Ancient Times
During ancient times, nearly 3300 BCE to 100 CE, many things were being established, for example municipalities and continual cultivation. In Sumaria (in modern Iraq), it was discovered that food, not only allow human beings to stay alive but it has an immense impact on people’s health. This was an introductory concept that influenced the discovery of Vitamins in general. But this notion was probably already known by even earlier medicine experts, at that time called shaman (Jacks, 2007). But in Sumeria and many other regions, this idea was studied in greater detail. Their information was recorded in a writing system called cuneiform, which incorporated different styles of writing; logo syllabic, syllabic and alphabetic scripts (Ancient Scripts, 2012). In 2012, Ancient Scripts stated that this method has been used for the longest period in history. The information was written on clay tablets, called clay tokens, seen in Figure 1.0. There are still some evidence of this type of script but the majority of the exertion on Vitamins cannot be found today (Jacks, 2007). They have been demolished with time or they are still obscured. Furthermore, in Ancient Egypt, certain foods were identified to improve health and recommended to the population. During the 1500 BC, humans already used fruits to treat health problems like scurvy, which was named thousands of years later.
The word scurvy is obtained from the Latin term scorbutus (Scurvy Site, 2014).This disease has affected people since prehistoric ages. It is caused by the insufficiency of Vitamin C and commonly found among people who do not have a diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. The symptoms of scurvy consist of; loss of hunger, diarrhea, breathing complica...
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... have a hard time functioning that can eventually result in heart attacks or other problems (Vitamin C's Function, 2014).
Vitamin C is produced in most living animals except for humans, primates and guinea pigs, that is why they can attain scurvy. Other animals, like dogs and cats are able to synthesize their own Vitamin C. But humans cannot perform this because there is a mutation on the l-gulonolactone oxidase gene, therefore Vitamin C cannot be produced.
Ascorbic acid is an extremely vital element that is present in many fruits and vegetables, like oranges, lemons, tomatoes, broccoli and etc. But since it can break down easily with the presence of heat, it can be lost during cooking. That is why most foods have added vitamin C. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C for adults is between 75mg to 90 mg. However, taking too much of Vitamin C can cause harm.
The widely known Linus Pauling may have been the first individual to propose the importance of vitamin C as a means of improved health, and a preventive measure of such illnesses as cancer. However, the proposal of high dosed Vitamin C was not received in a positive manner, as it is often considered one of the most controversial proposals in 20th century science. Despite the evidence proposed by Pauling, many scientists of the time deemed this idea as too “simplistic”; the proposal of high dosed vitamin c continued to be ignored for most of the 20th century. It wouldn’t be until Pauling’s death that this subject was viewed in more scrutiny. Many of the findings in the 21st century confirmed Linus Pauling’s proposal of almost 70 years ago. Not only has high dosed vitamin c been shown to be very effective preventive measure, it has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These findings have intrigued us to take a more in depth look at the correlation between melanoma and high dosed vitamin c.
... C in the diet. Scurvy is recognized by moderate to severe weakness and spongy bleeding gums. (Greenwood 1937) Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is found in a number of foods; many of which a typical hunter—gatherer would have eaten on a daily basis. Potatoes and other tubers, green vegetables and citrus fruits are among a few of the foods that supplement enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy.
One piece of evidence I have comes from a document called, "Understanding the Value of Multivitamin." In this document the author, Komaroff, A.L, says, "... For example, a deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy." In this line Komaroff is stating how Vitamin C can cause scurvy, which is a disease that makes us lose our teeth and so much more. In the same document they then stated, "... Such severe vitamin Deficiency are rarely seen in the developed countries. However, eating foods rich in vitamins still brings benefits… " So even if you wouldn't take multivitamins to get rid of vitamin deficiency diseases you can still take it to rid of other major killers. These major
Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse, it helps make DNA, nerve and blood cells and is crucial for a healthy brain and immune system. It is estimated that up to 15% of people don't get enough of this essential nutrient.
Vitamin, any of the organic compounds required by the body in small amounts for metabolism, to protect health, and for proper growth in children. Vitamins also assist in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous-system chemicals, and genetic material. The various vitamins are not chemically related, and most differ in their physiological actions. They generally act as catalysts, combining with proteins to create metabolically active enzymes that in turn produce hundreds of important chemical reactions throughout the body. Without vitamins, many of these reactions would slow down or cease. The intricate ways in which vitamins act on the body, however, are still far from clear.
Having a higher intake than the tolerable intake per day can result in vitamin D toxicity, which is caused when the body is ha...
The best way to raise these numbers is to modify what I give my body each day. Almonds and coconut oil added to my daily routine would enhance the linoleic acid while also being healthy choices. Eating an orange for a snack and adding more vegetables such as peppers, brussel sprouts, or kale to my diet will help me achieve a higher vitamin C count. I love cheese and milk but they have high saturated fat amounts and by limiting them, it also limits my calcium. Green vegetables and salmon are healthy alternatives to calcium intake.
On the other hand, excess lack of Vitamin A may lead to hair loss, enlarged spleen, liver damage, increase risk of bone fractures and growth retardation.
