Determine Whether Vitamin A Enhances Immune Response

Several approaches have been taken in an attempt to determine whether Vitamin A supplementation enhances immune response and resistance or recovery from infection. In some investigations, researchers have attempted to correlate plasma concentrations of beta-carotene or retinol with immune response or susceptibility to infection. One limitation of this approach is related to the fact that plasma concentrations may have depressed plasma retinol levels as a result of disease. Therefore, it is not possible to establish whether low plasma retinol levels resulted in suppressed immune response or if plasma retinol levels decreased in response to disease or infection. Another approach used is to supplement the diet with retinol precursors and examine immune response at a later time point. This approach may be useful in examining the particular aspects of immunity that may be altered by supplementation, but additional studies are necessary to determine whether these effects have clinical significance in terms of disease outcome. Vitamin A has been fairly well studied in terms of its immunomodulatory effects, and we will review the evidence from randomized controlled trials as well as potential mechanisms of action. Vitamin A supplementation may afford some protection from infection in malnourished individuals, but the potential benefits of supplementation in normal wellnourished individuals remain to be established. There is evidence from several studies that suggests that vitamin A deficiency is associated with depressed immune function and an impaired response to influenza infection. Supplementation of vitamin A is associated with a reduction of mortality and morbidity among certain populations. It appears that populations suffering from malnutrition may benefit from adequate or additional vitamin A supplementation. However, it is less clear if normal, healthy, well-nourished individuals will benefit from additional supplementation with respect to enhanced immunity. The results from several studies involving beta-carotene supplementation in the diet of healthy individuals suggest that certain aspects of innate immunity, such as NK cytotoxicity and monocyte production of the cytokine TNFcx, are enhanced. It appears that lymphocyte subsets or the lymphocyte response to mitogens are not altered. In addition, one study of healthy older individuals found that vitamin A supplementation was associated with a reduction in the number of T lymphocytes. Whether these observed changes of immune function in response to supplementation actually result in reduced susceptibility to infection in healthy individuals is not well established. The results from one study demonstrated no association between vitamin A supplementation and incidence of bacterial infection. we are not aware of any long-term, randomized clinical trials that have evaluated the incidence of viral infection in response to supplementation with vitamin A alone. However, several studies have examined the possibility that supplementation with several multivitamins and or trace elements such as zinc, may alter susceptibility to infection. In general, the findings from these studies show no protection from infection in association with vitamin intake, but a slight decrease in the incidence of infection in those individuals consuming supplemental trace elements such as zinc and selenium. At this time, the potential benefits of vitamin A supplementation for healthy well-nourished individuals regarding susceptibility to infection remain to be established. A high beta-carotene intake has also been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Earlier epidemiological studies suggested a high natural (fruits and vegetables) intake of beta-carotene was associated with reduced risk of cancer. However, more recent studies have not observed any benefit of beta-carotene intake on incidence of cancer and two studies actually observed an increased incidence of lung cancer in those participants consuming beta-carotene supplements. The presence of other carotenoids in fruits and vegetables has been suggested to be the protective factor in regards to cancer incidence in the early epidemiological studies based on the findings from these recent studies, dietary supplementation with high doses of synthetic beta-carotene may be contraindicated for smokers. As a reminder, it has been known for some time that a high intake of vitamin A results in adverse effects (neurologic, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, birth defects) and the results from the most recent studies suggest a potential risk of high doses of synthetic beta-carotene in certain populations. At this time it is probably safest to follow the National Cancer Institute recommendations that suggest five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Immune Effects and Exercise We are currently aware of only one study that has examined whether vitamin A supplementation is associated with a reduced incidence of infection in athletes. Several studies have shown that the risk of upper respiratory infection is increased following competition in marathons or ultramarathons However, vitamin A supplementation before marathon competition did not reduce the incidence of infection in the postrace period. Therefore, to our knowledge, vitamin A supplementation has not been associated with enhanced resistance to infection in healthy athletes.

