Vitamin B1

Food Sources

Whole grains, lean pork, liver, wheat-germ, eggs, dried beans, nuts, seeds, yeasts, potatoes.

Functions

Required for the release of energy from glucose and for the transformation of carbohydrates to fat.
Maintains healthy nerve function.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue
Depression & irritability
Weight loss & muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Headaches
Convulsions, muscular weakness
Irregular heartbeat

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• oral contraceptives, HRT, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, diuretics & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin B2

Food Sources

Dairy products, fish, dark green vegetables, eggs, beef, wholegrain cereals.

Functions

For the production of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Helps maintain healthy skin.
May reduce frequency and severity of migraines. Supports eye health.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Cracking of lips & corners of mouth, watering, itching, burning eyes, lesions around eyes. Soreness and burning of lips and tongue.

Signs of Excess

Harmless effect: bright yellow discolouration of urine.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking oral contraceptives, HRT, antidepressants & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin A

Food Sources

Cod liver oil and other fish liver oils, liver, egg yolk, full cream dairy, yellow and dark green vegetables.

Functions

Essential nutrient for eye health.
Important for growth and development of body tissues.
Maintenance of healthy skin, nails and hair.

Deficiency Signs

Changes in skin texture.
Increased risk for respiratory infections.
Visual impairment, night blindness and possible blindness.
Skin problems.

Signs of Excess

Dry, red, cracking skin
Hair loss, brittle nails
Dizziness, headaches and nausea

Notes

If pregnant, avoid Vitamin A intake of > 3000 ug/day.
Beta Carotene is a safe supplement option during pregnancy.
 

Vitamin B3

Food Sources

Poultry, beef, fish, liver, pulses, peanuts, wholegrain cereals, yeasts, nuts.

Functions

Helps the body in protein metabolism and the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into energy.
May assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Deficiency Signs

Skin irritations, dermatitis.
Dementia.
Appetite loss, diarrhoea, nausea.
Memory loss, confusion, fatigue.
Muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Flushing & itching of skin, liver damage.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antidepressants & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin B5

Food Sources

Wholegrain cereals, eggs, yeasts, dried beans, fish, meat, poultry.

Functions

Plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose and proteins for energy production.
Helps maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Dry skin & hair.
Burning feet.
Insomnia.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin B6

Food Sources

Dark green vegetables, bananas, wholegrain cereals, oats, fish, poultry, pork, peas.

Functions

For energy release from protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Helps maintain healthy skin.
Cardiovascular support nutrient as it helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Dermatitis, acne, mouth sores.
Insomnia, depression.

Signs of Excess

Peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, numbness of feet.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics, antidepressants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, diuretics, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for hypertension & Parkinson’s disease
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin B12

Food Sources

Organ meats, red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products.

Functions

Contributes to the health of the nervous system and is involved in the manufacture of red blood cells.
Cardiovascular support nutrient as it helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine.
Important for strict vegetarians.

Deficiency Signs

Peripheral numbness, muscle weakness.
Memory loss, confusion, dementia, fatigue, neurological degeneration.

Signs of Excess

None known.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• strict vegetarian diet
• alcohol consumption
• taking antacids, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for cholesterol, diabetes hypertension, Parkinson’s disease & ulcers
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Folic Acid

Food Sources

Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, celery, lentils, asparagus, yeast, oranges, green beans, wholegrain cereals, fish, eggs, organ meats.

Functions

Important for cell division and in the regeneration of blood cells.
Essential during pregnancy to optimise the development of the baby’s nervous system. Cardiovascular support nutrient as it helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine.

Deficiency Signs

Anaemia (megaloblastic), spina bifida (birth defect of spinal cord), retarded growth in children, chronic diarrhoea.

Signs of Excess

Increased risk of seizures in cases of epilepsy.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
•    alcohol consumption
•    taking antacids, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, pain killers, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for cholesterol, diabetes hypertension, Parkinson’s & ulcers
•    pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin C

Food Sources

Citrus fruits, peppers (yellow, green & red), chilli, guavas, tomatoes, lettuce, kiwi fruit, papaya.

