Vitamin Fruit: Apricots Fruit : Apricots,Fruit,Vitamin,

Vitamin Fruit: Apricots Fruit :

1-vitamin A
2-Vitamin B1
3-Vitamin B2
4-Vitamin B6
5-Vitamin C

Description:

1-vitamin A:

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble substances that are found in animal products. These substances include retinol (an alcohol) and retinal (an aldehyde). Retinal is responsible for production of an acid that affects gene transcription. By means of cellular differentiation, physiological roles of cells are specialized. Vitamin A also includes carotenoids, which are produced by plants. These are transformed to retinal. Fruits and vegetables for example contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the human body.

Functions of vitamin A:

Vitamin A is essential for the development of bones, skin and eyesight. It strengthens the immune system, creating resistance to infection and disease. It also regulates growth by regulating the expression of the growth hormone gene. When vitamin A deficiency occurs, a person may suffer from night blindness (caused by inadequate retinol supply), dry skin, poor growth and developmental difficulties.

Vitamin A in food:

Food sources that contain retinol and retinal are animal products, including: liver, kidney, oily fish, dairy, eggs and margarine. Carotenoids are found in oranges, yellow, orange and dark green vegetables and fruits (for example carrots, broccoli, spinach and watercress).

Vitamin A as a supplement:

Vitamin A is recommended therapeutically for patients experiencing skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis) and night blindness. It also prevents ulcers, respiratory disease, menstruation cramps or urinary problems, because of its beneficial impact on the immune system. Vitamin A plays an important role in the prevention of several types of cancer.

Interactions:

Zinc deficiency interferes with the vitamin A metabolism as a result of decreased retinol synthesis and decreased retinol to retinal transformation. When vitamin A is used in combination with iron anaemia is less likely to occur.
Chronic alcohol consumption results in depletion of vitamin A storage in the liver. this contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage.

Warning:

Vitamin A is not recommended for pregnant women. Excess vitamin A may cause birth defects. However, an adequate supply of vitamin A is still required because of its essential role in embryonic development.

2-Vitamin B1:

Descripción:

Vitamina B1, generalmente referida como tiamina, es un complejo B, vitamina soluble en el agua que fue inicialmente caracterizada en el año 1930. La tiamina esta presente de manera natural y libre en el cuerpo humano como forma fosforilada. Formas fosforiladas de tiaminas, como tiamina trifosfato (TTP) son necesarias como co-encimas para un pequeño numero de encimas. Estas encimas juegan un papel muy importante en la producción de energía para alimentación.

Funciones de la Vitamina B1:

Tiamina es esencia para la liberación de energía, metabolismo de carbohidratos y para el sistema nervioso, el corazón y el cerebro, también para funciones gastrointestinales y músculos. Cuando existe deficiencia de Vitamina B1, se provoca debilitamiento, depresión, atontamiento y puede producirse cosquilleo en las manos y los pies. También puede provocar dolores de cabeza, perdidas de memoria y problemas en el sueño.

Cantidad diaria recomendada para adultos: 1.4mg

Vitamina B1 en la alimentación:

Una dieta variada debería suministrar a cada individuo con contenidos adecuados de tiamina que garanticen una buena salud. La tiamina es un ingrediente típico del arroz integral sin refinado, cereales, legumbres como las judías y las lentejas, harina, levaduras, frutos secos, patatas y cerdo. El arroz blanco y harina blanca son complementados con fuentes de tiamina para evitar deficiencias en las personas cuya dieta se basa en estos alimentos.

Vitamina B1 como suplemento:

La tiamina se recomienda a los fumadores y bebedores crónicos, personas con alto rendimiento físico continuo, personas que siguen dieta de azúcar y carbohidratos y personas con problemas del corazón, daño del crecimiento o estrés. También puede ser beneficioso durante el embarazo, para mujeres en periodo de lactancia y durante el crecimiento de adolescentes. . .

Interacciones:

Antioxidantes como la vitamina C puede prevenir la oxidación de la tiamina a su forma inactiva, que se produce en algunos alimentos.

