The Vitamin Chat

So how do I get these all-important vitamins without taking a multi-vitamin?

For the sake of space, I'll limit my information about each vitamin and just try to tell you the best way to obtain the vitamin.

Vitamin A: This is a major important vitamin! It acts as an antioxidant, helps build strong bones and rich blood. It's best to obtain Vitamin A from natural sources like yellow butter, egg yolks, organ meats, fish, shellfish and cod liver oil. High amounts of synthetic vitamin A from supplements can be toxic. Antibiotics, laxatives, fatsubstitutes and cholesterol-lowering drugs interfere with vitamin-A absorption.

Vitmain B Complex: "All the water-soluble B vitamins work as a team to promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, muscle tone and cardiovascular function; they protect us from mental disorders, depression and anxiety." The best source of B vitamins is whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seafood and organ meats. "Sugar consumption rapidly depletes vitamin B1. B2 is found in a varity of whole foods. Frequent cracks in the lips and corners of the mouth is a sign of deficiency." Vitamin B5 is found in organ meats, egg yolks and whole grains. Vitamin B6 is found mostly in animal products. "Deficiencies in B6 have been linked to diabetes, nervous disorders and coronary heart disease. They are widespread in the US because excess B1 and B2, added to white flour, interferes with B6 function and because Americans no longer have access to one of the best sources of this heat-sensitive nutrient - raw milk." The B vitamin folic acid helps guard against cancer, by strenghthening the chromosomes. B12 prevents anemia and nervous disorders, maintains fertility and promotes normal growth and development. Usable B12 is only found in animal foods. Sorry vegetarians....God meant for us to eat meat. Did I just say that? Boy, now I'm getting contraversial! I digress...B15 and B17 protect against cancer and are found in grains and seeds, and grasses, sprouts, buckwheat, legumes and many fruit seeds.

Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin known mostly for its use in treating the common cold. It is also vital for the formation of collagen. "Vitamin C promotes healing of wounds and is also a powercul antioxidant. It's found in many fruits and vegetables and in certain animal organs. Vitamin C is destroyed by heat. Alcohol and many common drugs including aspirin and oral contraceptives may reduce vitamin C levels in the body.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, healthy teeth and normal growth. It seems to protect against cancer and multiple sclerosis. "The body manufactures vitamin D3 out of cholesterol in the presence of sunlight. Healthy primitive diets were rich in vitamin D-containing foods such as butterfat, eggs, liver, organ meats, marine oils and seafood. Synthetic D2 has been linked to hyperactivity, coronary heart disease and other allergic reactions and synthetic vitamin D3 is poorly absorbed."