What can Vitamin Deficiencies Do?
By: Dr. Obikoya

Vitamins are essential to healthy living. Despite the fact that we need relatively small quantities of most of them to be healthy and strong, they are, nevertheless, critical to our well-being.

There are different types of vitamins and each type has its specific benefits to us. In general, however, vitamins fall into two main categories, the water-soluble and the fat-soluble vitamins. Members of each group share certain features but also have specific benefits. For example, the fat-soluble vitamins are known to have potent antioxidant properties. Deficiencies of these vitamins will, therefore, rob the individual of this very valuable benefit plus the benefits of the individual vitamin as well.

What vitamin deficiencies do can, then be seen as resulting in the loss of the specific and general attributes of the vitamin in question. This, however, is not the end of the story. Each vitamin also has a complex of symptoms and signs that characterize its deficiency. Currently, the most important benefit claimed for vitamins A, C, E, and many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals is their role as antioxidants, which are scavengers of particles known as oxygen-free radicals (or oxidants). These chemically active particles are by-products of many of the body's normal chemical processes. Their numbers are increased by environmental assaults, such as smoking, chemicals, toxins, and stress. The simple act of living also produces them, as we breathe in oxygen constantly.

At moderate to high levels, oxidants and free radicals can be very harmful. They can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of disorders including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and even the aging process itself. Oxygen-free radicals can also enhance the dangerous properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a major player in the development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), carotenoids, and many phytochemicals can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even prevent some of their damage.

Of special note, there is some increasing evidence that *very* high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene supplements may have pro-oxidant effects, which can be harmful in certain cases. Everyone should try to obtain these nutrients from dark colored fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain balanced teams of antioxidant vitamins and nutrients.

Deficiencies in Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene have been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects and other properties that may benefit the heart.

Vitamin E may prevent blood clots and the formation of fatty plaques and cell proliferation on the walls of the arteries. Of interest are studies suggesting that 1200 IU of the natural (d) alpha tocopherol form of vitamin E reduces inflammation and damage in the blood vessels, and one suggested that these effects may be of particular benefit for people with type 2 Diabetes. Vitamin E deficiency should, therefore, not be allowed to occur if you have this type of Diabetes.

Other vitamin E compounds, including gamma tocopherol or tocotrienol may also have specific benefits. Studies are fairly consistent in indicating that eating foods rich in natural vitamin E may be protective. Vitamin C appears to maintain blood vessel flexibility and to improve circulation in the arteries of smokers. In one English 2001 study, people whose diets were rich in foods that elevated levels of vitamin C in their blood were at lower risk for heart disease, overall poor health, and death. Vitamins E and C in combination have been shown to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Several important studies have demonstrated a link between deficiencies in the B vitamins folate, B6, and B12 and elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease. Both B12 and folate reduce homocysteine levels, although it is not yet clear if this effect is actually protective against heart disease. (Homocysteine may simply be a marker, not a cause, of heart disease.) Major studies are under way and early results of small studies are promising. A 2001 study, for example, reported lower rates of heart disease in populations that had high levels of folate and B12 regardless of any other risk factors.

Dosage of 0.8 mg/ day of folic acid appears to be necessary for reducing homocysteine levels. Folate also improves blood flow through the arteries, which may be of equal or greater importance for the heart than its effect on homocysteine. Niacin (vitamin B3) is used for lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels. Although vitamin B3 is available over the counter, a physician should prescribe niacin in order to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Studies have reported that a high intake of fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene, lycopene, and other carotenoids may reduce the risk of heart attack. For example, lycopene-poor diets (particularly lycopene in tomatoes) were associated with a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke. In another study involving animals, lutein protected against early hardening of the arteries.

It should be stressed, however, that studies are continuing to indicate that high doses of supplements of any of these antioxidants have pro-oxidant effects that can harm the arteries and incur other damage, so avoid very high doses.

The protection that vitamins offer us against a variety of other diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s diseases, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases by boosting our immunity and eyes and skin function among others will be lost if these and other vitamins are deficient. We will also suffer from the symptoms and signs of the lack of each respective vitamin. Maintaining proper vitamin intake is quite simple, with the help of a healthy diet and possibly a daily multivitamin.