Vitamin B12 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B12 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B12

1. Vitamin B12 is unique amongst vitamins in that it is mostly found in foods of animal origin.
2. Meat, liver, eggs, shrimps, and dairy products are valuable sources of this vitamin.
3. Vegetarians are therefore advised to increase their intake of milk or take vitamin B12 in a tablet form as a supplement.

Functions of Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin

1. Like vitamin B6 vitamin, B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells.
2. It is also needed for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. It improves concentration, memory and balance, and relieves irritability.
3. Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for body building.
4. It promotes growth and increases appetite in children.
5. This vitamin is also involved in many vital metabolic and enzymatic processes, including the metabolism of folic acid.
6. If the immune cells made in the bone marrow are to mature into active disease-fighters, a sufficient quantity of vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary.

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Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid Cures

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid Cures

Vitamin C for Common Cold

The regular use of vitamin C in the optimum daily amount will prevent a common cold and if a cold has already appeared, large doses of this vitamin will relieve the symptoms and shorten its duration. However some studies testing supplementation have reported only small moderating effects on the severity and duration of colds.

Vitamin C for Infections

Vitamin C is highly acclaimed as a vital factor for the defence of the infected organism. The examination of the urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid of patients suffering from an infectious disease will show an abnormally low level of vitamin C. Additional supplies of this vitamin administered to such patients will be retained in the body and not eliminated in the urine. The administration of high doses of vitamin C is thus indicated in an acute state of all infectious diseases. The treatment should be continued and doses gradually decreased until complete recovery.

Vitamin C for Stress

The need for vitamin C is so greatly increased during stress that a deficiency can be produced in hours even though the vitamin intake may be as per the recommended daily allowance. The blood vessels become fragile when vitamin C is lacking. Too little of this vitamin can, therefore, lead to a minor injury, such as a small ulcer, and ultimately, result in a major hemorrhage. In tests conducted, it was found that monkeys and guinea pigs lacking in vitamin C developed ulcers. There was no other cause of stress. Guinea pigs put to stress by having one leg immobilized by a splint, developed hemorrhaging ulcers. This was prevented in similarly treated animals by giving them many times the normal requirement of vitamin C.

Vitamin C for Atherosclerosis

Experiments have shown that monkeys under supplied with vitamin C produced cholesterol six times more rapidly than those who received the recommended daily allowance. Administration of up to 50 times of the normal requirement of vitamin C corrected severe atherosclerosis in rabbits and guinea pigs, and resulted in the increased formation of bile acids and the excretion of cholesterol. Administration of large doses of this vitamin to patients suffering from atheros-clerosis and high blood pressure can, therefore, result in a marked decline in their blood cholesterol and a gradual drop in their blood pressure.

Vitamin C for Cancer

Any cancer results in severe stress, and this tremendously increases the need for vitamin C. Most cancer patients, especially children with leukemia, show symptoms of bruising, bleeding gums, and often-outright hemorrhaging, characteristic of a vitamin C deficiency. Administration of 4,000 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C daily to patients with inoperable malignancies, inhibits cancer growth and, in some cases, even results in its regression.

Vitamin C for Nephritis

A person suffering from any kidney disease can also suffer from a vitamin C deficiency due to stress, medication, and high urinary loss. The danger of hemorrhaging is greatly increased. Even a mild lack of vitamin C can cause blood to appear in the urine. In patients suffering from severe nephritis, administration of large amounts of vitamin C, ranging from 100 mg to 10,000 mg per day, can sometimes quickly stop the passing of bloody urine or hemorrhaging. The intake should be decided upon under medical advice.

Vitamin C for other diseases

Vitamin C has been used therapeutically in the treatment of several other diseases and conditions like haematemesis {vomiting of blood), nose-bleeding, bleeding piles, melanea (black stools caused by blood in the intestines), erythema nodosum (red nodules in the skin), deep corneal ulcers, anoxia(loss of smell), defective formation of dentine and enamel, dental caries, periodontitis(bleeding from the gums), inflammation of the tongue, delayed growth and development, and rickets. It has been found that adequate intake of vitamin C, along with vitamin B complex, during the entire period of pregnancy, prevents congenital deformities in babies.

Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin C Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin C Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid Deficiency symptoms

A deficiency of vitamin C results in soft gums, skin haemorrhages, capillary weakness, deterioration in collagen, anaemia, and slow healing of sores and wounds. It may lead to premature ageing, thyroid insufficiency, and lowered resistance to all infections. Its deficiency enhances the toxic effect of drugs and environmental poisons. Mild deficiencies of vitamin C may appear in the form of lassitude, fatigue, anorexia, muscular pain, and greater susceptibility to infection. A prolonged deficiency may cause scurvy.

Vitamin C healing properties

Deficiency of vitamin C can be prevented by eating plenty of fresh citrus fruits like limes, lemons, and oranges. The cheapest sources of vitamin C in India are Indian gooseberries, germinated cereals, grains and pulses, drumstick leaves, and coriander leaves. In case of insufficient intake of vitamin C-rich foods, the deficiency can be overcome by taking 50-100 mg of vitamin C as a daily supplement.

Vitamin C is used therapeutically in huge doses from 100 to 10,000 mg a day. In acute poisoning or infections, 1,000 to 2,000 mg, preferably in injection form, can be administered every one and a half or two hours.

Precautions

There are no proven toxic effects of vitamin C, though excessive intake may cause some unpleasant side-effects such as occasional diarrhoea, excess urination, kidney stones, and skin rashes. The dosage should be reduced if any of these symptoms occur.

What are the Sources of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid?

What is Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid?

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Vitamin C - Sources and Functions

Vitamin C - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

The main sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and vegetables. Among fruits, Indian gooseberries, guavas, limes, lemons, oranges, and papayas are the most valuable sources of this vitamin. Root vegetables and potatoes contain smaller amounts. Potatoes, however, account for a large proportion of the total ascorbic acid intake because of the amount normally eaten every day. Foodstuffs of animal origin contain only small amounts of this vitamin; the more important of such sources is fish. Cereals and pulses do not contain vitamin C in the dry state, but if soaked in water for about 48 hours and allowed to germinate, they form a good source of vitamin C.

Functions of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

1. One of the most significant functions of vitamin C is the formation of collagen, a protein substance that cements the cells together.
2. Failure to synthesise collagen results in delayed healing of wounds. Ascorbic acid enhances the absorption of iron. It is needed for buoyant health, vitality, and endurance.
3. It ensures a clear skin, a fresh complexion, and healthy gums and teeth.
4. It is involved in the vital functions of all glands and organs.
5. This vitamin is also necessary for maintenance of bones and proper functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands.
6. It promotes healing and protects against all forms of stress - physical and mental.
7. It also provides protection against the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in the environment, food, and water, and counteracts the toxic effect of drugs.

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Vitamin B12 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B12 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B12

1. Vitamin B12 is unique amongst vitamins in that it is mostly found in foods of animal origin.
2. Meat, liver, eggs, shrimps, and dairy products are valuable sources of this vitamin.
3. Vegetarians are therefore advised to increase their intake of milk or take vitamin B12 in a tablet form as a supplement.

Functions of Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin

1. Like vitamin B6 vitamin, B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells.
2. It is also needed for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. It improves concentration, memory and balance, and relieves irritability.
3. Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for body building.
4. It promotes growth and increases appetite in children.
5. This vitamin is also involved in many vital metabolic and enzymatic processes, including the metabolism of folic acid.
6. If the immune cells made in the bone marrow are to mature into active disease-fighters, a sufficient quantity of vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary.

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Vitamin B12 Cures

Vitamin B12 Cures

Vitamin B12 for Anemia

1. Given by injection, this vitamin provides complete and satisfactory treatment in cases of pernicious anaemia. The general practice is to give 1,000 mcg of vitamin Bl2 by injection, twice weekly, until the haemoglobin level is restored to normal. Subsequently an injection of 1,000 mcg every six weeks is all that is needed to keep the patient in good health. These doses may appear to be excessive since much of the vitamin is excreted in the urine. Nevertheless it is not unreasonable to give large doses at first to refill the depleted reserves.
2. A similar dose schedule is required in cases of sub-acute combined degeneration of the cord, a disorder of the spinal cord which affects the conduction of nerve impulses.

