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Vitamin B6 · Vitamin B12 · Vitamin C · Beta-Carotene · Biotin Vitamin D · Vitamin E · Folic Acid · Inositol · Lecithin · Vitamin K VITAMINSVitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that comes from the carotenes. There are many carotenes, not all of which can be converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential to the immune system, in part because of its role in maintaining epithelial and mucosal surfaces, promoting thymus growth and having direct anti-viral effects. This explains it's effects in measles, AIDS and infant RSV infections and relates to its use in skin disorders and dry eyes. Vitamin A is also essential for the reproductive system, for fetal growth and for the chemistry of vision. INDICATIONS: Numerous studies have demonstrated benefit of vitamin A supplementation in reducing morbidity and mortality from measles, particularly in areas with endemic vitamin A deficiency (1). It is also beneficial in infant RSV infections(2) and deficiency has been linked to increased AIDS mortality(3). It is used in treatment of skin disorders(4) and for dry eyes(5). There are numerous other applications including alcoholism(6) and cancer(7). DOSAGE: For general health purposes, reasonable dosages are 5,000 I.U. for men and 2,500 I.U. for women. In acute viral infections, 50,000 I.U. for one or two days is considered safe. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: High dosages above 5,000 I.U. of Vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy due to increased risk of birth defects. Accidental ingestion of a high dosage (100,000 - 300,000 I.U.) can produce acute toxicity in children. Daily dosages below 300,000 I.U. can rarely cause multi-system toxicity in adults. Vitamin E and zinc are important for the function of vitamin A and a deficiency of zinc, vitamin C, protein or thyroid hormone impairs the conversion of carotenes to vitamin A. There are no significant drug interactions.
The functions of Vitamin A include
2. Vitamin A is stored in stellate cells in liver and released as needed. 3. Binds to DNA affecting gene transcription 4. Deficiency causes epithelial cells to keratinize instead of forming goblet cells, decreased antibody formation , lack of growth, infections, xerophthalmia) Vitamin A is available naturally as retinol or retinyl-palmitate. Until recently, all commercially available forms of Vitamin A contained preservatives and anti-oxidants such as BHT and BHA. Thorne vitamin A has no preservatives and uses only vitamin E as an anti-oxidant. SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY ACNE, ANOSMIA, DRY HAIR. FATIGUE, GROWTH IMPAIRMENT, INSOMNIA, HYPERKERATOSIS, INFECTIONS, NIGHT BLINDNESS, WEIGHT LOSS, XEROPTHALMIA, XEROSIS VITAMIN B1 - THIAMINE Thiamine is a cofactor in the metabolism of carbohydrates. This function is particularly important in nerve cell function. It also potentiates and mimics the effects of acetylcholine in the brain. These attributes explain its use in Alzheimer's Disease, being senescent forgetfulness and in epileptics taking Dilantin. INDICATIONS: The principal use is for thiamine deficiency seen especially in alcoholism, diabetes, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis and in the elderly. Deficiency is particularly salient in alcoholic neuropathy, infantile beriberi,, subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease of nutritional origin, and neuritis of pregnancy. Positive results are seen with supplementation in Alzheimer's disease and benign senescent forgetfulness(1,2). It also improves mental function in epileptics taking Dilantin(3). DOSAGE: 50 to 100mg/day. In Alzheimer's Disease or age-related memory impairment, 3 to 8gm/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: No toxicity has been noted. Magnesium is required to convert thiamine to its active form. Alcohol, Dilantin and possible other drugs may inhibit thiamine. Thiamine contains a pyrimidine and thiazole nucleus connected by a methylene bridge. It was the first B vitamin to be discovered and its deficiency is related to the loss of the husk in whole grains. The vitamin is located in the husk of brown rice, and paradoxically, would prevent the beriberi prevalent in parts of Asia where white rice accounts for 80% of the calories consumed. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and B vitamins, and are known to be protective against chronic degenerative diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
