Vitamin C and flavonoids

Vitamin C and flavonoids are often associated with each other. This is because flavonoids which refer to some 4,000 antioxidant compounds that is the cause for the color and a number of health benefits of fruits, vegetables and herbs helps in the absorption of vitamin C in the body. In short, flavonoids make vitamin C even more effective. Essential flavonoids include quercetin, rutin, genistin, grape seed extract and naringen.

It is also more practical to use the combination supplement since you won’t have to buy many pills. And the combination of vitamin C and flavonoids have cured numerous ailments such as sprains and strains to cancer prevention.

The benefits that you can derive from vitamin C and flavonoids are varied. Vitamin C helps in the following:

- Vitamin C is vital for the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and increases iron availability. It is also an antioxidant and protect the body against pollutants.

- Vitamin C is a biological reducing agent that aids in preventing degenerative diseases such as cancers, cataracts and cardiovascular diseases.

- It also supports healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair, aids in prevention of blood clot and bruising and strengthens capillary walls.

- Vitamin C is important for healthy gums, protects against infection and clear up infections, improve immune system, decrease cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and prevents arteriosclerosis.

Flavonoids on the other hand have the following health-promoting benefits:

- Flavonoids increases the action of vitamin C. That is why taking vitamin C and flavonoids together are highly recommended.

- It is effective as pain reliever, lessens the symptoms of : prolonged bleeding, low serum calcium and oral herpes.

- It is vital in preserving structures of capillaries, have antibacterial effect and supports circulation. It aids in the production of bile, reducing blood cholesterol levels and in preventing and treating cataracts.

- It increases the absorption of vitamin C.

- Vitamin C and flavonoids help maintain the thin walls of capillaries to prevent bleeding and bruising.

- Flavonoids are associated with antibacterial effect, promotes circulation and fights allergies and others.

When either vitamin C or flavonoids nutrient are used in high dosage, caution must be exercised. In using vitamin C and flavonoids as treatment, refer to the following recommended dosages:

To treat ADHD, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg every morning.

To treat acute bronchitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

To treat chronic bronchitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To prevent cancer, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

To treat canker sores, take 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C and flavonoids of 25-500 mg three times daily.

To treat cold sores, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat earache, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily until infection clears.

To treat gum disease, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To treat hemorrhoids, take 750-1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 250-500 mg three times daily.

To treat impotence, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg once a day.

To treat rosacea, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500-650 mg twice daily.

To treat shingles, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily if acute.

To treat sinusitis, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat strains and sprains, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg three times daily.

To treat varicose veins, take 1,000 mg vitamin C and flavonoids of 500 mg twice daily.

Flavonoids

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants before. Antioxidants act as cell protectors. The air we breathe contains Oxygen which is an essential element of life. However, Oxygen can also be damaging to our body. It creates by-products, called free radicals, which can be damaging during normal cellular metabolism. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause anything from heart damage, cataracts, and even cancer because they can weaken our body’s immune system. To counteract these free radicals before they can do damage to the cell, antioxidants bind with them.

Antioxidants come in several forms – Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Next to Vitamin C, flavonoids are the most important antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. But what exactly are flavonoids?

Flavonoids: An Introduction

In organic chemistry, flavonoids are described as polyphenolic compounds possessing 15 carbon atoms; two benzene rings joined by linear three carbon chain. So flavonoids are carbon-based elements. That means they’re organic. No wonder flavonoids constitute one of the most characteristic classes of compound sin higher plants. You can easily recognize many flavonoids as flower pigments in most angiosperm families or flowering plants. However, flavonoids do not only occur in flowers, but in all parts of the plant, namely, the fruit, stem, seeds, leaves, and even roots.

How are Flavonoids Good for You?

More and more researchers are beginning to probe into the once-hidden depths of foods and they’re discovering that vitamins and minerals aren’t all there is to it. Flavonoids, they discovered, or bioflavonoids as some like to refer to them, are perhaps one of the largest group of “other” nutrients Researchers have identified more than 4,000 of these organic substances in plants.

Like carotenes, flavonoids are plant pigments. They are the substances that give plants their various colors. And like carotenes, many flavonoids are antioxidants and they help protect plants from damaging free radicals. One distinct difference is that flavonoids are water soluble while carotenes are oil soluble.

