Supplement Warehouse: The Basics About Vitamins

Vitamins are micronutrients that our bodies require in small quantities. You can purchase a wide variety of them at any supplement warehouse. While some organisms can manufacture their own vitamins this is not the case for people. We receive our vitamin requirements from the foods that we eat or from supplementation. While there are some vitamins that are synthesized by bacteria in the large intestine such as B5 it is not known not known if they are absorbed and used by the human body.

Vitamins perform a vast number of functions in the body. They boost our immune systems and protect us from disease and illness, they help in the growth process, keep us mentally alert and act as catalysts that are essential to chemical reactions in the body. They also aid the body in utilizing the foods that we eat such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Because vitamins do not actually contain calories they do not provide the body with energy. They do however make it possible for us to convert the foods that we eat into energy.

We receive natural vitamins from the foods that we eat. Citrus fruits and milk give us vitamin C, foods such as green leafy vegetables provide us with folic acid and eggs give us Biotin. There are also manufactured vitamins that we use to supplement our diets.

Vitamins are divided into two classes which are based on their solubility. These two classes are referred to as water soluble and fat soluble.

Examples of water soluble vitamins would be vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin C referred to as citric acid, B3 (niacin), and vitamin B12 to name a few. This class of vitamins is not stored by the body. Any excess is quickly eliminated in the urine. For this reason we need to constantly replace these vitamins either by diet or supplementation. Because these are flushed out of our body toxicity is usually not a problem. While you will see mega doses of this class of vitamins being advertised by some, a word of caution is advised. These doses can have side effects and in rare cases can be fatal. If you are considering this it is advisable that you proceed under the advice of an expert.

Fat soluble vitamins on the other hand are stored by our organs and tissues. These would include vitamins A, D, E and K. Because these are stored they can reach toxic levels in the body causing us problems. This is why it is always best to consult a professional before starting any supplementation program.

Vitamin deficiencies have been associated with many diseases. Because the same vitamin may be used in the body for many different processes deficiency in a single vitamin can be serious and even fatal. Long term deficiencies have been associated with serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These are some of the diseases which pose the biggest health concerns in our society today.

With proper nutrition and supplementation vitamin deficiency is easily avoidable. The best way to get all the vitamins we require is through diet. Sometimes this is easier said that done. Deficiencies happen for a number of different reasons. A person may not be eating the right types of foods, may have a medical or even a physical condition or may not be eating enough of the right foods. In these cases supplementation becomes very important.

For some groups of people supplementation is not a choice but a necessity. Some examples would be:

• The elderly who may have absorption problems.
• Post menopausal women.
• If you are on a low calorie diet.
• Smokers
• Alcoholics
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

People who fall into any of these categories should discuss supplementation with their primary care providers.

With the limitless choice of supplements on the market today there are several important factors to consider in choosing the right one.

Make sure you choose a vitamin that was manufactured from the food chain. Some vitamins are manufactured from sources such as algae which is not normally eaten and therefore not easily incorporated into the body.

Multivitamins will give you recommended daily dosages of a number of different nutrients. This is better than having mega doses of only a few vitamins.

Be aware of expiration date and always store them in a cool dry place. Buy a months supply at a time as you can always purchase more when needed. You also need to keep them out of the reach of children and sunlight.

Remember that you should always consult your physician before starting a supplementation program. This is even more critical if you have a previous health condition or are taking other medications.

In conclusion, by having a good understanding of the types of vitamins, what the body uses them for, how to avoid deficiencies and what to look for when purchasing them you can be well on your way to good health.

For your all your vitamin and supplement needs visit the supplement warehouse. We offer the highest quality products at very reasonable prices.

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Supplement Warehouse: Understanding The Importance And Functions Of Vitamins

Vitamins are nutrients that we receive from the foods that we eat or can be readily purchased at any supplement warehouse. We need them in specific amounts in order to remain healthy and disease free. They are responsible for metabolizing nutrients and starting various reactions in the body. The USDA has come out with specific minimum daily requirements of these nutrients which can be used as a guideline.

CLASSES

There are two classes of vitamins and this is based on solubility. Water soluble vitamins are those that are not stored by the body. Examples of these would be vitamin C and the B-Complex vitamins. They contain hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulfur.