Spirulina- Unleash The Power of Nature’s Super Food

Blue-green algae are a diverse group of microscopic plants that rarely used for human food. The exception is Spirulina, which has become extensively available as a food ingredient within the last twenty years. It is a nutraceutical food with rather unique phytonutrients and also characteristics. Spirulina can also be used in a variety of healthy food applications. Wild Spirulina platensis, (or Arthrospira as it is sometimes called), grows in the sunny warm-water volcanic soda lakes throughout the world. This alga thrives in the waters containing high amounts of sodium carbonate with pH values above ten. Where wild Spirulina is found so there are often flocks of flamingos and other animals feeding on it. Spirulina has a distinctive spiral structure with the filaments of cells being about 10 microns in diameter and up to 1,000 microns in length.Malnutrition severely diminishes the human capital of a country and its multifarious widely impacts hinder the universal achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Developing countries are mainly vulnerable to this easily avoidable catastrophe.Spirulina offers some remarkable health benefits to an undernourished person. It is rich in the beta carotene that can overcome eye problems caused by Vitamin A deficiency. The protein and B-vitamin complex makes a huge major nutritional improvement in an infant’s diet. It is the only food source, except for the mother’s milk, containing considerable amounts of an essential fatty acid GLA that helps to regulate the entire hormone system.One tablespoon a day can also eliminate iron anemia, the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is the most digestible protein food ever , specially important for the malnourished people whose intestines can no longer absorb nutrients effectively. Clinical studies have also shown it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora. These health benefits have made it an excellent food for the rapid recovery of children from malnutrition related diseases in Mexico , Togo , Romania , China , Rwanda , Zaire , India , Ukraine , and Belarus .Advantages of Spirulina • Spirulina does not need a fertile land for cultivation and therefore conserves fertile land and soil. It has over 60 % protein that is higher than the any other food besides benefits of rapid growth and higher yield.• Spirulina requires less energy input per kilo than the soy, corn, or bovine protein. As cheap energy sources are depleted and costs of energy dependent foods will rise up with energy prices . • Spirulina uses less water per kilo of protein than the other foods as the water is recycled back to the ponds after be harvesting . • Spirulina is a big oxygen producer that is even more efficient than the trees and forests to absorb Carbon dioxide and release Oxygen. • Spirulina production uses non-fertile land and brackish water and is a great potent remedy to deforestation to cultivate food. As people eat lower on the food chain, the pressures being to destroy wilderness can be halted and help re-green our planet. • Spirulina has no externalized hidden costs in the terms of depletion of fresh water fertile top soil and forests, pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and also toxins. No long term medical costs from unhealthy foods with thse ochemical additives. “For WHO, Spirulina represents an interesting food for various multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein, and is able to be administered to the children without any risk. We at WHO consider it a very suitable food”

Blindness

Blindness is the inability to see. The leading causes of chronic blindness include cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma, and eye conditions in children (e.g. caused by vitamin A deficiency). Age-related blindness is increasing throughout the world, as is blindness due to uncontrolled diabetes.What Causes Blindness?Vision problems can develop before a baby is born. Sometimes, parts of the eyes don’t form the way they should. A kid’s eyes might look fine, but the brain has trouble processing the information they send. The optic nerve sends pictures to the brain, so if the nerve doesn’t form correctly, the baby’s brain won’t receive the messages needed for sight. Blindness can be genetic or inherited, which means that this problem gets passed down to a kid from parents through genes.Blindness has many causes. In the United States, the leading causes are diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and accidents (such as chemical burns or injuries from bungie cords, fishing hooks, fireworks, racket balls, and similar objects).Worldwide, the leading causes of blindness are cataracts, onchocerciasis (river blindness), trachoma, leprosy, and vitamin A deficiency.Can it be prevented?Having an eye test at least every two years can help to detect problems that may need treatment before any permanent damage has been done.Some conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts, can be treated to help preserve vision.It’s important to wear protective eyewear in situations where accidental eye damage may occur, for example, at work, when playing sport or doing DIY. Symptoms:Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include: Trouble seeing colors and the brightness of colors in the usual way.Inability to tell the difference between shades of the same or similar colors. Often, the symptoms may be so mild that some persons do not know they are color blind. A parent may notice signs of color blindness when a child is learning his or her colors.Conditions degenerate further, as an armed clique gains control over food deliveries, subjugating their fellow internees and exposing them to rape and deprivation. Faced with starvation, internees do battle and burn down the asylum, only to find that the army has abandoned the asylum, after which the protagonists join the throngs of nearly helpless blind people outside who wander the devastated city and fight one another to survive.Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, but treatment can control the progression of the disease. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the eye by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and to ultimately prevent blindness. Treatment of glaucoma may include medications, surgery, or a combination of medication and surgery.Read about Herbal Remedies and Also Read About kohinoor Gold andTribulus Terrestris

Zinc, iron, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other nutrients are responsible for hair growth. If these deficiencies occur ,for whatever reason, hair loss is likely. These deficiencies can result from many of the problems referred to in this article as well as poor diet.

However, there are other cases when hair loss can be a sign of a serious medical problem. This is known as temporary hair loss, because genes did not predetermine the loss of hair. One of the leading causes of temporary hair loss is vitamin deficiency. Hair follicles require certain vitamins to carry on their constant function of regeneration and growth. If follicles remain deprived of these vitamins they won’t be able to carry out their normal functioning and may result in hair loss.

Most often due to poor dietary habits or disturbed metabolism folks happen to be deficient with these vitamins. So a change in dietary habits or food intake is necessary to ensure enough intake of necessary vitamins for hair in order to prevent hair loss.

Vital Vitamins To Prevent Hair Loss

There are many different vitamins that are extremely important to maintaining a healthy head of hair. Hair loss could be caused by a vitamin deficiency in any of these nutrients. All that is necessary to reverse the temporary hair loss is following a proper diet!

Vitamin A is a vitamin that promotes the healthy growth of both cells and tissue in various parts of the body, including the cells in the scalp and hair. A vitamin A deficiency could lead to hair loss and dandruff, especially if the deficiency occurs for an extended period of time. To get the vitamin A you need, make sure to consume lots of leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, liver, eggs, and fish oil.

Hair loss could be caused by a vitamin deficiency in one or more of three B vitamins. These three B vitamins (more specifically folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) are important to the creation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. The hemoglobin carries oxygen to various body tissues, including the hair cells. A vitamin deficiency could cause hair loss due to the resulting reduced blood and oxygen supply to the hair. To get your B vitamins, eat plenty of chicken, fish, whole grains, beets, and orange juice.

A vitamin deficiency in biotin could cause hair loss. Though deficiency in biotin is rare, it has been observed in some cases. Biotin can be found in select foods, and it is also produced in the intestines by good bacteria. Most people who eat a healthy diet would never experience hair loss as a result of this vitamin deficiency. However, if this does occur, vitamin supplements can be taken.

What Else?

Other vitamins are important to the growth and maintenance of hair. These vitamins include zinc, iron, vitamin C, and copper. If you do not receive an adequate amount of these vitamins, make sure to look for food sources or begin taking supplements.

High doses of Vitamin A can also result in the temporary loss of hair.

Iron deficiency can be another cause of hair loss. Young women often have low iron due to the changes in their bodies and their menstrual cycle. Some people do not consume enough iron in their diets or have an inability to properly absorb iron. A doctor can test your blood for iron levels and can treat this by recommending iron pills as part of your vitamin and mineral regiment.

Insufficient protein in your diet may result in protein malnutrition that can affect hair loss. If you are on a diet that is low in protein this may be the culprit. Your body will take the protein from your hair, forcing your hair into the telogen or resting phase. Hair loss will then occur two or more months later. This is not permanent hair loss and can be reversed with a proper diet with healthy amounts of protein.

Biotin

For people who eat a healthy diet, biotin deficiency is rare. Besides getting biotin from select food sources, biotin is also manufactured in our intestines by gut bacteria. In rare instances though, biotin deficiency can cause hair loss. Both patients had severe loss of hair. These patients, due to their medical condition, did not manufacture biotin in their gut and consumed no biotin orally or parenterally. Daily supplementation of biotin resulted in the gradual regrowth of healthy hair.

If you are facing deficiency of these vitamins you should incorporate food items in your diet to ensure sufficient intake of these vitamins. It would lessen possibility of hair loss.

Spirulina- Unleash The Power of Natures Super Food
by drrony

Blue-green algae are a diverse group of microscopic plants that rarely used for human food. The exception is Spirulina, which has become extensively available as a food ingredient within the last twenty years. It is a nutraceutical food with rather unique phytonutrients and also characteristics.

Spirulina can also be used in a variety of healthy food applications. Wild Spirulina platensis, (or Arthrospira as it is sometimes called), grows in the sunny warm-water volcanic soda lakes throughout the world. This alga thrives in the waters containing high amounts of sodium carbonate with pH values above ten. Where wild Spirulina is found so there are often flocks of flamingos and other animals feeding on it. Spirulina has a distinctive spiral structure with the filaments of cells being about 10 microns in diameter and up to 1,000 microns in length.