Flavonoids and the French Paradox

If you still haven’t figured out how flavonoids can do for your health, then take the “French Paradox” as a clue. The paradox of the French is that they eat almost four times more butter and three times more lard than Americans do. This means that compared to Americans, the French have higher cholesterol levels and blood pressures. Yet, the French are 2.5 times less likely to die of coronary heart disease than the average American. Now why is that?

Many people have suggested that the answer lies in the French liberal consumption of red wine, a substance rich in beneficial antioxidants such as flavonoids that protect against coronary heart disease and apparently lowers down cholesterol levels. In addition, flavonoids in French red wine can also prevent abnormal blood clots, thus reducing the risk of heart angina or atherosclerosis. In fact, at least eight medical studies have found that a glass or two of wine daily protects against heart disease.

Flavonoids for Long Life

Ever wonder why Asians have apparently longer lifespan than Westerns? Most attribute it to the Asian’s propensity to drink tea. The Chinese especially are fond of herbal teas, such as the common green tea and black tea. Apparently, these two teas contains about 25-30 per cent flavonoids, including quercetin and gallic esters. Like those in grapes and other fruits and vegetables, they also protect against heart disease.

Iodine

You are probably familiar with iodine from the periodic table and chemistry class. Iodine is a chemical element bearing the symbol “I” and the atomic number 53. It is a solid, insoluble that is required as a trace element for living organisms. Iodine is bluish-black in color. It is a lustrous solid that, when volatized, turns into a blue-violet gas with an irritating odor. It probably got its name from the Greek “iodes” which means “violet.”

Iodine was discovered by Courtois in 1811. He found that this halogen occurs sparingly in the form of iodides in sea water. The iodides are then assimilated by seaweeds, Chilean saltpeter, nitrate-bearing earth (known as caliche), brines from old sea deposits, and in brackish waters from oil and salt wells. Iodine may also be produced through a reaction between potassium iodide and copper sulfate.

Health Benefits

Vital for good thyroid function, iodine is the element used to treat goiter. It helps maintain and regulate the vital functions of the thyroid gland, thus making it a key element in maintaining health. Deficiency of iodine during pregnancy and early infancy can result in an irreversible mental retardation and severe motor impairment called cretinism.

Low or high iodine intake in adults can cause hypothyroidism. This condition manifests itself slowly and that’s why only very few people are aware of it until too late. Hypothyroidism is characterized by low energy levels, dry or scaly, yellowish skin, tingling and numbness in extremities, weight gain, forgetfulness, personality changes, depression, anaemia, and prolonged and heavy periods in women. As a result of this condition, the thyroid gland may swell resulting in goiter. In addition, hypothyroidism may cause carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud’s phenomenon, both of which are severe nerve disorders. Cholesterol and homocysteine levels are also said to increase due to hypothyroidism. In cases of high cholesterol levels, about 10 percent were said to have hypothyroidism. When the condition was corrected, 30% dropped their cholesterol levels and thus implicating how this condition can affect cholesterol levels in humans.

Iodine is notorious for having a relatively narrow range of intakes in order to reliably support good thyroid function. Too little iodine results in hypothyroidism which brings with it a whole array of other diseases. However, it is important to know that too much iodine intake is bad as well. In fact, over consumption of iodine may result in complex disruptive effects on the thyroid. It may cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals, and even increase the risk of getting thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism often occurs particularly in elderly people, due to long-term slight iodine deficiency, resulting in additional nodules on the thyroid. This condition is characterized by an enlarged thyroid (goiter), heart rate irregularities, tremor, sweating, palpitations, nervousness, and increased activity and eye abnormalities.

Special Tips

When speaking about the correct intake amount of iodine, 20 micrograms or less a day is considered severe deficiency. A moderate deficiency is 20-50 micrograms per day while 50-100 micrograms a day is considered only mild deficiency. The recommended dosage for iodine is about 150 micrograms per day.

If you’re using seaweeds as your source of iodine, make sure that you use those reported to have a fairly consistent iodine content. These are kelp (kombu) and hijiki. However, do not take kelp excessively in an effort to lose weight by overstimulating the thyroid. This is a dangerous practice.

Lycopene

We have always been told that fruits and vegetables are good for our bodies. Yet for years, the reason behind it lay just beyond our grasp. Fortunately, the patience and diligence of many scientists and nutrition experts has finally uncovered the mystery of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Now, science has gained a better understanding of why fruits and vegetables should be part of a healthy eating plan. Not only do we enjoy the many flavors and bright colors, but we also benefit from eating these wonderful food sources. This eating pattern is packed with plenty of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits, especially, are rich sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and lycopene.

