Vitamins Glossary

Note:
For educational use only. This information is designed to help adults make informed decisions about their health and is intended to be used for general nutritional information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any particular medical problem or disease, or to promote any particular product. Women who are pregnant or nursing should always consult with their physician before taking any supplements. You should always consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health concerns. Persons with medical conditions should seek professional medical care.

B12

Food Sources

Vitamin A

Utilities:

Antioxidant
Anticarcinogenic
Essential for the proper development of cells including the skin, teeth, eyes, and hormones
Guards against heart disease and stroke
Lowers cholesterol levels
Necessary for new cell growth
Prevents measles
Promotes healthy hair and nails
Promotes healthy immune system
Protects against air pollutants and counteracts night blindness and weak eye sight
Protects the cells against cancer (by neutralizing "free radicals")
Slows the aging process, promotes healthy wrinkle-free skin, and helps in the removal of age spots and acne
Slows the progression of osteoarthritis and cataracts, helps prevent macular degeneration of the eyes.

Signs of deficiency:

Broken fingernails
Chronic diarrhea
Dry eyes
Dry skin or hair
Dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea
Fatigue
Frequent colds and other respiratory infections
Insomnia
Night blindness
Pruritis
Poor growth
Skin Disorders including Acne.

Cautions & Comments:

Antibiotics, laxatives, nitrates, and some cholesterol-lowering drugs interfere with Vitamin A absorption
If you have hypothyroidism, avoid beta-carotene, because your body probably cannot convert it into Vitamin A
If you have liver disease, do not take a daily dose of over 10,000 IU of Vitamin A in pill form or any amount of cod liver oil
If you are pregnant, do not take more than 10,000 IU of Vitamin A daily. Excess amounts may cause birth defects
Vitamins A, D, E, and K do build up in the liver if you take huge amounts for long periods of time.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

10,000 IU

Vitamin A

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Asparagus, Steamed Bagel Barley Beans, Black, Kidney, Pinto & Red Beef, Lean & Liver Breas, Whole Wheat Broccoli Brown Rice Brussels Sprouts Cashews Chicken, Roasted Corn Dried Prune Egg Yolk Ham Fish Legumes Liver Meat Milk, Non-Fat Most Nuts Oatmeal Orange Organ Meat Peanuts Pecan Peas, Green Plum Pork, Roasted Poultry Raisin Rice Brown Seafood Soybeans Sunflower Seeds Watercress Wheat Germ Whole & Enriched Grains Yeast, Brewer’s & Torula	Alfalfa Bladderwrack Burdock Root Catnip Cayenne Chamomile Chickweed Eyebright Fennel Seed Fenugreek Hops Nettle Oat Straw Parsley Peppermint Raspberry Leaf Red Clover Rose hips Sage Spirulina Yarrow Yellow Dock	Cataplex B

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Note:
The B Vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play an important role in cell metabolism. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Utilities:

Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the degenerative effects of aging, alcohol consumption and smoking
Alleviates fatigue
Beneficial in the treatment of neurological disease and improves people’s mental alertness
Enhances circulation and assists in blood formation
Enhances the activity of the immune system and improves the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions
Helps maintain a healthy nervous system
Helps to convert sugar to energy in the muscles and bones
Optimizes cognitive activity and brain functions
Prevents depression
Prevents reoccurring canker sores
Promotes good muscle tone.

Signs of Deficiency:

Beriberi (a nervous system disease)
Constipation
Confusion
Depression
Enlarged liver
Fatigue
Forgetfulness
Gastrointestinal disturbances
General weakness
Heart problems
Irritability
Muscle cramps, weakness and soreness
Nervousness
Numbness of the hands and feet
Pins & needle sensations
Poor appetite
Poor coordination
Tingling sensations
Weakness & feeling tired
Weight loss.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