NUTRIENT SYMPTOMS OF THIAMINE DEFICIENCY Anorexsia, confusion, constipation, coordination impairment, depression, digestive disturbance, fatigue, irritability, memory loss, muscle atrophy, nervousness, numbness of hand and feet, pain sensitivity, shortness of breath, sonophobia, weakness VITAMIN B2 - Riboflavin-5-phosphate Riboflavin(vitamin B2) was first recognized as a yellow-green pigment in milk in 1879. When ingested, it imparts a yellow-green fluorescent glow to the urine. Use may prevent cataract formation and reduce migraine headaches. INDICATIONS: Studies have shown benefit in the prevention of migraine headache (1), sickle cell anemia (2) and cataract formation(3). There is conflicting evidence of a deficiency of Vitamin B2 in cataract formation. DOSAGE: 5mg-10mg/day is reasonable for general health. Although 400mg/day were used in the migraine pilot study, absorption studies suggest an upper absorption limit in the GI tract of less than 20mg for a single dose. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: There no are no reports of side effects. Riboflavin interacts closely with thiamine. Certain drugs, particularly antimalarials, interfere with riboflavin metabolism. The molecule consists of a sugar attached to a tri-cyclic nitrogenous molecule. It is active in two forms, riboflavin-5- phosphate and flavin adenine dinucleotide. The vitamin is involved in many oxidation-reduction enzymes as flavoproteins and when a metal is attached, as metalloflavoproteins. These enzymes are involved in the deamination of amino acids, purine metabolism and the electron transport chain, processes important to energy production. It is a co-enzyme for glutathione reductase, a potent anti-oxidant and is necessary for the conversion of pyridoxine 5' phosphate to pyridoxal 5' phosphate. A theory of migraine related to deficient energy production in mitochondria led to its trial in migraine. The regeneration of glutathone, an essential intracellular anti-oxidant, requires riboflavin. Because of this, riboflavin deficiency is believed to relate to cataract formation.
SYMPTOMS OF RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY: alopecia, cataracts, cheilosis, depression, dermatitis, dizziness, eyes red, itching and burning, glossitis, growth impairment, photophobia and blurred vision. VITAMIN B3-Niacin (Allergy Research Group), inositol hexaniacinate (Thorne Research) niacinamide (Thorne Research) Niacin was discovered while searching for the cause of pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, dementia and diarrhea. Rich sources of niacin include liver and other organ meats, eggs, fish and peanuts. Niacin lowers blood cholesterol. Taking inositol hexaniacinate, a large molecule containing six niacin molecules, can prevent the flushing from niacin. INDICATIONS: IHN or niacin shows definite benefit in lowering blood lipids (1) and has been used in Raynaud's phenomenon (2) and intermittent claudication (3). Niacinamide is of definite benefit in recent-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM)(4). It is also of benefit in preventing IDDM in high-risk individual (5), when combined with immunosuppressive drugs in IDDM (6) and in arthritis (7). DOSAGE: Dosages of inositol hexaniacinate start with 500mgTID for 2 weeks increasing to 1000mg TID with meals. Niacinamide doses depend upon the condition being treated, with 25mg/kg in IDDM, 1000mg/day in children at risk for IDDM and 900-4000 mg/day, in divided doses in arthritic patients. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Inositol hexaniacinate is free of side effects other then an occasional mild gastric upset or mild skin irritation. With high dosages it is advisable to check cholesterol and liver function at least every three months. The high doses of niacin(3-5gms/day) required to reduce cholesterol cause flushing in 80%-100% of individuals along with other side effects. Sustained release niacin can cause liver damage. Niacin esters avoid these side effects. One ester, inositol hexaniacinate(IHN), consists of 6 niacin molecules linked to one inositol sugar molecule. It is rapidly absorbed and hydrolyzed slowly, releasing niacin over several hours in the body. Studies show equal effectiveness to niacin without side effects. Niacin(nicotinic acid) is a pyridine ring with an attached carboxyl group. It functions in the body in the coenzymes NAD and NADP, both involved in electron and hydrogen transfer, and involved in well over 50 different chemical reactions. Niacin-containing enzymes are involved in energy production, fat, cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism and the manufacturing of many compounds including the sex and adrenal hormones. This explains its use in hyperlipidemia. Its vasodilating properties explain its use in Raynaud's phenomenon and claudication. Niacinamide(nicotinamide) has an ammonia group substituted for the hydroxyl group in niacin. It functions like niacin as a vitamin in the body. It inhibits beta cell damage, enhances insulin secretion and increases insulin sensitivity, explaining its use in diabetes mellitus.
SYMPTOMS OF NIACIN DEFICIENCY: anorexsia and nausea, canker sores, confusion, depression, dermatitis, diarrhea, emotional lability, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, irritability, limb pains, memory impairment, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, skin inflammation VITAMIN B5- Pantothenic acid (Pantethine) Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare because the vitamin is contained in a large number of foods, the word pantos being Greek for everywhere. It is thought to support adrenal function and is considered the anti-stress vitamin. INDICATIONS: There is evidence for its benefit in rheumatoid arthritis (1) and high cholesterol and triglycerides (2), particularly in the diabetic patient (3)fatigue(4) and constipation(5). DOSAGE: Dosages are 250 mg BID for general adrenal support and allergies, 2 gm/day in rheumatoid arthritis and 300mgTID in hypercholesterolemia and hypertryglyceridemia. SIDE EFFCTS AND INTERACTIONS: There are no known side effects or interactions except for its metabolic interaction with carnitine and coenzyme Q10. Pantothenic acid consists of pantoic acid(a 3 carbon nitrous organic acid) complexed to beta alanine. It is a molecular component of coenzyme A(CoA) and acyl carrier protein(ACP) molecules necessary for fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, energy transfer and acetylation reactions. Pantethine , a stable disulfide form of pantetheine(the active form of pantothenic acid) is closer metabolically to CoA then is pantothenic acid and is a more readily available substrate for CoA synthesis. Via CoA, pantethine promotes lipogenesis at the expense of cholesterol in the cytoplasm. This explains its effect in elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. AcylCoA (long chain fatty acid attached to CoA) combines with carnitine to transport fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane where CoA accelerates the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and enhances metabolic flow into the Krebs cycle. Pantethine also increases microsomal lipoprotein lipase. These actions may explain it's particular benefit in the diabetic patient. Pantethine has a protective effect in myocardial ischemia by prolonging the action potential, presumably by increasing intracellular ATP. Pantothenic acid is considered the "antistress" vitamin because of its role in adrenal and cellular metabolism although there are no supportive clinical trials other then anecdotal evidence. Pantothenic acid levels are lower in RA patients, the observation leading to its use in these patients.
SYMPTOMS OF PANTOTHENIC ACID DEFICIENCY: Abdominal pains, alopecia, anorexsia, burning feet, coordination impairment, depression, eczema, faintness, fatigue, hypotension, infections, insomnia, irritability, muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, paresthesias, tachycardia and weakness. VITAMIN B6 - Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal-5-phosphate Vitamin B6 is essential for the formation of proteins, chemical transmitters in the nervous system, red blood cells, hormonal balance and proper immune function. Good food sources are whole grains, legumes, bananas, seeds, and nuts, potatoes, brussel sprouts and cauliflower. INDICATIONS: Scientific studies show either a deficiency or benefit from supplementation in asthma (1), autism (2), cardiovascular disease (3), carpal tunnel syndrome (4), Chinese restaurant syndrome (5), depression (6), diabetes (7), epilepsy in infants (8), immune enhancement (9), kidney stones (10), nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (11), premenstrual syndrome (12) and hypertension (13). DOSAGE: 50mg to 100mg/day is adequate. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: There are rare reports of nerve toxicity as low as 150mg/day although the incidence is more significant at 500mg/day. This occurs with pyridoxine and is thought to relate to the liver's inability in some subjects to convert increased amounts to PLP. Riboflavin and magnesium are necessary to convert pyridoxine to PLP and PLP interacts with both magnesium and zinc. B6 is antagonized by many substances including food coloring (especially FD&C yellow#5), drugs including isoniazid, hydralazine, dopamine and penicillamine, oral contraceptives, alcohol, and excessive protein intake.