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid, a substance commonly found in tomato products. It is responsible for giving the red color to tomato products. Lycopene in plants is similar to any other carotenoids. They serve as light-absorbing pigments, playing a vital role in the food-giving process of photosynthesis.

As an antioxidant, lycopene has garnered much attention especially when medical research led to the discovery that antioxidants have disease-fighting properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage by neutralizing damage-causing elements, called free radicals.

Health Benefits

There are many reported health benefits of lycopene. Recent studies attribute most of its benefits on its ability to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, which are elements formed during oxidation. Compared to other dietary carotenoids, there is less research focused on lycopene. Yet, despite this, the studies conducted all share the mutual suggestion that lycopene is one of the more potent scavengers of oxygen radicals.

According to a recent study published in the October 1998 issue of Lipids, lycopene helps prevent oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, considered to be “bad” cholesterol found in the body. Also, lycopene can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The antioxidant actions of lycopene have triggered many scientists to examine all the benefits the substance can bring. Evidence based on human intervention studies show that lycopene has anti-cancer effects in that it can successfully inhibit the formation of cancer cells or retard their development.

Two large case-control studies show a link between lycopene and reduced digestive tract cancer. One study in northern Iran, where esophageal cancer is common found that consuming tomato can actually reduce cancer risk up to 40%. Also, more recently in Italy, another study found that seven or more servings of tomato products per week are associated with a 50% reduced cancer risk compared to less than two servings of tomato per week.

Lycopene is associated with preventing various types of cancer. According to recently published study in Italy, lycopene can significantly lower down the risk of getting colon cancer. Animal studies on rat tumors also found that the substance can deter the formation of tumor. The relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene has also been thoroughly examined. In one prospective study, a group of Seventh Day Adventist men showed that those who consumed more tomatoes had less possibility of getting cancer of the prostate.

Shark Liver Oil

Shark liver oil is as its name implicates derived from the livers of deep-water sharks. Shark liver oil is used to fight cancer and boosts the immune system. The shark liver oil is a by-product of the fishing industry. Sharks are not hunted for their oil alone. The practice of using shark liver oil as a medicine for wounds and to fight flu spans for centuries already. Japanese seamen called shark liver oil as samedawa or ‘cure all’. In the 1950s, it was discovered that a natural immune-boosting compound called alkylglycerols are found in high concentration in the shark liver oil.

Other less concentrated sources of alkylglycerols are found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and breast milk of both mature cows and humans. This compound is the focus on medical interest on shark liver oil as a possible accompaniment to cancer treatment and an immune booster. It also contains squalamine which is a substance that fight breast, lung, brain and skin cancer by choking off the tumor’s blood supply. Shark live oil also contains squalene in large amounts which is an anti-oxidant and bacteria-fighter. It also has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

There are several health benefits one can derive from using shark liver oil. These benefits include:

* It adds to the conventional cancer treatment. In Europe, this is widely practiced. Research shows that alkylglyerols in shark liver oil may boost the immune system and prevent the spread of disease. The shark liver oil also strengthens healthy cells to ease the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

* It fights infections, inflammations and heal wounds. Its immune boosting properties help speed up the healing of colds, flu and various skin infections.

* It is also believe to be a remedy for asthma, arthritis, skin inflammations of psoriasis. But these claims remain to be proven.

In order to get the most out of shark liver oil, you should purchase shark liver oil products that contain ‘alkylglycerols’ which is a disease-fighting ingredient. 1000 mg capsule could provide at least 200 mg of alkylglycerols. Other healing compounds found in shark liver oil are squalamine and squalene. Do not take more than the recommended dietary allowance or dosages of shark liver oil. More does not necessarily mean better. See your doctor if you take the product more than 30 days. You may require a blood test and a dosage change because long-term use might alter blood consistency.

To accompany cancer treatments, take 1 to 2 capsules, three times a day with meals.
To fight infections, take 1 to 2 capsules a day for 7 days with meals. Food will increase the absorption of the product’s active ingredients. Pregnant women are cautioned not to use this supplement. Consult a doctor first. There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction linked with shark liver oil. Possible side effects when taking shark liver oil include: mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. These rarely occur however if oil is taken at recommended doses.

Quercetin

Quercetin is the primary ingredient in apples which makes the fruit essential for good health. It can also be found in black tea and onions. Quercetin is a type of flavonoid or plant pigment that is used as a building block for the other components of the flavonoid family.