Men: 1.1 mg
Women: 1.2 mg

Vitamin B1

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Almond Apricot Asparagus, Cooked Avocado Beet Green Blackberries Broccoli Butter Cantaloupe Carrot Chestnut Chili Pepper Collards Dairy Product Dark leafy greens Egg Endive, Raw Green bean, cooked Green Pepper Hazelnut Kale, Cooked Kidney Kiwi Leaf Lettuce Liver Mango Mustard Green, Cooked Orange Papaya Parsley Peach Peas, Fresh, Cooked Pecan Pine Nut Pumpkin Seeds Red Pepper Seafood Spinach Squash, Winter Sunflower Seeds Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomatoes Turnip Greens Watercress Watermelon Yams Yellow Corn	Cayenne (Capsicum) Chaparral Chickweed Dandelion Greens and Root Dulse Eyebright Fennel Seed Garlic Gotu Kola Hops Horseradish Horsetail Kelp Lemongrass Mullein Nettle Oat straw Paprika Parsley Peppermint Plantain Raspberry Leaf Red Clover Rose Hips Sage Spirulina Uva Ursi Violet Leaves Watercress Yellow Dock	Cod Liver Oil Cataplex A

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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Utilities:

Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Aids in the release of energy from food
Alleviates eye fatigue
Boosts athletic performance
Ensures each and every cell respiration inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide
Eliminates dandruff
Helps eliminate cracked mouth, lips, and tongue
Helps the immune system stay healthy
Necessary for red blood cell formation and helps the absorption of iron and vitamin B6
Needed for the metabolism of the amino acid yryptophan, which is converted into niacin
Prevents cataracts
Produces antibody
Produces energy inside the cells
Promotes oxygenation of skin, hair and nails
Protects against cancer
Reduces the occurrence of migraine headaches
Regulates cell growth and reproduction
Supports the production of adrenal hormones
Together with vitamin A, it maintains and improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

Signs of Deficiency:

Anemia
Cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth
Digestive disturbances
Dermatitis
Dizziness
Hair loss
Inflammation of the mouth and tongue
Insomnia
Oily skin
Purplish tongue
Red eyes
Retarded growth and slowed mental response
Scaly skin
Skin lesions
Sluggishness
Trembling
Visual disturbances (sensitivity to light, loss of visual acuity, cataract formation, burning and Itching eyes).

Cautions & Comments:

Consumption of adequate amount of riboflavin is important during pregnancy, because a lack can damage a developing fetus (even though there is no sign of deficiency)
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, taking the pill, and heavy drinking all call for an increased intake of Riboflavin
Factors that increase the need for riboflavin include the use of oral contraceptives and strenuous exercise
Riboflavin is easily destroyed by light, antibiotics and alcohol, but not by cooking
Anti-malarials interfere with riboflavin.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

Men: 1.7 mg
Women: 1.3 mg

Vitamin B2

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Almond, Dry Roasted Asparagus, Cooked Avocado Beef, Liver, Mince Bread, Whole Wheat Broccoli, Cooked Brussels Sprouts Cereal, Fortified Cheese Chicken, Breast Chickpeas Cottage Cheese, Low Fat Currants Dairy Dandelion Greens Egg Fish Green Leafy Vegetable Ice Cream, Vanilla Lentils Kale Kidney Beans Kiwi Meat Milk, Low Fat Millet Molasse Mushroom, Cooked Nuts Organ Meats (Liver, Kidney, Heart) Pea Peppers, Hot Red Pork, Roasted Poultry Salmon, Canned Soybeans (and Flour) Spinach, Cooked Split Pea Sweet Potato, Baked with Skin Turkey, Breast Vegetables, Leaves Watercress Wheat (Bran & Germ) Whole grains Wild Rice Yeast, brewer’s & torula Yoghurt, Low Fat Alfalfa	Bladderwrack Burdock root Catnip Cayenne Chamomile Chickweed Dulse Eyebright Fennel seed Fenugreek Ginseng Hops Horsetail Kelp Mullein Nettle Oat straw Parsley Peppermint Raspberry leaves Red clover Rose hips Sage Yellow dock	Cataplex B

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Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide)

Utilities:

Facilitates the processes involved with Metabolizing fats, proteins and carbohydrates
Enhances memory
Helps the arteries widen, which enables blood to circulate more easily
Helps prevent plaques from forming and building up on artery walls
Improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack
Involved in the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids
Keeps the digestive tract functioning properly
Keeps the nervous system and overall mental well-being functioning properly
Keeps the skin healthy
Lowers the body's bad cholesterol levels (LDL)
Makes fifty enzymes functioning properly
Prevents and treats schizophrenia and other mental illnesses
Produces energy from sugar, fat, and protein
Produces various hormones including progesterone and testosterone
Reduces blood pressure
Regulates blood sugar
Resists oxidation, heat and alkalies.