Vitamin B12 and Smoking

Studies show that smokers have lower levels of vitamin BI2 and folic acid than non-smokers. Seventy-three longtime smokers with precancerous cell changes in their lung secretions, were taken as case studies. Half were given B12 and folic acid supplements for four months; the other half were given placebos(inactive substances). After four months, a recheck of the lung fluids showed that those who were given vitamin therapy showed less precancerous changes than those who were administered placebos.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B12 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B12 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin Deficiency symptoms

A deficiency of vitamin B12 may cause pernicious (destructive) anaemia. It may lead to a poor appetite and retardation of growth in children, chronic fatigue, a sore mouth, a feeling of numbness or stiffness, loss of mental energy, and difficulty in concentration.

Deficiency of vitamin Bl2 affects every cell in the body, but is most severely felt in the tissues where the ells normally divide rapidly, as in the blood-forming -tissues of the bone marrow and in the gastro-intestinal tract. The nervous system is also affected and this may lead to degeneration of nerve fibres in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Smoking brings down the levels of vitamin B12 in our body.

Vitamin B12 healing properties

Vitamin Bl2 is administered orally in doses from 6 to 150 mcg. Taken in these doses, it helps in the treatment of lack of concentration, fatigue, depression, insomnia, anorexia, loss of weight due to deficiency of this vitamin, and poor memory. As this vitamin is difficult to assimilate when taken orally, most doctors administer it in the form of injections ranging from 100-1,000 mcg if used for therapeutic purposes.

Precautions

There are no known toxic effects of vitamin B12 even when it is taken in mega doses.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B12?

What is Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin?

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Vitamin B9 Cures

Vitamin B9 Cures

Vitamin B9 for Megaloblastic Anemia

Folic acid is required for the treatment of nutritional megaloblastic anemia during pregnancy and infancy. A daily dose of 5,000 to 10, 000 mcg taken orally is usually sufficient. It is also advisable to take a small daily dose (around 400 mcg) of this vitamin during pregnancy. The Food and Drug Association of America (FDA) has also approved the claim that folic acid supplements can prevent certain birth defects.

Vitamin B9 for Sprue

Folic acid has been found valuable in curing Sprue, an intestinal disease characterised by a sore mouth and tongue, anaemia, severe diarrhoea, and large amounts of fat in the stools. This disease results from deficiency of folic acid and can be remedied by daily injections of 25 mg or 25,000 mcg of this vitamin. As food is poorly absorbed in this condition, a diet containing even sixty times that amount does not bring improvement. With the injection, however, improvement can be noticed in a single day and within a few days, the patient can absorb the vitamin well orally. Ultimately the diet for sprue must make up for the multiple and severe deficiencies resulting from diarrhoea.

Vitamin B9 for Abortion

Folic acid has proved beneficial in the treatment of recurrent abortions. It is, therefore, advisable to take 10,000 mcg of folic acid daily, with iron and Vitamin B12, from the beginning of pregnancy till its completion.

Vitamin B9 for Mental Retardation

. Folic acid supplements have been used to improve the mental function and the quality of life among mentally retarded children. In the case of epileptic children and mentally deranged persons, regular treatment with 5,000 mcg of folic acid, three times daily, gets a quick healing response, and in many individuals, there has been a complete resolution of mental symptoms.

Vitamin B9 for Brown spots on the skin

Deficiency of folic acid, associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, causes darkish brown spotty pigmentation that usually appears on the face, inner mouth, under the arm pits, over the thighs, and on the palms. This happens particularly in the case of pregnant women and women on the pill. In such cases, administration of 10 mg or 10,000 mcg or-folic acid, along with 100 mcg of vitamin B12 taken thrice daily, shows a remarkable amelioration of the brownish pigmentation.

Vitamin B9 for Gout

Though most cases of gout are treated with dietary therapy, if additional support is necessary, folic acid is recommended in the range of 10-40 mg per day.

