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FOLIC ACID
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, which includes naturally occurring food folate and folic acid in supplements and fortified foods. The term folic acid relates specifically to the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin synthesized for commercial use in supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is required for the multiplication of red blood cells. It is one of the 2 vitamins associated with megaloblastic anemia (along with Vitamin B12). Why is Folic acid essential for the body? Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for good health. Folate helps to form DNA and RNA and is involved in protein metabolism. Folate is also important for pregnant…
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CHROMIUM
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that the body needs in small amounts. The kidneys, followed by the spleen, liver, lungs, heart, and skeletal muscle are the tissues with the greatest chromium concentration. Chromium helps in reducing the blood glucose concentration in people with high glucose levels and an increase in those with low blood glucose levels. Why is Chromium essential for the human body? Chromium exists in several oxidation states but only the trivalent form is biologically important to humans. The active form of chromium known as GTF (Glucose Tolerance factor) potentiates the action of insulin and thus influences carbohydrate, lipid, and insulin metabolism in the body. The biological…
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VITAMIN B1
Vitamin B1 also, known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is one of eight essential B vitamins that has many important functions in the body. Thiamine plays a crucial role in the growth and function of various cells. A daily intake of thiamine-rich foods is needed since only a small amount is stored in the liver. The vitamin has a short half-life, so a continuous supply of foods rich in vitamin B1 is required from the diet. Why is Vitamin B1 essential for the human body? Thiamine plays an important metabolic role in the cellular production of energy, mainly in glucose metabolism. It helps the body cells convert carbohydrates…
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IRON
Iron has been a part of Indian kitchens since ancient civilization. The iron implements made their appearance in India between 1300-1000 BC. Soon cooking utensils made from iron were introduced. Iron is a mineral that is required to maintain healthy blood. It is an essential component of haemoglobin (a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the different parts of the body). We all associate iron with its presence in blood and that its deficiency results in low haemoglobin levels and hence anemia. In humans, the total quantity of iron in the body varies with haemoglobin concentration, body weight, gender, and the amount of iron stored in…
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VITAMIN C
Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to the body. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C in the body. Hence, it is an essential dietary component. Since it is water-soluble, the human body cannot store vitamin C as a reserve. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a daily intake of Vitamin C. Linus Pauling in the 1970’s promoted daily megadose intake of Vitamin C (12 – 24 oranges) to prevent colds and coughs. Why is Vitamin C is essential for the human body? Vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections and healing wounds and is a powerful antioxidant that can…
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SELENIUM
Selenium is a non-metallic element that is essential for human health. Approximately 30% of selenium is present in the liver, 30% in muscle, 15% in the kidney, and 10% in the blood plasma. In the body, it is bound to selenium-binding proteins. Selenium plays a key role in the immune system functioning and the progression of HIV to AIDS. Why is Selenium essential for the human body? Selenium functions in the human body through seleno-proteins, most of which are oxidant-defense enzymes. Other selenium-associated proteins regulate the action of thyroid hormones, Vitamin C, and other molecules. Out of the 35 seleno-proteins present in the body, 3 play an active role in…
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VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in 8 different forms. All eight forms of Vitamin E can be absorbed in the small intestine but, only alpha-tocopherol can be metabolized by the liver can metabolize, while the remaining forms are excreted. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can protect cells from free radical damage. It is a lipid-soluble nutrient and, may play a role in reducing atherosclerosis and lowering rates of ischemic heart disease. Premature infants and newborn babies have low vitamin E reserves as only small amounts of vitamin E can cross the placenta. What are the important functions of Vitamin E in our body? Vitamin E…
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COPPER
Copper is a mineral found in electrical wires. But it is also essential for the human body. It is the third most abundant dietary metal after iron and zinc. Copper is an essential mineral naturally present in some foods, drinking water and is also available as a dietary supplement. It is a constituent of many enzymes, and the human body needs it to produce both red and white blood cells. Why is Copper essential for the body? Copper is involved in energy production and iron metabolism. The body needs copper to utilize iron efficiently, and it is essential for infant growth, brain development, building the immune system, and strong bones.…
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CALCIUM
Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body. It represents 52% of the body’s total mineral content and amounts to 1,2% of the total body weight. Nearly 99% of the total calcium is found in the skeleton. The remaining 1% is equally distributed in the teeth, soft tissues, and extracellular fluid. Calcium is found in some foods, present in some medicines (such as antacids), and available as a dietary supplement. Why is calcium essential for the human body? Calcium is most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays a vital role in blood clotting, regulating the heart rhythm, aiding muscles to contract, and…
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VITAMIN B12
Do you feel tired often? Do you feel weak and lethargic? Do you suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers? Do you feel strange sensations in your hands and legs? If your answer to the questions above is affirmative, then you are probably suffering from the deficiency of a vital vitamin – VITAMIN B12. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in certain foods of animal origin. It is required for the human body to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out certain essential functions in the body. Like most vitamins, B12 can’t be made by the body. It must be acquired from food or supplements. The Recommended Daily…