Signs of Deficiency:

Anemia
Digestive system problems
Forgetfulness
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting
Pellagra
Red Eyes
Scaly skin
Skin outbursts or lesions
Sores and cracks on the lips and in the mouth
Tiredness
Trouble sleeping or relaxing.

Cautions & Comments:

A flush, usually harmless, may occur after the ingestion of niacin supplements; a red rash appears on the skin and a tingling sensation may be experienced
Avoid doses larger than 120 mg unless your are under the supervision of a registered practitioner
Low doses from 50 to 100 mg, may cause flushing, headache, and stomachache in some people
In high doses, niacin may cause depression, liver damage, damage to eyes, diabetes, gastritis, elevated blood levels of uric acid, flushing and headaches
People who are pregnant or who suffer from diabetes, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, or peptic ulcers should use niacin supplements with caution.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

Men: 15 - 19 mg
Women: 15 mg

Vitamin B3

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Almonds, Roasted Artichoke Asparagus Avocado Bagel Bananas Beans, Kidney, Lima, Navy Beef, Minced, Liver Bread Wholewheat Brewer’s Yeast Broccoli Brown Rice Cantaloup Carrots Celery Cereal Cheese Chestnuts Chicken, Breast Chickpeas Corn flour Corn Kernels Cottage Cheese, Low Fat Dairy Products Dandelion Greens Dates Eggs Fish Kale Kiwis Legumes Meat Milk, Low Fat Mushrooms Cooked Nectarine Organ Meats Peaches Peanut Butter Peanuts, Dry Roasted Peas Pine Nuts Pork,Roasted Potatoes Rabbit Red Meat Rice Brown, White, Wild Salmon, Canned Sesame Seeds Spinach, Cooked Sunflower Seeds Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Tuna, Canned in Water Turkey, Breast Turnips Watermelon Wheat Bran & Germ Whole Grains (except Corn) Wild rice Alfalfa	Burdock Root Catnip Cayenne Chamomile Chickweed Eyebright Fennel Seed Hops Licorice Mullein Nettle Oat Straw Parsley Peppermint Raspberry Leaf Red Clover Rose Hips Slippery Elm Yellow Dock

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Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid, Panthetine)

Utilities:

Aids in the manufacture of red blood cells
Anti-stress
Beneficial effect in the manufacture of adrenal hormones
Encourages the healing of wounds
Helps to convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy
Improves immune response
Involved in the production of neurotransmitters
Life extension, slows biochemical processes
Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Needed for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
Prevents and treats arthritis
Prevents certain forms of anemia
Stamina enhancer.

Signs of Deficiency:

Since Vitamin B-5 is available in many foods and produced by our intestinal bacteria, it is an unlikely that an adult will have a deficiency
However, it can conduct to:
- Abdominal and muscle cramps
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia and depression
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and poor coordination
- Painful & burning feet
- Personality change
- Restlessness
- Skin abnormalities (such as psoriasis)
- Stunted growth
- Tingling in the hands
- Vomiting.

Cautions & Comments:

No known toxicity, although doses over 300 mg per day should be supervised by a practitioner
Some people report stomach upsets at doses higher that 10 grams
Very large amounts (several grams a day) can cause diarrhea.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

4 to 7 mgs

Vitamin B5

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Artichoke Avocado Bananas Beef Brewer’s yeast Broccoli Brown rice Buckwheat flour Carrots Cauliflower Corn Dairy Eggs Fish Fresh vegetables Legumes Lentils Molasses Mushrooms Nuts Oatmeal Oranges Organ meats Peanuts Pecans Pork Potatoes Poultry Royal jelly Soybeans and products Split peas Squash Strawberries Sunflower seeds Sweet potatoes Whole rye flour Whole wheat Yeast, brewer’s and torula

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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Utilities:

Alleviates nausea
Boosts immunity
Helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin
Helps prevent skin and nervous disorders
Helps to control diabetes
Increases the bioavailability of magnesium
Involved in the manufacture of all amino acid neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, etc.)
Necessary for the absorption of fats and protein
Necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid
Needed for normal brain function
Needed for synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA for normal cellular growth
Promotes beautiful skin
Promotes red blood cell formation
Protects against cancer
Protects against environmental pollutants, smoking and stress
Reduces muscle cramps and spasms
Vital role in the multiplication of all cells.

Signs of Deficiency:

Acne
Anemia
Anorexia
Arm & leg cramps
Arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Confusion
Conjunctivitis
Convulsions
Cracks and sores on the mouth, lips, and tongue
Depression
Dizziness
Eczema
Fatigue
Flaky skin
Glucose intolerance
Hair loss
Headaches
Hearing problems
Hyperirritability
Impaired nerve function
Impaired wound healing
Inflammation of the mouth and gums
Insomnia
Learning difficulties
Loss of muscular control
Muscular weakness
Nausea
Nervousness
Numbness
Oily facial skin
Seborrhea
Skin inflammation & lesions
Sore tongue (glossitis)
Stunted growth
Tingling sensations
Vomiting
Water retention
Weak memory.

Cautions & Comments:

Should be taken as part of a B-complex supplement and in equal amounts with B-1 and B-2
Antidepressants, estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives, alcohol, and penicillin may increase the need for Vitamin B-6
Diuretics and cortisone drugs block the absorption of this vitamin
Some people report side-effects with doses as low as 100 mg
Vitamin B-6 is toxic in high doses, causing serious nerve damage when taken at quantities of more than 2 grams per day
Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg daily.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

Men 19 to 50: 1.3 mg
Men > 50: 1.7 mg
Women 19 to 50: 1.5 mg
Women > 50: 1.5 mg

Vitamin B6

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Avocados Bananas Beans Black-eyed peas Blackstrap molasses Brewer’s yeast Broccoli Brown rice Brussels sprouts Buckwheat flour Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Cereals Chicken Corn Dulse Eggs Fish Garbanzos beans (chickpeas) Hazelnuts Legumes Lentils Lima beans Liver Meat Navy beans Nuts Organ meats Peanut Butter Peas Pinto beans Plantains Pork Potatoes Poultry Raisin bran Rice bran Seeds Soybeans and products Spinach Sunflower seeds Tempeh Tuna Turkey Walnuts Watermelon Wheat bran & germ Whole grains Yeast, brewer’s & torula Alfalfa	Catnip Oat straw

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Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Utilities:

Aids in cell growth and fatty acids production
Aids in fatty acid production
Aids in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and sugar
Aids in the utilization of the other B-complex vitamins
Alleviates eczema and dermatitis
Alleviates muscle pain
Biotin is a co-enzyme which means it can speed biochemical process in the body; which means more detoxification and more health
Cures some forms of baldness, and is used in preventative treatments for baldness
Important role in metabolism of cell respiration
Involved in energy metabolism
Involved in the utilization of glucose
May help reduce blood sugar levels in people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Prevents the hair from turning prematurely gray
Promotes the health of cell glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, male sex glands, blood cells, skin and hair
Strengthens nails.

Signs of Deficiency:

Very rare nutritional deficiency (because of low daily requirement)
Anemia
Anorexia
Birth defects
Changes in mood or attitude
Depression
Dry, scaly skin
Fungal infections
Hair loss
High blood sugar
Inflammation or pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Muscle soreness
Nausea
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap)
Soreness of the tongue.

Note: Eating too many raw egg whites binds up available biotin in the body.

