Home 
Vitamin A, C, D, E
Vitamin A, C, D, E
Health Advice
Your Health Wallet
Main Menu
| Vitamin A, C, D, E |
 |
 |
 |
|
Vitamins Minerals & Supplements
 What it does
This fat-soluble nutrient is stored in the liver. Part of our vitamin A is made from beta-carotene, found in fruit and vegetables. The rest is absorbed from animal fats. Vitamin A prevents night blindness, keeps the skin in good condition, maintains the respiratory and digestive systems and helps build strong teeth and bones. It's also essential for a healthy immune system that's able to fight infections such as colds and flu. Animal studies suggest it can help prevent breast, lung and skin cancer. Because it promotes healing a form of this vitamin is used to treat acne, psoriasis and severely sun-damaged skin.
How to spot a deficiency
Although rare in this country, too little vitamin A can affect the eyes and cause conditions such as night blindness. Dry or spotty skin may also mean you're not getting enough of this vitamin.
 Food Sources
It's almost impossible to get too much vitamin A from your diet unless you're eating fish or liver every day, so boost your intake by eating plenty of different coloured vegetables that contain beta-carotene for the body to turn into vitamin A.
Supplements
Too much vitamin A can be toxic and can damage the developing foetus if you're pregnant. Signs that you're getting too much include cracking skin, hair loss, bleeding gums, fatigue, nausea and irritability. If you want to increase your vitamin A intake safely, take a beta-carotene supplement. Your body will only convert as much as it needs into vitamin A.  What it does
Probably the best known vitamin, C has many functions in the body. In particular it's known to protect cells and fight damage from 'free radicals'. C also helps strengthen capillaries, prevent bruising and keeps gums strong and healthy. How to spot a deficiency
Having too little vitamin C is linked with heart disease, an increase in colds and flu and cataracts. It also caused scurvy, the debilitating disease that was common amongst sailors in the past . Food Sources The best source of vitamin C is citrus fruits. Other foods high in this nutrient are broccoli, dark-green leafy vegetables, red peppers and strawberries. Supplements Many nutritionists recommend that everyone takes a vitamin C supplement on a daily basis. For general good health 200mg is adequate, but if treating a particular condition 1000mg is more effective. It should be taken with meals to aid absorption. Do not exceed 2000mg per day as this can cause diarrhoea. What it does
How to spot a deficiency
 Food Sources
Oily fish such as pilchards, mackerel and tuna are rich in vitamin D and it's added to many breakfast cereals.
Supplements
People over 50 who don't go outside for at least 15 minutes each day are recommended to take 10-15mcg of vitamin D per day.  What it does
This crucial vitamin has massive disease-fighting potential as an 'antioxidant' that prevents cell damage. This means it may offer protection against heart disease, cancer and premature ageing. It has also been found to help aid the healing of skin wounds and scarring. How to spot a deficiency
Very low levels of vitamin E can cause neurological damage, but eating a balanced diet should ensure this isn't a problem. Food Sources The best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, wheatgerm, nuts and seeds, green-leafy vegetables and wholegrains. Supplements To get the full antioxidant benefit of vitamin E you would need to take a supplement of at least 250mg. Taking it with food will aid it’s absorption.
|
Popular Conditions
Popular Searches