Bluebonnet Nutritions

B vitamins in the body function mainly as coenzymes or parts of coenzymes. Coenzymes are considered to be the keys that unlock the mechanism of action of enzymes that speed up reactions in the body. B vitamins are utilized in a wide variety of functions in the body, such as the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and fat and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, betaine, RNA/DNA, red blood cells, amino acids involved in the reduction of homocysteine levels, and antioxidants such as glutathione.

Some B vitamin derivatives, also known as quasi-vitamins, function similarly to vitamins, but their human requirements are not yet known, even though they are associated with important biological activities in the body. Inositol, choline and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) are known to be part of the B-complex family, while taurine and carnitine, which are also derived from B vitamins, are usually listed in the amino acid family due to their shape. Although they are all known to play fundamental roles in the body, they have not yet been proven to be essential in the diet for humans since they can be synthesized in the body from B vitamins and other nutrients.

Choline is a vitamin-like substance and considered a B vitamin derivative. Along with vitamins B6, folate and B12, choline helps metabolize homocysteine to L-methionine and L-cysteine in the body. Choline functions as a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, and it is also a component of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine. Additionally, it is a major component of cell membrane and blood lipoproteins. Plus, choline is a precursor for the methyl donor betaine, which acts as a source of HCl in the gut for optimal heart and digestive health. Significant dietary sources of choline include egg yolk, soy, chicken, Atlantic cod, wheat germ and broccoli.

Inositol is often associated with vitamin B complex but is actually considered a B vitamin derivative that serves as an important component of phospholipids. Inositol is converted to phosphatidylinositol, a phospholipid that is important for the maintenance of cellular membranes, metabolism and growth.

Much of the inositol in body cells occurs in phosphorylated forms, such as inositol triphosphate (IP3), which is found in the cell cytosol. IP3, when incorporated into the phospholipids located at the cell membrane, has been shown to effectively stimulate calcium ions and provide potent cellular support and protection. Foods sources rich in inositol include lecithin, beef heart, beef liver, wheat germ, soybeans and egg yolk.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble, essential nutrient. Human beings are actually one of the few mammals that are unable to synthesize vitamin C, making it one of the essential nutrients that must be obtained from the diet. Vitamin C is involved in many complex functional roles in the body, such as neurotransmitter, collagen, carnitine and tyrosine synthesis and catabolism. In addition to its many functional roles, vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, either by scavenging or neutralizing oxygen or nitrogen free radicals, protecting healthy cells in the body and lungs. Dietary sources that are high in vitamin C include orange juice, strawberries, oranges, fortified cereals and most citrus fruits.

Vitamin E is a generic term for a family of eight different compounds, designated as alpha, beta, gamma or delta tocopherols and tocotrienols, all of which work better together as a team to cover a wide spectrum of applications. These compounds are similar in structure, but offer different functions in the body. The main difference between the tocopherols and tocotrienols is the tail configuration. Tocopherols have a saturated side chain, while tocotrienols have an unsaturated side chain. Together, they supprt the immune system, aid in heart health and enhance antioxidant production in the body. Exceptional dietary sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts.

Vitamin K is a group of lipid-soluble or lipophilic (fat-loving) vitamins; only two of which occur naturally. Phylloquinone (K1), sometimes called Phytonadione and Phytomenadione, is isolated from green plants like kale and broccoli, while Menaquinone-7 (K2 or MK-7) is generally synthesized in the large intestine by bacteria in humans or can be found in small amounts in liver curd, eggs, cheese and fermented soybeans known as natto.

Very little vitamin K is actually stored in the body and what is stored is rapidly depleted without regular dietary intake. The body recycles it through a process called the vitamin K cycle. Vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting properties, while K2 has been found to offset bone demineralization issues by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone reabsorption in the body.