Malnutrition severely diminishes the human capital of a country and its multifarious widely impacts hinder the universal achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Developing countries are mainly vulnerable to this easily avoidable catastrophe.

Spirulina offers some remarkable health benefits to an undernourished person. It is rich in the beta carotene that can overcome eye problems caused by Vitamin A deficiency. The protein and B-vitamin complex makes a huge major nutritional improvement in an infant’s diet. It is the only food source, except for the mother’s milk, containing considerable amounts of an essential fatty acid GLA that helps to regulate the entire hormone system.

One tablespoon a day can also eliminate iron anemia, the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is the most digestible protein food ever , specially important for the malnourished people whose intestines can no longer absorb nutrients effectively. Clinical studies have also shown it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora. These health benefits have made it an excellent food for the rapid recovery of children from malnutrition related diseases in Mexico , Togo , Romania , China , Rwanda , Zaire , India , Ukraine , and Belarus .

Advantages of Spirulina

Spirulina does not need a fertile land for cultivation and therefore conserves fertile land and soil. It has over 60 % protein that is higher than the any other food besides benefits of rapid growth and higher yield.

Spirulina requires less energy input per kilo than the soy, corn, or bovine protein. As cheap energy sources are depleted and costs of energy dependent foods will rise up with energy prices .

Spirulina uses less water per kilo of protein than the other foods as the water is recycled back to the ponds after be harvesting .

Spirulina is a big oxygen producer that is even more efficient than the trees and forests to absorb Carbon dioxide and release Oxygen.

Spirulina production uses non-fertile land and brackish water and is a great potent remedy to deforestation to cultivate food. As people eat lower on the food chain, the pressures being to destroy wilderness can be halted and help re-green our planet.

Spirulina has no externalized hidden costs in the terms of depletion of fresh water fertile top soil and forests, pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and also toxins. No long term medical costs from unhealthy foods with thse ochemical additives.

For WHO, Spirulina represents an interesting food for various multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein, and is able to be administered to the children without any risk. We at WHO consider it a very suitable food

How to prevent kidney stones

Q: Several months ago I had a kidney stone removed. How can I prevent future kidney stones from forming?

A: In todays culture you are ten times more likely to have kidney stones then at the turn of the 19th century, men and woman in todays culture need to take preventative measures. Kidney stones are considered a urologic disorder that is very painful. Most kidney stone cases are preventable. Kidney stones are crystallized build ups of minerals like calcium and oxalic acid; these are your most common stones. Kidney stones can also be made up of uric acid and other minerals and amino acids. Since you passed a stone recently your doctor could tell you what the stone was comprised of by giving you a breakdown of the stones contents so you can form a prevention plan. There are general changes in your diet which can be beneficial no matter what the kidney stone was made of. Reduce your consumption of dairy products and animal proteins. Diets high in both of these products lead to an increased risk of kidney stones. To increase the absorption of calcium and reduce the risk of calcium stones one should consume a magnesium supplement which helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium can also have a relaxing effect on the body. Finding sources of calcium that are from green vegetables will help prevent calcium stones as well. Also, reduce the amount of refined foods you eat and replace them with whole grains and raw foods like un-cooked fruits and vegetables.

Most importantly, kidney stones form because the bladder isnt emptied completely so its very important to drink plenty of liquid through out the day to help prevent stones. By drinking at least two quarts of liquid each day of purified water, juice or tea, your body will be able to flush your bladder more effectively eliminating those dreaded kidney stones. Recently, vitamin A deficiency has been linked to kidney stones as well, by eating lots of carrots, yams, peaches, and cantaloupe or supplementing with vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate or beta carotene can help reduce the risk or kidney stones. Several manufactures of Natural vitamin supplements offer kidney stone formulas you might look into as well to help ease existing pain or prevent future stones.

Kidney stones risk can also be reduced by consuming juniper berries or adding lemon juice to your water. Lemon juice helps prevent crystallization in the kidneys. Teas such as thyme tea and knotgrass tea are good for dissolving mineral build-up in the kidneys as well.

If you suspect that youre at risk for kidney stones, a life style change in diet works the best as a preventative measure. The simplest life style change you can make is drinking more liquids, pure water is best. Drink at least two quarts of water every twenty four hours. If you have a family history of kidney stones, your family doctor can perform blood tests to see if you are at risk and help you determine what factors to change in your diet to reduce your risk. Stop into your local health food store or shop online for supplements like magnesium and kidney cleanses.