Fat soluble vitamins on the other hand are stored by the body. Examples of these would be vitamins A, D, E and K. These also contain hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen but have no nitrogen or sulfur associated with them.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF VITAMINS

Vitamins are essential to the metabolism and digestion of the foods that we eat. They allow nutrients to be metabolized and absorbed into the body. They are responsible for the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into the energy that we require. They are involved in the production of antibodies which boost the immune system and keep us free of illness and disease. When they combine with proteins they produce enzymes which act as catalysts to initiate various chemical reactions required by the body. Finally they help form strong bones, strengthen cells, bind tissue and form blood cells.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

In addition to the general functions that all vitamins have many will also have more specific functions. For example vitamin A promotes healthy eyesight, strong bones, properly functioning immune systems and reproductive health. It is also important in healthy and youthful looking skin.

While B-complex vitamins are responsible for converting food into energy as well as a number of other general functions each one individually have a more specific function. Let's look at some of these.

• B1 Converts carbohydrates into energy.
• B2 Enables growth and energy release
• B3 Responsible for healthy nervous system, skin and digestion
• B5 and B7 Required for metabolism and healthy growth
• B6 Formation of red blood cells and proper brain function
• B9 Needed for protein production
• B12 Forms red blood cells, promotes metabolism and a healthy nervous system

Vitamins A, C and E provide us with antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect us from the harmful affects of free radicals. These vitamins are also needed for healthy blood vessels, strong bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin D controls calcium levels in the blood protecting us from bone loss and osteoporosis. It facilitates the absorption of calcium into the body while controlling its elimination. It also plays a major role in protecting us from auto immune diseases.

You will sometimes hear vitamin E referred to as the anti ageing vitamin. It helps us prevent tissue damage which is caused by free radicals. It also helps to protect the liver along with fighting harmful side effects of prolonged use of some antibiotics.

In conclusion, vitamins perform many functions in the body that keeps us healthy and disease free. These functions are both general and specific. Having a good knowledge of the function of each vitamin can go a long way to helping you live a long and healthy life.

Visit us at the supplement warehouse and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. We offer the highest quality products at very reasonable prices.

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Amino Acid Supplement Benefits You Cannot Do Without

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and while some types of amino acids can be naturally manufactured by your body, such as tryptophan, lysine, methionine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine and phenhylalanine, there are some that you will need to get from food sources and supplements. For bodybuilders, they are particularly helpful with maintaining muscle mass while on a calorie-restricted diet and those who want to take their bodybuilding efforts to the lean extreme.

They are also best for when you are recovering from injuries or illness and your protein stores are depleted. Also amino acid supplements contain arginine and glutamine which offer specific health benefits. Arginine can get converted to nitric oxide which is a chemical that helps stabilize your blood pressure by preventing the constriction of blood vessels. Glutamine on the other hand, is particularly useful after you've had surgery or suffered an injury as it aids in the fast healing of your wounds and limiting infection.

However, as much as amino acids are credited for a lot of good, it is not something you can take without consulting a doctor. Supplements offer many benefits health-wise but it is not for everybody. Also, while dieting does help you slim down and look ripped, dieting alone can shave off a significant amount of your muscle mass and this is one reason why you need to take amino acid supplements when you can because they help protect your muscles from going into a catabolic state.

Going into a catabolic state means experiencing muscle breakdown. The reason a catabolic crisis happens is because the leaner you get, the more muscle mass you lose because the body will try harder to hold on to its fat stores. And when it can't hold on to its fat stores, it will turn to the muscles to satisfy its energy needs and this is bad news for anyone who wants a lean, hard body.

Taking amino acid supplements therefore, becomes all the more necessary if you are to combat muscle loss. For one, amino acids promote protein synthesis and reduces the rate of protein breakdown. They also help increase workout intensity, delaying fatigue and stress so you can work out harder and longer. And even as they are used along with intense resistance exercise, they can also prevent muscle breakdown in muscles that are not being trained as studies show that leucine also reduced the expression of genes that break down the muscles during periods of inactivity.

Other benefits that amino acid supplements can offer includes reducing belly fat, which as you know can put you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and cancer if you don't do something about it. Also, it is best to take amino acid in supplement form as it is quickly absorbed by your body, enabling it to work much faster.

Again, we reiterate that amino acid supplements are not something you just buy from the drugstore and take whenever you want. Diabetics and alcoholics are not qualified to take these supplements and some oral amino acid supplements have been known to cause a build-up of ammonia in the muscle tissues, resulting in a temporary loss of muscle coordination. Supplements can do us so much good but you will still need to give it some careful thought and consideration because after all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

You need the best supplements to help you achieve your fitness goals quickly and easily and the good news is, they can be found all in one place. Find xtend in Nutritionwarehouse and get that perfectly ripped physique you've always wanted.

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