Health related information and news from around the world.

Vitamin F

Essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic being considered the most important fatty acids. Measured in grams or milligrams (mg.).

Functions

Considered to be important in lowering blood cholesterol in atherosclerosis and, thus, preventing heart disease. Essential for normal glandular activity – especially the adrenal glands. Necessary to healthy skin and all mucous membranes. A growth-promoting factor. Needed for many metabolic processes. Promotes the availability of calcium and phosphorus to the cells. Can protect from damage by excessive radiation,

Deficiency symptoms

Deficiency may lead to skin disorders, such as eczema, acne and dry skin, gallstones, falling hair, retarded growth, impairment in reproductive functions, kidney disorders, prostate disorders, menstrual disturbances.

Natural sources

Unprocessed and unrefined vegetable oils, especially soybean oil, corn oil, flaxseed oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil. Also available in capsule form.

MDR (minimum daily requirement)

Not established. National Research Council says that “fat intake (should) include essential unsaturated fatty acids to extent of at least 1 percent of the total calories.”

Vitamin К

Menadione. Measured in milligrams (mg.).

Function

Essential for the production of prothrombin, a substance which aids in blood clotting. Important for normal liver function. An “anti-hemorrhaging” vitamin. An important vitality and longevity factor. Involved in energy-producing activities of the tissues, particularly the nervous system.

Deficiency symptoms

May cause hemorrhages anywhere in the body due to prolong blood-clotting time, such as nosebleeds, bleeding ulcers, etc. Lowered vitality. Premature aging.

Natural sources

Kelp, alfalfa and other green plants, soybean oil, egg yolks, cow’s milk, liver. Also manufactured by the normal bacteria in the healthy intestines.

MDR (minimum daily requirement)

Not established.

Vitamin T

Sesame seed factor, known to be present, but unidentified, often referred to as vitamin T.

Function

Re-establishes platelet integrity in the blood. Useful in correcting nutritional anemia. Promotes the formation of blood platelets and combats anemia and hemophilia. Useful in improving fading memory.

Natural sources

Sesame seeds, “Tahini,” raw sesame butter, egg yolks and some vegetable oils.

Vitamin U

Vitamin-like factor found in some vegetables, notably cabbage.

Function

Promotes healing activity in peptic ulcers, particularly in duodenal ulcers.

Natural sources

Raw cabbage juice, fresh cabbage, homemade sauerkraut.

Important note on vitamins

The deficiency symptoms could occur only after a prolonged inadequate dietary intake or the body’s chronic inability to assimilate dietary vitamins. The symptoms listed do not alone prove an existing nutritional deficiency, as similar symptoms may be caused by a great number of conditions or functional disorders. If, after an adequate vitamin supplementation, these symptoms persist, they may indicate a condition other than a vitamin or nutritional deficiency.

When suffering from serious diseases, it is unwise to attempt self-treatment, with vitamins, minerals or any other way, but it is advisable to consult a doctor, preferably one who is nutritionally oriented, and to abide by his expert advice on the choice of suitable therapy.

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Vitamin P. Bioflavonoid complex: citrin, hesperidin, quercitin. Rutin. Considered to be a part of the vitamin C-complex. Measured in milligrams (mg.).

Functions

Strengthens capillary walls and prevents or corrects capillary fragility. Prevents capillary hemorrhaging and acts as an anti-coagulant. May prevent strokes. Protects vitamin С from destruction in the body by oxidation. Vitamin С synergist – enhances its property. Beneficial in hypertension, respiratory infections, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, hemorrhaging, bleeding gums, eczema, psoriasis, cirrhosis of the liver, retinal hemorrhages, radiation sickness, coronary thrombosis, arteriosclerosis.

Deficiency symptoms

Causes capillary fragility. Appearance of purplish or blue spots on the skin. Diminished vitamin С activity. Susceptibility to above-mentioned conditions.

Natural sources

Fresh fruits and vegetables; buckwheat; citrus fruits, especially the pulp; green peppers; grapes, apricots, strawberries, black currants, cherries, prunes. Cooking largely destroys bioflavonoids.

Not established. Usual therapeutic doses 50 to 200 mg. or more. The FDA has determined that bioflavonoids do not have any nutritional, therapeutic, or preventive value. Therefore, the above information regarding the function, deficiency symptoms and sources of bioflavonoids is offered for educational and experimental purposes only, not as an endorsement or recommendation.

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