Introduction

One of the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D constitutes two major forms which are vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is synthesised by plants whilst vitamin D3 is synthesised by the body. Vitamin D is naturally present in a number of food sources and dietary supplements, and is also manufactured with the aid of sun exposure. It is produced within the body when ultraviolet-B or UVB rays from sunlight reaches the skin. The liver and the kidney eventually help to convert vitamin D to an active hormone form.

Functions of Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays several key roles in the maintenance of organ systems. For example:

* Vitamin D helps regulate calcium concentrations in the blood. Since it works more like a hormone, its active form, calcitriol acts with the parathyroid hormone or PTH. If the calcium level is low, this would trigger the secretion of PTH, which would stimulate the conversion of vitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol would then act to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium resorption in the kidneys and stimulate calcium release from the bones.

* Vitamin D helps maintain blood phosphorus levels. Low levels of vitamin D can result to an overactive parathyroid gland. Also with inadequate phosphorus in the body, bones cannot undergo normal mineralisation.

* It is also said that vitamin D benefits the immune system since the T-cells or immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. It acts by boosting phagocytosis, the bodily functions to combat tumours, modulate neuromuscular and immune functions and reduce inflammation.

* Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal cell growth and function. It may be an important element to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has also been suggested that vitamin D plays a role in regulating the growth and function of brain cells.

* Research studies suggest that vitamin D, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in providing protection against osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis and numerous autoimmune diseases.

Deficiency Conditions

There may be certain underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency. It can result from:

* Inadequate vitamin D intake together with inadequate sun exposure

* Certain disorders that compromise vitamin D absorption

* Conditions that can impair the conversion of vitamin D metabolites such as kidney or liver diseases or hereditary disorders.

Insufficient vitamin D intake can have serious effects on the bones, which can make them thin, brittle or deformed. Vitamin D deficiency often results in conditions like:

* Rickets which is common in children and is characterised by delayed growth and deformity of long bones.

* Osteomalacia, which occurs in adults and results in thinning of the bones. Signs of proximal weakness and bone fragility are familiar characteristics.

* Osteoporosis which is a condition wherein the bone mineral density is reduced and bone fragility is increased.

<p>Lack of vitamin D may also be linked to increased susceptibility of several chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cancer, tuberculosis, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, schisophrenia, depression, affective disorders, peripheral arterial disease and a number of autoimmune diseases such as type-1 diabetes.</p>

Deficiency Symptoms in Adults and Infants

Signs of vitamin D deficiency includes muscle aches, myopathy or muscle weakness and bone pain. These symptoms can occur at any age. Pregnant mothers who have vitamin D deficiency can also cause fetal deficiency.

In younger infants, rickets can produce a condition called craniotabes or softening of the skull. In older babies, rickets can impede or delay sitting and crawling and the closure of the fontanels; bossing of the infants’ skull and presence of costochondral thickening or what is referred to as ‘rachitic rosary’. Children with rickets aged 1-4 years old experience epiphyseal cartilage enlargements on the long bones and delayed walking. Older children and adolescents can experience pain upon walking and in worst cases it can result in ‘bowlegs’ or ‘knock-knees’.

Tetany that is caused by hypocalcemia may go along with vitamin D deficiency in infants and adults. This condition can lead to symptoms such as loss of feeling in the lip or tongue areas and the fingers, facial spasms, and at worst, seizures.

Recommended Daily Dose of Vitamin D

Doses or intake of vitamin D is determined according to age groups. These amounts are vital to maintain normal growth and bone health and also normal calcium metabolism in the body. The adequate intakes or AIs for vitamin D indicated are based on the supposition that the vitamin D is not synthesized by sunlight exposure.

From birth to age 13, the recommended AI for children is 5 mcg or 200 IU; for both males and females aged 14-50 years old, 5 mcg or 200 IU is needed; for both males and females aged 51-70 years of age, 10 mcg or 400 IU is required; both males and females reaching the age of 71 and up require 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D. Pregnant and lactating mothers need 5 mcg or 200 IU of the vitamin.

Vitamin D Food Sources

Only a few food sources contain vitamin D. Best sources of vitamin D are fish meat and fish liver oils. There are also small amounts of vitamin D, in the form of vitamin D3, found in dairy products like cheese and egg as well as beef and liver. Some types of mushrooms also contain varying amounts of vitamin D2.

