Vitamin A is the name given to a group of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds.  Two different types of vitamin A are found in the diet; “preformed vitamin A” (also referred to as retinol or retinal) is found in animal products and “pro-vitamin A” is found in plant based foods - the most common type being beta-carotene.  It was the first fat soluble vitamin to be recognised and is sometimes referred to as the “anti-infective” vitamin due to its enhancement of the body’s immunity against infections by increasing the lymphatic responses against disease forming antigens.  It keeps the mucous membranes moist that line the mouth, respiratory passage and urinary tract and enhances the activity of white blood cells. 

Known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina in the eye, it enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist and improves night vision.  It can also significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Vitamin A helps to keep your body free from free radicals and toxins which might cause damage to your skin, helping to keep it soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention.  Vitamin A deficiency can impair iron metabolism which can lead to anaemia despite adequate iron intake.  Playing an important role in cells’ ability to adapt to perform specific functions in larger organs, the richest sources of preformed vitamin A are found in liver, kidney, butter and whole milk, whereas good sources of pro-vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.

Vitamin A contributes to:

·         normal iron metabolism

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the maintenance of normal vision

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation

Iron is needed for a number of highly complex processes that continuously take place in the body on a molecular level and that are indispensable to human life.  Formation of haemoglobin is the chief function of this mineral – this is the primary protein found in red blood cells and represents about two thirds of the body’s iron.  Haemoglobin binds to the oxygen molecules that you breathe in from the air and releases them into your tissues.  The brain receives around 20% of the blood oxygen and a proper flow of blood to the brain can stimulate cognitive activity and help to create new neural pathways, it is especially important that children consume enough iron in their diet – iron deficiency in the first two years of a child’s life is associated with delayed cognitive and psychomotor development.  

Ribonucleic reductase is an iron dependant enzyme that is required for DNA synthesis (cell division), thus iron is required for a number of functions including healing and immune function - red blood cells are necessary for providing oxygen to damaged tissues, organs and cells.  Iron is also involved in food metabolism and is a cofactor and activator for some enzymes which play key roles in energy production and metabolism.  If iron stores are low symptoms can include tiredness, fatigue and dizziness.  Dietary iron has two forms, heme (animal based) and non-heme (plant based), important sources are; grass fed beef, oysters, spinach, lentils and beans.

Iron contributes to:

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin

·         normal oxygen transport in the body

·         normal function of the immune system

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         normal cognitive development of children

·         Iron has a role in the process of cell division

Proteins are a group of biological compounds which are present in every live cell, organ and tissue of the body.  Meaning “first” or “of prime importance” in Greek, proteins participate in every cellular process occurring in the body.  Proteins are made up of structures called amino acids, there are a total of 21 amino acids, 9 are essential, the rest are nonessential – you must consume the essential amino acids in your diet because your body cannot make them. 

Dietary protein supports bone health in three main ways: by supplying the raw material required to construct soft bone matrix, by increasing plasma IGF1 and by promoting muscle growth and retention.  IGF1 is a growth hormone that stimulates and increases the activity of osteoblasts (cells which secrete the substance of bone).  It is especially important to ensure that children get enough protein since they are still developing and it is necessary to ensure their growth is unimpaired.  Proteins play an important role in muscle contraction and coordination, they are present in the muscle tissues in the form of many microfilaments and provide muscle structure.  Muscle growth depends on the adequacy of proteins in the body.  Proteins function as building blocks for muscles, bones and cartilage, opt for a variety of whole foods to meet your protein needs including; grass fed meat and poultry, eggs, dairy, seeds, beans and nuts.

Protein contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         a growth in muscle mass

·         the maintenance of muscle mass

·         Protein is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.

Vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the safest and most effective vitamins whose benefits are many.  It is absolutely vital in collagen production – collagen is a simple protein and an essential part of our connective tissue – the very framework of our body.  All of the components that hold our bodies together such as skin, bones, blood vessels, teeth and gums, tendons and cartilage rely upon collagen.  Vitamin C is directly responsible for influencing collagen synthesis and helps to shield us from the symptoms of collagen deletion – most famously scurvy! 

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals which are harmful by-products of digestion or foreign substances in the atmosphere.  Inside the body it changes form to a negatively charged compound called ascorbate which helps to protect nerve cells and improves psychological function.  It has been known as the antioxidant’s antioxidant because it functions to protect vitamin E from oxidation too, another vitamin that interacts with free radicals to prevent cell damage.  Vitamin C strongly enhances the absorption of iron - when they are consumed and digested together, vitamin C combines with the iron to form a compound that is more easily absorbed.  Crucial to the overall health of the body in its efforts to fight off infections – both bacterial and viral – white blood cells contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C than other cells and require constant replenishment to keep the immune system working to its optimum capacity, especially during and after intense physical exercise.    Whilst highly concentrated in citrus fruits, other rich sources of vitamin C are acerola cherries, leafy green vegetables, red peppers and potatoes.

Vitamin C contributes to:

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E

·         Vitamin C increases iron absorption