Unived Women’s Whole Food Multivitamin

Vitamin A: In nature vitamin A is largely found as an ester and is highly soluble in organic solvents. Precursor forms of vitamin A are those carotenoids that have the biological activity of vitamin A after intestinal conversions to retinol; the most important are beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and cryptoxanthin. New physiological functions of vitamin A have been identified in addition to its role in vision, namely its role in immune defence reducing morbidity of measles, of respiratory infections[i].

• In the eye vitamin A has a specific, highly complex function in dark vision1.
• Extensive animal studies have shown that vitamin A is required for normal growth and development1.
• Another function of vitamin A, often called the antiinfective vitamin, is protection against infections1.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 is essential for life in higher animals – Anthony Norman. D3 is the most natural form synthesized by human beings, when the sun’s UVB light strikes their skin[ii]. The synthesis takes place photochemically with the help of provitamin D, 7-dehydrocholesterol, present in the epidermis or skin. A complex series of transformations of the provitamin result in the generation of Vitamin D3[iii].

In order to function within your body vitamin D3 is reduced to its metabolites including 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (or 1,25-vitamin D3 for brevity).

• Vitamin D levels in adulthood are important for maintaining Bone mineral density (BMD). The primary risk factors for low BMD, osteoporosis, and osteopenia include vitamin D insufficiency[iv].
• Another benefit of vitamin D is maintenance of optimal muscle strength4
• The elderly have a particularly strong need to maintain vitamin D sufficiency. Not only are they likely to produce less vitamin D from solar UVB irradiation their efficiency of photoproduction is less4.

Vitamin D is essential for the control of normal calcium and phosphate blood levels. It also plays an important role for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves and blood clotting and for normal bone formation and mineralisation.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is the major lipid-soluble component in the cell, antioxidant defense system and is exclusively obtained from the diet. It has numerous important roles within the body because of its antioxidant activity. Oxidation has been linked to numerous possible conditions and diseases, including cancer, ageing, arthritis and cataracts; vitamin E has been shown to be effective against these[v].

• Prevention of oxidative stress [5].
• Protection of the cell membranes [5].
• Cardiovascular diseases: inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and the inhibition of human platelet aggregation [5].
• Prevents Alzheimer’s disease: by preventing cell death [5].
• Enhances immunity [5].

Vitamin K 2-7: Vitamin K is a unique nutrient produced within the body. However, it is not produced by the body but by beneficial microorganisms in the intestine. Experts strongly recommend vitamin K2 supplements to help ensure bone and heart health.

• Vitamin K2 is needed to activate a specific bone protein called osteocalcin, which is essential to bind calcium effectively to the bone matrix, keeping the bones dense and strong[vi].
• Vitamin K2 is an important inducer of bone mineralization in osteoblasts6.
• Irregularities in calcium metabolism can lead to osteoporosis and cardio-vascular disease. Vitamin K2 is emerging as a key factor in regulating calcium in the body[vii].
• Vitamin K2 fights heart disease by controlling calcium-regulating proteins in vascular tissue, which keeps calcium out of the arteries and prevents the formation of dangerous calcified plaques7.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid is one of the important water soluble vitamins. It is essential for collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters biosynthesis. However, apes and humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid due to lack of an enzyme gulonolactone oxidase. Hence, ascorbic acid has to be supplemented mainly through fruits and vegetables.

• Ascorbic acid reduces common cold [viii].
• Ascorbic acid promotes wound healing [8].
• Ascorbic acid reduces the risk of atherosclerosis [8].
• Vitamin C is an important dietary antioxidant[8].

VITAMIN B COMPLEX

Water-soluble vitamins are essential for normal growth and development as they are involved in many metabolic processes. Humans cannot synthesize many of these vitamins and, therefore, have to rely heavily on their exogenous intake.

Thiamine (B1):

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble, B-complex vitamin necessary for metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Thiamine is involved as a cofactor in numerous enzymes, and is essential in every cell for ATP production via the Krebs cycle. Thiamine deficiency, manifests as beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis. Thiamine plays a wide variety of major roles in the body,

• It improves cardiovascular health[ix]^,[x].
• Enhances mood and cognitive functions[xi]^,10.
• Thiamine plays a neuro-modulatory role in the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system, contributes to the structure and function of cellular membranes, including neurons and neuroglia [11].

Riboflavin (B2): Riboflavin is unique among the water-soluble vitamins. Biochemical signs of depletion arise within only a few days of dietary deprivation. Its most important biologically active forms, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), participate in a range of redox reactions, some of which are absolutely key to the function of aerobic cells.[xii]

• It is involved in energy production [11].
• It performs antioxidant functions [11].
• Promotes normal functions of brain [12].
• Riboflavin plays a role in erythropoiesis, improves iron absorption, and aids the mobilization of ferritin from tissues [12].
• Riboflavin does appear to play an essential role in prevention of cataract formation [12].
• Activation of pyridoxine to pyridoxal 5’-phosphate is dependent on FMN, and the synthesis of vitamin B12 is dependent on FAD [12].

Niacin (B3): Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a water- soluble amide of nicotinic acid. Niacinamide is one of two principal forms of the B-complex vitamin B3.

• It has antioxidant effects11,[xiii]
• A vast array of processes and enzymes involved in every aspect of peripheral and brain cell function are dependent on niacin derived nucleotides (NAD) and (NADP) [11].
• Involved in energy production11.
• Possesses anti inflammatory properties [13].
• May be effective in reducing joint pain [13].
• Niacinamide has been used to treat several types of dermatological pathologies [13].