Description:

3-Vitamin B2:

Vitamin B2, generally referred to as riboflavin, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. In the human body, it is an integral component of various coenzymes.

Functions of Vitamin B2:

Riboflavin is a component of various coenzymes that play an important role in oxidation and reduction reactions in numerous metabolic pathways, such as those of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It promotes regular patterns of growth and development. It assists energy release from food and is part of the electron transport chain which is central to energy production. It plays a key role in mucus membrane maintenance, in fertility and in the maintenance of health of eyes, skin and nervous system. When riboflavin deficiency occurs, symptoms such as dry, red and flaky skin, cracked lips, sore throat and tongue, cracks and sores on the lips (cheliosis), irritated eyes, light sensitivity, poor concentration, memory loss and a burning sensation in the feet are common. Additionally, red blood cell levels may decrease. Riboflavin deficiency frequently occurs in combination with deficiencies of other water-soluble vitamins. It can lead to decreased conversion of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to coenzymes and decreased niacin (vitamin B3) production.

Vitamin B2 in food:

Trace amounts of riboflavin can be found in beef, lamb liver, wild rice, pasta, soy milk, wholegrain cereals, yeast, pulses, seeds and dairy products. When food is left in direct sunlight, riboflavin may be destroyed. White flour and bread are enriched with riboflavin.

Vitamin B2 as a supplement:

Riboflavin is recommended to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Women on contraceptive pills or oestrogen packages also require this vitamin. Elderly people, athletes, young people experiencing growth spurts, people suffering from stress and alcohol and drug abusers benefit from additional riboflavin. Finally, people with ulcers may also receive such treatment.

Interactions:

Riboflavin disturbs antibiotic adsorption and may therefore not be taken in at the same time with antibiotics. The same goes for anti-cancer drugs. Riboflavin deficiency may cause impairment of iron adsorption, intestinal iron losses and impairment of iron utilization for haemoglobin synthesis. The underlying mechanism is not entirely clear, but evidence has shown that iron-deficient anaemia can be treated by iron therapy better when riboflavin stocks are also replenished.

Warning:

People under age 12 or people experiencing kidney failure may not use riboflavin. Diuretics may increase riboflavin requirements. Alcoholics have a higher risk of riboflavin deficiency as a result of decreased intake and adsorption, and impairment of utilization. people with lactose intolerance are more likely to experience a riboflavin deficiency when they do not replace these sources of the vitamin by alternatives.

Description:

Vitamin B6:

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, also referred to as pyridoxine. It was first isolated in the 1930's. It contains six separate forms, of which one is a coenzyme that plays an important role in human metabolism. Humans must obtain the vitamin from their diets, because it is not synthesized in our body.

Functions of vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 produces haemin, a component of haemoglobin. This substance gives red blood cells the ability to transport oxygen throughout the human body. Vitamin B6 regulates metabolism, digestion and fluid balance. Neurotransmitters in the nervous system are synthesized using vitamin B6 enzymes. Deficiency may cause nervousness, irritation, confusion, facial skin flakes, tongue inflammation and mouth ulcers. Elderly people may experience bad functioning of the immune system when B6 intake is too low.

Vitamin B6 in food:

Vitamin B6 can be found in breakfast cereals (muesli, bran flakes and porridge oats), brown rice, brown bread, wheat germ, yeast, nuts, seeds, lentils, potatoes, baked beans, soy beans, bananas, white fish and meat.

Vitamin B6 as a supplement:

Vitamin B6 is recommended to those that suffer from cardiovascular disease, morning sickness, insomnia, anxiety and small depressions, and Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Supplemental intake of the vitamin decreases the risk of development of kidney stones for women. It has been suggested that vitamin B6 may assist in curing carpal tunnel syndrome, but so far no evidence was found to support this claim.

