Vitamins for male and female libido

There are numerous vitamins that are said to be beneficial in supporting the sexual function of men and women including Horny Goat Weed, Korean Ginseng, Zinc, Magnesium and Ginko Biloba.

It’s suggested that Horny Goat Weed has functions similar to that of the sex hormones which stimulate desire in men and women. It’s said to restore libido, treat impotence and increase the production of semen in men. It’s also said to increase the flow of blood to the clitoris, resulting in heightened female orgasm. The recommended daily dosage for men and women is 3000mg of Horny Goat Weed per day.

Korean Ginseng is known to stimulate the nervous system, invigorate the brain, increase our resistance to stress and fatigue and sharpen the mind. It’s also said to balance hormones boost the metabolic rate and improve blood flow to the genitals. Recommended daily dosage of Korean Ginseng is 1000mg of dry root.

Zinc is important for the production of testosterone to keep sperm healthy and maintain sexual desire. It’s important to ingest a minimum of 15mg of zinc each day to avoid sexual issues resulting from zinc deficiency.

Magnesium is important for the production of sex hormones and the neurotransmitters that modulate the sex drive. Men and women should consume 350mg of Magnesium per day.

Ginko Biloba stimulates blood circulation and may support sexual function in males and females. The daily dosage of Ginko Biloba is 120-240mg per day.

Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for male and female libido, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamins for libido and sex drive page for more information about vitamins for cold and flu.

© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.

Vitamins for Cold and Flu

The most common cause of illness in adults and children are colds or upper respiratory infections. It’s commonly believed that we ‘catch’ colds, but this is not exactly the case. Our bodies are surrounded by over 200 viruses which our body usually combats. However, if we become run down or our immune systems are too weak to combat the infection, we are susceptible to ‘catching a cold or flu’.

A few supplements are said to help prevent and treat cold and flu including Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin A.

Echinacea is a natural treatment that is widely used in the treatment of cold and flu. It is said to activate the boy’s T-cells which are an essential part of the immune response. Echinacea is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immulostimulant qualities.

Echinacea has been shown to help treat cold and flu when ingested in large amounts at 1200mg, three times a day for up to 8 weeks, however it should never be taken at this high dosage for longer than eight weeks.

Echinacea is more suitable for generally healthy people who may be susceptible to frequent minor infections. It’s recommended that these people take 800mg of the dried herb three times a day in times of weakened immunity.
Vitamin C has also been shown to boost the immune system when 100mg of vitamin C is taken daily. If vitamin C is to be used to treat a cold or flu, it’s suggested that 1000mg per day might help shorten the duration of the cold or flu.

Zinc is a vital nutrient that is used in the production of hormones that support the immune system to fight viruses. If 13.3mg of zinc acetate is taken at the first sign of infection, zinc is said to significantly reduce the period of illness.

Vitamin A is said to prevent infections and it is believed that the recommended daily dosage of 5000iu should be easily ingested within a balanced diet through foods like carrots, spinach and capsicum and supplementation is rarely required.

Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamins for Cold and Flu page for more information about vitamins for cold and flu.

© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.

Menopause and Vitamins for Menopause

Menopause is a natural occurrence that marks the end of a female’s reproductive years. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Women are said to have gone through menopause when they haven’t had a bleed for a period of 12 months. The onset of menopause is often accompanied by symptoms such as night sweats, aches and pains, headaches, forgetfulness, irritability, reduced libido, vaginal dryness and frequent urination.

For women who experience some or all of these symptoms, there are certain vitamin supplements which are said to benefit these symptoms including Black Cohosh, Vitamin E, Complex B vitamins and Red Clover.

Black Cohosh is a supplement that is commonly used to support female health around the time of menopause. Studies have shown that it may help support the physical and emotional changes that occur in a women’s body during this time including night sweats, hot flushes, emotional issues and occasional sleeplessness. Women wishing to supplement with Black Cohosh are recommended to take 2mg of active ingredient per day.

Vitamin E is sometimes called the ‘menopausal vitamin’ because it is said to have chemical activities similar to Oestrogen. It may be beneficial in the relief of the psychological symptoms of menopause and for the relief of hot flashes. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin E is 15IUs, however doctors often prescribe larger dosages. Always see a doctor prior to supplementing with Vitamin E.

It has been suggested that women suffering from the symptoms of menopause may benefit from taking a balanced complex B vitamin supplement to support the common symptoms of anxiety, poor sleep and reduced libido.
Red Clover is found in many herbal menopause formulas and is believed to help reduce symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irritability when 800mg is ingested each day.

Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for women suffering from menopause, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to Vitamins for Menopause page for more information about manopause and vitamins for menopause.