 Asthmatics have a defect in tryptophan metabolism as well as low B6 levels, the rationale for its use in this setting. Diminished neurotransmitter levels in autism explains its use in this condition. B6 reduces homocysteine levels, helps in the cross linking of collagen and elastin, inhibits platelet aggregation and lowers blood pressure leading to it's benefit in cardiovascular disease. Decreased B6 levels in carpal tunnel syndrome, Chinese restaurant syndrome, diabetes and depression led to its use in these conditions. B6 is essential in neurotransmitter production, which also relates to its benefit in depression and possibly epilepsy in infants, and it inhibits glycosylation of proteins, which occurs in diabetes. Pyridoxine deficiency depresses immune function and contributes to formation of kidney stones. Homocysteine interferes with collagen cross-linking, explaining the benefit of B6 in osteoporosis. It's benefit in depression led to its use in PMS symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY: acne, alopecia, anemia, anorexsia and nausea, arthritis, cheilosis, conjunctivitis, depression, dizziness, facial oiliness, fatigue, glossitis, impaired wound healing, irritability, nervousness, numbness, paresthesias, electric shock sensations, seizures, sleepiness, stomatitis, stunted growth and weakness. VITAMIN B12 - Adenosylcobalamin and methycobalamin Vitamin B12 was extracted from liver in 1948 and found to prevent pernicious anemia. It is important in numerous processes in the body including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells and myelin, the insulation of the nervous system. It is also important for nerve conduction. The richest food sources are liver, kidney, eggs, fish, cheese and meat. INDICATIONS: Multiple studies reveal statistical benefit from B12 supplementation in Alzheimer's Disease (1), non-degenerative impaired mental function of the elderly (2), asthma (3) and sulfite sensitivity (4), depression (5), diabetic neuropathy (5), low sperm counts (7), multiple sclerosis (8) and tinnitus (9). DOSAGE: In deficiency states, recommended dosage is 2 mg/day for one month followed by 1 mg/day. Very high dosages, 60 mg/day has shown benefit in multiple sclerosis. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTION: No toxicity or drug interactions are reported, except for the metabolic interaction with folic acid.Recent evidence implicates homocysteine in the progression of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis and is a risk factor for myocardial infarction. Folic acid lowers homocysteine levels only in the presence of adequate amounts of Vitamin B12 and B6.Vitamin B12 is a methyl donor, like folic acid, and because of their metabolic interactions, it is best to give folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 together. Vitamin B12 is a complex compound with a porphyrin-like ring structure extensively substituted with methyl, acetamide and propiamide residues forming dark red crystals due to the cobalt atom at the center of the porphyrin-like structure. It also contains a nucleotide side chain and a variable moiety attached to the cobalt atom. Cyanocobalamin has a cyano moiety. Intracellular Vitamin B12 occurs as two active coenzymes, methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin, with a methyl or 5'deoxyadenosyl moiety attached to the cobalt atom. These coenzymes are essential for cell growth and replication, energy metabolism, immune and nerve function. Methylcobalamin is required for the formation of methionine from homocysteine. The most common Vitamin B12 supplement, cyanocobalamin, has to be converted in the body to the active forms noted above. Studies show that methyl- and adenosyl-cobalamin extend the life of mice with cancer; cyanocobalamin does not. It is also of note that multiple studies reveal the complete control of pernicious anemia with adequate oral dosages of Vitamin B12. Adenosylcobalamin has a significantly longer half-life in vivo than cyanocobalamin. Also of note is that Vitamin B12 influences melatonin secretion, and supplementation improves sleep-wake cycles. Deficiency in Alzheimer's Disease, benign senescent memory difficulty and depression led to its use in these conditions. Cobalamin complexes with sulfite leading to benefit in asthma and sulfite sensitivity. Either deficiency or altered metabolism of B12 explains it's benefit in diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis, and its importance to cellular replication relates to its value in low sperm counts. Finally, B12 is important for the metabolism of myelin basic protein and cell membrane phospholipids, relating to the occurrence B12 deficiency in patients with tinnitus.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency: achlorhydria, anemia, constipation, depression, dizziness, fatigue, GI disturbances, glossitis, headaches, irritability, labored breathing, moodiness, numbness, palpitations, psychosis, spinal cord degeneration. VITAMIN C - Ascorbic acid capsules, ascorbic acid powder, ascorbic acid powder (buffered), vitamin C with bioflavonoids Vitamin C was discovered by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi in 1928 as the "antiscorbutic principle", deficiency of which caused scurvy. Fruit along with broccoli, peppers, potatoes and brussel sprouts are good food sources. Vitamin C is destroyed by exposure to air so that fresh food should be eaten quickly to obtain the vitamin. It is an important ant0oxidant in the body, along with its role in collagen formation, immune function, and the manufacturing of neurotransmitters and hormones. INDICATIONS: Numerous studies demonstrate statistical benefit of supplementation in many conditions, including asthma (1), atherosclerosis (2), cancer (3), cataracts (4), diabetes (5), wound healing (6), low sperm counts (7), the common cold (8) and pregnancy (9). DOSAGE: There is much debate regarding Vitamin C dosages. 500 mg/day is probably sufficient for healthy individuals whereas dosages of at least 1000mg/day to bowel tolerance are indicated for the disorders discussed above. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Side effects can include diarrhea, intestinal distention and flatus and calcium oxalate kidney stones under unusual circumstances. The existence of rebound scurvy from sudden cessation of high dosages is controversial. It is best taken with other antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamin E and glutathione. It does increase the absorption of iron, decrease the absorption of copper and interfere with the blood test for Vitamin B12. There are no known drug interactions.