Interactions:

Contraception pills may lead to decreases in vitamin B6 levels. Pregnant women are therefore recommended to take additional vitamin B6. Anti-tuberculosis medication such as isoniazid and cycloserine and anti-Parkinson drugs form complexes with vitamin B6, creating a functional deficiency. Vitamin B2 and magnesium may be taken additionally, because these enhance vitamin B6 adsorption. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the synthesis of niacin (vitamin B3) from tryptophan. The replacement of oestrogen and other hormones on steroid receptors by vitamin B6 coenzymes suggests, that this vitamin may play a role in the prevention of steroid hormonal diseases, such as breast and prostate cancer. Vitamin B6, B12 and folate regulate blood homocystene levels. High levels of this substance may cause cardiovascular disease.

Warning:

Cooking causes a loss in vitamin B6 in most food stuffs. Vitamin B6 medication is not suitable for children below the age of 12. When high doses of this vitamin cause symptoms, discontinuation is recommended.

Description:

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is also referred to as ascorbic acid. It is essential for normal body functioning. Humans must obtain vitamin C trough their diet. Other mammals have the opportunity to produce their own vitamin C supply.

Functions of Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of tendons, bones, teeth, blood vessels and muscles. The vitamin also synthesizes a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. It also plays a role in the fat transport system of cells and cholesterol metabolism (prevention of gallstones). Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that assists the body in contesting viral infection, bacterial infections and toxicity. It protects carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage induced by free radicals and other reactive species. Vitamin C produces skin products to enhance skin vitality and it plays a role in wound healing. Vitamin C deficiency causes bruising, bleeding, skin and hair loss. These are all symptoms of a deficiency-induced potentially fatal skin disease called scurvy. The symptoms are all related to diminished levels of collagen in bones, blood vessels and connective tissue. Inhabitants of developing countries and people on very restricted diets are more likely to suffer from a vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C in food:

Vitamin C is present in fresh fruit and vegetables and in fruit juice juices, (kiwi, Brussels sprouts, peppers).

Vitamin C as a supplement:

Vitamin C is recommended to those that have skin and hair loss problems, slow-healing wound, infections and colds, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, bleeding, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, angina or scurvy. People that smoke, drink or use contraceptive pills may benefits from additional vitamin C. Elderly people and people taking antibiotics may get prescriptions as well. Taking adequate amounts of vitamin C each day by eating sufficient amounts of fruit and vegetables may decrease the risk of cancer. Doses larger than 1000 mg may slow down the effects of lead poisoning.

Interactions:

Vitamin C enhances iron adsorption and regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Over consumption of vitamin C may cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. Oestrogen contraceptives and frequent intake of aspirin can decrease blood vitamin C levels. Anticoagulant medication such as warfarin may be inhibited when a person takes large doses of vitamin C.

Warning:

Cooking may destroy vitamin C pools in fruits and vegetables. Supplements containing bioflavonoids increase adsorption and availability of vitamin C. Smokers require a larger dietary intake of vitamin C than non-smokers, on account of oxidative stress in their body caused by toxins in cigarette smoke and generally lower blood levels.

Functions of Folate:

Folate plays an important role in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Consequentially, it is essential for cell growth and development and nervous system functioning. It is vital to foetal nervous system development and helps regulating histamine. Folate deficiency is characterized by anaemia, leading to a decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This causes symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. Folate deficiency may also cause a sore tongue, depression, nerve damage and infant neural tube defects, heart defects and limb malformations. Some of these symptoms may have an unclear cause because these are also caused by an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Folate in food:

Folate is present in spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, yeast, (fortified) cereals, citrus fruit juices, legumes, liver, kidney and oranges.

Folate as a supplement:

Folate is essential to women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children with dairy allergies need extra folate medication because of a folate deficit in goat milk and soy milk. People suffering from depression, mental illnesses or Alzheimer's may also benefit from folate, as well as alcoholics. Folate-rich diets have been associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Interactions:

Some tasks of folate in cell development and nervous system functioning are performed interchangeably with vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. When anaemia is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, providing a person with additional folate will not solve the problem and may even cause neurological damage in the long run.
When taken in large doses aspirin and ibuprofen may interfere with folate metabolism. Long-term use of anticonvulsants may cause inhibition of folate absorption in the intestines. A number of medications appear to have antifolate activity. Examples are antibiotics, anti malarial drugs, blood pressure medication and ulcer medication.

Warning:

Large doses of folate may mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficits.