are significant and can help to prevent or correct a variety of common penis problems.
- Prevention of infection: The penile surface can be easily compromised by rough sex or masturbation, which causes microscopic cracks in the skin that can allow bacteria and fungi to penetrate, leading to infections that can cause rash, itching, burning, soreness and foul odor. Vitamin C is essential for fighting off infections that can cause these uncomfortable symptoms.

- Good heart health: Vitamin C is needed to maintain good cardiovascular health, which is important to proper sexual function as well as overall health and well-being.

- Building and strengthening blood vessels: This nutrient is necessary for building body tissues, including the blood vessels. Strong and healthy blood vessels are needed to avoid developing erectile dysfunction.

- Collagen production: Vitamin C is needed for the formation of collagen, which gives skin its elasticity and prevents the formation of wrinkles that can give the penis an unattractive appearance.

- Protection against environmental contaminants: This important vitamin acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent skin damage as well as more serious conditions such as cancer.

Keeping Your Penis Healthy
The best way to prevent penis problems is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding the use of tobacco products; it is also important to be selective about the choice of sexual partners. In addition, it is suggested that a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing penis-specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients be used daily to moisturize the skin and protect the penis from bacterial or fungal infections, which cause discomfort and may even lead to more serious penis health issues. Applying a penis crème directly to the skin ensures immediate absorption for maximum health benefits.

Vitamin C Super Boost to Sperm Count

 By John Dugan
It's testosterone that makes the man, or so scientists say. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is involved at all levels of male performance and satisfaction, and low testosterone levels have been implicated with all manner of sexual health problems. Instead of spending large quantities of money on testosterone supplements and medications, it is possible for men to improve their male hormone levels by using penis-specific vitamins, such as vitamin C. Antioxidants like vitamin C have a direct effect on libido, fertility and testosterone production in men.

What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the best known essential nutrients required by the human body for health and vitality. First discovered in 1747 by naval surgeon James Lind as a component of citrus fruit that prevented the disease, scurvy, most vitamin C products are now either synthetically produced in a laboratory setting or extracted from natural sources, such as citrus fruit, rosehips, berries and vegetables.

Few animal products are rich in vitamin C, though some Inuit tribes in North America consume whale meat and whale skin as their main dietary source of vitamin C. Since its discovery, researchers have found vitamin C to be an essential ingredient for making the body healthy, as it prevents atherosclerosis, reduces cognitive decline, speeds wound healing, prevents scarring, balances stress hormones, fights free radicals and supports a strong immune system. In addition, vitamin C plays a specific role in the sexual health and fertility of men.

Male hormones
Male hormones, in particular the steroid hormone known as testosterone, are sensitive to changes in vitamin C. This is important for men to realize, as testosterone effects all sorts of health parameters -- sexual desire, libido, arousal, fertility, muscle development, energy, mood balance, and aging. Testosterone is produced primarily by the testicles, and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys. When fatigue, stress, poor nutrition and disease causes problems in testosterone production, it may affect sexual health. Researchers from Al Azhar University in Egypt found that patients with infertility, impotence and varicoceles all had significantly reduced testosterone levels. While medications and creams are available which supply synthetic testosterone hormones, it is possible for men to increase their testosterone levels naturally and safely with vitamin C supplements.

The Vitamin C Effect
Vitamin C may not sound like the most masculine form of treatment for improving testosterone production, but surprisingly there is much more research being done on this antioxidant vitamin than many other expensive natural health products, such as tribulus terrestris or maca. Vitamin C improves both the health of the adrenal gland and the testicles, supporting two different levels of testosterone production. Men with high vitamin C levels in the blood also have healthier sperm, less acidic semen and increased libido. In one study, researchers from Firat University in Turkey found that vitamin C supplementation caused a significant improvement in sperm production and testosterone levels. In addition, a Korean study found that vitamin C supplementation protected the male reproductive system from the heavy metal cadmium -- an environment toxin present in car exhaust, tobacco smoke and industrial waste. Testicular cells were protected by the vitamin C and healthy testosterone levels were restored.