Vitamin B9 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B9 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B9 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid Deficiency symptoms

Deficiency of folic acid causes anaemia which often occurs in pregnant women and children. Serious skin disorders, loss of hair, impaired circulation, a greyishbrown skin pigmentation, fatigue, and mental depression can result from a deficiency of this vitamin. Reproductive disorders such as spontaneous abortions and difficult labour, and a high infant death rate can also be caused by folic acid deficiency. Vitamin B9 deficiency may also lead to loss of libido in males. According to studies, two-thirds of geriatric patients were found to be deficient in folic acid, while one-third of psychiatric patients were also deficient in this vitamin. Lack of folic acid can also lead to dementia.

Almost all the anti-convulsant drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy reduce serum folate concentrations. In addition to anticonvulsants, other drugs such as oral contraceptives, pyrimethamine (an antimalarial) co-trimoxazole(contains a sulphur compound), and ethanol (alcohol) may impair folate metabolism.

Vitamin B9 healing properties

Large. doses of folic acid have been found beneficial in the treatment of a few diseases which are rare and often involve mental retardation. Some of these diseases were detected initially by the presence of megaloblastic anaemia, a state suggestive of defective folic acid metabolism.

Precautions

Folic acid normally has no adverse effects. However, when it is used to treat megaloblastic anaemia (secondary to the use of anticonvulsant drugs), the epilepsy may be aggravated. If prescribed in the treatment of gout, it may interfere with drugs being prescribed for epilepsy, and hide the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Hence folic acid therapy in gout too should only be taken under medical supervision.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B9?

What is Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid?

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Vitamin B9 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B9 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B9

1. Pulses and legumes such as Bengal gram and green gram are rich in folic acid.
2. Green vegetables such as amaranth, cluster beans, spinach, and mint are valuable sources of folic acid.
3. In fact, the presence of this vitamin in green leaves was the basis for the name folacin (folium meaning leaf).
4. Besides green leaves, folic acid is found in gingelly seeds, and meat.

Functions of Vitamin B9 Folic Acid

1. Folic acid, in combination with vitamin B12, is essential for the formation, maturation and multiplication of red blood cells.
2. It is necessary for the growth and division of all body cells, including nerve cells, and for manufacturing a number of nerve transmitters. It also produces nucleic acids, RNA(ribonucleic acid) and DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid), that carry hereditary patterns.
3. It aids in protein metabolism and contributes to normal growth.
4. Folic acid helps in the building of antibodies which prevent and heal infections.
5. It is essential for the health of the skin and hair, and helps to prevent premature greying of the hair.
6. Folic acid is the single most important nutrient for a pregnant woman and her developing foetus. In fact, eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in folate, from conception until the due date, is the best policy a woman can adopt to ensure that her pregnancy will be a happy and a healthy one.
7. Folic acid also improves lactation.

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Vitamin B8 Healing Properties, Deficiency

Vitamin B8 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B8 Deficiency symptoms

Since it is of great importance in human nutrition, deficiency of biotin causes muscular weakness, pains, pins and needles(pricking of the skin), lassitude, and lack of appetite. It may cause eczema, dandruff, hair loss, and seborrhoea. Other common problems which may occur are skin disorders, heart abnormalities, lung infections, anaemia, extreme fatigue, confusion, mental depression and drowsiness. The fleshy part of the tongue may waste away.

Vitamin B8 healing properties

Treatment with 20 mcg of biotin, taken daily for 10 days intramuscularly, can heal skin lesions in about 90 per cent of infants with seborrhea dermatitis. Oral biotin taken in amounts of 400 mcg daily for 8-12 weeks, or 600 mcg taken daily for 6-8 weeks, has been used with good success in the treatment of acne and seborrheic eczema. The use of a tropical creamy separation once daily, and a shampoo containing 0.25-1.0 per cent biotin, three times weekly, has been found effective in reducing and controlling excessive hair loss in male alopecia.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B8?

What is Vitamin B8 or Biotin?

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Vitamin B8 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B8 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B8

1. The rich sources of biotin are brewer’s yeast, beef liver, rice bran, rice germ, rice polishings and peanut butter.
2. This vitamin is also normally produced in the intestines if there are a sufficient amount of healthy intestinal flora present.
3. However, frequent use of antibiotics can interfere with the synthesis of this vitamin.

