Supplement

ODA

Action

Vitamin A (as natural betacarotene)

10,000 IU

Vitamin A plays an important role in immune system function, it helps protect the body from heart disease and cancer, and it is important for the proper function of the skin and eyes.  Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant, and is necessary for new cell growth.  Protein cannot be utilized by the body without vitamin A.

Vitamin C

500 mg

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps prevent free-radical damage that contributes to aging (and aging-related diseases), cancer and cardiovascular disease.  It appears to be involved in maintaining a healthy immune system, including wound healing.  It is required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums.  It aids in the production of anti-stress hormones and interferon.

Vitamin D

600 IU

Vitamin D has hormone-like effects on mineral absorption and bone mineralization, and is very important in maintaining bone density.  It is necessary for the growth and development of bones and teeth in children.  It protects against muscle weakness and is involved in the regulation of the heartbeat.  It is also important for immunity, and is necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting.

Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol)

400 IU

Studies indicate that Vitamin E may slow the aging process through its antioxidant properties.  It is also an important anticarcinogen, and speeds wound healing.  It may also be useful in treating or preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and menopausal symptoms and it enhances immune function.  It reduces blood pressure, aids in preventing cataracts, and relaxes leg cramps. It also promotes healthy hair and skin, and may prevent or slow age spots.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

25 mg

Thiamine is needed for energy production and heart function.  It is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and in the proper growth and maintenance of healthy skin.  It enhances circulation and assists in blood formation.  It optimizes cognitive activity and brain function.  Some research also indicates that it may play a role in disease resistance.  Thiamine may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

25 mg

Riboflavin is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth.  It plays a role in energy levels, wound healing, and immune function.  It is essential for healthy eyes, and like thiamine, riboflavin may be useful in psychiatric disorders (as psychiatric patients are often deficient in riboflavin).  Vitamin B2 is also a powerful antioxidant.  There is some initial research that indicates it may also be helpful in carpal tunnel syndrome and migraine headaches..

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

25 mg

Vitamin B3 is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin.  Niacin is important in reducing both triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, while raising HDL cholesterol  (the good cholesterol).  Because niacin deficiency is associated with irritability, depression, memory problems and anxiety, supplementation with niacin may help improve these symptoms.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

50 mg

Pyridoxine is one of the most essential vitamins in the body.  It is needed for the proper growth and continued health of almost the entire body.  Vitamin B6 may play a role in cancer immunity and aid in the prevention of arteriosclerosis.  It appears to inhibit the formation of homocysteine, which may be important in atherosclerosis.  Research has indicated that pyridoxine may be helpful in treating PMS, anemia, allergies, asthma, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Folic Acid

0.8 mg

Folic Acid is considered a brain food, and is needed for energy production.  It is most important for the healthy development of the fetus.  It also plays important roles in treating cervical dysplasia, in enhancing the immune system, lowering homocysteine, and it is important for the proper formation of red blood cells (as is B12).  As with the other B vitamins, a deficiency of folic acid may be involved in many psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and dementia).

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

0.2 mg

Vitamin B12 helps to form red blood cells (without it one develops pernicious anemia).  It is also important in the production of myelin, and is therefore important for a properly functioning nervous system.  It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity.  Vitamin B12 prevents nerve damage, helps maintain fertility, and is linked to the production of acetylcholine (which is a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning).  Some research also suggests that B12 may play a role in preventing cancer.

Biotin

0.3 mg

Biotin aids in cell growth; in fatty acid production; in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; and in the utilization of other B-complex vitamins.  It can help strengthen nails and may be helpful in diabetic neuropathy.  A deficiency in biotin can result in seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, loss of appetite, nausea, numbness, depression and high cholesterol.

Pantothenic Acid

100 mg

Pantothenic acid is known as the “anti-stress vitamin”.  It plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and neurotransmitters, and the formation of antibodies.  It is important in the metabolism of fats, protein, and carbohydrates.  It is thought to help improve our body’s response to stress, and may help build the immune system and fight cardiovascular disease.  Some research also indicates that it may be helpful in treating both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.