Serving as an anti-oxidant in surface areas of the lungs, and lowering histamine levels explains its benefit in asthma. It's benefit in atherosclerosis relates to it's antioxidant effect, the strengthening of collagen structures of arteries, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, raising HDL levels and inhibiting platelet aggregation. The antioxidant effect relates to its value in preventing cataracts; this effect plus enhancement of immune function, and inhibition of cancer causing substances relates to its benefit in cancer. The immune enhancing effect relates to its benefit in colds. Vitamin C reduces sorbitol levels and decreases glycosylation of proteins, problems occurring in diabetes. It protects sperm against DNA damage and its value to collagen formation relates to its benefit in wound healing. Free radical damage to blood vessels is a factor in pre-eclampsia, explaining Vitamin C's benefit in pregnancy. Vitamin C is often manufactured with excipients such as cornstarch and magnesium stearate, or other diluents or lubricants. In addition, cross contamination in the manufacturing of different supplements is common. These factors can be problematic for the allergic individual. Thorne products do not contain excipients, and there is no cross contamination of different products. SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: bleeding gums, depression, easy bruising. irritability, joint pain, malaise, loose teeth, tiredness, impaired wound healing
The carotenes provide the green, orange and yellow color of fruits and vegetables. There is a strong inverse correlation between carotene intake and a variety of cancers. As an anti-oxidant, it can inhibit damage to cholesterol and the lining of arteries, explaining its benefit in cardiovascular disease. It is immune enhancing which helps prevent vaginal candidiasis. Finally, it functions as a cellular screen against sunlight-induced free-radical damage resulting in benefit in photosensitivity disorders. INDICATIONS: As an anti-oxidant (1), cancer prevention (2), immune enhancement (3), prevention of cardiovascular disease (4), a role in preventing vaginal candidiasis (5) and the treatment of photosensitivity disorders (6). DOSAGE: For general health, 25,000I.U. (15 mg)/day. For precancerous lesions and immune enhancement, the dosage range is 25,000 to 300,000 I.U./day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Other then occasional "loose stools" there is no toxicity or definite drug interactions with beta-carotene. The physiologic effects of beta-carotene overlap with it's derivative molecule, Vitamin A, but it has it's own unique benefits in the body. Beta-carotene is a long C40 tetraterpenoid yellow pigment that is one member of an approximately 600-member group of carotenoids.
Biotin is a B vitamin involved in tbe manufacture and utilization of fats and amino acids. Good dietary sources are cheese, organ meats and sotbeans. INDICATIONS: Studies reveal definite benefit in promoting strong nails and healthy hair(1), the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis(2) and diabetes and diabetic neuropathy(3,4). DOSAGE: An adequate dosage is 30 to 100 mcg/day with higher dosages of 1,000 to 3,000 mcg/day in the conditions noted above. In diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, 8 mg BID has been used. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: It has no reported side effects or drug interactions except for decreased absorption and utilization in the presence of alcohol. Antibiotics decrease levels due to destruction of biotin-producing gut bacteria. Biotin is an acidic, water soluble 10 carbon B vitamin with 2 adjacent rings, one containing sulfur, the other two nitrogen. It is involved in the activation of carboxylase enzymes responsible for gluconeogenesis, energy production and fatty acid synthesis. It is manufactured by gut flora with enhanced synthesis and absorption in the presence of a vegetarian diet. Its benefit in promoting healthy hair and in seborrheic dermatitis may relate to its important role in fatty acid metabolism, in turn connected to scalp oils and seborrhea. It enhances insulin sensitivity and increases the activity of glucokinase, an enzyme necessary for liver utilization of glucose. These effects relate to its benefit in diabetes, and diabetic neuropathy.