Functions of Vitamin B8 Biotin

1. Biotin is vital for a healthy immune system.
2. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
3. It is essential for the growth and health of the hair.
4. It prevents premature greying of the hair as well as hair loss.
5. This vitamin helps to maintain the skin and the nervous system in a sound condition.
6. It controls proper distribution of colour pigment.

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Vitamin B6 Cures, Diabetes treatment

Vitamin B6 Cures

Vitamin B6 for Diabetes

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine has been found beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. All diabetics appear to excrete a large amount of xanthurenic acid, which is indicative of vitamin B6 deficiency. Experiments have shown that there is a rapid drop in the urinary excretion of this acid when 50 mg of vitamin B6 is given daily to patients suffering from diabetes.

Vitamin B6 for Haemorrhoids

Vitamin B6 has proved to be valuable in curing haemorrhoids. Experiments were conducted on volunteers deficient in vitamin B6 and they were found to be suffering from bleeding haemorrhoids. On being given therapeutic doses of this vitamin, the haemorrhoids disappeared. Rapid recovery has been reported in several cases of this disease when 10 mg of vitamin B6 has been given after each meal as a supplement. As pregnant women are generally deficient in vitamin B6, a lack of this vitamin may be the cause haemorrhoids which are commonly prevalent during this period.

Vitamin B6 for Convulsions in Infants and Women

Infants who are fed on powdered milk are generally found to be deficient in vitamin B6. This deficiency causes convulsions without fever. Administration of 0.5 to 10 mg of vitamin B6 three times daily, relieves convulsions.

It has also been found that during pregnancy, undernourished women usually lack in vitamin B6 due to an excessive demand by the foetus. This deficiency affects the development of the central nervous system of the foetus. This causes demylination(uncovering of the nerve fibres of the peripheral nerves), resulting in epileptic-like seizures. In all such conditions where there is no other apparent or own cause of convulsions, administering 50 mg of vitamin B6, three times daily, is found to be a very effective treatment.

Vitamin B6 for Vaginal Bleeding

Long-standing irregular vaginal bleeding in young girls can be successfully treated with vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 controls the bleeding by inhibiting the activity of oestrogen and the ripening of the follicles.

Vitamin B6 for Stress and Insomnia

On account of its sedative action on the central nervous system, the use of vitamin B6 has been found to valuable assistance in psychoneurosis, mental irritability, general weakness, sleeplessness, and mental stress. In all these conditions, vitamin B6 should be administered in doses of 40 mg three times daily.

Vitamin B6 for Morning Sickness and Travel Sickness

The use of vitamin B6 has been found beneficial in the treatment of morning sickness during pregnancy. It’s sedative action reduces travel sickness too. To achieve gratifying results, this vitamin can be given in doses of 40 mg early in the morning during pregnancy, and an hour before traveling. The dose can be repeated once every four hours if the sick feeling persists.

Vitamin B6 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B6 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B6 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B6 Deficiency symptoms

Deficiency of vitamin B6 may cause anaemia, oedema, mental depression, and skin disorders. Cracking at the comer of the lips, halitosis (foul smell in the mouth), nervousness, eczema, kidney stones, inflammation of the colon, damage to the pancreas, insomnia, tooth decay and irritability may also result due to deficiency of vitamin B6. Inadequate intake of the vitamin may also lead to loss of muscular control, migraine headaches, diseases of old age and premature senility.

Vitamin B6 healing properties

Vitamin B6 is now being considered as a wonder treatment for a wide range of common ailments like diabetes, haemorrhoids, convulsions in infants and women, vaginal bleeding, stress, insomnia, morning sickness and travel sickness.

Precautions

The toxicity of all forms of vitamin B6 is low. However that does not mean that vitamin B6 can be taken at random. Heavy doses of vitamin B6 should not be taken unless the individual has been found to have a deficiency. The progress of patients taking such heavy doses should be carefully monitored. A possible symptom of an over-dosage of vitamin B6 is night restlessness.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B6?

What is Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine?

