Selenium

Swedish scientist-chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius has opened selenium for mankind in 1817. He named his discovery by name of the Moon (from the Greek "Selene"), because this element was always found together with tellurium, which received its name in honor of the Earth. But vitally important for the human, selenium was avowed only in 1973.

Selenium makes its invisible work in various parts of the human body. It is a component part of many proteins, enzymes and lipoproteins. It has a very strong anticarcinogenic effect. Moreover it is not only prevents, but also suspend the development of malignant tumors. It provides protection and mobility of spermatozoon, and this quality is widely used in the treatment of male infertility. It is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid gland’s hormones.

But most of all selenium is famous as the microelement of longevity. Because it not only protects cell membranes against damage by aggressive forms of oxygen, but also actively helps vitamin E, a strong antioxidant, to realize its antioxidant potential fully. In addition, recent researches have found that selenium can be our ecological defender. It turned out that it is able to protect our body from mercury, cadmium, lead, thallium and other harmful substances – satellites of modern civilization.

Recommendations of the American Scientists for average daily dose of selenium

Infants
From 0 to 6 months - 10 mikrogram/day
From 6 to 12 months - 15 mikrogram/day

Children
From 1 to 6 years - 20 mikrogram/day
From 7 to 10 years - 30 mikrogram/day

Boys
From 11 to 14 years - 40 mikrogram/day

Girls
From 11 to 14 years - 45 mikrogram/day

Men
From 15 to 18 years - 50 mikrogram/day
From 19 years and older - 70 mikrogram/day

Women
From 15 to 18 years - 50 mikrogram/day
From 19 years and older - 55 mikrogram/day

Pregnant - 65, max. 200

Breastfeeding - 75, max. 200

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is water-soluble vitamin. It is able to accumulate partially in the kidneys, liver, spleen and lungs, but unlike the fat-soluble vitamins, it does not have toxic effect. Cyanocobalamin is resistant to heat and light, during cooking it destroys slightly.

Vitamin B12 has a marked effect. To avoid shortage of this vitamin adults are recommended to take 2-3 mg of vitamin per day, children 0,3-1 mg, pregnant and lactating women - 2,6-4 mg.

Good to know that large doses of vitamin C reduce the ability of vitamin B12 to be assimilated from food. During taking the large quantities of drugs, as well as birth control pills need in cyanocobalamin increases.

Functions of vitamin B12 in the body
Cyanocobalamin takes active part in the cell division: state of immune and blood cells, as well as skin cells and cells lining the intestine depends on the level of vitamin B12 in the body.

Cyanocobalamin plays a crucial role in the formation of myelin sheaths of nerves, protecting them from destruction.

Vitamin B12, as well as vitamin B9, participates in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and also in the processes of hematosis, preventing anemia.

Cyanocobalamin is very important for proper action of vitamin B9. It is very necessary for the production of genetic material (nucleic acids).

Vitamin B12 has a positive impact on the work of the digestive and nervous systems, and on the functioning of the liver too.

Sources of vitamin B12
Actually you can’t find cyanocobalamin in plant food. Maximum number of this vitamin can be found in the heart, kidneys, liver and oysters. Other important sources of vitamin B12 are various seafood, fish, milk, cheese, egg yolks.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is very important for the life of our organism, especially for children on artificial feeding, pregnant women and people taking antibiotics for a long time.

Pyridoxine - soluble in water, colorless crystals. Vitamin B6 is quite stable: resistant to heating, and oxygen effect, but is destroyed by light.

The daily intake of vitamin B6 for adults is 1.5 - 3 mg, for children aged up to one year - 0,3-0,6 mg for breastfeeding and pregnant women - 2-2,2 mg.

Vitamin B6 functions in the human body
- Vitamin B6 strengthens the immune system: improves quality and increases the number of defenders of the organism (antibodies). Also pyridoxine ensures the normal production of T-cells - an indicator of the functionality of the immune system.

- Pyridoxine supports the health of the cardiovascular system, prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. It is able to regulate blood pressure.

- Vitamin B6 actively involves in the amino acids exchange, protein and fat metabolism. Pyridoxine with folic acid can normalize cholesterol metabolism.

- Pyridoxine in conjunction with other substances involves in the process of hematosis.