Sunlight on our skin causes a precursor of vitamin D to transform into one of the forms of vitamin D. Good food sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, cold-water fish, butter and egg yoks. People with lack of sunlight exposure, such as nursing home patients, may have vitamin D deficiency. This results in loss of bone density and joint pain. INDICATIONS: Vitamin D deficiency, resulting in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults DOSAGE: The RDA is 200-400 IU/day. For elderly people not exposed to sunlight, the recommended dosage is 400-800 IU/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Vitamin D has more potential for toxicity than any other vitamin, with increased blood levels of calcium, deposition of calcium into internal organs and kidney stones. Dosages over 1,000 mg/day are not recommended. Long-term over-consumption of Vitamin D, such as occurs from fortified foods may contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease, possibly related to diminished magnesium absorption. Cholestyramine, Dilantin, phenobarbital and mineral oil interfere with the absorption and/or the metabolism of Vitamin D. There are two major food forms of Vitamin D, Vitamin D2, often added to milk and found in supplements, and Vitamin D3. Sunlight converts a precursor form to Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) which is converted by the liver into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. The kidney then converts this substance into 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol that is ten times more potent than cholecalciferol. Disorders of the kidney and liver may impair the proper metabolism of Vitamin D and estrogen, magnesium and boron may play a role in the metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is seen in elderly individuals, particularly those in nursing homes. VITAMIN E - D-alpha-tocopherol Tocopherol, the technical name for vitamin E, literally means "to bear children", referring to the sterility caused by its deficiency. It is a fat soluble anti-oxidant that is incorporated into cellular membranes. Studies have shown benefit in numerous disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunodepression, stroke and cancer. INDICATIONS: Studies show the benefits of Vitamin E in many conditions, a few of which include heart disease(1) and stroke(2), cancer(3), diabetes(4), fibrocystic breast disease(5), menopausal symptoms(6) and tardive dyskinesia(7). DOSAGE: The typical dosage is 400-800 I.U./day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: There are no known toxicities. Vitamin C regenerates oxidized Vitamin E in the body. It interacts with multiple other anti-oxidant nutrients. It may potentiate the effects of Coumadin and augment the coagulative functions of vitamin K. It can also increase the platelet inhibition of aspirin.
Vitamin E's benefit in heart disease and stroke relate to it's ability to reduce LDL cholesterol peroxidation, inhibit platelet aggregation, raise HDL cholesterol and increase fibrinolytic activity. Low Vitamin E levels are associated with an increased incidence of certain cancers, particularly gastrointestinal and pulmonary, presumably related to decreased anti-oxidant protection. Its benefit in diabetes relates to its anti-oxidant effect and salutary effect on insulin action. The mechanism of its benefit in fibrocystic breast disease and menopausal symptoms is not understood. Protection against free radical damage relates to its benefit in tardive dyskinesia. SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: neuromuscular sx; areflexia, gait disorder, ophthalmoplegia, decreased proprioception, decreased vibration sense. also shortened, rbc half-life
FOLIC ACID - Folinic acid Folic acid is derived from the Latin word for foliage and is found in high concentrations in leafy green vegetables. It is important for DNA synthesis and the development of the nervous system. Some birth defects, like spina bifida, are linked to folate deficiency, which, in fact, is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world. The body converts folic acid to folinic acid, the active form in the body. INDICATIONS: The benefits of folic acid supplementation has been studied in numerous disorders including prevention of neural tube defects(1), atherosclerosis(2), osteoporosis(3), cervical dysplasia(4) and depression(5). DOSAGE: Cervical dysplasia and depression have been treated with 10 mg/day while 400mg/day is used for general supplementation and in the other conditions noted above. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Supplementation should include vitamin B12 so as not to mask an underlying B12 deficiency. In high dosages it can cause flatulence, nausea and anorexsia. Use with caution in epileptics since folic acid can lower the seizure threshold. Oral pancreatic extracts can reduce folic acid absorption and should be given at different times. Estrogens, alcohol, chemotherapeutic drugs, sulfasalazine, barbiturates and other anticonvulsants interfere with folic acid absorption or function. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is a 19C tricyclic nitrogenous acid. It contains a pteridine ring linked by a methylene bridge to paraaminobenzoic acid, which in turn is joined by an amide linkage to glutamic acid. Dietary folic acid is a complex mixture of folates in which additional residues of glutamate are attached to the molecule along with other variable carbon groups. It has a complex metabolic pathway in different tissues from folate to the deconjugated monoglutamate form to dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and finally to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate(5MTHF). 5MTHF is secreted into the bile and subsequently reabsorbed(the folate enterohepatic cycle). Folinic acid(5-formyltetrahydrofolate) bypasses these metabolic steps and is absorbed as the active form of folic acid. Folinic acid raises body stores of the vitamin more effectively than folic acid. 5MTHF, the active form of folic acid, is a methyl donor, and reduces homocysteine levels in the body, a substance implicated in atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Its role in cervical dysplasia relates to the presence of folate deficiency. Folate has a mild anti-depressant effect via increases in the concentration of serotonin, S-adenosyl-methionine and tetrahydrobiopterin(BH4). BH4 is essential in the manufacture of monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin.
