VITAMIN A is one of the most important of all vitamins and normally comes from animal sources. Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the intestinal wall and only as the body needs it. Beta carotene is one of the most effective antioxidant nutrients available, and as such is considered to be one of the "protector vitamins". Some of the important functions of Vitamin A include:
1. Maintain the health of all tissues; particularly skin and mucous membranes as well as glands.
2. Formation and maintenance of tooth enamel and health of gums.
3. Growth of bones.
4. Health of sexual glands.
5. Necessary for night vision.

VITAMIN B-1 (THIAMINE) is involved in forming a coenzyme necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose. A deficiency of thiamine not only makes it difficult to digest carbohydrates, but can also lead to an oxygendeficiency that produces cardiac abnormalities. Thiamine is vulnerable to heat, air, water and cooking.

VITAMIN B-2 (RIBOFLAVIN) helps the eye in light adaptation, helps the conversion of tryptophan to niacin, and assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. It combines with other nutrients to form enzymes and coenzymes. Riboflavin is involved with reactions within the tissues where hydrogen and oxygen are combined to form water.

VITAMIN B-3 (NIACIN or NIACINAMIDE) forms the active portion of coenzymes that play an essential role in tissue oxidation and the production of energy. It is also is involved in the metabolism of fats (i.e., cholesterol). The difference between niacin and niacinamide, lies in the fact that niacin contains an organic acid group while niacinamide contains an amino group. In many individuals, the use of niacin often results in the side effect of "flushing." This reaction can be described as a sensation of warmth, itching or tingling, especially around the face, neck and ears. Though generally harmless, flushing can alarm an individual who is not prepared for such a reaction. Flushing normally lasts for 10 to 20 minutes. Although niacinamide does not cause flushing, it can produce nausea in about one percent of the people who take it.

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE) is essential for the complete metabolism of many amino acids, and is essential for the metabolism of fats, particularly the essential fatty acids. It is also involved in antibody production; maintaining sodium-potassium balance, facilitating the conversion of glycogen (muscle sugar) to glucose (blood sugar), and assists in red blood cell regeneration. Women using birth control pills are more likely to need increased amounts of vitamin B-6.

VITAMIN B-12 (COBALAMIN or CYANOCOBALAMIN) Vitamin B-12 is essential for normal functioning of all cells, particularlybone marrow, nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract, and is needed in the formation of red blood cells.
The B vitamin is unique in requiring the mineral cobalt in the center of its molecule, hence the name "cobalamin" or "cyanocobalamin." Vitamin B-12 is dependent upon intrinsic factor (IF), a mucous-containing protein present in the gastric juices of the stomach for its absorption If the gastric juices of a person lacks (IF), then there may be little or no uptake of the vitamin at all. In this situation, the only significant way to achieve effective doses of vitamin B-12 is through injection or in sublingual (under-the-tongue) lozenges, which can be readily absorbed directly into the blood stream.

VITAMIN C can be manufactured naturally by most animals, although human beings cannot and must rely on outside sources (food and supplements) to obtain it. Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidant nutrients available, and as such is considered to be one of the "protector vitamins." Some of the other important functions of Vitamin C include:
1. Formation and maintenance of collagen (a protein that acts as a "cement" between the cells for skin, cartilage, tendons and bones).
2. Helps maintain strength in blood vessels.
3. Helps promote sound healing of wounds.
4. Influences formation of hemoglobin, absorption of iron from intestinal tract, and deposition of iron in liver tissue.
5. Assists in the secretion of hormones from adrenals.
6. Converts folic acid into folinic acid (an active form of folic acid).
7. Aids in the metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan.
8. Affects immune responses.

VITAMIN D is often called "the sunshine vitamin" because the rays of the sun can convert a cholesterol derivative under the surface of the skin into Vitamin D. Individuals who spend most of their time indoors, however, or live in congested areas where there are high levels of fog, smog, or other airborne pollutants, may not be receiving the necessary spectrum of sunlight to create adequate Vitamin D. Some of the important functions of Vitamin D include:
1. Helps absorb calcium from the digestive tract and build calcium and phosphorous into bone.
2. Formation of specific forms of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
3. Formation of specific enzymes.

VITAMIN E is perhaps the most effective natural antioxidant as well as considered to be one of the key "protector vitamins", an natural Vitamin E is prepared from food sources such as soy. Synthetic Vitamin E is derived from non-food, chemical sources such as petrochemicals. Natural E is described as d-alpha tocopheryl, while synthetic E is described as dl-alpha tocopheryl. Furthermore, since the body can tell the difference between natural and synthetic Vitamin E, the body will absorb 30% more natural Vitamin E than it will synthetic. Research shows that Vitamin E plays an important role in the body's defense system by helping to neutralize "free radicals" which are known to oxidize or damage cells. These free radicals are everywhere, in cigarette smoke, oxidized fat, food additives, environmental pollutants and direct sunlight. Vitamin E has also been shown to prolong the life of red blood cells.
Some of the important functions of Vitamin E includes:
1. Antioxidant protection against free radicals.
2. Help protect all fat soluble vitamins.
3. Helps protect pituitary, adrenal and sex hormones.
4. Necessary for blood vessel repair.
5. Assists in normalizing blood viscosity.
6. Helps protect against muscle degeneration.
7. Maintains normal permeability of capillaries.

VITAMIN K is a coagulating factor for blood. It is found in some foods such as alfalfa and most leafy vegetables. Individuals who have been on antibiotic therapy with a resultant decrease or less of intestinal flora often suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin K. Two important functions of Vitamin K include:
1. Formation of prothrombin (a blood clotting protein) in the liver.
2. The retention of calcium in the bone.

FOLIC ACID is necessary in the formation of red and white blood cells as well as nucleic acids. Women who are capable of becoming pregnant and who consume adequate amounts of folic acid daily during their child bearing years may reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by spina bifida or other neural tube birth defects which, while not widespread, are extremely significant. Neural tube birth defects have many causes, and folic acid intake is only one consideration.

INOSINE is part of the red blood cells that transport oxygen to the muscle cells. Furthermore, it stimulates the release of oxygen in muscle tissues. If an individual tends to have high uric acid levels (as in cases of gout), he may wish to avoid inosine since it may increase uric acid.

PANTOTHENIC ACID Pantothenic acid is necessary for the makeup of coenzyme A which supports the body's conversion of fats & sugars to energy. This nutrient is also necessary for normal growth and development of nervous system, as well as nutritionally supporting the synthesis of antibodies and proper functioning of the adrenal glands.