This is your complete online guide to the nutrients that are absolutely essential for maintaining health and well-being. Whatever your lifestyle might happen to be – athletic, sedentary or “in recovery”. We offer IV Drips that support growth and the fuelling of your body with necessary vitamins and supplements that you need not only to survive – but thrive! We provide iv drips in our London holistic clinic but you can also have the IV drip administered in the comfort of your own home.
Vitamins were originally defined as organic compounds necessary to support life in the human body. These nutrients include absorbed acids, enzymes, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, dietary minerals, antioxidants, hormones, and other elements that help build generate tissues and support healthy daily functioning?
Many of us of grown up with the idea that we eat or drink enough vitamins when we consume food with the exception of vitamin D (which is absorbed due to exposure to sunlight.) So given this why do we need supplementation with vitamins at all?
The sad truth is that we live in toxic and depleted times that do not give us the sunlight or food sources that we need to get all the vitamins we need from food. It is also a fact that our bodies cannot always synthesize vitamins after eating food especially if we are unhealthy, elderly or addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Vitamins are also sometimes lost during the food preparation process. Cooking, frying and boiling food is known to strip it of its nutrient content. Refrigeration and the transportation of food over a long distance can also affect its quality.
Yet another thing to consider is that a lot of food is grown nowadays in poor, overworked or polluted soil, which also strips it of nutrients. This makes supplementation necessary if we want to be fully nourished every day.
Fruits and vegetables are simply not giving us the amount of nutrition that they used to!
Not all vitamins are alike. Vitamins can be divided into two distinct categories:
Water soluble – This includes A, D, E and K. These vitamins are easily absorbed and excreted in the urine or eliminated through sweating. They must be taken daily as they are not stored in the body and need to be constantly replenished before our bodies eliminate them.
Fat-soluble – This group includes eight types of Vitamin B and Vitamin C. These vitamins are processed by bacteria that are natural to your body and are absorbed in your intestinal tract after interacting with fats (lipids).
Human beings don’t store most vitamins in their body. Therefore vitamin deficiency is all too common unless we take our Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
How bad is our mass vitamin deficiency problem? According to the World Health Organization’s Nutrition Disorders Study, (2009) over 2.5 billion people globally could use additional supplementation with vitamins.
Even though there is food everywhere to eat, you can still be malnourished.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient that is bioavailable in two forms: retinol and beta-carotene.
It is found abundantly in plant and animal foods.
Vitamin A does the following –
A deficiency of Vitamin A can cause Xerophthalmia, a severe disease that can damage to the eye that leads to blindness. A mild deficiency causes dryness of the eye.
A deficiency of Vitamin A is considered serious in children.
To maintain health, keep your doses of vitamin A supplementation to 5,000 IU (1,000 RE) for men and 2,500 IU (500 RE) for women. A more extreme dose of up to 50,000 IU (10,000 RE) for one or two days only to treat a viral infection can be indicated. Pregnant women should use alternatives such as beta-carotene.
It is absolutely possible to overdose on Vitamin A. Taking too much can result in liver problems, nausea, dizziness and headaches.
Food sources of vitamin A can include milk, eggs, cheese, cooked liver and carrots.
Vitamin A is often found in skin creams as it can play an important role in preventing and curing acne, stretch marks and other skin problems. You can buy it as an ingredient in body and facial creams and lotions.
Did you know that –
Egg yolks contain one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin A.
Thiamine, vitamin B1 plays a significant role in the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates so that it can be used by our body for fuel and building tissue. It is a water-soluble organic compound.
Thiamine also –
A deficiency in thiamine can lead to –
A deficiency of B1- Thiamine can be caused by consuming too many carbohydrates, processed foods and alcohol abuse.
The proper recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Thiamine is 1.2 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women until age 50.
A pregnant or nursing woman, who needs more calories, requires more thiamin than other women but it is recommended that she find the extra thiamine in food sources, rather than by taking supplements.
Excessive doses of Vitamin can cause hives, itching, nausea, dry mouth and lips and discolored skin.
