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Tag: Vitamins

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Do You Need Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B1, B6, and B12?

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Among the B vitamins, the most widely recognized include vitamins B1, B6, and B12. 

While each of these B vitamins has its own functions in the body, the three have interrelated actions and work together in synergy to deliver common benefits to keep the body healthy, especially the brain and nerves. These B vitamins are also known as neurotropic B complex because of their particular importance in supporting brain and nerve health.

Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are nutrients known to play a vital role in promoting growth, energy production in the body, good health and well-being. They are also essential in promoting the health of the blood, immune system and various organs of the body especially the heart and blood vessels.

These B vitamins can usually be obtained from various food sources such as milk, meat, eggs, cheese, fish, shellfish, beans, nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruits, whole grain and cereals. However, dietary intake may still be inadequate. It has been reported that even in developed countries, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, deficiency is around 6% in the general population and around 20% in the elderly population.

Being water-soluble nutrients, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body and must be provided on a daily basis. Lack of a steady supply of these nutrients brings risk for nerve problems, anemia, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline including memory loss. Even if people are taking enough B vitamins from the food they eat, there are certain conditions or diseases that put the individuals at risk for vitamin B deficiency. Here are some identified risk factors associated with the development of deficiencies for these B vitamins:

  • People on fad diets or those with inadequate dietary intake (e.g., anorexia or poor appetite, restrictive or deficient diet while recovering from illnesses and surgical operations)
  • Excessive vomiting and intractable diarrhea may prevent absorption of B vitamins
  • Old age due to poor intake and decreased ability to absorb nutrients
  • Pregnancy due to increased bodily demands. Some pregnant women may also have excessive vomiting
  • Strict vegetarians are likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency as B12 is mainly found in animal food such as meat, eggs and milk
  • Heavy alcoholic and coffee drinkers may also suffer from B deficiency as these beverages prevent the absorption and also increases the urinary excretion of B vitamins.
  • Certain medications such as omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors for acid-related diseases, isoniazid for tuberculosis and metformin for diabetes, are known to interfere with the utilization of B vitamins and may reduce the body’s ability to absorb B vitamins.
  • Persons with autoimmune disease, impaired kidney function, infections such as HIV and tuberculosis
  • Surgical removal of portions of stomach or intestines can reduce the area where vitamin B12 is absorbed
  • Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease that affect the intestinal lining impairing the ability to absorb nutrients
  • Hormonal imbalances associated with pre- or post-menopausal syndrome as some hormones may affect the utilization of B vitamins.

Consequently, people who are deficient in vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may experience a range of signs and symptoms. Following are the manifestations of Vitamin B Deficiency that people have to watch out for:

  • Mood changes, anxiety, mental fatigue or brain fog, forgetfulness, and restlessness, particularly with vitamin B6 deficiency.
  • Rashes, low energy, dry, cracked lips, sweating, warm or cold feeling and weak immune system.
  • Anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, and nerve damage are usually seen with vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Individuals with nerve damage or neuropathy linked to B deficiency may experience numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle twitching and inability to move a part of the body.
  • Those with anemia associated with Vitamins B6 and B12 deficiency may experience fatigue, shortness of breath & dizziness, mental confusion or forgetfulness.

These symptoms, which may signal B deficiency, can also reveal other health problems. Consult your doctor for prompt diagnosis and management that may include appropriate Vitamin B supplementation.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

References:

  1. Ali MA, Hafez HA, Kamel MA, Ghamry HI, Shukry M, Farag MA. Dietary Vitamin B Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex Differences. Nutrients. 2022; 14(19):3940. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193940

2. Lavriša Ž, Hristov H, Hribar M, et al. Dietary Intake and Status of Vitamin B12 in Slovenian Population. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):334. Published 2022 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/nu14020334

Man wearing gray shirt, stretching, smiling. Nature scenery on background, outdoors.

Tips on Boosting Your Immunity with A Healthy Lifestyle in the New Normal

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Leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to adopting and embracing the new normal as the world works toward preventing another pandemic.

