Oral Nutrition Supplements

Nutritional supplements may contain things like Omega 3 acid or vitamin C.

There are a variety of oral nutritional supplements available at virtually any pharmacy or health food store. Nearly all come in pill form and are taken daily with food. These supplements, some of which are vitamins, while others are acids or elements, all have unique advantages that contribute to their consumption.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for health of the eye, and a Vitamin A deficiency could very well lead to a sufficient loss of vision of even night blindness. It also plays role in immune system strength and skin health. Vitamin A deficiency has been estimated by the World Health Organization to have caused around 1.2 million deaths since 1998. Along with supplements, sources of of Vitamin A include butter, carrots, and liver and pork.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is integral in helping the brain process energy from proteins and glucose, though deficiency to the vitamin would affect all the body's organ systems. A Thiamine deficiency can lead to neurodegradation, the degrading of the brain, and extreme fatigue. Taking the recommended daily dose of Thiamine will help promote metabolism in the brain and help stave off metabolic imbalances that may have resulted from heavy alcohol consumption.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, which is also known as Vitamin B2, plays a key role in converting carbohydrates into usable energy and promote the body's metabolism. It is also essential in the production of red blood cells and for tissue respiration. A healthy intake of Riboflavin can help prevent headaches, arthritis and cataracts. It also helps strengthen the immune system by reinforcing the body's reserve of antibodies. It also plays a vital role in tissue regeneration, including participating in the production of hair, nails, and connective tissues like tendons.

Potassium

Potassium is an element and is essential in maintaining the proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the human body. It aids the cells' abilities to create electrical discharges, which is vital for bodily functions such as neurotransmission, which the brain uses to move muscles. A lack of potassium may lead to a condition known as hypokalemia, whereas the body will constantly lose fluid through either vomiting or diarrhea and could potentially be fatal.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a very diverse vitamin known for its abundance in oranges. It helps promote the body's immune system and helps prevent further complications like cardiovascular disease, scurvy, and even wrinkling of the skin. According to Mark Moyad of the University of Michigan, the ideal consumption of Vitamin C per day should be around 500 mg to achieve any major health benefits, far surpassing the recommended daily dosage of 90 mg for adults.

Minerals

Some common minerals found in dietary supplements include iron, zinc and magnesium. Iron and magnesium assist the brain in processing nutrients while zinc aids in the manufacture of protein and DNA.

References

• WHO: Micronutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin A
• Vitamins-Supplements: Vitaman B1
• Life Clinic: Vitamin A - The Benefits of Vitamin A
• Vitamins-Nutrition: Potassium Benefits
• WebMD: The Benefits of Vitamin C
• Life Clinic: Common Supplements