Vitamins

By: Dr. George Obikoya

http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/why-take-vitamin.html

High fructose corn syrup. Bleached flour. Ingredients that can't be pronounced. Even fresh fruit...freshly picked apples lose vitamins by the hour. By the time fresh fruit gets to the store, sits on a shelf, is purchased, sits in the refrigerator, is cooked, and finally eaten, only a very small fraction of the nutritional value is left to be absorbed. The vital vitamins and minerals in the food supply today have been extremely diminished. Many nutritional experts agree that even if one were to eat 100% raw and organic fruits and vegetables, picked and eaten same-day straight from farmland, decades of farming has left large amounts of contracted land depleted. One would have to consume 8-12 times the amount of produce, in some cases, to absorb what much of the farmland contained decades ago. While 1 out of every 10,000 or so people even pick their own food, the rest of world relies on several-days to several-weeks old, processed, canned, previously cooked, etc. food to remain healthy. Even if one were to ignore literally thousands of reports on how diets today are poor, a third grader is able to make the stark observation that the majority of America and many parts of the world is obese.

Read Vitamin Supplements - Part 1 right here.

Vitamin A

Dietary deficiency of vitamin A is uncommon in healthy people, except in older age groups. A is needed to absorb calcium, effects intestinal flora, and synthesizes body proteins. Although vitamin A is important for the function of the immune system, concerns about birth defects and bone loss, people should not take over 10,000 IU of supplemental vitamin A in the form of retinol without consulting a doctor.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, and may have a separate role in human health. Controlled research has shown that beta-carotene supplements can increase the numbers of some white blood cells and enhance cancer-fighting immune functions in healthy people who take 25,000–100,000 IU per day.

The term "nutrition" always, makes people think of vitamins, minerals, and one’s diet. If you’re health conscious, this is usually automatic but if you’re not so health conscious, you may say, "nah, I don't need them".

"Nah, I don't need them. I am too inconsistent anyway. I feel fine and my energy is good. I sleep well and my Doctor says if I eat good, there is no need."

Everyone and their brother’s, sister’s cousin pushes or sells vitamins. The plethora of vitamin houses and sales are enough to intimidate anyone from supplementing their diet with vitamins and minerals, even if they might have entertained the thought.

So do we need a vitamin or not? How much does one take and what kind? What are the better vitamins to take and how about manufacturers?