Below are some practical tips on important lifestyle interventions that will boost immune response as shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases, and the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine that may help to keep up in the new normal and the challenges it may bring.

Proper nutrition to boost immunity

A well-balanced whole-food, and plant-based diet is known to enhance immune function in contrast to meat, refined carbohydrates, and processed food. Eat a variety of at least 400g or 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

  • Intake of foods high in the anti-oxidant, resveratrol, (e.g., grapes, peanuts, soy, berries, etc.) is highly encouraged to help combat pathogens like bacteria and fungi owing to its immunomodulatory properties.

Cut back on salt and sugar and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  • Avoiding sugary food and beverages helps prevent the suppression of immune responses. Limit intake of free sugars to less than 50g or around 12 teaspoons of regular powdered sugar each day.
  • Limit salt consumption to less than 5g of salt or 1 teaspoon each day. Iodized salt may be used.

Eat a moderate amount of fats and oils.

  • Eat less than 30% of the total energy intake from fats. Unsaturated fats like fish, avocado and nuts are preferable. Reduce consumption of saturated fats like butter, palm and coconut oil and cheese and trans fats like processed food, fast food and margarine.

Avoid processed food, meat products and refined carbohydrates which alter gut immune processes.

Make sure you’re getting enough of the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins A, C, D, E and B complex and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Iron are essential to boost immune response. Studies have shown that these vitamins and minerals have positive effects in resolving symptoms of respiratory diseases and in improving the immune function. Keen knowledge and careful appreciation of the correct supplements and the amount that should be taken are vital in boosting immunity.


Get sufficient sleep

As much as possible, avoid modest loss of sleep because this alters the immune function. Modest disturbance of sleep reduces the natural immune response thus resulting in an increased risk of viral infection.

Avoid exposure to LED screens and electronic devices 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime as this suppresses the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin thus, contributing to or exacerbating sleep problems.

Get good sunlight exposure in the morning. This is one proven way of improving sleep.

Avoid eating heavy meals at night. This is associated with the deterioration of sleep quality. Having a light meal during dinner will help in attaining a good quality of sleep.

Engage in adequate regular physical activities

Do regular moderate physical activities. This helps improve the function of immune cells.

Avoid sitting, reclining or having low energy expenditure during most of the day. A sedentary lifestyle is closely associated with an elevated risk of insomnia or sleep disturbance and cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, this ultimately affects the immune response.

Avoid strenuous and exhaustive exercises. This will decrease the natural killer cells and their immune response activity.

Seated exercises and stationary walking are encouraged. These are good examples of exercises that can be done at home especially during work from home set-up.

Stop cigarette smoking and avoid alcohol

Smoking impacts certain pathways of immunity and plays a complex role in causing numerous diseases such as cancers, allergies and heart and lung diseases.

Avoid alcohol as it disrupts immune pathways in complex ways that result in the impairment of the body’s defense against infection. It also interferes with gut microorganisms which are essential in normal gut function.


References:

Acero Michelle. 2020. Immune Boosting Lifestyle Intervention for COVID-19. Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine.

World Health Organization. 2020. Healthy at Home.

World Health Organization. 2020. Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable diseases.

Healthy diet, Immune System, New Normal

Running man with vitamin elements around him.

Essential Nutrients That Can Boost the Body’s Immune System

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

With the abundance in the varieties of vitamin and mineral supplements available in the market, it can be daunting to identify which among them would really be useful in boosting the body’s immune system. This has been made more challenging with the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims and advices online.

While all vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining good health, several published scientific reviews were able to point out the key vitamins and minerals most studied for the purpose of protecting against infectious diseases.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a classic and well-known anti-oxidant. A study done by a team from the Nutrition and Health Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, noted that a daily supplementation of Vitamin C at 700-800 mg per day may reduce the duration of the common cold. Vitamin C supplementation was also found to reduce the occurrence of pneumonia and improve other respiratory conditions.