Cautions & Comments:

Bacteria in the intestine produce significant amounts of biotin
Biotin is depleted in the body by alcohol, cooking or refining food, antibiotics, sulfa drugs, saccharin, when taken with raw egg whites, and long-term use of anti-seizure medications
Biotin is nontoxic, but it is suggested that you do not take in excess of 300 mg. unless supervised by a registered practitioner.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

30 mcg

Vitamin B7

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Bananas Beef liver Brewer’s yeast Cauliflower Cheese Egg yolks Fruits Kidneys Liver, beef Meat Milk Mushrooms Nuts Oatmeal Peanuts and butter Poultry Rice bran, germ, and polishings Saltwater fish Soybeans and soy products Unpolished rice Walnuts Whole grains

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Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid, Folacin or Floate)

Utilities:

Builds up babies’ resistance to infection
Can prevent some types of cancer
Considered a brain food
Enhances digestion
Enhances the production of milk after delivery
Essential for transmission of genetic code
Helps form blood and effective for anemia
Helps alleviate depression and anxiety
Helps prevent atherosclerosis
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Helps prevent premature birth
Helps with the process of metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats (releases energy and forms amino acids)
Important role in the replication of cells
Improves skin condition
Involved in protein metabolism
Main carrier of oxygen in the blood
Maintains emotional and mental health
Natural analgesic
Needed for cell growth and division
Needed for energy production
Needed in the formation of red blood cells
Needed for the synthesis of RNA and DNA
Prevents some types of birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly
Protects against a congenital number of malformations during pregnancy
Promotes healthier looking skin
Protects against intestinal parasites and food poisoning
Reduces risk of birth defects
Reduces risk of toxemia in pregnancy, premature labor and hemorrhaging; Regulates mood and sleep patterns, particularly in older people
Required for the amalgamation of DNA
Reduces the risk of a heart attack by lowering homocysteine levels
Strengthens the immune system by aiding the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells
Used to treat depression, nervousness and anxiety
Treats folic acid anemia.

Signs of Deficiency:

Acne
Anemia
Apathy
Bowel and cervix cancers (severe deficiency)
Constipation
Cracking at the corners of the mouth
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Gingivitis
Growth impairment
Hearthburn
Insomnia
Irritability
Labored breathing
Loss of appetite
Memory problems
Osteoporosis
Paranoia
Pre-mature gray hair
Sore, red tongue
Stress
Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Weakness.

Cautions & Comments:

Alcohol and many prescription drugs like estrogens, sulfasalazine and barbiturates impair folic acid metabolism
Antacids inhibit folic acid absorption
Do not take high doses of folic acid for extended periods if you have a hormone-related cancer or convulsive disorder
Easily destroyed by light and heat
Folic acid is toxic in large doses and can cause severe neurological problems
High doses may cause insomnia and interfere with the absorption of zinc in the body.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

400 mcg

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Artichoke Asparagus Avocados Bananas Barley Beets Blackberries Black-eyed peas Bran Brewer’s yeast Broccoli Brown rice Cantaloupe Carrots Cheese Chicken Citrus fruits Dates Drien beans and peas Eggs Fortified cereal products Garbanzos Green leafy vegetables Kale Kiwis Lamb Legumes Lentils Lettuces Liver Meat Milk Mushrooms Nuts Onions Organ meats Peas Peppers Pork Poultry Root vegetables Salmon Seeds (almost all) Soy beans and flour Split peas Spinach Strawberries Sunflower seeds Tuna Turnip greens Wheat germ Whole grains Whole wheat

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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Utilities:

Aids folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells
Aids in cell formation and cellular longevity
Aids synthesis of protein
Assists Homocysteine metabolism
Assists proper energy metabolism
Helps in the formation of red blood cells
Helps in the utilization of iron
Helps metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
Improves concentration, memory and balance
Improves learning and concentration
Increases energy levels
Needed for maintenance of the nervous system
Prevents anemia
Prevents nerve damage
Promotes healthy growth in children
Promotes healthy immune system
Promotes normal growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings
Required for proper digestion and absorption of foods.

Signs of Deficiency:

Binge eating
Bone loss
Breathing problems
Bruising
Chronic fatigue
Confusion/disorientation
Constipation
Depression
Diarrhea
Difficulty maintaining balance
Digestive disorders
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Ear ringing
Enlargement of the liver
Eye disorders
Fatigue
Hallucinations
Headaches
Impaired mental function
Impaired nerve function (can cause numbness, pins-and needle sensations, or a burning feeling)
Inflammation and soreness of the tongue
Irritability
Irreversible nerve damage
Labored breathing
Loss of appetite
Memory loss
Moodiness
Nausea
Nervousness
Neurological damage
Pale lips, tongue & gums
Palpitations
Pernicious anemia;
Poor memory
Shortness of breath
Spinal cord degeneration
Tinnitus
Weakness
Weight loss.

