WHAT VITAMINS CAN DO FOR YOU? VITAMIN A AND VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)
VITAMIN A
Functions: the single most important vitamin with respect to the immune system • necessary for night vision and protein synthesis • promotes fertility • stimulates bone growth • assists in growth and repair of body cells • essential for healthy skin and respiratory tract, as well as the linings of esophagus, stomach, intestine, colon, rectum, gall bladder, kidneys and urinary tract • prompts secretion of digestive “juices” • necessary for growth in the young.
Deficiency signs and symptoms: increased susceptibility to infection • night blindness and other eye problems • dryness, thickness and eruptions of the skin • dry, brittle nails • softness of bones and teeth.
Vitamin A’s enemies: mineral oil • alcohol • light • high temperature • air.
VITAMIN B1 (thiamine)
Functions: vital for a healthy immune system • necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy in the nervous system and in muscles.
Deficiency signs and symptoms: mental problems such as loss of mental alertness, irritability, memory loss, confusion and depression • fatigue • loss of appetite • heart irregularities • numbness, tingling and weakness in the extremities and other parts of body (polyneuritis) • constipation • tenderness in the calves • burning sensations in the feet • the classic Bj deficiency disease is beriberi • extreme deficiency leads to heart failure, degeneration of nerve endings, and death. Vitamin B{s enemies: heat • air • excessive cooking of food • caffeine • alcohol • excessive dietary sugar.
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