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Vitamin B6 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B6 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B6

1. Yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, soya beans and walnuts are the richest sources of pyridoxine among plant foods.
2. Lentils, lima beans and other vegetables provide fair amounts.
3. Raw foods contain more of this vitamin than cooked foods.

Functions of Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine

1. Pyridoxine aids in food assimilation and protein and fat metabolism, especially in the metabolism of essential fatty acids.
2. It activates many enzymes and enzyme systems.
3. It is involved in the production of antibodies which protect against bacterial diseases.
4. Pyridoxine helps in the healthy functioning of the nervous system and brain.
5. It is essential for the normal reproductive process and healthy pregnancies.
6. This vitamin prevents nervous and skin disorders, provides protection against a high cholesterol level, certain types of heart disease and diabetes.
7. It prevents tooth decay.
8. Vitamin B6 regulates the balance between sodium and potassium in the body, which is vitally important for normal body functions.
9. It is also required for absorption of vitamin B12 and for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium.

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Vitamin B3 Cures, Vitamin B3 for Pellagra

Vitamin B3 Cures

Vitamin B3 for Pellagra

Niacin’s greatest claim to fame lies in the prevention and cure of pellagra. Early symptoms of this disease, such as loss of appetite and weight, followed by general weakness, are relieved quickly. Symptoms like a sore mouth, digestive and nervous disturbances, skin eruptions, particularly on the hands, arms, feet, and legs, take longer to heal. Even the administration of small amounts of niacin of upto 10 mg or 10,000 mcg per day is sufficient to cure endemic pellagra.

Vitamin B3 for Migraine

Niacin has been found useful in treating migraines. Persons suffering from migraine and high blood pressure brought on by nervousness, are said to get tremendous relief by taking large doses of niacin.

Vitamin B3 for Heart Disorders

Niacin has been found to provide relief in angina pectoris. It has also been found useful in cases of cerebral thrombosis, caused by blockage of the blood vessels of the brain due to clots of blood. Instances of blood clots in the brain caused by rupturing of cerebral arteries have been cleared up with niacin.

Vitamin B3 for High Blood Pressure

Niacin has been used as a vasodilator to dilate blood vessels and to correct blood pressure changes. It is said to be particularly effective in preventing and relieving high blood pressure caused by nervousness.

Vitamin B3 for High Blood Cholesterol

Niacin has proved to have a remarkable effect in reducing high blood cholesterol. In patients who had more than 530 mg of blood cholesterol, a remarkable fall touching 230 mg of blood cholesterolas was attained on continuous administration of 3 g of niacin daily, in three divided doses.

Vitamin B3 for Diarrhea

It has been found that diarrhoea can result from a variety of nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of niacin. The administration of this vitamin in therapeutic doses along with other B vitamins can cure such ailments.

Vitamin B3 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B3 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B3 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B3 Deficiency symptoms

1. A mild deficiency of niacin may result in a coated tongue, sores in the mouth, irritability, nervousness, skin lesions, diarrhoea, forgetfulness, insomnia, chronic headaches, digestive disorders, and anaemia.
2. Severe prolonged deficiency may cause neurasthenia (weakness of the nerves), mental disturbances, depression, mental dullness, and disorientation.

Vitamin B3 healing properties

Large doses of upto 100 mg or 100,000 mcg of niacin with each meal, preferably taken together with other B group vitamins, provide tremendous relief in cases of pellagra, migraine, headaches, high blood pressure caused by nervousness high blood cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, and diarrhoea.

Precautions

1. The use of large doses of niacin for long periods-causes release of histamine. This in turn can cause severe flushing, severe itching of the skin (pruritls), and gastro-intestinal disturbances.
2. If taken in doses of 3 g per day, niacin has been reported to cause elevation of uric acid in the blood and glucose.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B3?

What is Vitamin B3 or Niacin?

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Vitamin B3 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B3 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B3

1. In general, meat and fish are better sources of niacin than plant products. Foods of animal origin rich in this vitamin are sheep liver, lean meats, prawns, pork, and cow’s milk.
2. Vegetarian sources rich in this vitamin are rice bran, rice, wheat, groundnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, and chilgozas; and green vegetables like turnip and beet greens, and the leaves of carrots, colocasia, and celery.
3. Yeast and bran are good natural sources of this vitamin but the removal of the bran in the milling of wheat reduces the niacin content of white-wheat flour to a low level.