Reap The Benefits Of A Basic Multiple Vitamin Foundation Program

A multivitamin is needed by most individuals to provide all of the needed vitamin and mineral missing in ones diet to support proper bodily functions on a daily basis. Here are some nutrients that it provides in sufficient levels, which include vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Minerals.

Vitamin A, which is important for normal vision, integrity of the skin and those cells lining the inner surfaces of the body, gene expression, reproduction, embryonic development, growth, and immune function, is most commonly found as beta-carotene in a multivitamin. Unless the person supplementing is diabetic, the body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A as it is needed. Therefore, the risk of vitamin A deficiency is nearly nonexistent, while the daily value for vitamin A is 5,000 IU, although supplementation of up to 25,000 IU of beta-carotene is safe and effective.

Vitamin D has recently become more and more recognized by the greater public. Its main role in human nutrition is the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract, which therefore promotes the mineralization of the bones. Vitamin D can be made in our body by ultraviolet rays of the sun converting a cholesterol derivative in the skin. The daily value for vitamin D is 400 IU, while a range of 400 to 1,000 IU is a good daily dosage.

The B vitamins are involved directly or indirectly in energy metabolism. Some B vitamins facilitate the energy-releasing actions themselves while others help to build new cells to deliver the oxygen and nutrients which allow the energy pathways to run. The B vitamins are also involved in the function of the nervous system. The daily value of these vitamins differ according to the B vitamin, with the dosage ranging from 10 to 100 mg, and the dosage for folic acid ranging from 400 to 800 mcg/day.

Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis in the body, offers antioxidant protection against free radicals, supports thyroxin synthesis and amino acid metabolism, strengthens resistance to infection, and helps in the absorption of iron. The daily value for vitamin C is a simple 60 mg, but studies have safely used 500 to 3000 mg/day.

Vitamin E is very valuable and worth taking as a separate supplement to get the best dosage. It helps the body by providing antioxidant protection against free radicals, stabilizing cell membranes, regulating oxidation reactions, and protecting both polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A. It has also been proven in studies that a natural vitamin E is three times more active in the human body than synthetic vitamin E at similar doses.

Minerals have often been overshadowed in importance by vitamins, but the need for them is vital as they are recognized as essential to human nutrition. Important minerals include calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, iodine, potassium, manganese, selenium, and chromium.

Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth as well as blood clotting and normal muscle and nerve activity. Adequate calcium helps to maintain good bone health and may reduce the risk for osteoporosis later in life. The daily value for calcium is 1,000 mg but some research suggests that higher doses may be beneficial.

Magnesium is important for muscle and nervous tissue function and helps with the formation of bones and teeth. Supplementing with magnesium may help to reduce indications of bone loss. Research has shown that supplementing with 250 to 750 mg/d of magnesium can help stop bone loss and increase bone mass.

Another important mineral is iron, which transports oxygen in the body and is also makes oxygen available for muscle contractions. It is also necessary for the utilization of energy. The daily value for iron is 18 mg, but if a deficiency is diagnosed doctors may recommend up to 200 mg/day of iron.

Zinc is associated with the hormone insulin, zinc is involved in making genetic material and proteins, immune reactions, transport of vitamin A, taste perception, wound healing, the making of sperm, and normal development of the fetus. The daily value for zinc is 15 mg, but for specific purposes, levels up to 60 mg/day can be recommended for a short time. However, increased zinc levels can lower copper levels, which is responsible for the formation of red blood cells and nerve fibers. Therefore, copper should be added if zinc is being consumed at higher levels.

Other important minerals include iodine, which is essential in regulating metabolic rate; potassium, which helps to maintain normal osmotic pressure of body fluids and the acid-base balance of the body; manganese, which activates enzymes and is involved in fatty acid metabolism and protein synthesis; selenium, which detoxifies products of oxidized fats, and is found in red blood cells; and chromium, which is necessary for the formation of glucose tolerance factor, a complex that works with insulin.

Most generic multiple vitamins found at mass market stores only supply the RDA for vitamins and minerals. When looking for a good multiple vitamins you should buy only name brands and read the label to see that the above mentioned vitamins and minerals are supplied in the recommended doses. If the one you look at doesnt have the above listed potency then move to another brand that does supply what is needed for optimal health.