© Kristy Lee 2008.

The difference between water and fat soluble vitamins

There are 13 vitamins that are regarded as being essential for the body to function including vitamins A,C,D,E,K and the B group vitamins. These vitamins may be divided into two very different categories: Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins.

Water soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body and any excess amounts that are ingested are removed by the kidneys through the process of urination. Because the body does not store these vitamins in large amounts, they must be replaced on a daily basis. Water soluble vitamins include Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, Folic Acid, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid.

Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed into the body via bile ducts and are stored within fat tissues and the liver for up to six months. It is important not to ingest more than the daily recommended amounts of these vitamins as excess amounts are not expelled from the body. Fat soluble vitamins include Vitamin A, vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Whilst the differences between water and fat soluble vitamins is clear, it’s important to ensure that you are obtaining sufficient levels of vitamins from both of these groups. Too little or too much of any of these important vitamins can have harmful effects.

You should never substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information about vitamins, visit Australia’s vitamin information website HealthyComparisons.com.au.

© Kristy Lee 2008

13 Vitamins that our body needs

There are 13 vitamins that are vital for our bodies to function and countless others that help us reach optimum health. Here is a list of the 13 vitamins that are necessary for our growth, digestion and nerve function:

· Vitamin A
· Vitamin D
· Vitamin E
· Vitamin K
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin B1 - Thiamin
· Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
· Vitamin B3 - Niacin
· Vitamin B6
· Vitamin B Complex - Folate
· Vitamin B12
· Vitamin B Complex - Biotin
· Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid

Vitamin A refers to the family of similarly shaped molecules called ‘retinoids ‘. It’s a fat soluble vitamin that promotes the health of all the body’s cells and tissues. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that assists your immune system and even helps you see in the dark. People deficient in Vitamin A may experience vision problems including night blindness, dry and scaly skin, reproduction problems and poor growth.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium from the food or drinks you consume. Vitamin D is present in small quantities in a small number of foods making it difficult to obtain sufficient levels of Vitamin D from food. Our body produces Vitamin D when direct sunlight hits our skin. Adults deficient in Vitamin D are at greater risk of developing Osteoporosis.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent illness and cancer. It’s believed that Vitamin E may help prevent and treat heart disease. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin E deficiencies are very rare as this vitamin is abundant in many foods.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is partially synthesised in the gastrointestinal tract. It is an essential nutrient for blood clotting.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron from food. It helps build and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues, protects against bruising, keeps the walls of blood vessels firm and helps protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy. Not enough vitamin C can result in scurvy.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is a cofactor in the conversion of glucose to other sugars. It helps the body’s cells produce energy. Deficiency in this vitamin may result in irritability, depression, muscle weakness and poor coordination.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of energy in the cell and is required in the support of bodily processes involving Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and Vitamin K. Signs of Vitamin B2 deficiency includes include scaly, dry skin, cracks in the skin at the corners of the mouth, swollen purplish tongue and burning, itching eyes.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports energy metabolism and helps enzymes function in the body. Not enough vitamin B3 may cause diahorrhea, skin problems and mental disorientation.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body make protein and convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin. It also helps to produce chemicals like haemoglobin, insulin and infection-fighting antibodies. Low levels of Vitamin B6 can lead to depression, nausea and flaky skin

Vitamin B Complex (Folate or Folic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin which is important for the production of DNA and RNA to make new cells which is especially important during times of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folic acid is the synthetic form of Folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods. Vitamin B Complex is especially important for women planning pregnancy because low levels of Folate during the first stages of pregnancy may lead to neural tube defects in the baby.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that works in tandem with Folate to support cellular replication. Vitamin B12 also synthesises myelin to protect nerve fibres. Low levels of vitamin B12 may lead to anaemia and nerve damage.
Vitamin B Complex (Biotin) is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the cells metabolise protein, fat and carbohydrates and produce energy. Biotin deficiency is rarely observed since it is widely available in foods, however symptoms may include hair loss, anorexia, nausea and muscle pains.

Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body’s cells produce energy. Deficiencies in this vitamin are rare as it’s widely found in the food we consume.

It is generally agreed that a well-balanced diet (and sunlight) will ensure that sufficient amounts of the aforementioned vitamins are ingested with the food we eat. However, if you don’t want to take the risk, a high quality multivitamin is a good insurance policy.

Speak to your Doctor, Naturopath or Nutritionist before starting a supplement program or if you have any questions or concerns.

Visit Australia’s vitamin information and comparison website – HealthyComparisons.com.au to compare vitamins and discuss vitamins on our vitamin forum.

Disclaimer

Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional.Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone’s failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.

© Kristy Lee 2008.