Functions of Vitamin B3 Niacin

1. Niacin is important for proper blood circulation and the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
2. It maintains the normal functions of the gastro-intestinal tract and is essential for the proper metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates.
3. It helps to maintain a healthy skin.
4. Niacin dilates the blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the peripheral capillary system.
5. This vitamin is also essential for synthesis of the sex hormones, namely, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as cortisone, thyroxin, and insulin.

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Vitamin B2 Cures - Cataract

Vitamin B2 Cures

Vitamin B2 for Cataract

Riboflavin holds out hope for the victims of a type of cataract known as Nutritional Cataract.

Riboflavin was found to be extremely beneficial in preventing cataract or checking its further growth. Anyone whose eye muscles are weak or who has eye trouble of any sort, including cataract, or who fears the possibility of cataract, should include large amounts of riboflavin in the diet in consultation with his physician.

While vitamin A is concerned with the vision in the eye, riboflavin strengthens the muscles and nerves of the eye.

Vitamin B2 for Skin Problems

Skin complaints such as oiliness, whiteheads, blackheads, scaling, cracks, and sores can often be cleared by taking riboflavin in therapeutic doses. Even a mild lack of this vitamin over a long time causes brown pigmentation of the skin. If generous amounts of vitamin B2, to the extent of 15 mg or 15,000 mcg are taken daily over a period of six months, these. ugly spots usually disappear.

Vitamin B2 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B2 Healing Properties, Deficiency

Vitamin B2 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B2 Deficiency symptoms

1. A deficiency of riboflavin may result in bloodshot eyes, abnormal sensitivity to light, itching and burning of the eyes, inflammation in the mouth, a sore and burning tongue, and cracks on the lips and in the corners of the mouth.
2. It may also result in dull or oily hair, an oily skin, premature wrinkles on the face and arms, and split nails.
3. Riboflavin deficiency also leads to the malfunctioning of the adrenal glands.
4. It can be a contributing cause to such disorders as anaemia, vaginal itching, and cataract.

Vitamin B2 healing properties

The intake of riboflavin in larger quantities from 25 to 50 mg or 25,000 to 50,000 mcg is beneficial in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies, cataract and other eye ailments, digestive disturbances, nervous depression, and general debility.

Precautions

Riboflavin has a low level of toxicity and no case of toxicity from riboflavin has been reported in humans. This is probably because the transport system necessary for the absorption of riboflavin across the gastro-intestinal mucosa becomes saturated, limiting the amount of the vitamin that can be absorbed. Possible symptoms of minor excess include itching, numbness, a sensation of burning, or pricking.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B2?

What is Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin?

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Vitamin B2 - Sources and Functions

Vitamin B2 - Sources and Functions

Sources of Vitamin B2

1. Riboflavin, though widely distributed in vegetable and animal foods, is present only in small amounts in most of them.
2. Foods rich in riboflavin are green vegetables such as lotus stems, turnip greens, beets, radish leaves, colocasia and carrot leaves.
3. Fruits such as papaya, raisins, custard apples and apricots are good sources of Vitamin B2.
4. Foods of animal origin such as sheep liver and eggs have good amounts of Vitamin B2.
5. Skimmed and whole milk powder of cow’s milk and khoum have riboflavin. Other well-known sources of this vitamin are almonds, walnuts, chilgozas, pistachio nuts, and mustard seeds.
6. An average person may not be able to get an optimum amount of riboflavin unless he consumes a generous amount of milk.
7. Milling of rice and wheat results in considerable loss of riboflavin since most of the vitamin is present in the germ and bran, which are removed during this process.

Functions of Vitamin B2 Riboflavin

1. Riboflavin is essential for growth and general health.
2. It functions as a part of a group of enzymes which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is involved in a number of chemical reactions in the body and is therefore essential for normal tissue maintenance.
3. Riboflavin aids digestion and helps in the functioning of the nervous system.
4. It prevents constipation, promotes a healthy skin, nails, and hair, and strengthens the mucous lining of the mouth, lips, and tongue.
5. Riboflavin also plays an important role in the health of the eyes and alleviates eye strain. This vitamin is particularly helpful in counteracting the tendency towards glaucoma.
6. An ample supply of vitamin B2 provides vigor and helps to preserve the appearance and feeling of youth.