Inositol is a sugar important for liver function. It occurs as phytic acid in in plant sources such as citrus fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. INDICATIONS: Studies have shown benefit in depression (1), panic attacks (2) and diabetic neuropathy (3). DOSAGE: For liver support - 100-500 mg/day, for depression or panic disorder - 12 gm/day and for diabetes - 1,000 - 2,000 mg/day SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: No definite side effects or interactions are noted. Inositol is a sugar molecule existing in cell membranes as phosphatidylinositol and is important for nerve, brain and muscle function. Inositol levels are reduced in diabetic nerves explaining its benefit in diabetic neuropathy. It also transports fat from the liver although the use in liver disorders has not been studied. It is important for the action of neurotransmitters including serotonin and acetylcholine, which explains its use in depression.
PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE (LECITHIN) Phosphatidyl choline is a source of choline, an important nutrient in the manufacture of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also an important constituent in cell membranes and essential for fat metabolism. It is a conjugating agent in the liver, working as a "methyl donor" like vitamin B12, folate and S-adenosylmethionine. INDICATIONS: Phosphatidyl choline has proven beneficial in liver disorders (1), hypercholesterolemia (2), and bipolar depression (3), with possible benefit in Alzheimer's Disease (4) DOSAGE: The dosage in liver disorders is 350mg to 500mg TID in liver disorders, 500mg-900mg TID in hypercholesterolemia and 5gm-10gm TID in Alzheimer's Disease and depression. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: High dosages can cause GI side effects and choline itself at high dosages produces a "fishy odor". Use of high dose phosphatidyl choline in depression requires physician supervision because of occasional worsening of depression. There are no drug interactions. Choline works with other methyl donors and helps the body conserve carnitine and folic acid.)Choline is trimethylethanolamine, a 5-carbon molecule with nitrogen at its center, 3 methyl groups and one ethanolamine group. It is essential in the manufacture of acetylcholine and components of cell membranes including phosphatidyl choline and sphingomyelin. Choline in the diet consists primarily of phosphatidyl choline, which is metabolized by the liver to choline. Phosphatidyl choline has a glycerol backbone with fatty acids on carbons one and two and a phosphoric acid/choline complex on carbon three. Phospholipids are structural components of membranes and act as detergents to coat fat soluble substances for transport in the blood and body. They are involved in intestinal fat absorption, fatty-acid transport and oxidation, esterification of cholesterol, blood coagulation and prostaglandin synthesis. It has the property of emulsifying or breaking down fat deposits in different parts of the body, including exportin fat from the liver. These actions explain it's potential benefit in liver disorders and hypercholesterolemia. Inositol is necessary for proper serotonin and acetylcholine function, explaining its benefit in depression and potential benefit in Alzheimer's disease.
A good source for vitamin K is chlorophyll, the fat soluble green pigment in plants. Good sources include broccoli, lettuce cabbage, spinach and green tea. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting as well as bone formation. INDICATIONS: Patients with osteoporosis and fractures have very low Vitamin K levels (1) and vegetarians have decreased osteoporosis possibly related to increased Vitamin K intake (2). Vitamin K has been recommended in excessive menstrual bleeding (3). DOSAGE: In addition to green leafy vegetables, daily supplementation is 150 to 500mcg/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: There are no known side effects. Vitamin K counteracts the effects of drugs like Coumadin. Aspirin, some antibiotics, Dilantin and possibly high dosages of Vitamin E, over 600 IU/day, may all antagonize Vitamin K action. There are three forms of Vitamin K, numbered K1, K2 and K3. They each contain a napththoquinone group, K1 and K2 coming from natural source and K3 being synthetic. All three are essential for the production of clotting factors including prothrombin, and factors VII, IX and X. This explains it's use in excessive menstrual bleeding and to prevent Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn. Although injection of Vitamin K into newborns is routine, studies show that similar results can be achieved with oral supplementation. K1 is also important for converting the major noncollagen bony protein osteocalcin to its active form. This explains its use in osteoporosis.
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