Functions

Plays a role in maintaining healthy gums, skin and connective tissue. Helps with the absorption of iron from food.
Functions as a tissue antioxidant thereby keeping cells healthy. Supports cardiovascular health and the immune system.

Deficiency Signs

Bleeding gums, poor healing of bruises and wounds.
Muscular atrophy.
Skin lesions.
Rheumatic pain in legs.
Depression.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea, gastro-intestinal disturbance.
Increased risk for oxalate kidney stones.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for hypertension & pain killers
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Vitamin D

Food Sources

Fatty fish, eggs, liver, fish liver oil, foods enriched with vitamin D such as butter & margarine.

Functions

For the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.
Helps the body utilise calcium which is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.

Deficiency Signs

Rickets in children.
Loss of bone density in adults with increased risk for osteoporosis.

Signs of Excess

Constipation, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting. Calcium deposits in soft tissues (kidneys, lungs, heart).
Increased risk for kidney stones. Irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• poor sunlight exposure of skin, as sunlight activates inactive form of vitamin D in our bodies.
• taking antacids, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory drugs & corticosteroids.
 

Vitamin E

Food Sources

Avocado, wheat germ, wheat germ oil, whole-wheat foods, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Functions

Functions as a tissue antioxidant, thereby keeping cells healthy. Protects unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A against oxidation in the body. Supports cardiovascular health.
Protects red blood cells.

Deficiency Signs

Neurological damage, shortened life-span of red blood cells.
Balance & coordination problems.
Visual impairment.

Signs of Excess

Gastro-intestinal disturbances.
Fatigue, muscle weakness. Headaches.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• breastfeeding
 

Vitamin K

Food Sources

Alfalfa, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, Swiss chard, broccoli, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, pistachio nuts.

Functions

Vitamin K is an important factor for blood clotting. It is also an important vitamin for bone health.

Deficiency Signs

Increased bruising, poor blood clotting with subsequent bleeding.

Signs of Excess

Flushing, sweating.

Notes

Vitamin K supplements should only be used on prescription and under strict medical supervision.
 

Calcium

Food Sources

Milk, yoghurt, cheese, tinned sardines or pilchards, spinach, sesame seeds, soy beans, soy milk

Functions

Structural mineral for bones and teeth.
Sufficient, regular intake assists in optimising bone density.
Assists with muscle contraction.

Deficiency Signs

Increased risk for osteoporosis and colon cancer.

Signs of Excess

Calcium deposits in soft tissues, such as kidneys.
Constipation.

Notes

Requirements increase with: • pregnancy and breastfeeding • alcohol consumption • taking antacids, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, laxatives, medication for gout and ulcers
 

Magnesium

Food Sources

Green vegetables, lean red meat, wholegrain cereals, nuts, pulses.

Functions

Structural mineral in bones.
Assists in muscle contraction.
Energy and protein metabolism.
Maintenance of nervous system and cardiovascular system.

Deficiency Signs

Muscle spasms, convulsions.
Muscle weakness.
Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting.
Increased risk for osteoporosis.
Irregular heartbeat.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, diuretics, medication for diabetes, oral contraceptives, HRT, laxatives
 

Phosphorus

Food Sources

Cheese, eggs, milk, yoghurt, meat, fish, poultry and other protein rich foods.

Functions

Important for healthy bones and teeth.
Maintenance of pH (acid/base) balance.
Important component of genetic material.

Deficiency Signs

Muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Reduction in bone density.

Notes

Dietary inadequacy is unlikely with sufficient intake of protein- and calcium rich foods.
 

Iron

Food Sources

Red meat, molasses, spinach, liver, egg yolk, oysters, raisins, prunes.

Functions

Important component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, required for oxygen transfer in blood stream.

Deficiency Signs

Anaemia with subsequent fatigue and shortness of breath.
Learning difficulties in children.
Increased susceptibility to infections.

Signs of Excess

Increased risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Aching joints.
Constipation, nausea.

Notes

Non-haeme iron (plant sources) is better absorbed with the presence of Vitamin C.
Requirements increase with:
•    pregnancy
•    taking anti-inflammatory drugs, medication for ulcers
 

Zinc

Food Sources

Oysters and other shellfish, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pulses, nuts, dairy products, wholegrain cereals.