Health crèmes
While vitamin C supplements are easily purchased over-the-counter in supermarkets and pharmacies, it is well known by many men that vitamin C often passes through the system and into the urine in large quantities. This problem can be bypassed by using vitamin C crèmes in the form of professional health crèmes and penis health crèmes. Penis health crèmes contain levels of vitamin C that can be absorbed into the blood stream directly, bypassing digestion, and into the local tissues. Specialist products (most professionals recommend Man1Man Oil) support connective tissue health, nerve function, and male hormone levels by combining vitamin C with other active ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, vitamin A, alpha lipoic acid and L-arginine.

Vitamin C Overdose

 By Josh Riverside
Using Vitamin C products beyond recommended the limits may cause stomachaches and diarrhea. Even though the body would only use as much as it needs of the vitamin, Vitamin C Overdose can hinder metabolic activities in the body.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C in nonsmoking adults is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. For smokers, the RDAs are 110 mg per day for women and 125 mg per day for men. A dose of 200 milligrams daily is almost enough to maximize plasma and lymphocyte levels.

Higher levels of Vitamin C are needed when under environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection.

Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). This is a water-soluble protein, and anything in excess is excreted by the body. Vitamin C Overdose can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset. Other side effects could be stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Large amounts of Vitamin C reduce body levels of copper, an essential nutrient.

People with iron overload diseases must avoid Vitamin C Overdose, as it increases iron absorption. Special medical advice must be taken by individuals who have kidney stones. If a pregnant mother takes 6,000 mg of Vitamin C, the baby may develop rebound scurvy due to a sudden drop in daily intake. Hemochromatosis patients should not take Vitamin C due to enhanced accumulation of non-heme iron in the presence of this vitamin.

Vitamin B Sources - Why You Should Know Them

 By Madeleine Innocent
The best vitamin B sources are real food. Most of those in tablet form don't even come close. Not only can they be a waste of money, they can do you harm. But this vitamin is vital to good health and deficiencies are common.

Vitamin B is a nutrient you need on a daily basis. It is easily and quickly used up and isn't made by your body. There is a wide range of this vitamin, categorised by their number. The combination is known as a complex and comprises of all eight.

Although I think it is very clever to isolate these nutrients into what they are required by the body for, I also think the information is largely superfluous. Those who are so distanced from nature and her bounty, that they rely on the information of others, which can and often is misleading, are not going to experience good health long term.

If you are more in tune with nature, then you will know the importance of real food instinctively. Moreover, you will be drawn to what you need. You don't need to know why or what it contains.

Your requirements will also change on a daily basis. A more stressful day, and you are likely to need more. If you are taking any medication, particularly if this is daily or ongoing, then you will need much more, as all medication depletes the nutrients in your body.

Some common vitamin B deficiencies include mental health problems such as dementia, depression and memory loss, low energy, chronic or local inflammation, heart disease, a low immune response, frequent infections, the list is endless.

It is possible to experience a boost when you take a vitamin B supplement. But your body, your digestion is not equipped with the necessary tools to process and assimilate a synthetic nutrient, make in a laboratory, often from questionable sources, in isolation from all the supporting nutrients.

Natural vitamin B sources, found in real food, are easily digested, easily processed and easily used by your body. Your body has evolved to know exactly what to do with these nutrients. They are in a complex form, each nutrient supporting the others.

The natural sources of vitamin B often accompany those foods high in protein. For this reason, it is considered that those who eat meat regularly get a sufficient amount, whilst vegans tend to go short. This is a myth.

Cooking and processing meat alters the protein and damages the nutrients. It is more likely that vegans consume the best foods which are able to provide their daily requirements.

The best vitamin B sources are green leafy vegetables, other green vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus, practically every other fresh fruit and vegetable, nuts, seeds and legumes. Superfoods, such as blue-green algae are the only supplements which are in natural balance.

It is impossible to overdose on a natural supply of nutrients, whereas it is easy and common to overdose on synthetic supplements, often with unknown or unrecognised symptoms.

Don't be hoodwinked into thinking that those foods fortified with vitamin B complex are any better than the supplements. These are all isolated and synthetic. Common fortified foods are breads and cereals, both of which are heavily processed leading to a multitude of other health problems.

Can Vitamin B Complex Stop Panic Attacks?

 By Martin Kulp
There are several treatments for panic disorder, including breathing and concentration exercises as well as medications. Other options include nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B complex. However, vitamin B supplementation is controversial and unclear as to its effectiveness. Recent published studies of each component of vitamin B complex have shed some light on this supplement.

