Vitamins

When it comes to understanding the importance of vitamins and minerals and there affects on the human body, something I've always taken and interest in, I feel it's a duty of mine to share information that I find with others. Although I don't currently have scientific evidence to back up what's in this article, I do believe that there are some very important statements that you should read regarding vitamins and minerals.

Most individuals, especially as we age, require more nutrients than the diet supplies. Unfortunately, few of us eat the recommended 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables/day. Scientific evidence continues to support the fact that vitamin deficiencies are more common than previously thought.

It has been estimated that at least 50 human genetic diseases are caused by specific errors in the DNA blueprint. However, it's possible to eliminate these diseases by taking vitamins in excess of the recommended daily requirements.

Enzymes are the work horses of the body in that they function to facilitate biochemical reactions necessary for activities such as muscle contraction, wound healing, digestion of food, metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein, and virtually all the numerous chemical reactions necessary for growth and vitality.

The body manufactures approximately 4,000 different enzymes, and 22% of them require a helper molecule, a coenzyme, to carry out their activity. The relatively tiny B vitamin fits snugly into a specific site on the enzyme, much like a ball in a catcher's mitt. This interaction between enzyme and vitamin must be a near perfect fit for the enzyme to be active. Once this reaction is complete, the enzyme, now known as a holoenzyme, can perform work for the cell.

Vitamins must fit tightly in the pocket of the enzyme for full activity. If an enzyme is produced from a gene containing a genetic error (especially in the formation of the vitamin pocket), the error will most likely affect the ability of the enzyme to bind with the vitamin. This will result in reduced enzyme activity, because the vitamin will not be properly fitted to the enzyme.

Enzymologists working in a laboratory have demonstrated a method to force the vitamin into a pocket of an enzyme with low binding affinity. The technique involves raising the concentration of the vitamin, thereby increasing the chance of a productive interaction between the vitamin and its binding site (pocket) on the enzyme. This is precisely what is believed to occur in some of the 50 or so known genetic diseases that are corrected or improved by ingestion of megadoses of vitamins.

The high doses essentially force the imperfect pocket to pop into the vitamin-binding conformation, thereby creating the active holoenzyme. Other genetic errors can also interfere with the transport of the vitamin into the cell.

For example, a protein known as intrinsic factor is produced by the stomach and functions as a vehicle to carry vitamin B-12 from the intestine into the plasma. A defect in this factor will also produce a B-12 deficiency, which can be corrected by B-12 injections or high doses of sublingual B-12, both of which by-pass the intrinsic factor block.

Since many vitamins have carrier proteins, this type of error is potentially more common than presently realized. Furthermore, stomach acidity is important in vitamin absorption and it is known that some individuals (more common in the elderly) have low vitamin absorption due to abnormal stomach acidity, which again may be corrected by high-dose vitamin therapy.

Vitamins may also serve a role in protecting enzymes from free radical attack. Enzymes are longer-lived when they are in the company of substances they normally work with or bind to, such as the vitamins. The enzyme-bound vitamin affords a shield from free radical attack, as well as promoting a more compact, stable enzyme structure.

Although the need for vitamins and minerals is widely recognized, most people don't bother to take supplements that would ensure adequate vitamin intake. A national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced data indicating that 60% of the U.S. population had not taken at least 1 vitamin or mineral in the past month.

As scientists continue to gather information from their laboratory testing, you can be assured that individuals will embrace the truth of their results, and turn to supplements to improve their health. As many of us already know, vitamins are synonymous with good health. However, most Americans do not take vitamin or mineral supplements.

A changing diet affects the need for vitamins, as does age. Since older bodies don't absorb vitamins, through the natural process, as well as younger ones, the need for a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement is required. This is especially true if your interested in fighting one of the 50, or so, human genetic diseases.

Before you take any supplements, it's best to consult your doctor, especially if you're taking prescription medications.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
Independent TriVita Business Affiliate, 12871028
Internet Marketing Advisors

Information is courtesy of an article I found at:
http://www.articlecat.com/Article/Important-of-Vitamins-as-supplements/10926