Common sources of vitamin D include the following:

* Cod liver oil

* Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines

* Milk including non-fat, reduced fat, whole or vitamin D fortified

* Margarine

* Cereals

* Egg

* Beef liver

* Swiss cheese

* Fortified orange juice

* Fortified rice or soy beverage

The Need for Increased Amounts

Since obtaining sufficient amounts of vitamin D in the diet can be quite difficult, many people now consume vitamin D fortified foods in order to maintain a healthy dose of the vitamin. There are some groups however who need increased amounts of vitamin D:

* Breastfed infants because vitamin D cannot be supplied by breast milk alone

* Older people due to the fact that synthesis of vitamin D decreases with age and the ability of the kidney to convert vitamin D diminishes

* People with limited sun exposure especially those living in northern latitudes, those wearing robes or head covers or those with occupations that prevent them from having sun exposure

* People with dark skin as more skin pigments like melanin reduces the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D.

* People with fat malabsorption conditions such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, liver and celiac disease or patients who have undergone surgical removal of any part of the stomach or intestine.

* People who are obese. An increased amount of subcutaneous fat can snatch more of the vitamin D and somehow alter its release in the circulation.

Interaction of Vitamin D with Prescribed Drugs

Vitamin D supplements have the tendency to react with certain types of prescription medications. These include the following:

* Steroids or corticosteroid medications like prednisone which can cause decreased calcium absorption and also damage the vitamin D metabolism process.
* Weight-loss medications such as orlistat and cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestyramine also decrease the absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins.
* Phenobarbital and phenytoin increases vitamin D metabolism and decreases calcium absorption.

Vitamin benefits are substantial. From multi vitamins that offer our body all of the missing nutrients we do not get from eating the wrong foods, to supplements that boost energy, stave off disease, increase libido, and build our immunity. There are many different vitamin benefits.

Most doctors will advise you to take a multivitamin supplement. A multivitamin supplement gives us the nutrients we lack in our daily diets. Many of us do not get the proper vitamins that are derived from certain foods for a variety of reasons. In the world of today, everyone is in a hurry and many of us do not eat right. In addition, many essential vitamin benefits are derived from foods that certain people do not like to eat. Our body still needs these vitamins, however, so taking a supplement is one good way to get the nutrients needed without having to eat foods we do not like.

Vitamin benefits vary as do the different types of vitamins themselves. Vitamin A, for example, has many different benefits. It is shown to be a proven antioxidant and can protect against cancer. Vitamin A is also very useful in curing skin disorders, such as acne. It can even reverse cornea damage in some people.

Foods that are high in Vitamin A contain carrots, broccoli, dairy products, greens, peaches, liver, cherries and squash. When taking Vitamin A, one must be careful about overdosing on this vitamin. Symptoms of a Vitamin A overdose include nausea, vomiting, dry skin and fatigue and may even include hair loss.

Another essential vitamin that provides wonderful vitamin benefits is Vitamin B-1. The vitamin benefits of B-1 include helping with respiratory disorders, acne, fatigue, weakness and effectively fighting off many different diseases. Foods that are high in Vitamin B-1 include broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, eggs, rice, asparagus, turkey, peas, and parsley to name a few.

Vitamin benefits derived from Vitamin B-2 include aiding the body during pregnancy as well as healing wounds and mouth irritations. Many women who become pregnant suffer from anemia and for this reason, Vitamin B-2, along with iron supplements, helps them avoid some of the fatigue that often accompanies the condition. If you have cracked lips, burning eyes, hair loss or insomnia, you may be suffering from a lack of Vitamin B-2. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms as a Vitamin B-2 supplement may be the answer to your problems.

Vitamin B-3 controls cholesterol levels and is used in combination of other medications to treat cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B-3 contains Niacin which has also been used to treat schizophrenia. If you are suffering from fatigue, insomnia, depression or poor concentration, you may have a Vitamin B-3 deficiency. Vitamin benefits from Vitamin B-3 are many and this is one nutrient that you do not want to do without.

Vitamin benefits from Vitamin B-4, which is adrenine, include alleviating fatigue, strengthening the immune system and balancing blood sugar. This vitamin helps with low blood sugar, anemia, allergies, infections, constipation and also stunted growth. Children who do not appear to be growing at a normal rate are often injected with Vitamin B-4 injections. Recent studies have indicated that Vitamin B-4 can help with cancer.

Vitamin B-5 is widely available in most of our foods and actually converts fats and carbohydrates to energy and protein. Vitamin benefits from B-5 are used in post surgical procedures as well as by those who suffer from obesity. Too much of this vitamin, however, can produce diarrhea.

Vitamin benefits from Vitamin B-6 also help convert protein and carbohydrates to energy and helps with anemia and depression. If you are suffering from depression, nausea, vomiting and even symptoms of PMS, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin B-6 supplement that may alleviate your symptoms.