My average intake is 66 mg. it is lower than the required Vitamin C intake. Deficiency in Vitamin C can develop scurvy, if vitamin C is missing on our diet. Oranges, lemon and other citrus fruits, bell pepper, kiwi broccoli, berries, tomatoes and papayas are rich in Vitamin C . Lack of Vitamin D on diet can develop rickets to small children. The required intake for this vitamins is 15microgram and my report is zero. Vitamin D can be achieved from exposure of skin to ultra violet rays of the sun. Vitamin E is responsible for transmission of nerve impulses, body weakness and eye problem that can cause blindness. My nutrient intake for Vitamin 10 mg AT and the require intake is 15 mg AT, which is 5 mg lower than the require amount. Food related to Vitamin E are green leafy vegies such as spinach, kale are rich in Vitamin E, in addition, broccoli, hazel nuts, squash and pumpkin are also rich in Vitamin E. My vitamin K intake is 3 microgram, way too low compared to the requirement which is 90 microgram. Vitamin K deficiency can cause hemorrhagic disease of new born. Food that gives Vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, canola oils, olive oils, and
When one hears the three words: vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, they think of one thing-being healthy and noticing what your intake is daily. Nutrition is all about vitamins and nutrients. Firstly, vitamins are an organic compound required by the body in small amounts of metabolism, to protect health, and for proper growth of children. Vitamins also assist in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous systems chemicals, and genetic material. There are 13 well-identified vitamins. Some examples of the 13 well-identified vitamins are: A, D, E, and K-fat contained foods, B, C-consumed immediately. A well known and commonly used in commercials for orange juice vitamin is vitamin C. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is important in the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues. The lack of vitamin C will result in a sickness called scurvy. Scurvy harms the gums, mucous membranes, and the skin. Another well-known vitamin and is also used to commercial to give more information about this beverage is the vitamin in milk. The vitamin in milk is vitamin D. If you do not drink milk and obtain this vitamin, your bones and teeth will become soft and weak. Lacking one or more of the 13 well-identified vitamins will cause sickness and weakness to your body. Secondly, nutrients are how the body assimilates certain compounds. Nutrients are classified in 5 major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. One of the five nutrients is carbohydrate. The carbohydrate group principally consists of sugar, starch, dextrin, cellulose, and glycogen. In more basic terms, carbohydrates are sugars needed by human and other living organisms. Some types of foods that contain carbohydrates would be candies, ice cream, fruit juice, soda, chocolate bars etc. Lastly, vitamins are connected to minerals. Minerals are also a very important part of a healthy person. There are 11 major groups of minerals. They are: calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, and zinc. All these terms look very familiar if one has taken chemistry. These are the elements of our world. One of the more common minerals that most people have heard of is calcium. Calcium also helps with the structure and strength of teeth and bones. Vitamins and minerals work together to help humans maintain a healthy body. For example, vitamin D works with calcium to help for and maintain the strength of teeth and bones.
Vitamins, a group of organic substances required in our diets in small amounts for growth and nutrition, are usually found in foodstuffs or taken as supplements. Yet vitamins probably present a wider gap between myth and reality in the layman's understanding than almost any other area of our diet. Surveys have found that while a majority of Americans do take vitamin supplements on a regular or occasional basis for reason of health concerns, there exists enormous confusion about the actual purpose and benefits of this practice ("Use of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in the United States," 1990:161). Most people have a recognition that Vitamin C prevents scurvy, that Vitamin A is found in fish-liver oils, or that Vitamin D is found in dairy products; many people believe that Vitamin E preserves youth and prevents sterility, or that Vitamin C can present colds and cancer. Beyond this, however, there is still considerable ignorance and widespread myth.
Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is needed for growth and maintenance of healthy tissues, especially skin, blood vessels, bones, gums, teeth. Vitamin C aids in resistance against infection and healing of wounds. It also helps the body absorb iron from food. Vitamin C can be found in green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemon. A lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy, iron deficiency and poor wound healing. A healthy diet should include a high amount of vitamin C because the human body cannot produce its own vitamin C.
There are only two negative aspects of vitamin C. It is not produced in the human body, so a person needs to have a daily intake of at least 60 mg (recommended daily value) to stay healthy (5). There are many ways for a person to obtain vitamin C. One way is to take a daily vitamin that contains 100% of the recommended amount. Other ways to receive the amount needed is to eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. Some fruit rich in vitamin C are oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, and strawberries. Some vegetables that contain a high amount of vitamin C are asparagus, brussel s...
From the beginning of time, human life has faced problems with diseases and health care. Ancient ailments have been with mankind as far as man can remember, such as arthritis and, infectious bone disease found in fossilized bones and Egyptian mummies, indicating its existence. Then a human life span was only 20-30years, chronic illnesses were rare and preventative medicine primarily consisted of warding off evil spirits by painting the body or sometimes even mutilating it (Mitchell, Heroun 37). As time went on and new “tools” better described as “technology” is created and applied the everyday use in many ways. For example; in the 1600’s the invention of the printing press quickly allowed for new books and information to be widely distributed. By the 18th century progress increased due to the rapid sharing of knowledge from one to the next. With the knowledge of many experiments and studies came the philosophy of “enlightenment” witch took on a more rational approach to problems and knowledge that can be read (Mitchell, Heroun 39). the In the early 19th century preventive medicine made great strides as the average human lifespan increased from 40 years in 1850 to 70 years in1950. As advances were m...
If we continue to eat unhealthy it can cause some huge problems in the future. When eating unhealthy you have less vitamins in your system, which can cause some severe diseases. One is the lack in vitamin C can cause a disease called Scurvy. Early Symptoms of Scurvy are weakness, feeling tired, and sore muscles. Later it causes decrease in red blood cells, gum disease, and bleeding from the skin.