Cautions & Comments:

The injectable form works best, especially those that are trying to make better red blood cells. Often you can get a prescription from your medical doctor if you think you can give injections to yourself, but most likely you will have to go into the doctors office for the injection. They often include this particular vitamin as a separate injection when getting intravenous chelation treatments. The dose is 1- 1.5 ml 1-4x/month as needed.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

2 - 6 mcg

Vitamin B12

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Beef Blue cheese Cheese Dulse Eggs Fish Flounder Herring Kelp Kidney Kombu Lamb Liver (lamb, beef, and chicken) Mackerel Meat Milk and dairy products Nori Oysters Pork Salmon Sardines Seafood Snappers Soybeans and soy products Swiss cheese Trout Tuna Whey, dried Yeast Alfalfa	Bladderwrack	Hops Injectable form

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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Utilities:

Acts as a natural antihistamine
Aids in adrenal gland function
Aids in the production of anti-stress hormones and interferon
Aids in the treatment and prevention of the common cold
Antioxidant required for tissue growth and repair
Helpful in auto-immune disorders
Helpful in treating Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster
Helpful in treating symptoms of menopause
Helps expel heavy metals and other toxic substances from the body
Helps lower blood pressure
Helps maintenance of good vision, and lower risk of cataracts
Helps protect against many forms of cancer by counteracting the formation of nitrosamines (cancer-causing substances)
Helps recycle the antioxidant Vitamin E
Increases the absorption of iron
Maintains healthy bones, teeth, and gums
Maintains healthy sex organs
Needed for healthy adrenal function
Needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine
Plays a primary role in the formation of collagen (growth and repair of body tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth
Prevents scurvy
Promotes energy
Promotes the healing of wounds and burns
Protects against abnormal blood clotting and bruising
Protects against cancer
Protects against infection and enhances immunity
Protects against the harmful effects of pollution
Protects the body against oxidation
Reduces cholesterol and protects against heart disease
Reduces the effects of many allergy producing substances
Strengthens the blood vessels.

Signs of Deficiency:

Anemia
Asthma
Bruising
Capillary weakness
Depression
Fatigue
Hysteria
Increased susceptibility to infection, especially colds and bronchial infections
Impaired digestion
Loss of appetite
Muscular weakness
Nosebleeds
Poor digestion
Prolonged healing time
Scurvy
Skin hemorrhages
Slow-healing wounds & fractures
Soft & bleeding gums
Swollen or painful joints
Tooth loss & decay.

Cautions & Comments:

Alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids may reduce levels of vitamin C in the body
Avoid using chewable Vitamin C supplements, as they can damage tooth enamel
Drug Interactions: Diabetes medications such as chlorpropamide (Diabinese) and sulfa drugs may not be as effective when taken with Vitamin C
High levels of Vitamin C can deplete the body of copper
If aspirin and standard Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are taken together in large doses, stomach irritation can occur, possibly leading to ulcers. If you take aspirin regularly, use an esterified form of Vitamin C (Ester C)
If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 milligrams of Vitamin C daily. Infants may become dependent on this supplement and develop scurvy when deprived of the accustomed megadoses after birth
Large doses of Vitamin C may cause kidney stones and gout in some individuals
Smoking causes a serious depletion of Vitamin C
Some people suffer from diarrhea and cramps at high dosages, although it is considered to be nontoxic at even very high levels
Taking high doses of Vitamin C may cause a false-negative reading in tests for blood in the stool;
The body cannot manufacture Vitamin C; it must be obtained through the diet or in the form of supplements
Some people are allergic to certain Vitamin C supplements.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

