The Truth About Vitamin Supplements Helping to Cure Acne

by Louise Forrest


Although it has been generally established that the food you eat does not have a direct connection with your developing acne, let us see whether vitamin supplements have any part to play in curing acne.
Unfortunately, the picture is not very encouraging. So if you are an acne sufferer and thought that this was one more way in which you could treat your condition, you are likely to be disappointed.
Vitamin supplements and acne are not such a good idea. Before you jump to conclusions, it would be better not to view the issue of acne in black and white, because there are shades of gray as well. How come, you might say? Well, here is how it works.
You are aware that acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the system. Your body has a built in mechanism for regulating hormones. This mechanism can only function effectively you are taking in all the essential nutrients, which, naturally, include vitamins as well.
However, there is no magic solution so do not get the idea that if you have acne, popping a couple of pills will do the trick. If only it were so simple but it is not. For any vitamin to have a beneficial effect on your acne, it will have to be part of a much larger picture.
Vitamin B5 is a deadly choice for acne. There is a popular notion that supplements of Vitamin B5 are effective in curing acne. But do not make the mistake of falling for it, or you are likely to regret it for a long time. The fact is that it has been proven that Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, taken in high doses, can be extremely damaging to your health. Vitamin B5 does not have any effect in improving the condition of an acne outbreak.
Worse still, you could find yourself saddled with unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, chronic fatigue and loss of energy. Do you really think it is worth sacrificing your health for the sake of beating an acne problem? You may argue that even if there is an excess of Vitamin B5, ultimately it will pass out of your system. That is perfectly true but while it is there, it's wreaking havoc. Do you think you would like to risk so much for acne?
Paying the price for treating acne. B Vitamins are supposed to work together in the correct proportions to maintain the health of your system. If this does not happen, they will not have the effect they are supposed to. So if you take in an excess of Vitamin B5 in the belief that it will cure your acne, all you will have is a new problem on your hands as your body struggles to cope.
In the meantime, the excess Vitamin B5 proceeds to deplete the reserves of other B vitamins in your system such as Vitamins B3, B6 and B12, all of which have their own functions to perform. So do not make this mistake on any account or you will live to regret it.
Safer treatment option for acne. You will be happy to know that the story does not quite end here. Because there is a much safer alternative to Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid. You could try taking pantethine instead. This is also Vitamin B5, but a form of the vitamin that is much more easily absorbed into the body. Even if this seems to be the answer to your acne problem, remember that you should not take more than 1 to 11/2 grams per day.
Even if you are convinced that your acne problem has come about as a result of a deficiency of Vitamin B5, the small dose mentioned above will be more than enough to set you right. This is no time to be adventurous and try to take your acne problem on by yourself.
If nothing else, do check with a doctor that what you are doing is okay. You can hardly afford to turn yourself into a guinea pig, least of all for the sake of your acne!! There are safer ways to go about it, so take care!!
About the Author
Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREEBeauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk In just seconds you can access over 36 beauty topics that will keep you looking younger and more radiant.You can now get the very latest information on Acne Skin Care by subscribing with RSS

Thanks to Louise Forrest for this article.

Weight Loss Vitamin Info

by Roy Shepherd


Some people use vitamin supplements when trying to lose weight. Because some alimentation products are avoided when dieting the body may be deprived of certain vitamins that could help resist against different kinds of illnesses.
In order to provide the body the micronutrients needed, many people decide to use a weight loss vitamin supplement. Such dietary supplements contain not only vitamins and minerals but also other lesser known substances such as herbals, botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes. This is indeed a modern practice that can be helpful in when dieting but before using any supplements there are some things to consider.
Supplements
As the name suggests a supplement is only complementary to daily alimentation. In order to lose weight while preserving your health, a weight loss vitamin supplement must be used together with healthy food and physical exercises. Under no circumstances should these be used alone as they cannot completely replace the vitamins provided by a balanced diet.
Choices
Weight loss vitamin supplements can be found in different forms: tablets, capsules, powders and energy bars or drinks. Since there are a lot of products offered on the market, some people may find themselves in the troublesome situation of not knowing what to choose thus choosing inadequately.
The best way to know what type of weight loss vitamin supplement to choose is to consult your physician as there might be substances that can interfere with medication you are taking. Talk with the doctor before using them or with other health care providers such as a dietitian, nutritionist, nurse, or pharmacist. This is very important because there are risks when using dietary supplements.
Risks
Although such supplements can be useful to some people on a diet there are circumstances when these can damage the health. Weight loss vitamin supplements contain active ingredients that can have detrimental effects to your body.
Such negative effects may appear the moment people use a combination of supplements or when they are taken together with certain medications which could cause an adverse reaction to occur.
Undesirable effects can certainly happen if people are trying to replace some prescription medicines with supplements. Be sure to consult your physician before taking any supplements before, during or after surgery.
Therefore, the use of a weight loss vitamin supplement can be useful when dieting but only if taken on the advice of your physician.
About the Author
Roy Shepherd Press releases and Latest News of Weight Loss.