In a study involving 1,000 patients, those with thiamine, B6, or B12 deficiency were generally more likely to feel anxiety and nervousness, although whether or not supplementation with these vitamins when deficient will help anxiety and panic sufferers has yet to be studied.

A recent study involving 21 panic disorder patients taking 12 grams of inositol, one of the components of B complex, showed a notable decrease in severity and length of panic attacks and agoraphobia compared to the placebo group. There were very few side effects of the inositol supplementation.

Another component of B complex, niacinamide, has been effective in animal studies at reducing aggression and anxiety. Human studies have yet to be performed. Supplementation with niacinamide is generally believed to work best around 500mg per day.

Vitamin B complex does appear to have some connection to anxiety and panic disorder. Inositol, not a true vitamin as the human body can produce it, can be effective in lowering panic attack severity. Niacinamide has shown some ability to control anxiety in animal studies only, and thiamine, B6, and B12 deficiency shows some evidence of a connection with general nervousness.

Although a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any supplementation program in lieu of advised medication, taking a daily vitamin B complex may be one step in the overall treatment plan of panic disorder.

What Is Vitamin B For? - A Quick Reference Guide

 By Michael Tibus
What is Vitamin B for? This is a question that is often asked and understandably so. There are many important vitamins that we need to be taking on a daily basis. This in itself becomes a daunting task trying to remember what they are, which ones to take, and how we benefit by taking them. So I decided to make a little reference guide to the Vitamin B directory, if you will, so that we can come to a quick understanding of what each is and how it can help us. Here is the breakdown:

B complex
Simply, this vitamin group consists of all eight water-soluble B vitamins.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
It enhances circulation and assists in the formation of blood. It helps the body digest carbohydrates and helps in the production of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid). It optimizes our mental processes and brain function.

It also works as an antioxidant that protects the body from the degenerative effects of aging.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
It is necessary for the production of red blood cells, antibodies, cell respiration (energy attained from food), and cell growth. It renders aid in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. It expedites the use of oxygen throughout the body and helps the body absorb iron and Vitamin B6. It is greatly needed during pregnancy; the development of the fetus can be gravely affected without it.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
It is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. It aids the nervous system so it functions properly. It aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also assists in the synthesis of sex hormones and helps lower cholesterol.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
It helps the body release adrenal hormones to relieve stress. It plays a role in the development of antibodies, assists in converting vitamins for the body to use, and helps convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. It also helps in the prevention of certain forms of anemia.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
This vitamin is involved in more bodily functions than any other nutrient or supplement. It is useful for the body in that it helps balance the levels of sodium and potassium and it promotes red cell production. It is needed for normal brain function and for RNA and DNA synthesis. It plays a role in the body's defense of cancer and helps prevent arteriosclerosis. It is helpful in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, and allergies.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) - also known as Vitamin H
It is needed for healthy hair and skin and it helps relieve muscle pain. It also aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. And it promotes healthy sweat glands, bone marrow, and nerve tissue.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
It promotes good brain health, the production of red blood cells, and the production of energy. It is a great vitamin for strengthening the immune system and it is vital for the production of white blood cells and their function.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
It helps regulate the production of red blood cells and is needed to prevent anemia. It also helps in the conversion of iron so the body can use it. If you are a person who suffers from sleep loss, this vitamin can help enhance your sleep. If you are a vegetarian you need this vitamin because it is exclusively found in meat.

Solution for Supplementation
It is very hard to keep tract on what foods exactly have which B vitamin. I am not saying that it can't be done but it certainly is more problematic than not. Important vitamin of interest would be those that incorporates the B complex vitamins. Additionally, vitamins that include Vitamins, A, C, D, and E, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Inositol, Chlorella (the most important trace element), Chromium, and Choline would be an excellent purchase as well. If you take a vitamin with this kind of balance on a daily basis you will never have to worry if you've met your daily vitamin requirement or not.

RDA or ODR?
The majority of vitamins on the market give you your RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) which is required only to fight disease. The majority of vitamins available for purchase meet this minimum requirement. While shopping, look for vitamins that go beyond this and give you ODR (Optimum Daily Recommendation). It focuses on improving your health, not just preventing disease.

So this is just a quick reference guide to help you understand the B complex vitamin group. They are all very important to our existence and we should not go a day without taking them. Try your best to include them in your diet and you will continue to maintain good health.