Vitamin IV

Vitamin A

A deficiency can occur with diets that are deficient in both vitamin A and beta-carotene, and can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness.

Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin; Supports vision and sight as well as the immune system in helping to protect from infections.

Vitamin D

People who get little exposure to sunlight are most at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Adequate amounts of vitamin D is necessary for preventing bone loss.  It also controls the levels of calcium in the blood, is essential for building strong bones and teeth, and helps strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin E

People who cannot absorb dietary fat are at risk of a Vitamin E deficiency, as well as those with zinc deficiency. Vitamin E deficiency is usually characterized by neurological problems associated with nerve degeneration in hands and feet.

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improved wound healing. Some studies have shown that vitamin E decreases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast disease. 

Thiamine (B1)

Thiamin deficiency occurs as a result of many factors, including crash dieting, alcohol abuse, liver dysfunction, kidney dialysis, and those who consume a lot of sweets, soft drinks, and highly processed foods. A lack of sufficient thiamine in the diet can cause loss of appetite, poor digestion, chronic constipation, loss of weight, mental depression, nervous exhaustion, and insomnia.

Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy; aids the nervous system, and supports nerve health.

Riboflavin (B2)

Symptoms of Vitamin B2 deficiency include cracking of the lips and corners of the mouth, an inflamed tongue, loss of visual perception and sensitivity to light, cataracts, and burning and/or itching of the eyes, lips, mouth, and tongue. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, poor digestion, and slowed mental response.

Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, plays an important role in releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid as well.  Finally, it is also important for red cell production and helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells and nervous system function.

Vitamin B5

Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes and cardiac instability have been reported in those with a Vitamin B5 deficiency.

Like other B vitamins, Vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) helps the body extract energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also helps to metabolize fats and produce red blood cells and hormones from the adrenal gland. It has been shown that Vitamin B5 might be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, and to help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Vitamin B6

The skin is one of the first areas to show problems when B6 is deficient. Many skin disorders have been associated with B6 deficiency, and they include eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

The processing of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in the body depends on availability of vitamin B6. This vitamin is particularly important in facilitating the breakdown of glycogen stored in muscle cells, and to a lesser extent in our liver.  Further, because of its key role in the formation of new cells, vitamin B6 is especially important for healthy function of body tissue that regenerates itself quickly.

Also known as Vitamin B9, Folic Acid helps the body make healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid, but it is especially important for women who may get pregnant, as it can prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.

Vitamin B12

People at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include strict vegetarians, elderly people, and people with increased vitamin B12 requirements associated with pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, malignancy, liver or kidney disease.

Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins to help maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.

Vitamin C

Symptoms of a deficiency can include tiredness, muscle weakness, joint and muscle aches, a rash on the legs, fluid retention, depression, anemia and bleeding gums.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals.  Vitamin C also helps build and maintain tissues and strengthens the immune system and can also decrease total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to help protect against heart disease.

While the majority of calcium is located in the bones and the teeth, it is also required for blood coagulation, nerve function, production of energy, the beating of the heart, proper immune function and muscle contraction. Additional research suggests that calcium may help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Calcium supplements should be avoided by prostate cancer patients.

Magnesium is a critical co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Magnesium aids in the body’s absorption of calcium and also plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. This means that those at risk for osteoporosis can benefit from taking magnesium.Magnesium also is vital for maintaining a healthy heart and also aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.Magnesium also works to keep muscles properly relaxed and can be especially beneficial to fibromyalgia patients.