Vitamin C enjoys a well deserved popularity. It is essential to the formation of collagen, the protein substance that holds our tissues together. It is likely that this function accounts for the almost universal participation of vitamin C in the chemical reactions of our bodies. It is a factor in all the protective mechanisms, it is one of the most powerful immunizing factors, and is deadly to all types of viruses. The health of our skin, tendons, bones, cartilage and connective tissue depends on this function of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and in this capacity may protect us against the symptoms of aging. It is also a powerful antitoxin, and a deficiency causes severe liver degeneration. Vitamin C increases the body's tolerance to sugars and other carbohydrates and helps to normalize sugar metabolism. Studies show that stress places greater than normal demands for vitamin C on the body. Biotin, calcium and magnesium are all needed for the body to use ascorbic acid.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E deficiency can be traced to the inability of the body to deal correctly with oxygen without its presence. This function is at the base of vitamin E's involvement as a heart nutrient. Vitamin E strengthens the walls of the blood vessels and decreases clotting with none of the side-effects of the usual anti-coagulant drugs. It is the most common nutrient remedy for varicose veins.  Adequate amounts of vitamin E can prevent the formation of scar tissue and is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Vitamin E is a superb antioxidant, preventing unsaturated fatty acids and fat-like substances from being oxidized into substances which are dangerous to the body. Vitamin E and C work together mutually increasing their antioxidant capacities. Also like vitamin C, E is an important liver nutrient. It is capable of preventing liver damage that can be produced by a variety of industrial chemicals. Another important use of vitamin E is in the formation of the cell nucleus, including DNA and RNA. Vitamin E is famous for its salutary effect on the reproductive systems. of both sexes.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is the vitamin that protects us from eye disorders, especially night blindness. It also promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth, gums, and strong bones. Because it is necessary to the production of antibodies and white blood cells, it has been called the anti-infection vitamin. Vitamin A promotes the growth and repair the tissues and is important to glandular health. Even a slight deficiency will limit hormone production. It is recommended along with vitamin C and the bioflavonoid for kidney health and to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Stress increases our vitamin A requirement.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D gives the body the ability to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract. It also assists in the absorption of unsaturated fatty acids which are important to the production of the adrenal hormones. This is related to stress response and nerve health.

B-COMPLEX

The B-complex family is the most important source of anti-stress nutrients. Using these vitamins will bring immediate relief from mental stress and physical tension. As a group they are important to carbohydrate metabolism, one of the functions of the complex which may account for both the added energy and relief form stress we feel when we use it. The B-vitamins also reinforce the action of the digestive system. These vitamins are nutritionally dependent on each other to work properly.

B1, thiamine, the original B vitamin is related to thyroid production. When it is deficient, the resulting under active thyroid activity causes elevation of blood cholesterol. It has an effect on the pituitary gland and in this way acts indirectly on the production of the reproductive hormones.

Vitamin B2, riboflavin, is involved in the metabolism of all the body cells. It benefits vision and alleviates eye fatigue. It reinforces the immune system and is believed to be more effective when taken with equal amounts of B6.

Niacin, niacinamide, Vitamin B3, is a famous stimulatory of the circulatory system. Massive doses can rapidly relieve chronic depression, anxiety, tension, and exhaustion. It has been used successfully with other nutrients in prevention programs for heart disease.

Pantothenic acid comes from Greek word panthos, universal and it occurs in all living cells. It is especially important to immune system functioning, strengthening white blood cells, promoting healing and resistance to infection. It is one of the B-complex members which is an important anti-aging nutrient. One of its more important functions is in concert with B2, E, and choline in the production of the pituitary hormones. These hormones, in turn, affect the hormone secretion of all the other glands.

The importance of B6, pyridoxine, to our good health becomes ever more apparent with time. It is involved in at least forty different metabolic processes. It is very involved with protein metabolism and there are few reactions of the amino acids where B6 is not contained in the acting enzymes. It is even necessary for the production of nucleic acid. In a family of anti-stress vitamins, a shortage of B6 alone will cause irritability. B6 is used in the internal production of lecithin, and it has also been shown to help clear up acne, aiding in reducing facial oiliness and blackhead formation. Vitamins C, B1, B2, niacin, and pantothenic acid, plus magnesium, potassium and zinc will assist in the absorption of B6.

Vitamin B12, cobalimin, is a chemically complex vitamin containing the trace mineral cobalt. B12 has been administered for the relief of muscle fatigue and aids in the rapid regeneration of bone marrow and other tissue. It is important to immune system function, and if B12 cell receptor sites are not saturated with this vitamin, viruses and other destructive substances enter the cells by adapting themselves to the sties.

