Are you getting your daily vitamin requirements? Have you ever wondered if you daily vitamin requirements are being met? Learn about what you need to do to meet your daily vitamin requirements by reading below. Read the table below to discover your daily vitamin requirements.
Vitamin A
In the form of vitamin A
Reason: Natural animal source
Function: Strong Antioxidant; Essential for healthy skin, mucous membrane, and eyes
Optimum Dosage: 5,000 I.U.
Equivalent in Food: From Cod liver oil is most common
Toxicity: Safe dosage up to 20,000 I.U.
Side Effects: Headaches, dry skin, and liver damage in dosage over 25,000 I.U.
In the form of natural beta carotene
Reason: More effective than synthetic sources
Function: Same as above; also a strong antioxidant
Research: Hundreds of studies, to determine your daily vitamin requirements, including one at Harvard shows that those taking 11,000 I.U. per day (¼ cup of carrot juice or 5 carrot sticks) have a 22% lower risk of heart disease than those getting less than 3,000 I.U. per day
Optimum Dosage: 10,000 — 20,000 I.U.
Equivalent in Food: 1 cup of carrot juice contains 40,000 I.U.
Toxicity: Non toxic up to 100,000 I.U. a day
Side Effects: Over 100,000 I.U. a day causes a yellowish tone on the skin which disappears when stopped
Vitamin C
In the form of Ascorbic acid - corn free
Reason: No reason to waste money on unproven mineral ascorbates or ascorbic palmate unless intake over 3,000 mg a day
Function: Key antioxidant that supports collagen formation, blood vessels, immune defenses and adrenal function. Reduce downtime with common cold
Research: In doing research concerning your daily vitamin requirements, a study of 11,000 Americans show that intake of 300 mg a day add 6 years to a man’s life and 2 years to a woman’s life. Cardiovascular disease decreases by 40%. Dr. Linus Pauling takes 18,000 mg for years and attribute 12 yrs of life extension to this vitamin
Optimum Dosage: 1,200 — 3,000 mg (up to 10,000 mg have been safely taken for long period of time. For dosage above 3,000 mg a day, mineral ascorbics are recommended)
Equivalent in Food: 1 orange has about 80 mg. So you need 15 oranges a day to get 1,200 mg of vitamin C
Toxicity: Non toxic as water soluble
Side Effects: Some experience slight diarrhea after several thousand milligrams, while others are not bother by then times this amount
Vitamin D3
In the form of cholecalciferol
Reason: Reduced dosage to prevent toxicity
Function: Needed for optimum calcium absorption and maintain of healthy bones
Research: If you are exposed to sunlight regularly, chances are you don’t need vitamin D supplement to get your daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 1,000 — 5,000 I.U
Equivalent in Food: Cod liver oil is an excellent source
Toxicity: Toxic if over 40,000 I.U. for long period of time
Side Effects: Continuous overdose of 40,000 I.U. can lead to headaches, kidney stones, and deafness, and death
Vitamin E
In the form of natural form water dispersible d-alphatocopherolsuccinate
Reason: Natural form is more active, although more expensive than synthetic forms
Function: Antioxidant that protects red blood cell, arteries, eyes, liver, skin, breast, testes. Lowers LDL cholesterol
Research: *In those of 60 years old, taking 400 — 800 I.U. as one of your daily vitamin requirements for 30 days results in improvement of immune function by 10 — 50%. *National Cancer Institute study show mouth and throat cancer risk decreased by 50% and lung cancer risk decreased by 50% in non-smokers after 6 months. * Risk of not taking = risk of smoking. * University of Texas study found that taking taking 800 I.U. of vitamin E for 3 months slashes LDL cholesterol oxidation and heart disease by 40%
Optimum Dosage: 400 I.U. (up to 800 I.U. can be taken for normal optimum health)
Equivalent in Food: To get 400 I.U. a day requires 2 quart of corn oil, or 5 lbs of wheat germ, or 28 cups of peanuts (total 5,000 cal, mostly in fat)
Toxicity: Toxic if over 3,000 I.U
Side Effects: Intake of over 3,000 I.U. can cause headaches, diarrhea, increased blood pressure
B1
In the form of Thiamin
Function: Energy metabolism, nervous system
Research: Works with other B vitamins syngeristically, so make sure you utilize theses other vitamins in your daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 100 mg
Equivalent in Food: Brewer’s yeast, Brazil nuts, barley cereals, cooked green peas, cooked soybeans, cooked asparagus
Toxicity: Non toxic
Side Effects: None
B2
In the form of Riboflavin
Function: Energy metabolism, skin, hair, nail
