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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

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