Thanks to Roy Shepherd for this article.

Is It Really Necessary To Ttake Vitamin Supplements

by Dr. Robert Buckley


For most people, taking a multivitamin supplement sounds like a good idea, when they remember or get around to it. It is not very high on most people's priority list, and that is unfortunate, because it is becoming more and more unhealthy.Now I know most readers are thinking how can not doing something like taking a vitamin supplement make your health situation worse? I eat a good diet, if I have not been taking vitamins supplements up until now and I've been doing OK, why do i you think I will be less healthy in the future?The simple answer is that the foods you eat are getting less and less nutritious. A study performed by the US department of agriculture, illustrated this perfectly. In that study 100 grams of spinach from a specific farm was processed to determine the exact amount of iron it contained. The study showed that in 1940 100 g of spinach yielded 158 mg of Iron. In 1965 100 g of spinach yielded only 27 mg of Iron, and in 1995 100 g of spinach yielded just 2.2 mg of Iron. This study clearly demonstrates the growing problem of mineral and vitamin depletion in the farming soil. Farmers have tried different measures to combat this with little success. Air pollution, chemicals, pesticides, over utilization, Steroids and growth hormones have radically reduced the fundamental nutrition in our fruits and vegetables. Here are a couple of alarming quotes from US Senate Document Number 264 "No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his stomach with the mineral salts he requires for perfect health, because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them! And we are turning into big stomachs." "The alarming fact is that foods (fruits, vegetables and grains) now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contain enough of certain minerals are starving us ... no matter how much of them we eat."This is just one of the many reasons the modern diet is growing more and more deficient. There are many other reasons that contribute to the problem. With all of this in mind, vitamin supplementation is no longer a luxury we can continue to put off. It is now essential to supplement your diet to achieve optimal health and vitality.
About the Author
Learn about vitamin supplements and natural vitamin supplements.

Thanks to Dr. Robert Buckley for this article.