Functions

Immune support nutrient.
Assists in healing of wounds.
Maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails.
Supports eye health.
Bone health nutrient.

Deficiency Signs

Increased susceptibility to infections.
Delayed wound healing, skin lesions.
Hair loss, decrease in taste sensation.

Signs of Excess

Decreased Copper absorption with Zinc intakes exceeding 150 mg per day.
Gastro-intestinal irritations, nausea and vomiting.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
•    pregnancy and breastfeeding
•    alcohol consumption
•    taking antibiotics, diuretics, oral contraceptives, HRT, painkillers, medication for hypertension and ulcers
 

Fluoride

Food Sources

Water, tea, coffee, rice, spinach, soybeans, onions, lettuce.

Functions

Maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.

Deficiency Signs

Increased risk of dental caries.

Signs of Excess

Discolouration of teeth.
Flaking and decay of teeth.

Notes

Fluoride is added to drinking water in areas known to have low soil fluoride content.
 

Iodine

Food Sources

Kelp, Iodised salt, spirulina, fish & seafood, most vegetables.

Functions

Important component of thyroid hormones which control metabolism.

Deficiency Signs

Concentration problems in children.
Thyroid problems such as goiter.
Cretinism among children.

Signs of Excess

Tyroid problems.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
•    pregnancy and breastfeeding
 

Selenium

Food Sources

Brazil nuts, other nuts, seeds, wholegrain cereals, onions, lean meats.

Functions

Antioxidant nutrient, protecting body cells against free radical damage.
Supports healthy immune function.

Deficiency Signs

Suppressed immune function.
Joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Increased risk for cancer.

Signs of Excess

Changes in skin and nails.
Tooth decay.
Nausea and gastro-intestinal upsets.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
•    pregnancy and breastfeeding
•    alcohol consumption
•    taking anti-inflammatory drugs
 

Chromium

Food Sources

Brewer’s yeast, broccoli, turkey, pulses, wholegrain cereals, seafood, potatoes, molasses.

Functions

Supports insulin action, therefore important nutrient for glucose metabolism and blood glucose control.

Deficiency Signs

Insulin resistance.
Blood lipid abnormalities: increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Impaired growth.

Signs of Excess

Skin lesions

Notes

Requirements increase with:
•    pregnancy and breastfeeding
 

Manganese

Food Sources

Spinach, beet greens, blueberries, wholegrain cereals, nuts, tea, pulses, organ meats.

Functions

Maintenance of healthy bone tissue.
Enzyme activator.
Co-factor in energy metabolism.

Deficiency Signs

None documented.

Signs of Excess

None documented.

Notes

Manganese is found in important organs such as the pancreas, liver, pituitary gland and intestinal tissues.
 

Copper

Food Sources

Mushrooms, liver, kidneys, shellfish, cherries, nuts, wholegrain cereals.

Functions

Component of DNA & RNA (genetic material), as well as important enzymes controlling various metabolic processes in the body.

Deficiency Signs

Anaemia.
Demineralisation of bone tissue.
De-pigmentation of skin and hair.

Signs of Excess

Liver cirrhosis.
Abnormalities in red blood cells.

Notes

Regular high intakes of Zinc (more than 150 mg/day) and Vitamin C (more than 1500 mg/day) may impair copper absorption and status.
 

Molybdenum

Food Sources

Pulses, dark green leafy vegetables, organ meats.

Functions

Essential component of important enzymes that regulate various biochemical processes.

Deficiency Signs

Mental abnormalities.

Signs of Excess

Gout type symptoms.

Notes

Little information is available about this micronutrient, especially relating to deficient and excessive intakes, which indicates need for further investigations.
 

Kelp

Benefits

Kelp, also known as seaweed, contains fibre, minerals such as iron, vitamin B12, and is especially rich in iodine. Iodine is an important trace element which forms part of the thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism. Kelp is a popular supplement to assist in weight loss, due to its effects on metabolic rate. Kelp is also known for its diuretic properties and may be used to assist in the treatment of mild water retention. It is a concentrated source of a variety of antioxidant nutrients, which may help to protect our body cells against free radical damage.