Vitamin A

Aside from its established role in maintaining a healthy eyesight, Vitamin A may also enhance resistance to infection by promoting an immediate immune response to the invasion of microbes and through activation of natural killer cells. A review published in the Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome Journal reported that children from 2-8 years old, supplementation of Vitamin A had enhanced immune response to influenza virus.

B Vitamins

The role of B vitamins is not only limited to their well-known effects on nerves and brain functions. B vitamins are needed for the processing of the building blocks of proteins to form antibodies that help fight infections. B vitamins are also valuable in times of stress and viral infections.

Vitamin D

In addition to Vitamin D’s recognized role in promoting calcium absorption, studies have shown that Vitamin D may lower the incidence and severity of respiratory viral diseases. Vitamin D also increases antiviral defenses to protect against acute respiratory tract infection.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another highly recognized anti-oxidant. It works with Vitamin C to protect the integrity of the cellular defenses against infection and from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Must-have Minerals or Trace Elements

Known to many, low levels of minerals and trace elements in the body is also associated with increased risk of infection. Here are some of the minerals that are considered to strengthen the body’s immune system:

Zinc

Zinc is a very important mineral that helps the body fight infection. It was found that zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence and duration of pneumonia. Zinc supplementation has also been reported to reduce the duration of common colds from 7.6 days to 4.4 days. It was also shown that there has been twice the number of reported deaths from pneumonia in patients with low zinc levels than the ones with the normal zinc levels in the body.

Iron

Aside from its known use for anemia, iron has an important role in the body’s innate immune response. Iron is used by white blood cells to form highly reactive compounds to kill bacteria. It was found that by receiving 3 months of iron supplementation, recurrences of acute respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and gastroenteritis were significantly reduced.

Selenium

Selenium supplementation has been associated with clinical improvement with viral infection specifically in children. Dietary selenium supplementations were also found to increase cellular immune response through enhanced immune cell proliferation.

Copper

Copper, like iron, has a role in innate immune response specifically against invading microbes. Important in antibody production and immunity, copper plays a role in fighting against viral infection by inhibiting the replication of influenza viruses.

Vitamins and minerals may not always be adequate in our usual diet. In this case, the practical solution is to provide vitamin and mineral supplementation. Boosting the immunity by supplementation with key vitamins and minerals can offer protection against various infections including COVID-19. The best advice on proper nutrition is to always consult your doctor.

References:

Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al. Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations During the COVID-19 Crisis. Nutrients.

Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, Jeewandara C, Ranasinghe P. Enhancing Immunity in Viral Infections, with Special Emphasis on COVID-19: A review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 

Derbyshire E, Delange J COVID-19: Is There a Role for Immunonutrition, Particularly in the over 65s? BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

Michienzi SM, Badowski ME. Can vitamins and/or supplements Provide Hope Against Coronavirus?. Drugs Context. 

Health tips, Immune Defense, Immunity

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REGERON VITA with CPE

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Support your child’s holistic growth and development, physically and mentally, with REGERON VITA WITH CPE.

Packed with 14 nutrients including Chlorella Pure Extract (CPE), Regeron Vita with CPE helps boost children’s growth, energy, immune system and mental function. 

Regeron Vita with CPE Syrup and Drops are available in delicious bubblegum flavor that kids and babies would surely enjoy.

A daily dose of Regeron Vita with CPE helps your kids get all of these health benefits:

•           Growth Factors, such as Chlorella Pure Extract and Amino Acid Lysine, plus Vitamin D which promotes calcium absorption and bone growth

•           Immune System Enhancers, Vitamin A, C, E, CPE, and Zinc

•           Energy Boosting B Vitamins, Vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9, and B12

•           Blood Building Nutrients, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12

•           Brain Enhancing B Vitamins and Taurine

Regeron Vita with CPE is available in both Syrup (for children ages 1 to 9 years old), and Drops (for infants ages 6 months to 1 year old)

Regeron Vita with CPE Syrup and Drops are widely available in leading drugstores, nationwide.