Vitamin K: The Anti-Aging Vitamin

by Alien


Most of us may have some vague sense of having heard about something called vitamin K. But it's unlikely that we have any idea of what vitamin K is or what it does. For those knowledgeable about health issues you may recall that vitamin K helps blood coagulate. In fact, the vitamin got its name from the Danish researchers who discovered it. The "K" stands for "koagulation," the Danish version of "coagulation."
Well, times have changed. Vitamin K is here with a vengeance. Recent research has shown it to be a powerful antioxidant, stronger than vitamin E or coenzyme Q10. It has been shown to help prevent degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Let's take a closer look at this newfound powerhouse.
The good news about vitamin K is that is does a lot more than previously thought. It is a potent anti-aging vitamin with many important applications throughout the body. Vitamin K accumulates in the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and in the blood. It has broader health applications than scientists ever imagined. While it was long thought that we all had sufficient amounts of vitamin K in our bodies, recent research indicates that many of us suffer from vitamin K deficiencies.
Vitamin K and Anti-aging
Anti-aging research has found that as we age we suffer from increased inflammation that can cause everything from heart disease to mobility impairments. It seems that during the aging process the body increases certain hormones and decreases others. One of those that is increased is called Interleukin-6 (IL-6). This biochemical messenger increases inflammation throughout the body and has been implicated in arthritis, diseases of the blood vessels, heart disease and Alzheimer's.
Scientists have found that vitamin K reduces Il-6 and may have a major role to play in reducing many of the degenerative diseases that plague the Western world.
Arteriosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries is caused by calcification. When calcium enters the arteries lesions are formed that lead to their progressive degeneration. This process is associated with heart disease. Scientists in Japan indicated that when vitamin K was introduced it significantly reduced the amount of calcium in the aortas of rats that had been fed a diet designed to harden their arteries. Damage to the heart valves was reduced by vitamin K.
Osteoporosis
The other side of calcification of the arteries is the leaching of calcium from the bones. This is known as decalcification. Amazingly, vitamin K has been found to regulate the flow of calcium in and out of the bones and arteries. It keeps calcium out of the arteries and in the bones!
The importance of this cannot be underestimated. Osteoporosis is a major problem in our society. In a recent study of nurses that included 10 years of information from over 72,000 participants, the researchers concluded that those nurses that ingested the most vitamin K were a third less likely to suffer from hip fractures. Vitamin K had a stronger effect than synthetic estrogen. In another study it was found that vitamin K reduces calcium loss by one-third.
These finding are not only important because of their application to osteoporosis itself but also to the other problems associated with the disease. It has been found that osteoporosis is a good indicator of overall mortality. Osteoporosis reflects serious systemic problems. Surprisingly, people suffering from low bone density die mostly from heart attack, cancer and stroke. Low bone density is related to severe diseases of the blood vessels (calcification). Vitamin K counteracts calcification and reduces your chances of dying from blood vessel related diseases.
Vitamin K and Stroke
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. The cause of blood pressure rising has traditionally been linked to high salt intake. However, now it has been found that calcium has a major role to play in this disease. Studies performed by Dr. David McCarron have indicated that calcium intake is more likely to cause pressure problems than salt intake. According to Terri Mitchell of Life Extension Magazine, "One standard deviation from the norm of bone density equals a three times increased risk of having a stroke compared to 1.7 times increased risk of blood pressure." Vitamin K, as we have seen, regulates the calcium in our bones and arteries. Ample amounts of vitamin K could cause a decrease in susceptibility to stroke and other blood vessel related problems.
Blood Sugar
One of the organs where vitamin K is stored is the pancreas. In a study performed in Japan, researchers found that rats deficient in vitamin K had problems with the clearance of glucose in the pancreas that eventually caused too much insulin to be released into the blood stream. Some scientists are speculating that ample amounts of vitamin K could be used in the treatment of human diabetes. This would be a tremendous help to millions of us that suffer from this chronic, degenerative disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
People suffering from Alzheimer's disease have a high level of the apolipoprotein E (apoE4) in their brains. These same people have low levels of vitamin K. Dr. Martin Kohlmeier feels there is a connection. Dr. Kohlmeier believes there is a connection between the lack of vitamin K, apoE4 and the ability to regulate calcium in the brain. He believes that people with apoE4 get rid of vitamin K too swiftly. This leaves too little vitamin K for proper functioning of brain proteins that causes problems in regulating calcium properly and may lead to some of the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Just as vitamin K regulates the calcium in our bones and arteries, it also regulates it in our brains. A quarter of the population has the apo4 protein and the corresponding lack of vitamin K. It's important then that future research show how vitamin K is needed for brain function and disease prevention.
Depletion of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. But unlike the other fat-soluble vitamins it is not stored in the body. In fact, recent research has found that vitamin K deficiency is much more common than previously believed. According to Terri Mitchell of Life Extension Magazine this problem is due "to inadequate diet, lack of co-factors, drugs and environmental stress that place unusual demands on vitamin K reserves." Antibiotics destroy intestinal flora which are the source of vitamin K in the body. Cholesterol lowering drugs, Olestra and anything that interferes with fat utilization reduces vitamin K. Mineral oil laxatives interfere as well. Low fat diets can also be detrimental to vitamin K as are very high protein diets that do not include greens.
Vitamin K in Foods
High concentrations of Vitamin K are found in green leafy vegetables. Spinach is especially important. But it is now known that also eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables can supply the body with the vitamin k it needs to function. Fermented foods, including some cheeses contain vitamin K. Hydrogenated oils contained in foods like margarine may stop the proper utilization of the vitamin.
Supplementing with Vitamin K
Since vitamin K is not stored in the body, it is nontoxic. Supplementation dosage will vary due to your health needs, age, diet, and the use of prescription drugs. Consult with your nutritionist or health care provider for the dose good for you.
Warning
People taking blood thinners such as Warfarin or Heparin should not take vitamin K.
Summary
Vitamin K is a very exciting new tool in creating robust and natural health. Its role in the regulation of calcium in our arteries, bones and brain offers great possibilities for increased longevity and quality of life for millions of people. Vitamin K is still being researched. In the next decade it may become one of the most important elements in our quest to live long and productive lives.
About the Author
Alien writes for home remedies . He also writes for vitamins and for vitamins supplements.

