What are vitamins? Vitamins are essential substances that the body
needs to function correctly. With the exception of vitamin D, the body
cannot manufacture most vitamins and we need to obtain them from natural
foods or supplements. Different vitamins: There are 13 vitamins that
the body uses. These are divided into 2 groups:
Fat soluable: 4 fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
Water soluable: nine water-soluble vitamins (eight B vitamins and
vitamin C).
Common vitamin deficiencies:
Scurvy—vitamin C: It will take about 3 months without Vitamin C
for scurvy to develop
black-and-blue spots or marks on the skin, especially on the
legs
spongy gums or other gum disease
bleeding from mucous membranes
poor healing of wounds and bruises
hair thinning or baldness o anaemia
pallor o partial immobility
joint pain
depression
Beriberi—vitamin B1: An ailment of the nervous system. Symptoms
include, weight loss, disturbed emotions, impaired sensations, weakness
and pain in the limbs, irregular heart beat, and swelling. Heart
failure and death can occur in advanced cases.
Rickets—vitamin D: This mainly affects the bones symptoms include:
Bone pain,
Skeletal deformity,
Growth disturbance,
Hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood),
Tetany (uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body),
Bowed legs, o Leg fractures, and
Impaired growth.
Night blindness—vitamin A: People who have this problem either
can see very little or not at all in the dark. They also have difficulty
adjusting from bright to dim light. Other vitamin deficiencies:
Keratomalacia: An eye problem that leads to drying of the cornea.
One of its main causes is lack of vitamin A.
Ariboflavinosis: A deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Symptoms
include—redness with swelling of the mouth and throat, sore throat,
cracking of the corners of the mouth and lips. It can also include
inflammation, atrophy of the tongue, moist scaly skin, and deceased
red blood cell count (anemia).
Pellagra—vitamin B3 (niacin): Symptoms are—
Sensitivity to sunlight
Aggressive behavior
Dermatitis and red skin lesions
Insomnia o Weakness
Mental confusion
Diarrhea
Dementia (this will be over a prolonged length of time)
People who are often affected by this deficiency disease are those
who rely on corn as their staple diet. The people at risk are those
living in rural South America and Africa, where corn is a main part
of their diet. It also affects people in northern Italy, Spain, and
southeastern Europe. If left untreated it can cause death in 4-5 years.
Paresthesia—B5 (Pantothenic acid): The nerves are not functioning
correctly giving rise to sensations of tingling, pricking, and numbness.
Pernicious anemia—B12 (Cyanocobalamin): The main symptom is inflammation
of the tongue. There are many diseases and ailments that result
from vitamin deficiencies. It is very important to eat a proper
well balanced diet, preferably high in fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains to avert many of these deficiencies.
Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Representative. You can get a free
Glyconutrients consultation by visiting Glyconutrients. Clinical studies
have shown that glyconutrients can help balance your immune system.