Vitamin B-8 is found in liver, yeast, nuts, chocolate, chicken, eggs, mushrooms, salmon, grains and cauliflower. The vitamin benefits of B-8 are needed for growth as well as the central nervous system and skin and bone marrow. In some cases, Vitamin B-8 is used to treat certain skin disorders.

Many women who are thinking about becoming pregnant are now advised to take Folic Acid, which is found in Vitamin B-9. It is believed that the vitamin benefits of B-9 can prevent birth defects as well as treat anemia. It is advised that women begin taking supplements of this vitamin prior to becoming pregnant.

Vitamin B 10, which is Paba, is not really considered a vitamin, but is used as a sunscreen and is essential for those who wish to avoid the ultraviolet rays in the sun that can cause skin cancer. Vitamin B 10 is not used orally, but directly on the skin. Years ago, Vitamin B 10 was used to fight rheumatic fever.

Vitamin benefits from Vitamin B-12 include relief from menopause as well as anemia. It is also believed that one of the vitamin benefits of B-12 can cure warts. People who are suffering from lower back pain, mental problems, memory loss, weakness and fatigue may actually have a deficiency in Vitamin B-12. A simple blood test to measure the levels off this vitamin in your body can determine if you are indeed suffering from such a deficiency and the solution can be easily remedied with a supplement.

Clearly there are many different Vitamin Benefits from the many different types of Vitamin B. Many people take a Vitamin B complex to alleviate confusion over which vitamin B they should take. A vitamin B complex has many vitamin benefits and is usually the best choice for those who want to make sure they are getting plenty of the essential vitamins found in the B vitamins.

Vitamin benefits from Vitamin C are many. This essential vitamin is proven to ward off colds, prevent some cancers and heal wounds. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and many people swear that by taking Vitamin C, they actually ward off colds. Toxicity from vitamin C is rare as it would take very large doses to cause harm. However, excessive use of vitamin C can produce a false positive in a urine glucose test.

Vitamin D is often found in dairy products and is known to promote strong bones and teeth. It is also essential in the prevention of osteoporosis, and most post-menopausal women are advised to take supplements of Vitamin D to ward off this crippling disease.

Vitamin benefits from Vitamin E range from repairing skin, reducing smoking lung damage and helping with drug therapies for those undergoing cancer treatment. People who have deficiencies of Vitamin E may experience muscle weakness, anemia, increased infections and even fibrocystic breast disease.

Vitamin K is useful in controlling blood clots. This vitamin is found in many foods and is rarely toxic, even if taken to great extremes. Most vegetables contain this valuable vitamin.

Vitamin benefits vary from treating skin diseases, preventing sunburn, curing colds to preventing cancer. Before beginning on any vitamin regiment, consult with your physician. In many cases, a good multivitamin may be all you need to make sure that your body is getting the right amount of the valuable properties found in the above mentioned vitamins.

 Pregnancy after  miscarriage is a common concern for many women that had a miscarriage. Read on to see what you can do to create a more successful pregnancy after a miscarriage.

20 -25% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. No two pregnancies are alike. Each pregnancy is a unique experience for a woman and the incoming child so we cannot compare one pregnancy to another. The success rate of a pregnancy after a miscarriage can be increased with these following tips:

Be nutritionally healthier prior to and during pregnancy. From the moment of conception your unborn child needs to constantly multiply every cell in their body to grow every organ and structure to be normal. The most common cause of an early miscarriage is an abnormal baby resulting from a defective egg or sperm. These issues are easily corrected to prevent a recurrent miscarriage. It is not good enough to just eat healthier as most of the food we eat lacks basic nutrition and minerals. But it is essential to take in a high quality supplement of vitamins and minerals that has a great absorption rate. A nutritionally healthy body will make your pregnancy after miscarriage stronger.

Keep your body constantly detoxified will also prevent miscarriages and make pregnancy after miscarriage easier. Many people are unaware that their bodies are in a constant toxic state unless they are taking antioxidants on a daily basis. Toxins can destroy healthy cells including the female egg, the male sperm and the growing fetus. Toxins comes from the following

Pesticides on the fruit and vegetables we eat unless they are organic.

Additives and preservatives in our foods.

Pollution in the air we breathe.

Chemicals in the water we drink.

From within our own bodies, for example every time we work out we generate free radicals that are toxic to our bodies.

Medication we take.

60% of all pregnancies are unplanned and when a pregnant woman has ambivalence about her pregnancy it increases the chances of a miscarriage. Therefore, if you want to have a successful pregnancy, immediately accept this baby.