Folic acid is another B vitamin that has a vital role in nervous system health. It is required in the synthesis of choline, the precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which may account for the mental sluggishness experience when there is lack. Surveys reveal that folic acid is one of the most widespread insufficiencies in our diets. The folic acid in this formula meets normal needs and facilitates the use of RNA also included in the formula.

Biotin is important to tissue growth as well as for fat and protein metabolism, It helps prevent hair loss by enriching the composition of glandular oil secretions on the scalp. Biotin can by synthesized in the intestine. Inositol seems to be indirectly connected with this process.

Inositol is the "spark plug" that sets off carbohydrate metabolism. In the muscles, inositol works to help convert glucose to energy. Inositol is helpful in brain cell nutrition and has demonstrated an anti-anxiety effect similar to that of the druges Librium or meprobamate, with no side effects. We often hear of inositol in connection with the B vitamin choline because the two of them act together to promote the production of lecithin by the liver. Choline and inositol are further factors of B-complex that are considered to be anti-aging nutrients.

PABA, the last of the B vitamins to be discussed, is known, along with pantothenic acid, for preventing grey hair. It is beneficial in the regulation of oil glands which accounts for its usefulness in cases of acne and control of mild blemishes. In recent years, PABA has gained popularity as a natural sunscreen.

MINERALS

It has only been in the last decade that the importance of minerals to health has become known. Adequate mineral intake may well form the foundation of good health. Minerals liberate the vitamins to perform their function in our bodies, and if they are not present, other elements cannot be properly assimilated.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. Unfortunately it is thought that 30 percent of the population is calcium deficient. This is most obvious in our older population where the disease of osteoporosis has reached large enough proportions to be called "a public health problem." With age the bones become more porous and more susceptible to fracture. It is though that adequate calcium levels throughout life can deter this disease. Besides giving us stronger bones and teeth, calcium is important to the stress response as well as to the immune system. It is also important in the transport of nerve impulses throughout the body. Calcium deficiency has been shown to have the leading association with heart disease. (Magnesium, potassium, and the trace minerals, zinc, chromium and copper, are also imperative to the healthy heart.)

Magnesium deficiency is probably the single most important cause for the widespread use of tranquilizers. A magnesium lack lowers both calcium and potassium levels and results in enzyme defects which interfere with metabolism. Magnesium can effect mental performance. An increase of magnesium in the tissue fluids can increase the amount of neurotransmitter substances stored in the brain. Magnesium works best with B6.

Potassium is the major mineral found in the cells. Its most important work is done with magnesium. Predictably then, potassium is associated with the proper functioning of muscle structure and nerve relaxation. Potassium enhances adrenal function and is lost during stress response. This results in a rise of sodium levels in the tissues which can lead to water retention (edema). Potassium deficiency can cause constipation, nervous disorders, extreme fatigue, muscular weakness, and low blood sugar.

Zinc is known to be required in some 80 enzyme systems in the body. Most of us are aware of the need for zinc in the male reproductive system, especially prostate health. However, zinc is essential to the growth and development of the sex organs in both men and women. It is also essential for the formation of RNA and DNA. It promotes heart health by supporting the healing of heart damage and helping to decrease cholesterol deposits. It functions in the immune system to counter viral attack and to support the thymus gland. Many skin disorders respond to zinc, and it works with magnesium and manganese in the metabolism of sugar. If there is zinc deficiency, vitamin B6 will not function at all.

Copper is a little known trace mineral which must be present for the conversion of iron into hemoglobin. It works with zinc to keep the arteries flexible and with manganese in immune response. General weakness and impaired respiration are among the early symptoms of copper deficiency.

Selenium is the best known as the antioxidant mineral that works with vitamins E and C. It is very important to the prevention of heart disease and certain kinds of cancer. Selenium can detoxify the heavy metals commonly found in cigarette smoke, smog, and industrial pollution. A deficiency of either vitamin E or selenium cannot be corrected the presence of the other.

Iron deficiency is the most common food deficiency in the country. Iron combines with protein to make hemoglobin, the red substance in our blood that carries oxygen from our lungs to our cells and carries away the carbon dioxide waste. Iron also helps our cells to get energy from our food. Good cololr and bright eyes are a sign of sufficient iron.

Iodine is imperative to proper thyroid function. It also effects our growth, nervous system, water balance, and muscular and circulatory systems.

Chromium is required for normal carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The effectiveness of insulin is enhanced 50-100 percent by the presence of chromium. Chromium is best known as a part of Glucose Tolerance Factor, GTF, so important to proper carbohydrate metabolism. It follows that hypoglycemic persons show low chromium levels.