Injections of B1 are sometimes recommended as a treatment for diabetes. Consult with your doctor about this option,
Common food sources of thiamine include lima beans, pork, breads and most cereals. Thiamine is degraded by high cooking temperatures.
Did you know that –
Some people believe that taking high doses of B1 creates a natural odour to the skin that acts as a bug repellent.
Riboflavin, vitamin B2 is a water-soluble group of vitamins in the B group of vitamins. It recycles the antioxidant glutathione, which protects the eyes, blood and skin from the types of free radical damage that can cause tissue breakdown.
Riboflavin –
Symptoms of deficiency include brain fog, dry eyes, anxiety, headaches and nervousness.
The current RDAs for Riboflavin for adult men and women are 1.3 mg/day and 1.1 mg/day, respectively; the estimated average requirement for adult men and women are 1.1 mg and 0.9 mg, respectively.
If you are pregnant and lactating, you may need up to 1.4 mg and 1.6 mg. For infants, the RDA is 0.3-0.4 mg/day, and for children, it is 0.6-0.9 mg/day.
Riboflavin, vitamin B2 is also available in chewable forms and is usually included as an ingredient in multivitamin supplements.
Generally, the best form of Riboflavin, vitamin B2, involves taking a high-quality multi-nutrient formula which may be found in certain vitamin supplement pills or intravenous drips..
Riboflavin is water-soluble, and it is difficult to overdose on it. There are no side effects.
Did you know that
Humans have bacteria in their gut that naturally produces riboflavin.
Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, turns carbohydrates and fats into energy. It was noted in 1915 when it was found to cure Pellagra, and it’s symptoms of memory loss, dementia and nausea.
Vitamin B3 –
Symptoms of a B3 deficiency include memory loss, physical weakness, inflamed gums, inflamed cheeks or lips, irritability and skin rash.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins B3 or niacin for infants under six months is 5 mg. Children need 9 mg at one to three years of age, 12 mg at four to six years, and 13 mg at seven to 10 years. Women need 15 mg from 11-50 years and 13 mg after the age of fifty.
Pregnant women should take 17 mg, and lactating women should take 20 mg.
Men require 17 mg from 11-14 years of age, 20 mg from 15-18 years, 19 mg from 19-50 years, and 15 mg at 51 years and older.
There is a special detoxification procedure you can self-administer using Niacin called the “Niacin Flush.” Taking a slightly larger amount than recommended reduces cholesterol levels by dilating blood vessels and capillaries. This also causes improvements in the digestive system as the circulatory system can carry out three times the amount of waste from the body. This also has the benefit of increasing good cholesterol levels while at the same time reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Side effects of taking niacin can include tingling, numbness and hot flashes.
Food sources of niacin include eggs, liver, lean meat, rice, potatoes and fish.
Did you know that —
Drinking too much alcohol or coffee destroys Vitamin B in the body.
Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid, is necessary to form coenzyme-A, which is used by the body to make carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Vitamin B5 –
You can become deficient in vitamin B5 if you are an alcoholic. Deficiency symptoms include stress, fatigue and depression.
Daily recommended allowance of Pantothenic acid to infants (1.8 Mg), children (2 – 4 Mg), adults (5 Mg), and pregnant women (7 Mg).
Studies suggest that extremely high doses of vitamin B5 may result in side effects such as mild stomach irritation, diarrhoea, and initial headache. More serious side effects may include thinning hair or hair loss.
Foods that B5 include egg whites, salmon fish, dried almonds, liver and ham.
Did you know that –
B5 is often included in anti-stress formulas as it helps to revive overworked adrenal glands.
Vitamin B6 (also known as Pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that is composed of three components – Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine and Pyridoxal. Vitamin B6 works primarily as a coenzyme in a various chemical reactions so that lipids (fat), carbohydrates and amino acids are regulated.
Vitamin B6 –
Vitamin B6 injections may also provide improvements for diabetics, PMS, vegetarian dieters, and high cholesterol patients.