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Vitamin B1 for Beriberi cures

Vitamin B1 Cures

Vitamin B1 for Beriberi

Prompt administration of thiamine is indicated when beriberi is diagnosed or suspected. Fifty thousand micrograms per day should be given intramuscularly for several days. Thereafter, 2,500 to 5,000 mcg per day can be administered by mouth. Larger amounts are usually not absorbed. Patients should also receive other water-soluble vitamins in therapeutic quantities. A simple way to treat infantile beriberi is via the mother’s milk. The mother should receive 10,000 mcg of thiamine twice daily; in severe cases this should be given by injection. In addition, the infant should be given thiamine in doses of upto 10,000 to 20,000 mcg intramuscularly, once a day, for three days. This should be followed by 5,000 to 10,000 mcg orally, twice a day: When symptoms of heart failure are present, or there are convulsions or coma, the initial dose may be increased from 25,000 to 50,000 mcg given intravenously and very slowly. Thereafter treatment should be by intramuscular injection, followed by oral therapy.

Vitamin B1 for treating Nervous disorders

Vitamin B1 is indispensable for the metabolism of carbohydrates, and the cells of the nervous system are entirely dependent on carbohydrates for their energy requirement. The primary role of vitamin B1 is to ensure energy for nerve cells and to protect them from harm. This vitamin is used therapeutically in neurological disorders with muscular weakness and cramps. It is particularly useful in all painful conditions like neuritis and polyneuritis, rheumatic neuralgias, sciatica, and rheumatic pain.

Vitamin B1 cures for Heart Diseases

Studies indicate that vitamin B1 deficiency may complicate existing heart disease. Therapeutic doses of vitamin B1 have been found especially. beneficial in beriberi-related heart disease which is caused by gross malnutrition and is commonly prevalent in chronic alcoholics. Improvement can be affected in such cases by bed rest, a high-carbohydrate-cum-high-protein diet, and 200 mg or 200,000 mcg of vitamin B1 given thrice daily by injection. After some improvement is seen, further progress can be made by continuing the same diet and an oral intake of 50 mg or 50,000 mcg of thiamine thrice daily.

Vitamin B1 cure for Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

In various gastro-intestinal disorders, 50,000 mcg of vitamin B1 given three times a day immediately after meals, with a suitable digestive enzyme preparation, is found to be very effective. It is particularly useful for carbohydrate and protein indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence, constipation, and abdominal distension.

Vitamin B1 Deficiency Symptoms and Healing Properties and Precautions

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Vitamin B1 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B1 Healing Properties, Deficiency Symptoms and Precautions

Vitamin B1 Deficiency symptoms

1. 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.
2. It can lead to muscular weakness, leg cramps, slow heartbeat, irritability, defective hydrochloric acid production in the stomach and consequent digestive disorders.
3. In case of insufficient supply of thiamine in the body, the heart muscles become lazy and fatigued, to the scalp to the extent that hair may fall and new hair may grow very slowly.
4. Deficiency of thiamine can be induced by excessive use of alcohol, dietary sugar, and processed and refined foods.

Vitamin B1 healing properties

1. Taken in large therapeutic doses of up to 50,000 mcg a day, thiamine is beneficial in the treatment of constipation and other digestive disorders, neuritis and other nervous troubles, as well as mental depression.
2. It is life saving in the treatment of cardiovascular disease related to beriberi and infantile beriberi.
3. Thiamine is also used with beneficial results in the treatment of alcoholism, insomnia, and stress.

Precautions

1. There is no known toxic effect of thiamine.
2. Any excess is excreted in the urine and not stored in any degree in the tissues or organs.
3. However rare symptoms of overdose include tremors, herpes, oedema, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and allergies.
4. In rare cases excessive supply of this vitamin may also adversely affect thyroid and insulin production.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B1?

What is Vitamin B1 or Thiamine?