Quercetin is good at treating a number of ailments such as asthma, cancer and heart disease. It serves as an antioxidant; it fights off the ‘free radical’ molecules that are the cause for a host of diseases. People who constantly use quercetin and other flavonoids as part of their diet have shown lower percentages of stomach, lung, pancreatic and breast cancers. Quercetin stops the buildup of a certain type of blood sugar that causes the cataract formation the lens of the eye.

Latest medical findings about quercetin and other flavonoids also support the fact they help to prevent heart attacks. In 2002 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the Rotterdam Study that scrutinized the tea-drinking habits and the daily dietary flavonoid of the almost 5,000 adults in Holland. The black tea’s high flavonoid concentration was found to have decreased the chances of heart attack as an overall result of those tea drinkers if the brew was consumed daily. In women, studies have pointed to the fact that there is a strong link between high intake of flavonoids and the decrease risk of heart attack. The researchers believe that the extra protection against heart attack in women could be attributed to the heart-protective benefits of phytoestrogens or plant estrogens which pertain to the main role flavonoids’ play. These benefits are similar to that of soy.

Quercetin is perceived to have the following health benefits:

* It decreases risk of cancer. A study conducted revealed that the prevalence of lung cancer is lower among those people who ate the most apples compared to those who ate the least. Quercetin and other flavonoids also lower the chances of stomach, pancreatic and breast cancer.

* It prevents heart attack by stopping the overgrowth of cells that damage the heart. One of the reasons for developing heart disease is the overgrowth of smooth muscle cells in artery walls.

* It blocks sorbitol, a type of sugar that causes cataract formation.

* It regulates asthma by reducing the inflammation in the airways and blocks the release of histamine which is the reason for congestion.

* Quercetin being a natural anti-inflammatory, maintains health by combating the effects of Crohn’s disease which is the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

* It prevents continuous gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels if taken with cherry fruit extract, vitamin C and fish oils.

* Quercetin accelerates healing of repeated heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) because of its anti-inflammatoru, antihistsamine and inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori which is the bacterium linked with stomach ulcers that causes heartburn.

Quercetin comes in tablet or capsules. It is often combined with another flavonoid rutin. And quercetin is also paired with bromelain, an anti-inflammatory derived from pineapples. Quercetin combined with vitamin c increases the effectiveness of Vitamin C.

To get the most out of quercetin, the following formulations are suggested:

To lower cancer risk, take 125-250 mg daily.
To prevent heart attack, take 125-250 mg daily.
To prevent cataracts, take 125-250 mg daily.
To treat asthma, take 250-500 mg. 3 times daily.
To treat Crohn’s disease, take 400 mg 3 times daily.
To treat persistent gout attacks, take 500 mg twice daily.
To treat heartburn, take 500 mg 3 times daily mixed with bioflavonoids (bromelain optional)

Folic Acid / Vitamin B12

Folic Acid/Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an important vitamin that is soluble in water. Unlike any other water-soluble vitamins, folic acid/vitamin B12 is not excreted quickly in the urine. Rather, it accumulates and is stored in the body, specifically the liver and the kidney. Perhaps as a result of this, deficiency in folic acid/vitamin B12 is not apparent until after 5 or 6 years of consuming a diet that supplies an inadequate amount of this vitamin group.

Folic acid/vitamin B12 acts like a methyl donor and plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells. It has a vital importance in maintaining the health of the myelin, the insulation sheath that surrounds nerve cells. One of the consequences of folic acid/vitamin B12 deficiency is anaemia but it is now clear that it is not the most serious of consequences. The normal blood level of folic acid/vitamin B12 ranges between 200 and 600 picogram/milliliter (148-443 picomol/liter).

Before anaemia is evident, a deficiency in folic acid/vitamin B12 often manifests itself in the development of a neurological dysfunction that is not unlike senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many patients who are exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s actually suffer from a folic acid/vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition, low levels of this vitamin are linked with asthma, depression, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, diabetic neuropathy, and low sperm counts. Based on this, it is clearly evident that maintaining an adequate amount in the body is crucial.

How much does the body need?

The amount of folic acid/vitamin B12 that our body needs is actually very small. The body needs about 2 micrograms or 2 millionth of a gram each day. However, because folic acid/vitamin B12 is not absorbed very well, we need larger amounts than that. We can do this through increasing folate in your diet or through supplementation. The richest dietary sources of folic acid/vitamin B12 are liver (especially lamb’s liver) and kidneys. You can also get an adequate supply of this vitamin from eggs, cheese, and some species of fish. Contrary to popular belief, vegetables and fruits are actually poor sources.