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Nutricap Tablet

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Give your body what it deserves. Get 26 vitamins, minerals plus special nutrients in just 1 tablet NUTRICAP.

Packed with numerous health benefits, Nutricap tablet is your cost-effective choice for a broad and high-quality dietary supplement. 

Know the health benefits of the following nutrients:

• Boost the immune system with the antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and more to help fight against infection and harmful effects of free radicals. 

• Support the heart and circulatory with Lycopene, Lecithin, Ginseng, Vitamins C, and E

• Promote nerve nourishment with Vitamin B complex

• Enhance brain and memory with Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Vitamin B Complex 

• Provide Eye protection with colorful nutrients, Lutein, Rutin, Zeaxanthin, and Lycopene plus Vitamin A 

• Rejuvenate the body and skin with Vitamins A, C, and E

• Revitalize and energize the body with Ginseng, Iron and Vitamin B complex.

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Lecithin, Omega-3, Lycopene, and More: Nutrition Beyond Vitamins and Minerals

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

As the pandemic continues, people have become more and more acquainted with the variety of vitamins and minerals available in the market offering various health claims. But did you know that some dietary supplements can give you beyond your usual vitamins ABC’s and minerals?

Not all supplements are formulated the same. Aside from the price, check how many and how much of the active ingredients do your supplements offer. Apart from your usual vitamins and minerals, here are some important nutrients to look for in your supplements:

LECITHIN: A nerve-building nutrient

Also known as phosphatidylcholine, lecithin is a large class of fat-like substance that is essential for creating and maintaining the covering of the cells. Lecithin is important in the normal functioning of a wide range of essential body systems, including the digestive, reproductive, and circulatory systems. Lecithin can improve cardiovascular and liver health. It lowers levels of blood cholesterol and increases HDLs levels (high density lipoproteins, aka “good cholesterol”).

Among its many functions, lecithin has been specially touted for its benefits to the nervous system, giving it the moniker “nerve-building nutrient.” Clinicians find lecithin useful in helping improve memory and in sustaining endurance in strenuous physical and mental activities.

LYCOPENE and RUTIN: Not your usual antioxidants

Lycopene, a carotenoid or “colorful nutrient,” is an antioxidant abundantly found in tomatoes and tomato-based products. Lycopene is regarded as the most abundant carotenoid in the human blood. Lycopene has been demonstrated to have a strong association to a reduced risk for certain cancers, mainly of the prostate, stomach, and lungs. Lycopene has also been found to be efficient in ameliorating diabetes mellitus, heart complications, skin, bone, liver and reproductive diseases and disorders.

Rutin, also known as Vitamin P or Rutoside, is a naturally-sourced flavonoid. Rutin has demonstrated several beneficial activities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties. As a flavonoid, rutin has been shown to have a strong scavenging activity or the ability to combat deleterious substances that may damage the body cells.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: The fat your heart loves

Omega-3 fats, which include ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), belong to the family of unsaturated fats that are not produced by the body, and are obtained from food sources such as fish and vegetable oils.

Omega-3 fats have been shown to lower the risk for heart diseases and strokes. Omega-3 fats were also reported to help in lowering blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. At higher doses, omega-3 fatty acids are reported to lower triglycerides and may ease inflammation, thus preventing thickening of the arterial wall.

LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN: Looking after your eye health

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two chemically similar carotenoids shown to have health benefits for the eyes. They are specifically concentrated in the macula, the area in the eye responsible for color recognition. Because lutein and zeaxanthin have antioxidant properties, they help protect the eyes from deleterious substances that may cause damage.

Intake of lutein and zeaxanthin have also been linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts by increasing macular pigment density, thus preventing vision impairment and blindness.

It is important to be familiar with the various nutrients available in different supplements and their health benefits. Reading product labels and knowing the right ingredient to look for helps us become informed and smart consumers.

Consult your doctor regarding supplementation to get proper guidance in choosing the best supplement suited for your needs.

