Smorgasbord Health Column – Just Food For Health – Nutrients We Need – Vitamin A or Retinal and Beta Carotene.

First a note about vitamins in general.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS.  

These include all the B vitamins, vitamin C as well as Folic Acid.  They are not easily stored in the body and are often lost in cooking or by being eliminated from the body.  This means that they must be consumed in constant daily amounts to prevent deficiencies.  In the case of Vitamin C this could lead to poor immune system function and if you are deficient in the B vitamins you will not be able to metabolise the fat, protein and carbohydrates that you eat.

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS.

These vitamins include A, D, E and K.  Because they are soluble in fat they tend to be stored in the body’s fat tissues, fat cells and liver.  This means that they should be supplemented with care if you are already taking in plenty on a daily basis in your diet.  In excess even supposedly beneficial nutrients can be toxic and this is why you always should adjust your diet first before taking in additional supplements.

Vitamin of the Week – Vitamin A or Retinal and Beta Carotene.

via Smorgasbord Health Column – Just Food For Health – Nutrients We Need – Vitamin A or Retinal and Beta Carotene.