Monthly Archive for December, 2009

Benefits of fat soluble vitamins

Vitamins which are soluble in fat are called fat soluble vitamins. Examples of fat soluble vitamins are:

- Vitamin A

- Vitamin E

- Vitamin D

- Vitamin K

 These types of vitamins are mostly stored in fatty tissues of our body and to a lesser extent in reproductive organs. These vitamins can be stored up to 6 months in our body. When you need these vitamins, your body takes them out of storage to be used. Therefore, you do not have to get fat soluble vitamins on a daily basis. But, there are some factors which are responsible for the shortage of these fat soluble vitamins such as eating fats or oils that are not digested can cause shortages of fat-soluble vitamins and on the other hand, too much intake of these vitamins, especially, vitamins A and vitamin D, can lead to toxic levels in the body.

Benefits of vitamin A (Retinol):

 Vitamin A or retinol is essential for various bodily functions such as:

-         Vitamin A helps the eyes adjust to light changes.

-         Vitamin A is essential for bones growth and health.

-         Some other benefits of fat soluble vitamin A includes tooth development, plays key role in cell division, gene expression, helps regulate the immune system, helps prevents several types of infections, production of WBC, provide moisture to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs.

-         The deficiency of vitamin can cause poor immunity, poor tooth formation, dry scalp, night blindness, improper digestion, slower bone growth, gall and kidney stone.

-         Avoid alcohol and try to add vitamin A rich sources to your diet menu. Some good sources of vitamin A are cheese, butter, milk, egg yolk, sweet potatoes, winter squash, green leafy vegetables and carrots.

 Benefits of vitamin D (Calciferol):

 -         Vitamin D or calciferol or sun vitamin is a fat soluble vitamin and plays a major role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the body and helps form and maintain strong bones and teeth.

-         Deficiency of Vitamin D may cause rickets and fragile bones, bowed legs, enlargement of the elbows and wrists joints, also muscle twitching and muscle cramps. But, on the other hand too much intake of vitamin D results in health related problems for example depression, abnormal calcium deposition, diarrhea and other severe toxic effects.

-         Some good sources of Vitamin D are fortified milk, salmon, Cod liver oil, mackerel, tuna, eggs and cereals.

Benefits of Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

 -         Tochopherol or Vitamin E is another fat-soluble vitamin. There are many benefits of fat soluble Vitamin E such as

-         Maintaining good sexual health.

-         Making your skin look younger and glowing.

-         Essential for healthy lungs and heart.

-         Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting vitamins A and C, red blood cells and essential fatty acids from destruction.

-         Deficiency of vitamin E may cause sterility in both sexes, loss of hair, and miscarriage.

-         Some good sources of vitamin E are corn oil, sun flower oil, peanuts, spinach, mango, kiwi, and hazel nuts.

 Benefits of Vitamin K (Menaquinone):

 Vitamin K plays an essential role in normal blood clotting and helps promote bone health. READ MORE…………..

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