Friday, September 21, 2007

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin A (Retinol, Beta-Carotene)

Function: Supports healthy vision and acts as an antioxidant in the form of Beta-Carotene.

Sources: Milk, cheese, liver, fish, and vegetables (dark green, yellow, and red).

Deficiency: Night blindness.

Adult RDI: 5000 IU (1000 RE)

Note: Fat-soluble vitamins occur in foods that contain fats and oils, and optimally work within a fat-soluble environment. Once absorbed, they are stored in the body until needed.

g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin D (Calciferol)

Function: Regulates bone mineral metabolism and helps increase absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Sources: Exposure to sunlight enables the skin to produce
Vitamin D in adequate amounts. Food sources include fortified milk products, cold-water fish, and fish liver oils.

Deficiency: Rickets and osteomalacia (defective bone formation).

Adult RDI: 400 IU (10 mcg)

Note: Fat-soluble vitamins occur in foods that contain fats and oils, and optimally work within a fat-soluble environment. Once absorbed, they are stored in the body until needed.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin E (Tocopherols, Tocotrienols)

Function: Serves as an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free-radical damage.

Sources: Soybeans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and vegetable oils.

Deficiency: May result in muscle and nerve disease.

Adult RDI: 30 IU (20 mg)

Note: Fat-soluble vitamins occur in foods that contain fats and oils, and optimally work within a fat-soluble environment. Once absorbed, they are stored in the body until needed.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin K (Quinones)

Function: Helps support blood clotting and also regulates bone and cell growth.

Sources: Green leafy vegetables, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and margarine.

Deficiency: May result in hemorrhaging.

Adult RDI: 80 mcg

Note: Fat-soluble vitamins occur in foods that contain fats and oils, and optimally work within a fat-soluble environment. Once absorbed, they are stored in the body until needed.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Function: Involved in carbohydrate and branched-chain amino acid metabolism.

Sources: Cereals, grain products, orange juice, and skim milk.

Deficiency: May result in mental confusion/nervous disorders and beriberi.

Adult RDI: 1.5 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Function: Involved in energy metabolism and is responsible for the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into the active form of niacin.

Sources: Dairy products, whole grains, cereals, wild rice, meat, fish, and poultry.

Deficiency: May result in inflammation of the mouth.

Adult RDI: 1.7 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Function: Required for synthesis of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Also involved in energy metabolism.

Sources: Whole grains, liver, meat, poultry, figs, and legumes.

Deficiency: May result in pellagra (mental confusion, diarrhea).

Adult RDI: 20 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Function: Involved in fatty acid metabolism.

Sources: Chicken, beef, potatoes, avocados, broccoli, bran, and whole grain cereals.

Deficiency: May result in headaches and nausea.

Adult RDI: 10 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Function: Involved in amino acid and glycogen metabolism
(i.e. musclebuilding) and in the making of the heme group in hemoglobin (blood protein).

Sources: Chicken, fish, liver, whole grain cereals, potatoes, bananas, and garbanzo beans.

Deficiency: May result in anemia, convulsions, and skin lesions.

Adult RDI: 2 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Function: Involved in the growth and division of cells. It's also needed for DNA synthesis.

Sources: Meat, fish, poultry, and fortified cereals.

Deficiency: May result in pernicious anemia.

Adult RDI: 6 mcg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Function: Acts as an antioxidant and increases absorption of other nutrients such as iron, calcium, and folic acid.

Sources: Fruits and vegetables.

Deficiency: May result in scurvy.

Adult RDI: 60 mg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Biotin

Function: Involved in the synthesis of carbohydrates, fat, and amino acids. It also supports the normal functioning of immune system cells.

Sources: Liver and egg yolk (smaller amounts in fruits and meats).

Deficiency: May result in loss of appetite, depression, red skin rash, and inflammation of the tongue.

Adult RDI: 300 mcg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Folic Acid/Folate

Function: Involved in the formation of amino acids and choline. Prevents one form of anemia.

Sources: Enriched cereal grains, oranges, orange juice, dark leafy vegetables, and grain products.

Deficiency: May result in anemia and impair the ability of immune system to fight infection.

Adult RDI: 400 mcg

Note: Water-soluble vitamins act within the water medium of foods and must be consumed daily to maintain body stores.


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent


Minerals

Calcium

Function: Essential for bone and tooth formation, muscle contraction, weight loss, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

Sources: Dairy products, sardines, almonds, kale, and sesame seeds.

Deficiency: May result in osteoporosis, increased blood pressure, and tetany (uncontrollable muscle contraction).

Adult RDI: 1000 mg

Note: Macronutrient Mineral (represent one-half or more of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Phosphorus

Function: Component of bones and teeth, involved in energy-transfer systems, and responsible for maintenance of pH balance.

Sources: Meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, and enriched
wheat-type cereals.

Deficiency: May result in poor bone health.

Adult RDI: 1000 mg

Note: Macronutrient Mineral (represent one-half or more of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Magnesium

Function: Involved in bone, enzyme, and heart function. Also conducts nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles (magnesium relaxes the muscle).

Sources: Milk, green leafy vegetables, yogurt, nuts, and meat.

Deficiency: May result in muscular pain, weakness, and insomnia.

Adult RDI: 400 mg

Note: Macronutrient Mineral (represent one-half or more of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Iron

Function: Involved in the storage and transport of oxygen, immune function, and the formation of new red blood cells.

Sources: Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and grain products.

Deficiency: May result in fatigue and anemia.

Adult RDI: 18 mg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Zinc

Function: Maintains normal growth, development, reproduction, immunity, and testosterone production. Zinc is also involved in maintaining a healthy appetite.

Sources: Meat, eggs, fortified cereals, and dairy products.

Deficiency: May result in skin rash, poor growth, and hair loss.

Adult RDI: 15 mg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Copper

Function: Necessary (along with iron) for the formation of hemoglobin.

Sources: Whole grain products, lobster, shrimp, prunes, nuts, and seeds.

Deficiency: May result in anemia.

Adult RDI: 2 mg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Iodine

Function: Involved in maintaining proper thyroid function.

Sources: Shrimp, lobster, iodized salt, and processed foods.

Deficiency: May result in goiter (large protruding growth in the throat area) and hypothyroidism.

Adult RDI: 150 mcg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Selenium

Function: Component of the body's antioxidant defense system. Regulates thyroid hormone action.

Sources: Meat, seafood, and plants.

Deficiency: May result in muscle pain and weakness.

Adult RDI: 70 mcg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Manganese

Function: Involved in energy metabolism and is required for normal development of the skeleton and connective tissue.

Sources: Nuts, whole grain cereals, dried legumes, and green leafy vegetables.

Deficiency: No known deficiency symptoms.

Adult RDI: 2 mg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Chromium

Function: Required for optimal blood glucose levels.

Sources: Meats, poultry, fish, and whole grains.

Deficiency: May result in reduced tolerance to glucose, increased risk of diabetes, and disturbed amino acid metabolism.

Adult RDI: 120 mcg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent



Molybdenum

Function: Essential part of supporting an individual's healthy metabolism.

Sources: Legumes, peas, beans, grain products, and nuts.

Deficiency: No known deficiencies.

Adult RDI: 75 mcg

Note: Micronutrient Mineral (represent less than one-half of 1% of your total bodyweight)


g = grams mg = milligrams (0.001 g) mcg = micrograms (0.000001g)
IU = International Units RE = Retinol Equivalent

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