Research: Works with other B vitamins synergistically; used in connection with canker sores, cataracts
Optimum Dosage: 50 mg
Equivalent in Food: Cooked liver, Brewer’s yeast, whole milk, cooked collard greens, raw spinach, cooked broccoli and asparagus
Toxicity: Non toxic
Side Effects: None
B3
In the form of Niacin and Niacinamide
Function: Release energy from food; support mental function, cholesterol metabolism, sex hormone formation
Research: Reduce cholesterol and triglyceride by meeting these daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 10 — 20 mg niacin and 100 — 250 mg of niacinamide
Equivalent in Food: Fried liver, brewer’s yeast, cooked chicken, ground beef, cooked haddock, roasted peanuts, peanut butter, cooked green peas, baked white potatoes, cooked asparagus, cooked corn on cob, black-eyed peas, cooked collard greens
Toxicity: Non toxic; some flushing with niacin; niacinamide more gentle
Side Effects: Rare liver problems have been reported in intake of over several thousand mg
Research: Helps in depression, motion sickness and heart disease when meeting these daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 100 mg
Toxicity: Non Toxic
Side Effects: Rare. At long term very high levels (2,000 mg a day), sensory nerve damage have been reported
B9
In the form of Folic Acid
Function: RNA and DNA synthesis; homocysteinemetabolism
Research: Harvard of 16,000 women and 9,500 men show those who ate 700 mcg of folic acid a day had 2/3 of risk of getting pre-cancerous polyps in colon compare to those taking only 166 mcg per day.(The average American over 50 years old only takes in 130 mcg of folic acid per day) Smokers need 3 times more folic acid to have the same effect as nonsmoker. This is important to keep in mind when utilizing your daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 800 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Generally take enough from food as a reliable source
Toxicity: Non-toxic; no side effects with 5,000 — 10,000 mcg intake
Side Effects: Very high dose of folic acid can mask the symptoms of B12deficiency and prenicious anemia
B12
In the form of Colbalamin
Function: Blood formation; brain and nervous system;works with folic acid to keep blood homocysteine level low
Research: 24% of people over 69 years old are deficient; 40% of those over 80 years old are deficient due to decrease in secretion of intrinsic factor necessary for absorption; Lack of B12 causes pseudo senility, with Alzheimer like symptoms One can have Normal blood test level and still lack B12 to carry out the functions
Optimum Dosage: 100 — 1,000 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Found in all founds of animal origin
Function: Adrenal function; healthy skin, energy production
Research: Used to to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride; Work together with B1, B1, and B3 to help make ATP
Optimum Dosage: 100 — 500 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Greater amount found in primitive diets than in modern diet
Toxicity: Non toxic; very large amounts (several grams a day) can cause diarrhea
Lysine
Function: Essential amino acid needed for growth and tissue repair
Research: Dr. Linus Pauling believes that lysine helps maintain healthy blood vessels. *A precursor of methionine and L-Carnitine and therefore beneficial to the heart
Optimum Dosage: 500 — 1,000 mg as added protection
Equivalent in Food: Most people consume enough lysine
Toxicity: Non Toxic
Side Effects: Over 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg have been linked to increased risk of gallstones and cholesterol
Choline
In the form of Choline; also Phosphatidly choline / lecithin(10 — 20% PC)
Reason: PC smells like fish; therefore use choline
Function: Transport fat through liver and blood; component of neurotransmitter
Research: Used in a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders
Optimum Dosage: 200 — 300 mcg per day
Equivalent in Food: Found in soy bean, liver, oatmeal, cabbage, egg yolk
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Side Effects: Diarrhea or nausea when over several grams a day
Inositol
Function: Cell membrane structure; nervous system are affected by these daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 100 — 200 mg per day
Equivalent in Food: Nuts, beans, wheat, orange; in the form ofphyate
Toxicity: No toxicity has been reported
Side Effects: Large amount reduces the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc
PABA
In the form of A compound that is loosely considered to be a member of the vitamin B complex
Function: Enhance the effects of hormones by delaying their breakdown in the liver