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Healthy foods and white beans on gray table.

The Importance of Micronutrients

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Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are vital to the healthy development of the body, well-being, and disease prevention. However, not everyone manages to eat a healthy diet. Dietary supplementation can play an important role when nutritional requirements are not met through diet alone.

Though micronutrients are only needed by the body in small amounts, their impact on our health is critical. Therefore, regularly taking the recommended amount is important. Failing to maintain even those small quantities required by the body may cause severe and even life-threatening conditions.

Some of the functions of essential micronutrients are outlined below:

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy.

Iron

Iron is the essential component of hemoglobin, the compound which allows red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the different parts of the body.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight, skin, and immune system functions.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important in building strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a role in wound healing and controlling infections. It is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals that are harmful to the body.

Vitamin E

Its main role is to act as an antioxidant, scavenging “free radicals” that can damage body cells. Vitamin E also enhances the immune function and prevents clots from forming in the arteries.

Zinc

Zinc promotes immune system functions and helps the body resist infectious diseases including diarrhea and pneumonia.

References: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/micronutrients/index.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/micronutrients-have-major-impact-on-health

www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b6/art-20363468

Woman wearing a white sando taking a vitamin pill, smiling.

4 Vitamins to Take Note of for a Healthy Skin

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Taking care of your skin should be an essential part of your health regimen.

Our skin needs the right balance of nutrients to do its main job as a barrier that protects the rest of our body. To help keep our skin looking good from the outside, we should feed it well from the inside. 

It is essential that we take right vitamins to supplement our diet as good skin care starts with proper nutrition.

Below are four vitamins to take note of for a healthy and glowing skin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, commonly called the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential in the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. When our skin absorbs sunlight, cholesterol is converted to Vitamin D.

It is then taken up by our liver and kidneys and transported throughout the body to make healthy cells. This includes the skin, where Vitamin D plays an important role in skin tone.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in fruits and vegetables.

The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis make Vitamin C vital for skin health.  Potential benefits from this nutrient include diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as making the skin look youthful and plump. Adding Vitamin C to your health regimen will not only brighten your complexion but will also protect you against skin damage caused by sun exposure and free radicals. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient with potent antioxidant properties. Vitamin E helps support the immune system, and skin health. It is also beneficial in reducing skin damage from ultraviolet light, pollution, and free radicals. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin required in the proper development and functioning of our skin, eyes, respiratory tract, immune system, and other parts of the body. Vitamin A stimulates the production and maturation of new cells. This is particularly important for the skin which constantly needs to replace the dead cells it sheds away.

Vitamin A is also known for its antioxidant properties that serve to protect the skin from pollutants and free radicals.

References: 

Getting the right vitamins

Harvard education listing of vitamins: August 31, 2020

NUTRICAP Tablet

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Fill the gap in your daily nutrient intake! Get a broad antioxidant protection and immunity boost with 26 vitamins, minerals and special nutrients in one Nutricap Tablet. Nutricap is your practical and cost-effective choice of a comprehensive dietary supplement, reinforced with energy enhancing and body rejuvenating agents, and helps promote heart, brain, and eye health. 

Antioxidant protection and immunity

Vitamins A, C, and E, together with the minerals zinc and selenium, plus the natural ingredients lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and rutin act together to support the immune system and fight against the damaging effects of pollutants and free radicals.

Heart health and circulation

Lycopene, lecithin, ginseng, gingko biloba, rutin, B Vitamins, Vitamins C and E help keep the heart healthy and blood flowing smoothly.

Sharp mind and healthy nerves

Keep focused and protected against mental stress with the brain and nerve-enhancing B vitamins, lecithin, Ginseng, and Gingko biloba.

Healthy eyesight

Together with Vitamin A, the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health and maintain good vision.

Energy boost and body rejuvenation

Iron, Ginseng, Gingko biloba, B Vitamins, Vitamins C and E work against stress and fatigue to help you keep going the whole day.

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