Supplementation

One of the best ways to maintain adequate levels of folic acid/vitamin B12 in the body is through supplementation. Oral supplementation with this vitamin is safe, efficient, and inexpensive. You can find several drugstores that sell multi-vitamins. Each multi-vitamin pill contains about 100-200 microgram of folic acid/vitamin B12 in cyanocobalamin form. The body will convert this into methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin so it can start using it.

How to take it

One of the problems with folic acid/vitamin B12 is its absorption. As stated before, absorption is slow. So even if you take in about 500 micrograms of cyanocobalamin, your body actually only absorbs as little as 1.8 micrograms. This shows that multivitamins do not necessarily provide adequate daily intake.

The best approach in taking folic acid/vitamin B12 is to place a sublingual tablet of methylcobalamin (1000 micrograms) under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. This will actually increase the absorption rate, thereby allowing the body to maintain adequate amounts.

Recommended Dosage for Folic Acid/Vitamin B12 Deficiency

In cases of deficiency, 1000 micrograms per day might not be enough. The recommended dosage is 2000 micrograms per day for one month. After the first month, the 1000 microgram/day may be followed.

Selenium

Selenium can be found in certain foods. It is distributed to nearly every cell particularly in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen and testes. The most potent source for selenium is the Brazil nut. A single nut contains 120 mcg which is twice the recommended dietary allowance. It could also be found in poultry, meat, grains, oats and brown rice. The concentration of selenium in food sources depends to a large extent on the level of selenium in the soil in which the plant grew and which the animal ate. The past two decades showed steady progress in the study of selenium. Scientist began to understand its most basic function which is to prevent disease.

Selenium boosts the immune system and combats infection. Consequently, it increases the body’s defense against harmful bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Every cell in the body needs a hormone from the thyroid gland that selenium helps to convert into its active form. It is most popular for being an antioxidant. Aside from these perceived effects, it is also known to manifest the following health benefits:

- It prevents cancer. According to a study conducted on selenium it was found out that selenium prevents the formation of tumors.

- It protect against heart attack and stroke.

- It guard against cataracts and macular degeneration. It does this seeming miracle by providing antioxidant actions that combats free radicals.

- It heals cold sores and shingles due to its immune-system booster properties.

- It combats inflammation that is associated with lupus. You can further increase this capacity by combining selenium with vitamin E. Selenium/vitamin E combination also helps other types of inflammatory diseases too such as psoriases, eczema and rheumatoid. Those afflicted with lupus can benefit from it anti-inflammatory properties.

The recommended dietary allowance for selenium is 55 mcg for women and 70 mcg for men. One can readily obtain selenium through their diet and it seldom happen that deficiency occurs in industrialized countries.

For those that lack sufficient selenium, the following symptoms may manifest: muscle weakness and fatigue. If the problem continues it might result to risk for cancer, immune-system problems, heart disease and various inflammatory conditions. For those that have too much selenium in their body could cause toxic reactions. Other symptoms of overdose include: depression, anxiety and garlicky odor from breath and perspiration.

To prevent the effects of aging and protect against cancer, take 400 mcg daily.

-To prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, take 200 to 400 mcg daily.

-To treat cold sores and shingles, take 600 mcg daily during flare-ups only.

-Check also product labels for the recommended dosage.

To get the most effect out of selenium, take it together with 400 IU vitamin E per day. To get the antioxidant benefits of selenium take a high potency antioxidant blend of selenium, vitamins C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, grape seed and green tea extracts, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and N-acetylsysteine (NAC). There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions connected with selenium. Do not take high dosages – 900 mcg one time or 600 mcg daily for a long period- to prevent toxic build up in your system.

NADH

NADH or Nicortinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme derived from vitamin B3 or niacin. It is found in all living cells. As a coenzyme, it helps enzymes do their functions. Enzymes are proteins that work as a catalyst in the body to prompt chemical changes in other substances. Coenzymes are mostly synthesized from vitamins and needed by the body for optimum energy production. NADH stimulates production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is a compound that regulates the release of energy stored in cells. More NADH in a cell means more chemical energy it produces. Increased concentrations of NADH in the brain boost the production of neurotransmitters brain chemicals necessary for sound mental function. NADH used to be administered intravenously because the stomach acid rapidly destroys the delicate molecule. Recently, the supplement comes in new enteric-coated, oral tablet form.