Precautions & Notes

Avoid in cases of Iodine allergy, or in conjunction with medication for underactive Thyroid.
 

Brewers Yeast

Benefits

Brewer’s Yeast is a natural source of Vitamin B Complex, as well as minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and chromium. The B-vitamins are known to support energy metabolism as well as the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Chromium supports the body’s regulation of blood glucose levels and is therefore of particular importance to diabetics and people that suffer with hyperglycaemia.
 

Manganese Sulphate

Benefits

Manganese is a trace mineral which serves as a cofactor in many biochemical reactions in the body. It is found in foods such as nuts, seeds, pulses, seeds, whole-grain cereals and dark green leafy green vegetables. Manganese plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Precautions & Notes

Safety of therapeutic doses has not been established during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
 

Potassium

Benefits

Potassium, a very important electrolyte in the body, is found in foods such as molasses, tomatoes, celery, bananas, potatoes and dried guavas and apricots. Potassium-chloride is often recommended as a salt replacement for people that suffer with high blood pressure and is believed to help reduce the risk of a stroke.

Precautions & Notes

Safety of therapeutic doses has not been established during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
 

Nicotinamide

Food Sources

Poultry, beef, fish, liver, pulses, peanuts, wholegrain cereals, yeasts, nuts.

Functions

Helps the body in protein metabolism and the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into energy.
May assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Deficiency Signs

Skin irritations, dermatitis.
Dementia.
Appetite loss, diarrhoea, nausea.
Memory loss, confusion, fatigue.
Muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Flushing & itching of skin, liver damage.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antidepressants & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Pantothenic Acid

Food Sources

Wholegrain cereals, eggs, yeasts, dried beans, fish, meat, poultry.

Functions

Plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose and proteins for energy production.
Helps maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Dry skin & hair.
Burning feet.
Insomnia.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Thiamine

Food Sources

Whole grains, lean pork, liver, wheat-germ, eggs, dried beans, nuts, seeds, yeasts, potatoes.

Functions

Required for the release of energy from glucose and for the transformation of carbohydrates to fat.
Maintains healthy nerve function.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue
Depression & irritability
Weight loss & muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Headaches
Convulsions, muscular weakness
Irregular heartbeat

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• oral contraceptives, HRT, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, diuretics & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Riboflavin

Food Sources

Dairy products, fish, dark green vegetables, eggs, beef, wholegrain cereals.

Functions

For the production of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Helps maintain healthy skin.
May reduce frequency and severity of migraines. Supports eye health.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Cracking of lips & corners of mouth, watering, itching, burning eyes, lesions around eyes. Soreness and burning of lips and tongue.

Signs of Excess

Harmless effect: bright yellow discolouration of urine.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking oral contraceptives, HRT, antidepressants & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Pyridoxine

Food Sources

Dark green vegetables, bananas, wholegrain cereals, oats, fish, poultry, pork, peas.

Functions

For energy release from protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Helps maintain healthy skin.
Cardiovascular support nutrient as it helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Dermatitis, acne, mouth sores.
Insomnia, depression.

Signs of Excess

Peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, numbness of feet.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics, antidepressants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, diuretics, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for hypertension & Parkinson’s disease
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Cyanocobalamin

Food Sources

Organ meats, red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products.

Functions

Contributes to the health of the nervous system and is involved in the manufacture of red blood cells.
Cardiovascular support nutrient as it helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine.
Important for strict vegetarians.

Deficiency Signs

Peripheral numbness, muscle weakness.
Memory loss, confusion, dementia, fatigue, neurological degeneration.

Signs of Excess

None known.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• strict vegetarian diet
• alcohol consumption
• taking antacids, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for cholesterol, diabetes hypertension, Parkinson’s disease & ulcers
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Nicotinic Acid

Food Sources

Poultry, beef, fish, liver, pulses, peanuts, wholegrain cereals, yeasts, nuts.