Research: helpful in promoting pregnancy and in connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma and dermatolmyositis; skin disease such as vitaligo and Peyronie’s Disease
Optimum Dosage: 50 mg per day for maintenance (500 mg — 12 grams for specific diseases)
Equivalent in Food: Found in grains and animal good
Toxicity: 8 grams a day may lower blood sugar, rash, fever, and in rare occasion, liver damage
Bioflavonoids (water soluble plant pigments) e.g. flavanones in citrus, isoflavones in soy, anthocyanins in wine, flavons in apples and tea
In the form of citrus bioflavonoids such as isoflavones, anthocyanins, flavons
Function: Help protect vitamin C and improve the absorption of vitamin C. Also inhibit bone tumor promoters and human cancercells
Research: People who eat high levels of bioflavonoids have been found to have an overall lower risk of getting a wide variety ofcancer. This is critical information when you are determining your daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 100 — 200 mg for maintenance; 1 gm for treatment
Toxicity: No consistent toxicity other than a bioflavonoid called cianidanol which is NOT found in supplement
Calcium
In the form of Calcium Carbonate (40% elemental calcium)
Reason: Calcium citrate is better absorbed, but it only contains 21% elemental calcium; calcium lactate 13%; calcium gluconate 9%; Don’t take calcium made of bone-meal or dolomite which contain lead
Function: Bone and teeth formation. Muscle contraction. Reduce risk of kidney stones by reducing absorption of oxalate. For a small number of people who absorb too much calcium there may be an increase in the risk of forming stones in high dosage. There is no truth to the myth that dairy source Calcium “doesn’t absorb”
Research: French study of 3,270 women of age 80 who took daily 1,200 mg of elemental calcium plus 800 I.U. of vitamin D3 show 43%less fracture of the hip (mortality rate of 20%) and 32% less fracture of the wrist, arm, and pelvis *most Americans only get half the calcium they need for anti-aging *less than 50% of children in U.S. get the recommended daily vitamin requirements of calcium deficiency affects both man and women need to star tat early age to maximize bone mass early on in life. *buildup happens most during adolescence. It is critical for girls to load up before puberty (10)and latest by age 25. getting calcium later in life can help prevent bone loss well after menopause and into old age * University of Minnesota found that intake of 2,000 mg of calcium a day normalize cell proliferation of colon of men and women at high risk of colon cancer
Optimum Dosage: 300 mg for men; 500 mg for women; maintain calcium to magnesium ratio of 1: 1 (For best absorption, split the dosage to 500 mg at a time)
Equivalent in Food: A glass of skim milk contains 300 mg; a cup of yogurt contain up to 400 mg Tofu (not soy bean drink) an vegetables often provide enough calcium, and absorption is better than milk
Toxicity: Up to 2,500 mg a day for long term cause no problem unless one has ulcer as too high calcium unabsorbed can cause “milk alkali” syndrome
Side Effects: Do not take Tums as a form of Calcium as they neutralize the stomach acid needed for calcium absorption; Too much calcium can cause constipation vitamin D is necessary for Calcium absorption. Supplement of 100 — 400 I.U of vitamin D a day is recommended for those on calcium supplement
Iodine
In the form of kelp
Reason: Natural source high in iodine
Function: Metabolism of all cells and synthesis of thyroid hormone are supported with theses daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: 150 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Iodized salt and sea vegetable supply is generally adequate
Toxicity: High dose (several milligrams per day) can interfere with normal thyroid function and may lead to goiter in some cases
Magnesium
In the form of chelated
Reason: Better absorption; mg oxide is not absorbed are encouraged meeting these daily vitamin requirements
Function: A strong antioxidant; Critical for Energy production (ATP); heart, muscle, and nervous system function required in secretion and function of insulin; Natures calcium channel blocker; Keeps bone strong by working with Calcium
Research: Absorption decreases with age; Even with low RDA (300 mg) for Magnesium, only 25% of Americans meet that standard. You need 2,000 calories a day to get enough Magnesium Protect the heart by preventing coronary artery spasm and cardiac arthrymias; Taking 300 mg of mg daily decreases blood pressure by 8 — 10% after 9 weeks Nut (contain high mg level) lovers who eat nuts at least 5 times a week have half the risk of heart attack compare to those eating less than once a week