A deficiency of B6 can result in hair loss, anaemia, seizures, diabetes, asthma and depression.
Most importantly, a B6 deficiency results in increased levels of homocysteine. These are amino acids that can cause heart disease and blot clots. Proper daily amounts of B6 decrease the harmful effects of excessive homocysteine buildup.
Deficiency can also result in “Hashimoto's disease”, a thyroid disease linked to immune system disorders.
The recommended daily amount (RDA) for pyridoxine is 1.3 micrograms on average for both men and women, increasing to 1.7 mcg for those seniors over 50 years of age. Pregnant and nursing women require more. Children under ten years of age require slightly less.
Vitamin B6 toxicity may occur in excessive doses causing side effects such as nausea, headaches and abdominal pains.
Food sources of vitamin B6 may include sweet potatoes, avocados, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, salmon, pork, chicken, turkey, potatoes, barley, bananas, and mangoes.
Did you know –
Fortified breakfast cereals are one of your best sources for your RDA of B6.
The frozen treat Yogenfruz is a good source of B6 that is also a treat
The mineral magnesium and B6 are sometimes taken together to prevent kidney stones
B6 has been known to cause vivid dreams and even nightmares
Psychics and intuitive take B6 along with dream herbs such as Salvia Danorium to facilitate and African Dream root to facilitate “out-of-body experiences” and astral travel.
Biotin, vitamin B7 is a water-soluble organic compound necessary to maintain healthy glucose blood sugar levels. It provides an energy supply for the body by metabolizing fats and carbohydrates.
Vitamin B7 –
Deficiency symptoms associated with biotin include eye and nose rashes, baldness, mouth irritation and stunted growth.
The recommended daily allowance for Biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg) per day. The typical varied diet of Americans provides about 100 to 300 mcg.
As it is water soluble and eliminated daily from the body, it is not possible to overdose on biotin.
Pregnant women who have elevated levels of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid tend to have reduced biotin levels that may require boosting with supplementation. Even a mild deficiency of Biotin among pregnant women may have a terrible effect on developing embryos.
Used in conjunction with Biotin and corticosteroid ointment it may be used to cure Palmoplantar Pustulosis disease, Crohn’s disease sleep disturbances and chest, back and feet pains.
Food sources of vitamin B7 are milk, liver, eggs, yeast and beans.
Did you know –
Your body is capable of manufacturing small amounts of biotin if there is a shortfall, but supplementation is always recommended.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial to the synthesis and regeneration of DNA and is responsible for the health of nerves and brain tissues…
Vitamin B9 –
Deficiency symptoms in adults include insomnia, fatigue and gout.
Most importantly, folic acid keeps fetuses normally devolving during the last four months of pregnancy. Deficiency can lead to neural tube defects that affect the spine, brain and skull of the fetus.
Side effects of taking too much folic acid include tightness in the chest and redness or swelling of the mouth, face or lips.
Vitamin B9 can be derived from leafy vegetables, oranges, spinach, romaine lettuce, peas and cereals.
Did you know –
It is a suggested vitamin to take if you feel you suffer from paranoia.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for generating red blood cells and therefore the health of the brain, nervous system and DNA. It is a water-soluble enzyme.
Vitamin B12 –
Deficiency symptoms include memory loss, depression, fatigue, anaemia and headaches.
A body deficient in B12 will not absorb iron. A routine blood test can identify the anaemia associated with the condition. It is easily corrected with increased supplementation.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in vegetarians, diabetics and young adults.
The recommended dose for vitamin B12 in children (1.2 mcg) and adults (2.4 mcg).
Side effects of taking too much B12 include itching and rashes. Excessive levels of B12 can also cause blood clots, an allergic reaction and harm to the optic nerves.
Food sources include milk, eggs and poultry.
Did you know –
Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia, suicidal tendencies and depression have been helped with Vitamin B12 supplementation.
Ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that supports metabolism and regulates iron and copper levels in the body.
Vitamin C –
It is also known for preventing heart disease, strokes, hypertension, stress, cold and flu systems, the common cold and cancer.