These are the specific benefits of taking NADH supplements:

- NADH supplements combat from simple fatigue to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Studies are currently conducted to determine the value of NADH supplements in improving mental function in Alzheimer’s disease and reducing physical disability and relieving depression in people with Parkinson’s disease.

- NADH supplements are taken in by healthy individuals to improve concentration and memory capacity as well for athletic endurance. Although as of now there are no published studies that indicate the effectiveness of NADH for these purposes.

- NADH is found to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome in a recent study by FDA. NADH also relieves general fatigue including fibromyalgia-related exhaustion because it increases energy in cells thereby boosting energy in people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder which caused muscle pain and fatigue.

- NADH relieves depression by stimulating production of a number of key chemicals called neurotransmitters which could alleviate depression.

- NADH is also known to assist in Parkinson’s therapy because it increases the levels of dopamine which slows down physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the accompanying depression.

- NADH also improves Alzheimer’s symptoms by improving cognitive dysfunction.

NADH is distributed in tablet form. It is best to take it with water on an empty stomach. There is no known drug or nutrient interactions related with NADH. High doses or about 10 mg or more a day can cause jitteriness, anxiety and insomnia. Safety of long-term treatment of oral NADH could not be ascertained. But use for no longer than four months before starting again a month after is recommended. Or you can take it two or three time per week instead of daily. To prevent side effects such as jitteriness and mild overstimulation, begin with small oral dose of about 2.5 mg per day for several weeks then increase the dosage over a period of two to three weeks. For chronic fatigue syndrome and simple fatigue, take 2.5 mg twice daily for 10 days then 5 mg twice daily. For fibromyalgia, take 2.5 mg twice daily for 14 days then 5 mg twice daily. For Parkinson’s disease, take 5 mg a day, increasing it to over two weeks to 10 mg twice a day. For Alzheimer’s disease, take 5 mg a day.

Phosphorous

Phosphorous offers vital contribution to bone health similar to that of calcium. It is one of the major minerals and the body produces it abundantly. An average person normally retains a pound and a half of calcium. Phosphorous plays a role in every biological or cellular function in the body. It works hand in hand with calcium in order to build and harden the bones and teeth. The calcium to phosphorous ratio is two–to-one. The body needs phosphorous to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is a compound that controls the release of energy stored in cells. It transforms proteins, fats and carbohydrates into fuel. It also maintains the blood’s acid balance or pH. It turns fats into water soluble to enable them to enter the bloodstream. The mineral also reinforces cell walls. And it aids in transporting nutrients and hormones all over the body. Due to its role in 2,3 DPG synthesis, phosphorous may lower the lactate accumulation by increasing oxygen release to the tissues. A number of studies were conducted to determine the effect of phosphate salts to athletes. It was found out that phosphate salt can increase aerobic metabolism in athletes.

Benefits that one can derive from phosphorous include:

- Extra phosphorous supplements can help in such situations as: taking large amounts of antacids that contain aluminum, complications of diabetes, gastrointestinal malabsorption, kidney malfunction and severe burn injury or where there is significant loss of phosphorous.

- It aids in burn recovery.

- Increased energy levels

- Improved endurance

- Maintains bone strength

- Increase aerobic metabolism. There was a marked increase in maximal oxygen uptake and increased running and cycling endurance. Also, increased 2,3-DPG level and enhanced ability of the heart to pump blood have been observed.

Some important things to keep in mind before using phosphorous include:

- Recommended daily allowance (RDA) for phosphorous is 700mg daily.

- If you are taking antacid heavily, ask your doctor if you require phosphorous supplement.

- Burn recovery patients should also inquire if phosphorous supplement is necessary.

Most people derive enough phosphorous from the foods they eat. Foods that are rich in the mineral include: meat, fish, dairy products, cereals, grains and poultry even soft drinks particularly the colas contain the substance. There are no known drug interactions with phosphorus except for one case and that is aluminum which contains antacids can absorb phosphorous. It can cause diarrhea. But this is actually a sign that you do not have phosphorous deficiency. Gastrointestinal side effects that could manifest include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Doses of about 4 grams per day does not show any side effects according to the study conducted.

Take necessary caution by refraining from taking phosphorous supplements without medical supervision. Having much more than the required levels of the mineral could result in dangerous imbalances particularly altering levels of hormones that could cause depleting calcium and phosphorous from bones. People who drink large amount of soft drinks which has high phosphorous content lack enough calcium because they drink less milk. It is not advisable to take phosphorous if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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