Vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells and takes part in remodeling bones. It helps maintain the health of endothelial cells (those lining the body's interior surfaces), and regulates cell growth and division. Although it is relatively easy to get too little Vitamin A, it is also easy to get too much. Intake of up to 10,000 IU, twice the current recommended daily level, is thought to be safe. However, there is some evidence that this amount of preformed Vitamin A (retinol), might increase the risk of hip fracture and is responsible for some birth defects. Therefore, when you take higher doses of Vitamin A, it does not serve its purpose as an antioxidant. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin A is 2,300 IU for women and 3,000 IU for men, which is sufficient to support normal gene expression, immune function, and vision. Based on the Linus Pauling Institute, to take multivitamin supplements could supply as much as 5,000 IU/day of Vitamin A as retinol. That amount has been associated with adverse effects on bone health in older adults. For that reason, Linus Pauling Institute recommends taking a multivitamin supplement that provides no more than 2,500 IU of Vitamin A (as retinol) or a supplement that provides 5,000 IU of Vitamin A, of which at least 50% comes from Beta-Carotene which is a natural source of Vitamin A. High potency Vitamin A supplements should not be used without medical supervision due to the risk of toxicity. We balance our supplements following these guidelines, therefore you may have the right amount.
Nobel laureate Linus Pauling promoted daily megadoses of vitamin C as a way to prevent colds and protect the body from other chronic diseases. There is no question that vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free-radicals and it helps make collagen, a tissue needed for healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels.
Vitamin D helps ensure that the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bones. Laboratory studies also show that Vitamin D keeps cancer cells from growing and dividing. There are supporting evidences that larger doses of Vitamin D are helpful for the prostate cancer treatment.
Continuous low-dose of Vitamin E supplementation, (as part of a daily antioxidant pill), is found to reducing the risk of cancer, even more beneficial to men than to women. Studies suggest at least 400 IU of Vitamin E per day. However, Vitamin E as the Vitamin C, interferes with certain medicines, like Zocor, Prevachol, Lipitor or Crestor, reducing those medicines effect in as much as to 40%. If you are under the mentioned medicines, it is suggested to talk to your Physician before taking additional Vitamin E.
It is not easy to get from food at least 400 micrograms a day of Folic Acid, as recommended, . Women of childbearing age should take extra folic acid. It is also why the US Food and Drug Administration now requires that Folic Acid be added to most enriched breads, flour, cornmeal, pastas, rice, and other grain products, along with the iron and other micronutrients that have been added for years. An exciting discovery about Folic Acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, is that they may help fight heart disease and some types of cancer as well.
These three ingredients play key roles in recycling homocysteine into methionine, one of the twenty or so building blocks from which the body builds new proteins. Without enough Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, this recycling process becomes inefficient and homocysteine levels increase. Several observational studies show that high levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Increasing intake of Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels. Some observational studies show lower risks of cardiovascular disease among people with higher intakes of Folic Acid, those who use multivitamin supplements, or those with higher levels of serum Folate (the form of Folic Acid found in the body). In addition to recycling homocysteine, Folate plays a key role in building DNA, the complex compound that forms our genetic blueprint. Observational studies show that people who get higher than average amounts of Folic Acid from their diets or supplements have lower risks of colon cancer and breast cancer. This could be especially important for those who drink alcohol, since alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid and inactivates circulating Folate. An interesting observation from the Nurses' Health Study is that high intake of Folic Acid blunts the increased risk of breast cancer seen among women who have more than one alcoholic drink a day. Because only a few adults currently get the recommended daily intake of B vitamins by diet alone, the use of a multivitamin supplement is increasingly important.
Pantothenic Acid acts as a coenzyme to release energy from protein, fats and carbohydrates. It is also essential to the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and steroids. Pantothenic acid stimulates the adrenal glands producing hormones necessary for healthy skin and nerves. It is vital for the development of the central nervous system and improves the body's ability to withstand stress.
Zinc is an essential mineral for many functions in our body. Those who drink alcohol excessively are often deficient in this mineral. Zinc serves as a component of approximately 25 different enzymes required for the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Selenium is the minerals most found in many studies, and references as helpful not only for prostate treatment but because selenium work together with other antioxidants.
Chromium works with other body substances in forming hormones, activating enzymes, and stabilizing nucleic acids.