Skip to main content

Latest news

The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, regulates dangerous molecular activity in breast cancer cells

The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, regulates dangerous molecular activity in breast cancer cellsBreast cancer is most widespread in the western countries, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Diet and lifestyle play a key role in the development of the disease. Earlier studies have shown that eating more oily fish or taking fish oil supplements that contain the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, lowers the risk. A new study has shown that DHA supplements can be used as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. This particular omega-3 fatty acid inhibits the formation of some harmful molecules that stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

Read more …

Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

 

Overview of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids

Vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and Q10 are nutrients that we need in certain quantities in order to support vital body functions.
Nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals must be labeled in accordance with the reference values.

This overview serves as general information about the different vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids and how they work.

Click here & read more

THE VITAMIN AND MINERAL GUIDE

the Vitamin and Mineral Guide

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid. Most animals are able to synthesise vitamin C by means of a stepwise, enzymatic conversion of glucose (dextrose). However, humans, apes, guinea pigs, and certain other animals have lost this ability during evolution. The largest concentrations of vitamin C are found in the white cells of the immune defence, the pancreas, the testicles, and the ovaries. Vitamin C is water-soluble and as it is not stored in the body, we depend on regular intake of the nutrient. Vitamin C is destroyed by light, heat, boiling, freezing, preservation, and storage (including winter storage of vegetables and fruit).

Functions and importance for

  • Formation of collagen in connective tissue, which contributes to:
  • The structure of blood vessels
  • Healthy bones and cartilage
  • Healthy gums and strong teeth
  • The structure, complexion, elasticity, and moisture of skin
  • Energy turnover and energy levels
  • The uptake of adrenalin and noradrenalin in the adrenal glands. This plays a major role in connection with physical and psychological stress.
  • Iron uptake
  • The immune system - also during and after physical training
  • The nervous system and mental balance
  • Recycling of the active form of vitamin E
  • As an antioxidant that counteracts the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress
  • Takes part in intracellular redox systems (a type of electron regulation). However, the exact mechanism is not known
  • Reduction of fatigue and exhaustion

Deficiencies and poor utilisation may be caused by

  • Physical and psychological stress
  • Smoking
  • A large consumption of alcohol and narcotics
  • Oxidative stress caused by free radicals
  • Too little gastric juice
  • Contraceptive pills and sleeping pills
  • Sugar. The reason is that sugar and vitamin C compete for the same channels that lead into the cells. The more sugare you consume, the less active vitamin C becomes

Deficiency symptoms

The body's collagen and connective tissue get a loose structure that may lead to numerous symptoms, such as:

Bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleed, and poor would healing. This is a condition known as subclinical scurvy.

Scurvy, the classic deficiency disease and extreme consequence of vitamin C deficiency, leads to lethal internal hemorrhaging. This condition used to be widespread among sailors and people in the underdeveloped countries.

Also observed:

  • Fatigue
  • Iron deficiency
  • Impaired immunity and frequent infections
  • Cardiovascular diseases. According to Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling, long-term low blood levels of vitamin C may lead to atherosclerosis.

Sources

Mainly fruit and berries but also vegetables like cabbage, bell pepper, horseradish, spinach, garlic, and herbs.

Vitamin C content in mg per 100 grams

Acerola - tropical fruit 1.300-1.700
Rosehip 1.250
Bell pepper 191
Brussels sprouts 90-150
Oranges 50


Recommended daily allowance (RDA)

Adults: 11 years of age and older: 80 mg
Children: 1-10 years of age: 40 mg

Nonacid supplements

Salts of ascorbic acid are called ascorbates and are used in nonacid supplements with sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate. Nonacid supplements are gentler towards the mucous membranes in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Increased need

  • The above mentioned deficiency symptoms and with the use of medical drugs
  • Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and narcotic substances
  • Oxidative stress (e.g. lesions, burns, and infections)
  • Physical and psychological stress
  • Overconsumption of sugar

Contraindications of supplementation

  • Caution should be taken in situations such as:
  • Reduced kidney function and tendency towards kidney stone formation
  • Diseases where iron tends to accumulate in the body
  • Diarrhea
  • Use of blood-thinning medication
  • If in doubt, ask a physician

Overdosing - side effects

Symptoms of overdosing are rare, as excess amounts of vitamin C are excreted in the urine. Ingestion of greater quantities than two grams daily (especially as pure ascorbic acid) may cause diarrhea, nausea, irritated urine bladder, and increased risk of kidney stones. It appears to be more of a theoretical risk, however, as kidney stone cases as a result of taking ascorbic acid are not seen in practice.

Synthetic manufacturing and additives

It is very easy to manufacture ascorbic acid and ascorbates synthetically. These compounds are mainly used in vitamin C supplements. The food industry uses these substances as antioxidants and harmless preservatives to prevent oxidation. Their E numbers are 300, 301, 302, and 304

  • Created on .

Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him:

Chronic fatigue tied Alan to his bed but Q10 capsules saved him "After about one week of taking the Q10 supplement I could feel a huge difference," says 23-year old Alan Piccini, who has been suffering from extreme fatigue and muscle aches ever since he was a child.

Read more

Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:

Cholesterol-lowering without side effects:“Taking capsules with co-enzyme Q10 has freed me of the severe side effects of my cholesterol lowering medicine,” Mrs Franken explains.
Read more