Welcome to Dietary Supplements
Diet Foods Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
How Vitamins Interact With Your Nervous System
from: Hana Lee
The health and performance of the nervous system is essential to that of the body, and the daily intake of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients affects the ability of the nervous system to perform its many necessary functions. There are several vitamins and minerals that directly influence nervous system functioning and health, and it is important to see to it that these are consumed at adequate levels.
The Vitamin B complex is one of the most important of the vitamins that influence the health and performance of the nervous system, as it is members of this powerful group that are responsible for the creation of some of the most basic structures within the nervous system. Vitamin B12, also referred to as cobalamin because of its cobalt content, has a significant role in both the formation of the nervous system and in the maintenance of its efficient and healthy operation. It helps in the formation of the nerve cells themselves, the most basic of the nervous system structures. In fact, deficiencies in vitamin B12 can lead to irreversible spinal cord degeneration. Adults need 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day, with pregnant and breastfeeding women increasing their intake to between 2.6 and 2.8 micrograms daily. Children, depending on age and size, should have between .9 micrograms and 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day.
The other B complex vitamins important to the nervous system include B9, also called folate or folic acid, which, in addition to its role in the upkeep of the adult nervous system, is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Adults should have at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, with pregnant women increasing their daily intake to 600 micrograms and breastfeeding women increasing their daily intake to 500 micrograms. Children should have, depending on size and weight, between 150 micrograms and 300 micrograms of folic acid each day.
Among the minerals that serve to enhance nervous system function is calcium. In addition to its other functions, it also has a role in the health of nerves and their ability to communicate. Magnesium is a mineral that helps the body to use calcium effectively, giving it a role in nervous system function as well. Deficiencies in magnesium contribute to nervousness and confusion. A lack of potassium can lead to nervous disorders.
Proper nourishment affects every aspect of the body's efficiency and function, and thus affects quality of life as well. The body functions on a delicately balance system of chemical reactions. The nutrients we consume make up a large part of these essential chemicals, and it is important to do the best we can to achieve the standard recommended daily intake levels of the vitamins, mineral and other nutrients that our body needs. Nutritional supplements can offer a safe and effective means of achieving those daily intake levels. If you are unsure of the best dietary supplements for you, or are inexperienced in using then, a consultation with a licensed nutritionist can help you to devise a personalized nutritional supplement plan that is best suited to your individual dietary needs and health goals.
About The Author:
This article courtesy of http://www.prenatal-vitamins-guide.com
Copyright Hana Lee - http://www.prenatal-vitamins-guide.com
Diet Foods News
CDC: Bread beats out chips as biggest salt source - The Associated Press
 The Associated Press | CDC: Bread beats out chips as biggest salt source The Associated Press 1 source of salt in the American diet, accounting for more than twice as much sodium as salty junk food like potato chips. That surprising finding comes in a government report released Tuesday that includes a list of the top 10 sources of sodium. Sodium In Our Foods: The 10 Biggest Sources Of Salt In Our Diets CDC: 9 out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium each day CDC: Breads top list of salt sources in US diet |
Government Sodium Guidelines: Are They Possible To Follow? - Huffington Post
Government Sodium Guidelines: Are They Possible To Follow? Huffington Post They found that when the diets were adequate in all other nutrients and met the DGA salt recommendation, the food didn't suit the typical American palate, as determined by the NHANES responses. Explained the researchers: The idealized "lowest sodium" ... |
Sugar, cheese and other dietary demons - Washington Post (blog)
Sugar, cheese and other dietary demons Washington Post (blog) The authors make the case that sugar consumption in the US is excessive and has increased as our access to and liking for packaged, processed foods have risen. They don't spell out precisely how much sugar is too much; nor do the current Dietary ... Columnist Blasts Reports That Dictates Consumer Eating Habits |
Best Weight Loss Apps - Mobiles Please Blog (blog)
 PR Web | Best Weight Loss Apps Mobiles Please Blog (blog) You can add your own recipes and foods to your personal food database and each day you input your meals and exercise and the app monitors your progress whilst you can interact with other users on the forums for tips and motivation. itelli-Diet is a ... Super Bowl Temptations Derail hCG Dieters Introducing Chef-Inspired, Newly Created HCG Diet Food for HCG Dieters That is ... |
Calories count, but not where they come from - Mother Nature Network
 Mother Nature Network | Calories count, but not where they come from Mother Nature Network Cutting calories and adhering to a particular diet are the keys to weight loss, say experts, not cutting only certain foods. By Kerry Grens, ReutersMon, Feb 06 2012 at 3:48 PM EST NEW YORK — Sticking to diets with strict proportions of fat, ... Cut Calories For Weight Loss: Report |
Junk foods widely available at elementary schools - USA TODAY
 USA TODAY | Junk foods widely available at elementary schools USA TODAY ... surveyed sold sweet or salty snack foods in vending machines or other places, the study found. There was little change over the four years, a surprising finding given vocal advocacy campaigns to improve kids' diets, said researcher Lindsey Turner, ... |
Diet plans: What to remember - MSN India
 ScienceAlert | Diet plans: What to remember MSN India In a more metaphysical world, that's exactly how fad diets operate. Typically, fad diets focus on similar foods, for instance cabbage soup, grapefruit juice and pro-biotic foods, and promise immediate results. In today's world where mood swings run ... Variety of options available to achieve weight loss The juice diet: not a success this time Why you shouldn't diet like a celebrity |