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There’s a link between hypertension, vitamin C deficiency, and elevated homocysteine

There’s a link between hypertension, vitamin C deficiency, and elevated homocysteineHypertension is a ticking bomb and can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other diseases. Many people have too high blood pressure without knowing it. A contributing factor is elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine as a result of incomplete protein metabolism. According to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, however, vitamin C is able to lower levels of homocysteine, thereby reducing the risk of hypertension.

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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.

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THE VITAMIN AND MINERAL GUIDE

the Vitamin and Mineral Guide

B vitamins affect our gut flora

- and vice versa

B vitamins affect our gut floraAll the different B vitamins are of vital importance to our energy levels, nervous system, skin, hair, and health in general. Our daily diet is the primary source of the vitamins but the intestinal flora is able to synthesize, consume, and compete for vitamin B in the host. Interactions between the body and the gut flora is therefore important for how we absorb and utilize the different B vitamins. On the other hand, lack of B vitamins or supplementation with B vitamins can also affect our gut flora, according to a review article that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Lack of vitamin B increases your risk of inflammatory bowel diseases

Lack of vitamin B increases your risk of inflammatory bowel diseasesBiotin, one of the B vitamins, is essential for numerous metabolic processes, and a biotin deficiency may be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to a new study that is published in Nutrients, a biotin deficiency can also have a negative impact on the intestinal flora and result in a suppression of symbiotic bacteria and a replication of harmful, dysbiotic bacteria. The scientists say that a disrupted gut flora caused by a biotin deficiency may contribute to inflammatory bowel disorders.

Parkinson’s disease and treating the gut-brain-axis with B vitamins

Parkinson’s disease and treating the gut-brain-axis with B vitaminsThere is a close link between imbalances in the gut flora and the development of Parkinson’s disease, according to a Japanese study where scientists observed that patients with Parkinson’s disease lack certain gut bacteria that are related to the synthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamins B7 and B8). This results in a reduced presence of certain compounds that normally counteract leaks in the intestinal mucosa, so toxins can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. According to the researchers, supplementation with these B vitamins may help restore the intestinal mucosa and can be useful in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Selenium supplements as an adjuvant in the treatment of ulcerous colitis

Selenium supplements as an adjuvant in the treatment of ulcerous colitisThe rate of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerous colitis is growing, and diet plays a major role. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be a challenge to get enough selenium because of the selenium-depleted soil in our part of the world. Apparently, selenium supplementation can lower the disease activity and improve quality of life in patients with ulcerous colitis.

Vitamin D and probiotics improve the metal health of schizophrenic people

Vitamin D and probiotics improve the metal health of schizophrenic peopleSchizophrenia is known to impair quality of life and reduce life expectancy. Diet, lack of nutrients, and digestion are all important for the progression of the disease, according to an Iranian study of schizophrenics who were given supplements of vitamin D plus lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. The study is published in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports and reveals that these supplements were able to significantly improve the cognitive skills of the patients. The researchers also mention that these supplements have a role in regulating the body’s production of dopamine, controlling inflammatory processes, and controlling the gut-brain-axis that is important for the communication between the gut and the brain.

Vitamin D counteracts cancer via the gut flora

Vitamin D counteracts cancer via the gut floraDanish scientists from Aalborg University have published a study of mice in which they demonstrate that vitamin D prevents cancer by affecting a particular kind of gut bacteria. A subsequent analysis of 1.5 million Danes shows a similar relation between low vitamin D levels in the blood and an increased risk of several cancer types. What is also worth mentioning is that the official vitamin D recommendations appear to be too low to be able optimize blood levels of the nutrient.

Vitamin D levels can predict the risk of surgical removal in inflammatory bowel disease

Vitamin D levels can predict the risk of surgical removal in inflammatory bowel diseasePromising results have been seen with the use of vitamin D supplements in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerous colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, there is missing information about blood levels of vitamin D and the prognosis for these patients. A new study that is published in International Journal of Surgery reveals that blood levels of vitamin D are directly linked to the risk of surgical removal of morbid intestinal tissue.

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.

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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.
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