Functions

Helps the body in protein metabolism and the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into energy.
May assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Deficiency Signs

Skin irritations, dermatitis.
Dementia.
Appetite loss, diarrhoea, nausea.
Memory loss, confusion, fatigue.
Muscle weakness.

Signs of Excess

Flushing & itching of skin, liver damage.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antidepressants & antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Ascorbic Acid

Food Sources

Citrus fruits, peppers (yellow, green & red), chilli, guavas, tomatoes, lettuce, kiwi fruit, papaya.

Functions

Plays a role in maintaining healthy gums, skin and connective tissue. Helps with the absorption of iron from food.
Functions as a tissue antioxidant thereby keeping cells healthy. Supports cardiovascular health and the immune system.

Deficiency Signs

Bleeding gums, poor healing of bruises and wounds.
Muscular atrophy.
Skin lesions.
Rheumatic pain in legs.
Depression.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea, gastro-intestinal disturbance.
Increased risk for oxalate kidney stones.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, HRT, medication for hypertension & pain killers
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

Cholecalciferol

Food Sources

Fatty fish, eggs, liver, fish liver oil, foods enriched with vitamin D such as butter & margarine.

Functions

For the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.
Helps the body utilise calcium which is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.

Deficiency Signs

Rickets in children.
Loss of bone density in adults with increased risk for osteoporosis.

Signs of Excess

Constipation, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting. Calcium deposits in soft tissues (kidneys, lungs, heart).
Increased risk for kidney stones. Irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• poor sunlight exposure of skin, as sunlight activates inactive form of vitamin D in our bodies.
• taking antacids, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory drugs & corticosteroids.
 

Menadione

Food Sources

Alfalfa, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, Swiss chard, broccoli, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, pistachio nuts.

Functions

Vitamin K is an important factor for blood clotting. It is also an important vitamin for bone health.

Deficiency Signs

Increased bruising, poor blood clotting with subsequent bleeding.

Signs of Excess

Flushing, sweating.

Notes

Vitamin K supplements should only be used on prescription and under strict medical supervision.
 

Calcium Pantothenate

Food Sources

Wholegrain cereals, eggs, yeasts, dried beans, fish, meat, poultry.

Functions

Plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose and proteins for energy production.
Helps maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes.

Deficiency Signs

Fatigue.
Dry skin & hair.
Burning feet.
Insomnia.

Signs of Excess

Diarrhoea.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• alcohol consumption
• taking antibiotics
• pregnancy & breastfeeding
 

D-Alpha Tocopherol

Food Sources

Avocado, wheat germ, wheat germ oil, whole-wheat foods, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Functions

Functions as a tissue antioxidant, thereby keeping cells healthy. Protects unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A against oxidation in the body. Supports cardiovascular health.
Protects red blood cells.

Deficiency Signs

Neurological damage, shortened life-span of red blood cells.
Balance & coordination problems.
Visual impairment.

Signs of Excess

Gastro-intestinal disturbances.
Fatigue, muscle weakness. Headaches.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• breastfeeding
 

DI-Alpha Tocopherol

Food Sources

Avocado, wheat germ, wheat germ oil, whole-wheat foods, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Functions

Functions as a tissue antioxidant, thereby keeping cells healthy. Protects unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A against oxidation in the body. Supports cardiovascular health.
Protects red blood cells.

Deficiency Signs

Neurological damage, shortened life-span of red blood cells.
Balance & coordination problems.
Visual impairment.

Signs of Excess

Gastro-intestinal disturbances.
Fatigue, muscle weakness. Headaches.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• breastfeeding
 

DI-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate

Food Sources

Avocado, wheat germ, wheat germ oil, whole-wheat foods, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Functions

Functions as a tissue antioxidant, thereby keeping cells healthy. Protects unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A against oxidation in the body. Supports cardiovascular health.
Protects red blood cells.

Deficiency Signs

Neurological damage, shortened life-span of red blood cells.
Balance & coordination problems.
Visual impairment.

Signs of Excess

Gastro-intestinal disturbances.
Fatigue, muscle weakness. Headaches.

Notes

Requirements increase with:
• breastfeeding
 

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