Optimum Dosage: 500 mg — 1,000 mg
Equivalent in Food: Whole grain, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts), and seeds; The higher the fat and sugar intake, the more mg needed
Toxicity: Over 700 mg of daily elemental Magnesium can cause diarrhea
Side Effects: Don’t take mg if you have Kidney problems or severe heart failure
Research: Duration of cold symptoms are shortened in100 men and women taking zinc lozenges in a double blind study; Preliminary research suggested that people with Alzheimer’s disease should avoid zinc supplement, though this point has been controversial. More recently, preliminary evidence in four patients actually showed improved mental function with Zinc supplementation. So make sure you get zinc as part of your daily vitamin requirements
Optimum Dosage: RDA recommends 8 mg for females and 11 mg for males. Optimally try to reach for 15-30 mg a day.
Equivalent in Food: Oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, tofu are good sources; supplement need as insurance
Toxicity: High dose (over 300 mg per day) can impair immune function
Side Effects: Zinc can inhibit copper, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium absorption in high doses, so it is prudent to take minerals as part of a multi-mineral supplement
Selenium
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Activates an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase which may protect the body from cancer; Strong antioxidant; curbs AIDS by encouraging the AIDS virus to make a protein to repress its own replication
Research: Selenium level dropped 7% after age 60 and drop 24% after age 75 Double blind study of 1,300 people found that those given 200 mcg of yeast-based selenium per day for seven years had a 50% drop in cancer death rate compare to placebo group. People with decreased levels of selenium is associated with higher incidence of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis University of Arizona study of 1,700 elderly Americans show that those with low level of selenium are more apt to have polyps in the GI tract (33% compare to 9% in those with high level of selenium) 3,000 older person on selenium in a Dutch study show reduction of lung cancer risk by50% A large scale Finnish study showed that those with lowest level of selenium in their blood were 3 times more apt to die of heart disease*subjects taking 100 mg of selenium a day are less anxious, depressed, andtired
Optimum Dosage: 200 mcg; most common multivitamin do not contain 200 mcg of selenium
Equivalent in Food: Brazil nut that comes in a shell contain 100mcg (due to the soil). Shelled Brazil nut only contain 12 — 25 mg as it is grown in another part of Brazil; also in sunflower seeds, meat, seafood like tuna, swordfish, garlic
Toxicity: Toxic if over 2,500 mcg a day; with hair loss, liver damage, joint inflammation after 5,000 mcg a day
Copper
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: It is part of the SOD antioxidant; needed to make ATP and collagen
Optimum Dosage: Not needed as it is plentiful in regular diet. As insurance, up to 3 mg day is acceptable; especially in people taking extra zinc supplement (which inhibit Cu absorption)
Equivalent in Food: Plentiful in meat, oysters, nuts, legumes, cereals, potatoes, vegetables
Toxicity: Toxicity is unclear. Up to 3 mg a day is considered safe
Side Effects: People with Wilson’s Disease should not take Cu supplement at all. People drinking tap water (copper pipes) do not need more Cu. Cu improves absorption of iron
Manganese
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Needed for healthy skin, bone and cartilage formation and well as glucose tolerance. Also helps activate SOD, an important antioxidant enzyme
Optimum Dosage: 20 mg take as added insurance
Equivalent in Food: Nuts, wheat germ, wheat bran, leafy green vegetables, pineapple and seeds are good sources
Toxicity: No toxicity or side effect in doses of 5 — 20 mg; Excessive intake can lead to rare side effects of dementia and psychiatric symptoms
Side Effects: People with liver cirrhosis may not be able to properly excrete manganese so these people should not take Manganese supplement; Calcium, Iron, and possible Zinc reduces the absorption of manganese
Chromium
In the form of Chromium piconinate (organic form)
Reason: Better absorption; Cheaper inorganic forms such as chromium chloride are not as effective as it has to be converted first to the organic form to be effective
