Function Of Vitamin C

Although vitamin C has long been touted as a preventive measure against the common cold, the available evidence from several large-scale randomized controlled trials does not support this claim. Several studies conducted awhile ago have shown that vitamin C supplementation can enhance certain aspects of immune response such as lymphocyte proliferative response, neutrophil function, and hypersensitivity response, although not all parameters of immunity are enhanced It has been suggested that vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation together may have a greater effect on immune responsiveness than vitamin C alone, but further research on this topic is warranted. Although supplementation of vitamin C has been shown to enhance certain aspects of immune function, this does not appear to result in a reduced incidence of the common cold in humans or a reduced incidence of influenza in an animal model. However, a recent review of placebo-controlled trials suggests that vitamin C may decrease the duration or severity of the common cold in certain populations such as children Also, some recent evidence suggests that populations undergoing heavy physical stress (running a marathon) may benefit from vitamin C supplementation.

Immune Effects and Exercise
The results from a few studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial in reducing the incidence or severity of upper respiratory infection following strenuous, prolonged exercise. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that the risk of developing an upper respiratory infection (URl) is increased in the week or two following a session of prolonged exercise such as running a marathon. However, runners who consumed a 600-mg supplement of vitamin C for 21 days before competing in an ultramarathon race reported fewer symptoms and a shorter duration of URI than the runners who consumed placebo. There was no difference in the incidence of symptoms of URI before the race, suggesting that perhaps the benefits of vitamin C supplementation are more pronounced during periods of heavy physical stress. The same group of investigators examined whether different antioxidans preparations may provide additional benefits in regards to reduced URI in the postcompetition period.

Powerful Antioxidant Vitamin E

Vitamin E and other vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs to grow and maintain good health. Many think because vitamins are natural there is no danger of taking too much, but of course this is not true. The maximum intake a day of vitamin E is 1000mg, but not more than 400mg if you have hypertension and since it acts like a blood thinner, consult your health care physician if taking warfarin (Coumadin). It is important to adjust the diet to include vitamin E foods. Keeping in mind that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin the same as A, D and K which are stored in fat tissues, from a few days up to one hundred and eighty. If too much is absorbed it is stored in the liver and could cause health problem.

Vitamin E promotes a thriving circulatory system, and works against irregular clotting of blood. Studies make known that it helps in the healing of wounds, and some breast cancer diseases. It offers defense against the unwelcome effects of air pollution and some toxins on the body, and it protects the skin against UV radiation and sunburns. It also support and reinforce the body's immune system. Intake of vitamin E seem to help in the treatment of a large variety of conditions, such as cardiac complications resulting from diabetes, arthritis, low sperm count, eye tissue inflammation, asthmatic and menstrual pain.

Vitamin E supplements have been in use in many cases, anemia, burns, atherosclerosis, stroke and other conditions, but the American Heart Association does not recommend the use of the vitamin E supplements. More study is needed for conclusive evidence, although there is some evidence from laboratory studies of many beneficial effects of vitamin E. There are some positive prevention and treatment for cancer and other disease but on large-scale studies it is inconclusive. There is, however, considerable support for the use of vitamin E along with vitamin C and other supplements in the treatment of many ailments.

Bee Pollen Supplements

Even though a lot of people don't actually realize it, a lot of antioxidant foods that we consume are from vegetables. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and peppers are all excellent choices with some great benefits for your body. When consuming vegetables, you should always go for those that are rich in color, as they are high in what is known as phytonutrients.

Phytonutrients are nutrients found in the skins of several fruits and vegetables, which give the food color as well as flavor and scent. Phytonutrients are quite simply the best types of antioxidant foods that you can find anywhere. If you are looking for a supplement value, the coq10 offers you a high level of antioxidant value.

Although fruits and vegetables are the best sources for antioxidants, the problem with them is that they are produced by the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, and different types of fertilizers. Over the years, studies have shown that fruits and vegetables which are organically grown are high in antioxidants, and boast a much higher concentration than those that have been produced commercially.

In the busy world of today, it can be very tough to eat like we should, nor can we eat organic fruits and vegetables all the time. If you can't or don't have access to organic fruits or other sources of antioxidant foods, you should look into nutritional supplements that offer you the phytonutrients you need in your diet.

Supplements that contain phytonutrients do have advantages when compared to certain fruits, such as carrots – which can elevate your blood sugar level to a very high level. Phytonutrients found in supplements are the extract of pigments where nutrients are concentrated, meaning that they draw the best from antioxidant foods, leaving the calories and sugar behind.