- Pyridoxine regulates the activity of the nervous system, increases the efficiency of the brain, and improves memory.

- Vitamin B6 ensures the normal functioning of the liver.

Excess and deficiency of vitamin B6
An overdose of pyridoxine can cause allergic reactions and lead to problems with circulation of the blood.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms: dermatitis, memory and attention loss, headaches, anemia, loss of appetite. Long-term vitamin deficiency leads to violations of the central nervous system, accompanied by convulsions and other specific manifestations.

Sources of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Especially rich in pyridoxine: germinated seeds, nuts, spinach, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beans, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, lemons, oranges. Also, pyridoxine is present in meat and dairy products, liver, eggs, fish. In addition, vitamin B6 is capable to be synthesized by intestinal microflora.

Protein, Amino Acids, Vitamins and Minerals

All living beings are composed of protein. Next to water, protein makes up the maximum section of our body weight. Proteins are chains of amino acids that have been connected together. Each protein is composed of a particular group of amino acids, in a precise order. That specific order is what gives the proteins their exact purpose and integrity.

Each protein is made for it’s specific need. Proteins are not interchangeable. Proteins from the foods we eat are not the same. The protein that we eat is broken down into amino acids, which the body then utilizes to build proteins needed for the body.

Amino acids have a direct relation with vitamins and minerals. Amino acids enable vitamins and minerals to accomplish their specialized tasks in the body correctly. Even if vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body, they cannot be useful unless the needed amino acids are present. For example, the amino acid tyrosine is needed for the regulation of iron. Low levels of tyrosine will create iron insufficiency.

Amino acids are defined as essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids. Nonessential does not mean that those amino acids are not required. The expression nonessential amino acid means; an amino acid that can be created by the body as needed. They do not need to be obtained by our diet as vitamins and minerals. Your body can get essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals only from the foods. That is where rational nutrition and right diet come in.

When protein, vitamins and minerals are eaten as part of healthful foods, they provide a significant energy source that plays a key role in everyday vital functions as to maintain bones, blood and body organs. The importance of proper nutrition is actual on a daily basis. It is valuable because proper nutrition provides the proper fuel for everyday cares.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, because it dissolves and remains in the fatty tissues of the body, thereby reducing the need for the consumption of large amounts of the vitamin. Signs of deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins do not appear immediately, so it is difficult to diagnose its deficiency. So you should not be carried away fat-soluble vitamins, because toxic reactions can be provoked by smaller doses of RDA (recommended dose of vitamins) of fat-soluble vitamins than water-soluble ones.

Vitamin E is present in many kinds of food; especially fats and oils are rich in this vitamin. Vitamin E prevents the formation of blood clots and contributes to their resorption. It also promotes fertility, reduces and prevents hot flashes in menopause.

Vitamin E is also used in cosmetology to keep the skin young. It helps skin healing and reduces the risk of scar tissue formation. In addition, tocopherol helps in the treatment of eczema, skin ulcers, and herpes or zoster. Vitamin E is very important for red blood cells, because it improves cell respiration and enhances endurance.

Tocopherol is the main antioxidant vitamin. Besides vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene are the most well-known antioxidants. Any antioxidants help to prevent the conversion of nitrates in tobacco smoke, bacon, oils and some vegetables into carcinogenic substances.

Antioxidants help your body to deal with unstable chemicals, which are called as "free radicals". Free radical is the byproduct of the process conversion of food into energy. Free radicals have the property to be accumulated in the body. They increase the vulnerability of cells due to the aging process and the general decline of the central nervous system and immune system. Also, free radicals contribute to the development of various pathological conditions, such as cancer, heart diseases, arthritis, and so on.

The value of vitamin E (tocopherol):
• It is the main antioxidant nutrient

• It slows down the aging process of cells

• Helps enrich the blood with oxygen

• Improves cell nutrition

• It strengthens the walls of blood-vessels

• Protects red blood cells from the harmful toxins

• Prevents blood clots and promotes their resolutions

• Strengthens the heart muscle

Sources of vitamin E (tocopherol):
Nuts, butter, spinach, sunflower-seed oil and seeds, whole grain, eggs, wheat sprouts, milk, olive oil.