Pantothenic acid (B5): Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. Only the Dextrorotatory (D) isomer of pantothenic acid – D-pantothenic acid – possesses biologic activity. Mammals lack the enzyme for this synthetic step, so are unable to synthesize pantothenic acid[xiv].

• It has anti aging effects [14].
• Several reports exist on the use of pantothenic acid for persons with lupus erythematosus (skin inflammation/ rash) [14].
• Also aids in arthritic conditions by significantly reducing morning stiffness, degree of disability, and severity of pain for persons taking pantothenic acid [14].
• Pantothenic acid is needed for adrenal function and might be involved in the adrenal response to stress [14].
• May also help in wound healing [14].

Pyridoxine (B6): Pyridoxine is water soluble and stable in heat and acid mediums. Pyridoxine and its vitamers are absorbed in the upper small intestine by simple diffusion and transported to the liver for biotransformation into the active coenzyme P5P, which is then exported from the liver bound to albumin[xv].

• It is likely to be of benefit in treating premenstrual symptoms, including premenstrual depression [15].
• Low folate and B6 levels are associated with high homocysteine levels increasing the risk of cardiovascular deseases [15].

Biotin (B7): Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is an essential cofactor for four carboxylase enzymes, each of which catalyzes an essential step in intermediary metabolism. Because humans and other mammals cannot synthesize biotin, it must be derived from dietary sources. Conditions that may benefit from biotin supplementation include dyslipidemia, brittle nails, diabetes, dermatitis, and candidiasis[xvi].

• Reduces the incidences of brittle nails called Onychoschizia [16].
• Biotin deficiency can cause alopecia and scaly, erythematous dermatitis distributed around body orifices [16].
• Poor biotin status adversely affects plasma lipid levels. Biotin resulted in significant decreases in triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects compared to placebo [16].
• Acquired biotin deficiency and the disorders of biotin metabolism lead to a deficiency of the four biotin-dependent carboxylase enzymes (i.e., multiple carboxylase deficiency) [16].

Folate (B9): is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins, and works in concert with vitamin B12, because humans cannot synthesize this compound, it is a dietary requirement. Folate deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, dementia, forgetfulness, irritability, endogenous depression, organic psychosis, and schizophrenia-like syndromes [xvii].

• Is instrumental in reducing homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of CVD [17].
• Has shows promise as part of a nutritional protocol to treat vitiligo, and may reduce inflammation of the gingiva [17].
• Has a long history of use in conjunction with vitamin B12 for the treatment of macrocytic anemia [17].
• May also aid peripheral blood flow by increasing nitric oxide (NO) in vascular endothelial cells [17].
• Lower serum and RBC folate concentrations have an association with depression, and deficiency might predict a poorer response to some antidepressant medications [17].

Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin is one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 (the other being adenosylcobalamin).Vitamin B12 deficiency itself often causes disorientation and confusion and thus mimics some of the prominent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic materialin all cells[xviii].

• Improves cognitive functions [18].
• Reduces the risk of CVD by reducing total homocysteine levels [18].
• Might improve the general well-being and happiness of patients complaining of tiredness or fatigue [18].

[i] Helga jerster, “Vitamin A- functions, dietary requirements and safety in humans”, Internat. J. Vit. Nutr. Res. 67 (1997), Hogrefe and Huber publisher.

[ii] Rathish Nair & Arun Maseeh, ‘Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin’, Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, April-Jun 2012, vol. 3(2), pg. 118-126.

[iii] Anthony Norman, ‘From Vitamin D to Hormone D: Fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health’, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Aug 2008, vol. 88(2), pg. 491S-499S.

[iv]William B. Grant , et. al., “Benefits and Requirements of Vitamin D for Optimal Health: A Review”, Alternative Medicine Review Volume 10, Number 2, 2005

[v] Saliha Rizvi, et. al., “The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases”, SQU Medical Journal, Volume 14, Issue 2, May 2014.

[vi] Steven Plaza & Davis Lamson, ‘Vitamin K2 in Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis’, Alternative Medicine Review, 2005, vol. 10 (1), pg. 24-35.

[vii] William Davis MD, ‘Protecting Bone and Arterial Health with Vitamin K2’, Life Extension Magazine, March 2008.

[viii] K Akhilender Naidu, “Vitamin C in human health and disease is still a mystery? An overview”, Nutrition Journal 2003 BioMed Central Ltd

[ix] James J. DiNicolantonio, “Effects of Thiamine on Cardiac Function in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure: Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trials”, The Ochsner Journal 13:495499, 2013 Academic Division of Ochsner Clinic Foundation

[x]“Thiamine monograph”, alternative medicine review volume 8, number 1,2003

[xi]David O. Kennedy,“B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review”, Nutrients 2016, 8, 68; doi:10.3390/nu8020068

[xii]“Riboflavin monograph”, alternative medicine review volume 13, number 4 2008

[xiii]“Niacin monograph”, Alternative Medicine Review Volume 7, Number 6 2002

[xiv] “Pantothenic acid monograph”, Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 16, Number 3

[xv]“Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine; Pyridoxal 5′- Phosphate) monograph”,  Alternative Medicine Review Volume 6, Number 1, 2001

[xvi]“Biotin monograph”, Alternative Medicine Review Volume 12, Number 1 2007

[xvii]Folic acid monograph”, Alternative Medicine Review Volume 10, Number 3 2005

[xviii]“Vitamin B12”, Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph 2009