Vitamin K ensures proper clotting of blood primarily in humans,  The liver uses Vitamin K to make factors that are necessary for blood to coagulate properly.  Deficiency of vitamin K or disturbances of liver function such as liver failure, which may lead to deficiencies of clotting factors and excess bleeding.

There are two common forms of Vitamin K - phytonadione, is the natural form of Vitamin K, which is found in plants and is the main way that humans obtain Vitamin K.  Menaquinones, or Vitamin K2, are made by bacteria in the human gut and also provide some of our required Vitamin K intake.   

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov

The health benefits of vitamin E are well documented. Much has been written about the potential link between vitamin E and heart health.

Similarly, an anecdotal association between libido and this vitamin has often been claimed. Scientists have confirmed vitamin E to be an effective fat soluble vitamin with antioxidant attributes. It is also to be found as a topical skin cream ingredient given credit for rejuvenative abilities.

Usually, when vitamin E is referred to in dietary context alpha-tocopherol is the exact nutrient name although there are three other forms. It is found naturally in many foods including almonds, canola oil, peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts and wheat germ. Although it is readily available in a healthy diet it is still often supplemented. Large doses over 1000 international units (IU) per day may cause some adverse effects and it could reduce the efficacy of vitamin A. Conversely, at proper levels vitamin E facilitates the body's use and storage of vitamin A.

The American Heart Association has recently noted that prolonged vitamin E supplementation in excess of 400 IU per day may in fact be harmful. Normal diets only supply about 10 IU per day or less of this valuable nutrient. The daily value (DV) assigned to this nutrient by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents and adults is 22 IU per day.

In all things moderation is advised and supplementation with vitamin E is no exception to this rule of thumb. Incidence of vitamin E deficiency is rare in the United States but generally speaking, the average American consumes on the low side from diet alone. Studies have shown an increase in vitamin E consumption may be associated with a decreased incidence of heart disease and heart attack but only in those without a previous history of heart disease. All antioxidants play a role in the prevention of cancer. By stabilizing free radicals, vitamin E contributes to this prevention.

Research continues into various aspects of vitamin E and its uses by the human body. One area of exploration deals with cellular absorption and metabolism of at least two of the four forms of this nutrient. There is particular interest in the affect that gamma-tocopherol has on alpha-tocopherol. It has been widely assumed in the past that only alpha-tocopherol was used to any great degree but there now are studies which suggest a correlation may exist between the two types.

The continuing effort to find the potential benefits of vitamin E and how those benefits could be boosted is of particular importance when viewed in light of the alarming statistics concerning heart and vascular health. Heart disease is now the number one killer of Americans. On any given day about 2,600 will succumb to the disease in the United States. That makes it more fatal than all of the next five killers on the list combined. The American Heart Association recommends beginning the process of assessing and reducing heart disease risk factors by the age of 20.

Source: http://heartsafetytips.blogspot.com (Licensed under CreativeCommons)

Few people realize how much your hair’s health depends on the vitamins and nutrients that you put into your body. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Your hair grows from your scalp, and it is created using the building blocks that your body has to offer. If you’ve got missing building blocks from a poor diet, then your hair won’t be as healthy as it could be.

Instead of spending time and money trying to figure out what products to put on the surface of your hair, you should look into getting the right hair vitamins and minerals into your diet. Here are the top 8 hair health vitamins that your body needs to grow a healthy, shiny head of hair, start stocking your medicine cabinet with the below today:

Vitamin A: You should be getting between 5,000 and 6,000 IU of this vitamin each day, but keep it within that range. Too much Vitamin A can be toxic. It helps your scalp produce sebum, which makes your hair shiny and soft. Vitamin A can be found in most sources of protein (meat, dairy products, eggs) as well as spinach, broccoli, carrots and cabbage. Apricots and peaches are also good sources of the vitamin.

Vitamin C: This immune-boosting vitamin is also helpful in creating healthy hair. You need 60 mg a day to produce healthy hair and skin. If you want to eat your daily serving in food form, try adding citrus fruit, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple to your diet. If you’d rather eat it in vegetables, make sure to eat green peppers, dark green vegetables and tomatoes. Potatoes are also good sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is effective in helping your hair because it boosts circulation to your scalp. This means that your hair will grow faster. You should know that Vitamin E can raise your blood pressure and reduce blood clotting, so before you start taking supplements you should consult your doctor if you are on any blood pressure medication or anticoagulants. Foods that are rich in vitamin E include many types of oil, nuts, beans and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): This also helps boost your scalp’s circulation. Make sure to stay under the 15 mg daily dosage, or you’ll experience a hot sensation called “niacin flush.” Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and protein foods (fish, chicken, turkey and beef) are good sources of niacin.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): This helps prevent hair loss and graying of your hair. You need 4 to 7 mg per day, and can reach that goal by eating whole grains, brewer’s yeast, organ meats (like liver) and egg yolks.

Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps your body produce melanin, which gives your hair its color. It also prevents hair loss. The recommended dose is 1.6 mg, and it can be found in liver, whole grain cereals, organ meats, egg yolks and brewer’s yeast.

Vitamin B12: The recommended daily dosage of 2 mg can prevent hair loss. You can make sure you’re getting this vitamin by eating plenty of chicken, fish, eggs and milk.

Biotin: This supplement helps your body produce keratin, which helps slow hair loss and can prevent your hair from turning gray. You need 150 to 300 mcg of biotin a day, and it can be found in whole grains, rice, egg yolks, liver and milk.

Inositol: This supplement helps your hair follicles at the cellular level. You can safely take up to 600 mg, and it is present in whole grains, brewer’s yeast, liver and citrus fruits.

You can get most of your healthy hair vitamins by taking a B complex supplement with the recommended daily doses of all the B vitamins. Make sure to read the labels so you can be sure that you are getting all of the vitamins that you need. You can also make it a point to eat “healthy hair foods” that have many important vitamins in them. For example, egg yolks provide biotin, B5, B6 and B12.

Keep in mind that these supplements won’t give you healthy hair overnight. It can take up to three months to see results, so stick with it at least that long. You’ll be glad you did!

Source: http://drshapiroshairinstitute.com/blog/ (Licensed under CreativeCommons)

You all know that fruits and vegetables you eat are the natural sources of vitamins, minerals and nutrients then - What is the need of a vitamin supplement? With the pace of time lifestyle of the people are rapidly changing. Poor food choices, processed foods, sodas and excess sweets have become the norm for millions. Besides, even with a well-balanced diet, studies find that food nutrient values have been declining for decades because of soil depletion. So it is very essential today to choose a right vitamin supplement to fill the nutritional gap that arises due to improper diet.

Some Common Vitamin Supplements

-Vitamin A Supplements: It helps to maintain healthy vision, keep your skin healthy and boost your immune system. In simpler terms, this vitamin keeps your skin healthy, protects against wrinkles and acne and helps fight off infections and other unwanted diseases.

-Vitamin B12 Supplements: It helps to enhances muscle strength, provides energy and helps your nerves function properly. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 can lead to health complications such as fatigue, weak muscles and severe depression.

-Vitamin C Supplements: It serves a number of purposes including healing wounds, boosting your immune system, protecting artery linings and preventing cataracts.

-Vitamin D Supplements: It is helpful for babies who are breastfed since breastfeeding does not provide adequate amounts of this vitamin. Vitamin D has also been known to help fight osteoporosis.

-Vitamin E Supplements: It helps protect against heart disease and some forms of cancer. It also boosts the immune system and helps in healing injuries and wounds. Some studies prove that this vitamin also helps boost the immune system of elderly people.

-Vitamin K Supplements: It strengthens bones and is known to help fight osteoporosis.

So a right vitamin supplement can help you to attain a better health and energy, freedom from illness, improved sexual vigor and slowing the aging process.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Source: http://www.groundreport.com (Licensed under CreativeCommons)

Eyes are the most precious part of the human body. Without this the whole world is black. It is very powerful sense in the human body. To keep this secure and healthy there are many herbal supplements, nutritional supplements and vitamin supplements.

We can protect our eyes and improve our eye sight with the help of some nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements and regular exercise. We should consume the recommended vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we need in order to keep our eyes healthy. There are few nutrients that are known to be especially associated with visual health.

Antioxidant vitamins are very good for eyes. It helps to combat free radicals. The primary antioxidant vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. In addition to their important action against free radicals they promote healthy cells and tissues in the eye. These vitamin supplements are effective in maintaining the good health of the eyes.

In addition to the vitamin supplements that promote visual health there are several minerals that have been determined to play a significant role in the good health of the eyes. Zinc, Selenium, Manganese and Copper are the important minerals that serve to regulate sight, smell and taste. Combination vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper prevent vision loss in older age.

Nutritional supplements do have a place in maintaining proper health, and disease prevention. Nutritional supplements can certainly help in maintaining the eye sight, but they are no substitute for proper, balanced eating, 7-8 hours of good sleep, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

Those seeking to benefit from nutritional supplements designed to promote visual health and healing should familiarize themselves with the most common vitamins and minerals in these supplements. Consulting an eye specialist and licensed nutritionist would be very helpful in planning the nutritional supplements for the eyes.

Know more on nutritional supplements and various vitamin supplements for easy and effective natural cures for all common health problems from acidity to yeast infection.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Source: http://www.groundreport.com (Licensed under CreativeCommons)

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