Thanks to Alien for this article.

Vitamin C- A Powerful Anti-Aging Skin Agent

by Joseph Constant


Here is a question for you the reader, what do pineapple, ripe strawberries, oranges, and Shea butter have in common? They are all filled with an ingredient that can take years off your look and appearance. What is that? Vitamin C. The stuff that we take for granted because it is packed into a container and a staple in health food stores was one of the unknown substances when it came to banishing fine lines and wrinkles. It has now been established that vitamin C, especially found in Shea butter, in its proper form can restore a smooth surface and a youthful glow to aging skin. Here is the scoop on Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant. An Anti-oxidant is a substance that vanquishes free radicals. Free radicals are those vicious little molecule monsters that irreparably damage our cells and accelerate the aging process. What makes Vitamin C so wonderful? The heart of Vitamin C is its restorative and healing powers in the form of its anti-oxidant properties. Here are at-least three roles where this Vitamin A plays in our health.
First, Vitamin C boosts our immune system. Vitamin C strenghtnes the white blood cells of our body, which is our chief defense against invasion by bacteria and viruses. According to one Nobel-Prize winning scientist, supplemental Vitamin C could work wonders on the immune function. Research even suggests that people do not get enough Vitamin C are far more vulnerable to a variety of infections and illnesses from colds to even cancer.
Secondly, Vitamin C helps to give us energy. It also aids in the productions of other crucial body chemicals. One of these, called L-carnitine, is essential in producing energy. L-carnitine moves fats into the mitochondria where the fats are converted to energy. A Vitamin C deficiency can cause cell levels of L-carnitine levels to drop significantly, making it harder for cells to oxidize fats to create energy.
Third, Vitamin C is necessary to the nervous system. Vitamin C also helps produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that help the nerves in the central nervous system (which guide the brain) and the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is the system responsible for directing muscle movement) communicate. Without the ability of the central and peripheral nervous systems to communicate, we could not think clearly or move our bodies. The amazing powers of restoration of Vitamin C extend to the skin, including aging skin. Here is how this is done.Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is the strong connective tissue that holds our skin together. Without collagen, our skin would fall apart because protein again holds our skin together, attaches our muscles to our bones and keeps our organs and skin in place. Where does Vitamin C work its miraculous wonders for the skin? It does this when healing inflammations of the skin. Here is the science behind it.
Scientists have made two important discoveries regarding Vitamin C. First, Vitamin C hinders the production of a chemical known as arachidonic acid. This acid causes inflammation. Secondly, Vitamin C actually converts the arachidonic acid from a pre-inflammatory chemical into a group of les harmful substances. Here is what is so dangerous about arachidonic acid; this chemical plays a role in the formation of psoriasis and the micro-scarring that leads to the formation of wrinkles.
From the information mentioned earlier, we can see why Vitamin C is so important for us. Did you know that n addition to certain foods that are abundant in this rich nutrient; there are certain natural topical creams that are abundant in Vitamin C? I'll give you a big hint, SHEA BUTTER. If you are not familiar with Shea butter, do not beat yourself down because not too many people are. Shea butter has been referred to by many as one of Africa's best kept anti-aging and beauty secrets. To find out more information, check out the website
About the Author
Joseph Constant is the founder of A.R. Skincare, a company devoted to community awareness of natural products using Premium Grade A Shea Butter. Please visit http://www.premium-grade-sheabutter.com/ARNewsletter.html to keep up to date with health and skincare tips. Also visit http://www.premium-grade-sheabutter.com/Benefits.html

Thanks to Joseph Constant for this article.