Typical deficiency symptoms include nasal discharge, sore throat, sneezing, burning eyes, canker sores, bleeding gums, headaches and increased stress levels.
The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C intake is 500 – 1,200 milligrams (mg) for optimal health in most cases. Women may require increased levels of 2,000 mg per day or more.
The build-up of excessive calcium may result in nausea, thirst, fatigue and constipation. An overdose of Vitamin known as Hypercalcemia – too much vitamin D.
Several studies show that, particularly in animals levels of vitamin C intake should be 500 mg per day minimum.
Research has shown that cigarette and pipe smokers can benefit from taking extra vitamin C. it protects against lead poisoning and nerve and muscle diseases.
Vitamin C can be toxic in big doses. Amounts over 2000 mg daily can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and headaches. I
Vitamin C is also found in grapefruit juice, oranges, tomatoes and broccoli. The supplements can be purchased in powdered or liquid forms.
Did you know –
If you are a smoker, you are more susceptible to colds, but taking 1000 – 2000 mg of vitamin C may help prevent infection.
Vitamin D is actually a group of two fat-soluble prohormones known as D2 and D3.
The purpose of these hormones is –
A deficiency of vitamin D can result in memory loss, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, foggy brain, psoriasis, fatigue, weakness in the joints and bones and dry red skin patches on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Children lacking Vitamin D may experience rickets which results in bowed legs, skull or rib cage.
The main cause of Vitamin D deficiency is lack of sunlight, slowing down of the metabolism, liver diseases, autism, kidney diseases and Hepatitis C.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is at least 1 gram for both men and women. The maximum suggested amount is 2.5 grams daily. If amounts exceed this maximum limit, a condition known as Hypercalcaemia might result.
Foods rich in vitamin D include Salmon, shrimp, cow’s milk, cod and eggs.
Did you know –
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidation. It can play a key role in protecting cell membranes from damaging oxidation that could result in heart disease and cancer.
The vitamin is actually a collection of compounds called tocopherals and toctrienols. Studies prove.
Vitamin E –
Vitamin E creams and oils are also topically applied to treat lines, scars and wrinkles. It is found in shampoos, hair conditioners and skin treatments.
Vitamin E deficiency is often found in people with severe malnutrition, genetic defects, liver diseases. A lack of Vitamin E is also found to play a role in cystic fibrosis. Defiance can also cause muscle fatigue .nerve disorders.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin E is – infants (200 mg), children (200 mg), teens (300 mg), adults (800 mg), and pregnant women breastfeeding (1,000 mg).
Vitamin E is found in foods like peanuts, almonds, spinach, canola oil and olives.
Vitamin E has lid side effects only if taken in large doses over an extended period of time. Topically, vitamin E can occasionally irritate the skin. If ingested orally in larger doses, it can cause headaches, nausea or fatigue. It is also a natural blood thinner.
Did you know –
Don’t take Vitamin E together with Iron as the two supplements destroy each other
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble organic element that is required for proper blood clotting.
Vitamin K –
Vitamin K cream can be used to relieve spider veins and varicose veins.
Vitamin K deficiency can also cause haemorrhagic disease and rickets. Babies are often injected with one to two milligrams of natural vitamin K to help them maintain body weight.
It is not toxic to adults, but it can cause jaundice in newborns.
Vitamin K supplements of one to two milligrams per kilogram body weight is usually administered to babies.
On average, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K includes infants (20 mg), children (60 mg), and adults (100 mg).
Food sources of Vitamin K include green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, spinach, fruits, and parsley.
Did you know that –
If you are on a high protein diet, you are very likely to have a vitamin K deficiency
Consultant in General Internal Medicine (GMC reg. number: 7541548) and Specialist in Complementary Cancer Care
MBBS, MRCIM (Spain), MSc Homeopathy, MFHom, Master practitioner in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistic Programming, MSc in Nutrition
Integrated medicine Doctor and Holistic Medicine Practitioner
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