75 - 90 mgs

Vitamin C

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Apples Artichoke Asparagus Avocados Beet greens Bell peppers Black currants Broccoli Brussels sprouts Buckwheat (rutin) Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Citrus fruits Collards Corn Cucumber Dulse Fresh fruits Fresh vegetables Grapefruits Grapes Green peas Guavas Kale Kiwi Lemon juice Lime Mangos Mushrooms Mustard greens Onions Oranges & juice Papayas Peaches Peas Peppers, red chili Persimmons Pineapple Potatoes Radishes Red berries Spinach Squash Strawberries Sweet peppers Swiss chard Tomatoes Turnip greens Watercress Acerola berries	Alfalfa Aloe vera juice Burdock root Cayenne Chickweed Dandelion greens Eyebright Fennel seed Fenugreek Hops Horseradish Horsetail Kelp Mullein Nettle Oat straw Paprika Parsley Peppermint Pine needle Plantain Raspberry Red Clover Rosehips Scullcap Senna leaf Violet leaves Yarrow Yellow dock Acerola	Ascorbic Acid Bioflavonoids Ester C Cataplex A-C, Cataplex A-C-P Cataplex ACP Cataplex C Collagen C Congaplex Cyruta Cyruta Plus Emergen C Immuplex Lemon bioflavonoids Rose Hips Rutin Rutin bioflavonoids Vitamin C powder

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Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)

Utilities:

Enhances immunity
Helps in all eye problems including spots, conjunctivitis and glaucoma
Helps regulate white blood cells that make up the immune system
May help in the treatment of psoriasis
May be helpful in the treatment of cancer
Necessary for growth
Necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting
Needed for islet cells to produce insulin, the hormone that allows cells to take up blood sugar
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and hypocalcemia
Protects against colon cancer
Protects against muscle weakness and is involved in regulation of the heartbeat
Required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the intestinal tract
Works with vitamin A to utilize calcium and phosphorus in building bone structure and healthy teeth.

Signs of Deficiency:

Arthritis;
Burning sensation in the mouth and throat
Diarrhea
Fast heartbeat
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Muscle cramps and tics
Nearsightedness
Nosebleeds
Osteomalacia (softening of the bones)
Psoriasis
Rickets (softening of bones in children)
Slow healing
Softening of bones
Soft teeth, tooth decay
Visual problems
Weight loss.

Cautions & Comments:

Air pollution, anti-convulsant drugs and lack of sunlight deplete Vitamin D
Do not take vitamin D without calcium
Dosages greater than 1,000 I.U. daily are not recommended
Intestinal disorders and liver and gallbladder malfunctions interfere with the absorption of Vitamin D
Drug Interactions: Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, antacids, mineral oil, and steroid hormones (cortisone) also interfere with absorption
Drug Interactions: Thiazide diuretics such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL, Oretic) disturb the body’s Calcium/Vitamin D ratio
Vitamin D is the most toxic of all the vitamins, causing nausea, vomiting, headache and depression, deposition of calcium into internal organs and kidney stones.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

19 to 50: 200 I.U.
51 to 70: 400 I.U.
> 70: 600 I.U.

Vitamin D

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Butter Dairy products (added) Dark green leafy vegetables Eggs Fatty saltwater fish Fish liver oils Halibut Liver Oatmeal Salmon Sardines Sweet potatoes Tuna Vegetable oils Yogurt Alfalfa	Dandelion greens Horsetail Nettle Parsley	Calcium with Vitamin D in it Cataplex D (Standard Process) Calcifood (Standard Process) Cod liver oil Sunlight-Sunshine makes vitamin D in the skin Tanning beds

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Vitamin E

Utilities:

Accelerates healing, particularly of burns
Acts as a natural diuretic
Aids in preventing cataracts
Alleviates fatigue
Antioxidant and helps slow down the process of aging by protecting cells against damage caused by "free radicals
Beneficial in the treatment of diabetes
Boosts immunity
Enhances sexual performance
Enhances sperm production
Helps prevent miscarriage
Improves insulin action and it exerts a number of beneficial effects that aids in preventing long-term complications of diabetes, especially cardiovascular disease
Improves muscle strength and stamina
Improves oxygen utilization
Lowers risk of heart disease
Prevention of cataracts caused by free radical damage
Prevents formation of thickened scars
Prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease
Prevents and dissolves blood clots
Prevents thick scar formation when applied topically
Promotes healthy skin and hair and prevents age spots
Protects against damage to the cell membranes
Protects against heavy metals (i.e. lead, mercury)
Protects against toxic compounds (i.e. benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and cleaning solvents; drugs; radiation; and the body’s free-radical metabolites)
Protects against neurological disorders
Protects the thymus gland
Reduces blood pressure;
Reduces the various symptoms of PMS and menopause
Relieves leg cramps
Retards cellular aging due to oxidation
Slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease
Strengthens the immune system
Supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs thus alleviating fatigue
Treats circulatory problems and prevents lung toxicity from air pollution
Treats skin problems and baldness.