Function: Help body maintain normal blood sugar level by increasing insulin efficiency; Helps increasing HDL and lowering overall cholesterol level; Promote rise in DHEA level
Research: Chromium picolinate has been shown to increase fat loss and lean muscle tissue gain; * Israel research show those with adult onset diabetes taking 200 mcg daily had their insulin resistance improve by 62% in women and 50% in men
Optimum Dosage: 200 mcg for anti-aging (90% of all Americans are deficient in the minimum recommended dose of 50 mcg a day) only 24 mcg of chromium in 1,000 cal of food
Equivalent in Food: Best source is brewer’s yeast; also in grains and cereals when not refined.; broccoli; lobster tail, liver, and mushroom have high levels Eating 33% of food in sugar cause 3 times more loss in chromium compare to those taking in 10% of food in sugar
Toxicity: Most researches have demonstrated no toxicity up to 100 times the 200 mcg dosage. However, 1 isolated case of kidney failure after 600 mcg per day for 6 weeks, and a case of anemia, liver dysfunction appear after 1,200 — 2,400 mcg for 4 months; since only one case each of toxicity and toxicity is not the same, it remains unclear if these problems are caused by calcium picolinate or not
Side Effects: Absorption increased by vitamin C
Molybdenum
In the form of amino acid chelated complex
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Needed for proper function of certain enzyme and metabolism of iron
Research: Preliminary evidence suggest that molybdenum, through its involvement in detoxifying sulfates, may reduce the risk of sulfate-reactive asthma attacks
Optimum Dosage: 50 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Legumes, dark green lefty vegetables, and grains
Toxicity: Very safe up to 1,500 mcg per day, but it can interfere with Copper absorption; Excessive intake can lead to gout-like symptoms as it is needed to convert purine to uric acid
Potassium
In the form of chelated form
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Needed to regulate water balance, blood pressure, and neuro-muscular function; beneficial in chronic fatigue syndrome
Optimum Dosage: 5,000 mg
Equivalent in Food: One banana contains about 500 mg
Toxicity: High potassium can produce stomach irritation
Boron
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Assist calcium and bone metabolism and prevent osteoporosis
Research: Research suggest that boron might be linked with decrease calcium in urine and may thus help with osteoporosis
Optimum Dosage: 2 mg
Equivalent in Food: Raisins, prunes, and nuts
Side Effects: Supplementary levels do not lead to accumulation I the body and thus lack of toxicity
Silicon
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Plays a role in making and maintaining strong connective tissue and used in osteoporosis
Optimum Dosage: 2.4 mg
Equivalent in Food: Regular diet provide 5 — 10 mg per day
Side Effects: High dietary intake is not associated with any toxic effect. Inhalation of large amount of silicon (in an industrial setting) can cause respiratory disease called silicosis
Vanadium
In the form of amino acid complexes
Reason: Better absorption
Function: Improve glucose control in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
Research: Improve glucose control in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus according to a study of 8 diabetics supplemented with 100 mg of this mineral daily for 4 weeks
Optimum Dosage: 25 mcg
Equivalent in Food: Optimum intake dose is unknown. Estimated is 10 — 20 mcg a day
Side Effects: Very limited info about toxicity. High blood levels have been linked to manic depressive mental disorders
Iron
Reason: Strong Oxidant
Research: Excess iron have been linked to diabetes, cancer, increased risk of infection, lupus erythematosus, and exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. Absorption increased by vitamin C and decrease by calcium supplement, high fiber food, and caffeine
Super-oxide Dismutase
In the form of liver concentrate
Reason: Natural source
Function: Antioxidant enzyme and is thought to present the first line of defense against free radical damage in red blood cell
Research: Usually coupled with zinc, copper or manganese in cells to prevent oxygen free radical change
Are you getting your daily vitamin requirements? Have you ever wondered if you daily vitamin requirements are being met? Learn about what you need to do to meet your daily vitamin requirements by reading below. Read the table below to discover your daily vitamin requirements.
In the form of chelated form