Antioxidant Vitamin C Facial Fights Free Radicals.

by MR Bruno


Environmental damage such as over exposure to the sun can cause damage to the skin. You may be using any of a number of seemingly potent sunblock products in the hope of alleviating damage to your face and skin.
Your skin may also be damaged when exposed to oxygen. This is known as oxidation and may cause premature aging of the skin.
Many sunblock lotions that carry an SPF or sun protection factor of more than 15 have been demonstrated to block most ultra violet light. The problem is that some ultraviolet light still permeates the skin and has the potential of free radical creation, which can cause age spots and wrinkles.
There is good news, that you can take advantage of daily. Using Vitamin C, an antioxidant, may combat oxidation and has been shown by studies to help prevent skin cancer. It also helps slow the aging effects of environmental toxins. Vitamin C can help you in the fight against the creation of free radicals.
The human body can not create Vitamin C. Not only that, there is a finite amount of Vitamin C that can be assimilated via food and Vitamin C supplements.
Due to our inability to create Vitamin C or to absorb sufficient Vitamin C by way of nutrients and supplements, many skin care professionals believe that the best approach is to apply Vitamin C topically to the skin in a Vitamin C facial.
The benefit of a Vitamin C facial is that we can absorb more Vitamin C and garner the benefit of the antioxidant qualities in our facial treatments.
Repeated treatments of a Vitamin C facial may help you develop a Vitamin C reservoir of sorts, negating the harmful effects of free radicals to your skin. With the use of Vitamin C you will also be fighting the effects of oxidation. The wrinkles and aging appearance that is a consequence of oxidation and free radical creation may soon begin to diminish.
The result will be a slowing of the aging appearance of skin, lessened lines and wrinkles and a healthier, more radiant skin. For that reason it is important to incorporate Vitamin C into your facial regimen.

About the Author
Skincare Central is your place for news and information on Vitamin C facial and all areas of skincare. To learn more about Vitamin C facials and how to do your own facial at home visit http://www.vitamincfacial.skincare-central.netThis article may be reproduced unedited with the author's bio and link included


Thanks to MR Bruno for this article.

Are Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Safe to Take?

by Tim Moore


Taking too many vitamins and mineral supplements could prove harmful. A new study in the UK found that vitamins and minerals, while helpful for certain groups, can be dangerous for the average person that is eating a healthy, regular diet.
Studies have shown that taking more than 1,000 milligrams a day of vitamin C could lead to stomach issues, while a high level of vitamin B6 has been connected to loss of balance, memory loss and even nerve damage. Experts have also issued warnings on consuming too much beta-carotene or zinc.
Safety recommendations have already been recommended on vitamins and minerals such as, boron, zinc, silicon, copper, selenium, nickel, beta-carotene and vitamins B6 and E. There is a plan to create maximum safety levels to be posted on supplements, to educate consumers about potential risks. These ideas are being discussed with health officials, consumer groups and manufacturers. Although, most industry leaders fail to see the lack of solid evidence and do not agree that there is a noteworthy threat to consumers.
Estimations say that the industry is valued at several hundred million dollars a year and that around 9 million people take supplements on a daily basis.
The FSA's Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) is asking for proper studies to conclude the impact of certain supplements, predominantly on children and the elderly. The EVM does accept that particular supplements are advantageous for specific people, such as folic acid for pregnant women and those of child-bearing age, and vitamin drops of A, C and D for children six months to two years. Yet, they are undecided as to whether most people need high levels of dietary supplements and recommend that eating a diet of whole, balanced foods would be the best choice for consuming the recommended levels of micronutrients.
The group has requested regulation on 22 vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamins B12, D and K, and recommends a ban on germanium, once hailed as a treatment for cancer, but recently linked to nerve, muscle and kidney damage. They are currently seeking feedback on their recommendations.
The Health Supplements Information Service argues that many studies have proven the positive benefits of dietary aids. They also point out that the FSA is assuming that the average person is getting an adequate diet, while recent government study figures show the modern diet is lacking in many vitamins and minerals that are important for health, such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, folic acid and B vitamins.
They agree that dietary supplements, only one of the various facets of alternative medicine, aren't meant to replace the benefits of whole foods, but that if used wisely and carefully, they are essential to assuring proper nutrients.

About the Author
The author of this article is Tim Moore, writing for Vitamins Stuff.

Thanks to Tim Moore for this article.