Signs of Deficiency:

Abnormal fat deposits in muscles
Anemia
Breaking of red blood cells, leading to anemia (hemolytic anemia)
Dry skin
Fat malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-gastrectomy syndrome
Hereditary disorders of red blood cells, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia
Involuntary movement of the eyes
Lack of sexual vitality
May lead to a rupture of red blood cells
Muscle and nerve degeneration
Muscle weakness
Premature infants
Poor coordination.

Cautions & Comments:

If you are taking an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner), do not take more than 1,200 IU of Vitamin E daily
If you have high blood pressure, start with a small amount, such as 200 IU daily, and increase slowly to the desired amount
If you suffer from diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, or an overactive thyroid, do not take more than the recommended dose
If you take both Vitamin E and iron supplements, take them at different times of the day. Inorganic forms of iron (such as ferrous sulfate) destroy Vitamin E. Organic iron (ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate) leaves Vitamin E intact
Most cell protecting form seems to be E succinate (dry E)
Selenium enhances Vitamin E uptake and should be taken together
“d” form is natural; “dl” form is synthetic (You do NOT want the DL form)
The body needs zinc in order to maintain the proper level of Vitamin E in the blood
Vitamin E is nontoxic, even in high doses, but it is suggested that you do not take in excess of 350 IU unless you are supervised by a medical practitioner.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

15 mg (22.4 IU)

Vitamin E

Food Source	Herbs Sources	Other Sources
Almonds Asparagus Avocados Berries Broccoli Eggs Leafy greens Nuts Organ meats Peanuts Seeds Soy products Tomatoes Vegetable oils Vegetables Wheat germ (oil or fresh) Whole grains		Cataplex E (Standard Process Labs) Cataplex E2 (Standard Process Labs) Chlorophyll Complex (Standard Process Labs) Dry E For-Til B12 (Standard Process Labs) Wheat Germ Oil (plain and fortified) (Standard Process Labs)

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Vitamin K

Utilities:

Acts as an antiparasitic for intestinal worms
Aids in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver
Aids in promoting longevity
Bone formation and repair
Helps prevent cancers that target the inner linings of the organs
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Helps heal broken blood vessels in the eye
Helps in cirrhosis and jaundice of the liver
Important role in the intestines
May increase resistance to infection in children
Necessary for blood clotting
Necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes
Reduces excessive menstruation
Regulates calcium levels which helps healthy bones.

Signs of Deficiency:

Extreme deficiency is very rare
Abnormal and/or internal bleeding
Easy bruising, appearance of ruptured capillaries, etc.
Problems in the intestinal tract.

Cautions & Comments:

Vitamin K exists in three forms
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone or phytonactone)
Vitamin K2 (a family of substances called menoquinones) occurring naturally;
Vitamin K3 (menadione), a synthetic substance
Antibiotics interfere with the absorption of vitamin K
Do not take large doses of synthetic vitamin K during the last few weeks of pregnancy. It can result in a toxic reaction in the newborn
Megadoses of this vitamin can accumulate in the body and can cause flushing and sweating
Vitamin K interferes with the action of some prescription blood thinners.

Recommended Adult Daily Intake:

80 mcg

Vitamin K

Food Source	Herbs Source	Other Sources
Asparagus Blackstrap molasses Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Dark green leafy vegetables Egg yolks Green peas Green beans Kale Lettuce Liver Oatmeal Oats Rye Safflower oil Sea vegetables Seafood Soybeans Spinach Sprouts Turnip greens Watercress Whole wheat Alfalfa	Green tea Kelp Nettle Oat straw Shepherd’s purse

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