Vitamins - A Heterogeneous Group of Substances

Though vitamins are commonly understood, they are a heterogeneous group of substances that have similar effect in the human body. For many chemical reactions in our body for growth and development and a healthy, strong defense organism, they are indispensable. In contrast to the animals, the man on the other hand have to regular intake vitamins.

The recommendations for the daily requirement of vitamins are intended as guidelines. They vary, depending on the institution, which delivers the recommendations. The differences arise from the fact that it is extremely difficult to measure the actual needs of the organism. Complex mechanisms take many vitamins that can be recycled, some vitamins are produced by the body itself or by intestinal bacteria. Complicated resorption complicates this view further. While there is agreement about a reasonable minimum amount of needed vitamins, diverge at the upper limit of the opinions. Especially in the United States there are more scientists recommend a supply of various vitamins in so-called mega doses (several times the recommended daily dose). This approach is considered critical, however. First, are excreted unchanged at a certain dose of vitamins, on the other hand, certain vitamins in large quantities increase consumption of other excessively, and may even experience a shortage. If even a high-dose vitamin substitution is used, then it should be done very selectively and only with prior diagnosis of individual vitamins. At the capture of nutrients has long been the option this artificial "form to consume". From a chemical point synthetically produced the same structure as the naturally occurring vitamins. In fruit, vegetable and animal products, vitamins come in combination with many other important substances before, about their function in the human body. The danger overdosing with natural sources are lower. For these reasons and more, way is the "natural" vitamins are preferable to his daily ration, especially since a healthy body with a balanced and varied diet, no additional supply of nutrients needed. Vitamin supplements cannot compensate for poor diet and lack of one.

In Europe, severe deficiency with characteristic symptoms that are often encountered in developing countries are rare. However, many nonspecific symptoms that are a vitamin deficiency due to, even here in quite widespread. Increased fatigue, lack of energy, depressive mood, digestive disorders and disorders of the nervous system may be a sign of a lack of supply. Dry, cracked skin, Mundwinkelrhagaden, brittle nails and hair growth problems, a lack of supply can also think. In a healthy, balanced body nourished, there is little danger of getting into a shortage situation. The human body has sophisticated mechanisms to save and re-vitamins, and economically, so he makes do with very small amounts. Nevertheless, there are special circumstances under which it may be a lack of supply:

Reduced supply by an unbalanced diet with a large proportion of "empty calories". Impaired absorption (absorption), because of poor digestion (bile production or resorption, after operations in Mangendarm area, in infectious and chronic intestinal inflammation, congenital defects and impairment of the intestinal flora after antibiotic therapy). Increased demand, for example, under stress situations (infections, trauma, surgery, chronic diseases) in pregnancy or in heavy physical work (endurance sports, heavy labor).

Disruption of vitamin storage causes liver dysfunction. Increased excretion in renal and liver function impairment or excessive sweating are other symptoms. Particularly at risk of falling into a shortage situation, are: Infants in the exclusive, long-term (longer than the fourth month of life) diet with milk, children and young people with an unbalanced diet (too many sweets) and growth-related increased demand. Pregnant women, are especially at risk as there is from the fourth month of increased vitamin requirements. Elderly people: nutrition is often poor, reception and absorption capacity also reduces with age. People who need energy to substantially cover their alcohol. Alcohol does to the body of pure energy and contains no nutrients.

Prolonged, regular supply in large quantities can occur deficiencies (especially lack of vitamin B1).

An excess of water-soluble vitamins is excreted largely through the kidneys or the liver and therefore have maximum short-term consequences. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), however, accumulate in the body and in event of excessive consumption have far-reaching consequences. Particularly in young children is on the administration of "synthetic" vitamins must be adhered to by the doctor prescribed dose.