Listen to your body. If your body is telling you to take it easy and not to have intercourse during your pregnancy, then listen to your own inner guidance. Pregnancy is much more than a physical and emotional process. Pregnancy takes a tremendous amount of energy from the mother as so many things happen to the mother and the incoming baby all at the same time. Going against your inner guidance can off set a normal pregnancy.

Pregnancy after miscarriage comes with concerns that another miscarriage will happen. This is normal but may even cause another miscarriage. Regardless of your obstetrical history it is very important not to worry and have as little stress as possible. Be positive and bond with your baby. Let your baby know he or she is loved and wanted.

If you are having a hard time getting over the loss of your miscarried baby then maybe you might want to consider some energetic healing-coaching over the telephone with me. I have helped so many women turn the corner of miscarriage grief so their life is less saddened. For information about a high quality vitamin, mineral and mangosteen product and my book Birth, A Conscious Choice visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Pregnancy Success Coach

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can turn an otherwise healthy pregnancy into a nightmare. Read on to see why pregnant women get hemorrhoids and what you can do to prevent or relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

As a certified nurse midwife I have treated many cases of pregnancy and hemorrhoids. It was not until I personally experienced hemorrhoids during pregnancy that I understood how painful these little monsters can be.

Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The veins within the anal canal become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to pool. This causes the walls of the vein to expand creating the visible ball on the outside of the anus called a hemorrhoid.

Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby nutrition and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant woman’s blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels.

Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the growing baby is another reason for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Types of pregnancy hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

You can’t see or feel these hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid’s delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually don’t cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids may be comparable to being stabbed in the rectum by a knife or hot poker.

What can you do to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

The good news is that hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat hemorrhoids. Any one or more of the following may help relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

Take a warm bath with baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching.

Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.

Use Tucks Medicated Pads.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink prune juice.

Do not delay going to the bathroom.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you are suffering very badly from pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your obstetric provider for hemorrhoid medication.

Mangosteen and minerals, 2 ounces twice a day has helped many pregnant women relieve inflammation and pain from hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Mangosteen is a fruit that has been used for hundreds of years as an all natural, pregnancy safe anti-inflammatory and a pain blocker. Mangosteen also supports you body to the demands of pregnancy.

Wondering where to get more information about a high quality mangosteen and mineral product then go to my pregnancy web site at http://www.VemmaMidwife.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Pregnancy Success Coach

Is it normal to have fatigue in early pregnancy? Read on to discover why fatigue in early pregnancy happens and what you can do to make sure you are not nutritionally depleted.

Pregnancy is an amazing event in a woman’s life. No matter how long or how hard we study pregnancy we will never fully understand why women get so many very early pregnancy symptoms such as pregnancy fatigue.

From the moment of conception, the developing fetus needs lots of vitamins and minerals to ensure normal cell and organ growth and to prevent congenital abnormalities. As the developing fetus grows it also grows a living organ called the placenta, that allows vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, oxygen, nutrients, hormones and blood to cross from the mother’s blood supply to the developing fetus.

Mothers are givers by nature and during pregnancy they unconditionally and continuously give all their reserve nutrients to their offspring in an attempt to grow a healthy baby. Under normal pregnancy this is be a huge physical drain on the mother’s physical energy level and this is why pregnant women are given pre-natal vitamins.

Prior pregnancy many men and women are depleted in vitamins and minerals because of our lifestyles and the food we eat. Vitamins and minerals are essential in building healthy cells and organs. Many miscarriages are caused by abnormal eggs and sperms due to the lack of adequate vitamins and minerals in the cells prior to conception.

A body lacking vitamins and minerals is in a depleted state which can cause physical disease, irritability, depression and fatigue. The stress of pregnancy on top of this depletion results in a lot of pregnancy fatigue.

Pregnant women need more sleep than normal as when they sleep there is less physical stress on the mother’s body. Therefore sleep gives the mother a better chance of adjusting to all the demands of pregnancy.

It is very important as soon as you know you are pregnant to take vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid (600-micrograms) as folic acid helps prevent congenital abnormalities. If you are not already supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals, then purchase some until you have an appointment with your health care provider.

Better still, if you are planning to get pregnant, start supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals to make your body more nutritionally sound, reduce miscarriage risk and reduce the degree of fatigue during early pregnancy.

OK I have spoken a lot about vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and you may be wondering how could you be nutritionally depleted or even be tired if you already supplement. Well the truth is most people supplement with vitamins only and they supplement with a pill delivery system which has a very poor absorption rate. The best way to supplement is a liquid delivery system which has about a 95% absorption rate. Vitamins alone are not good enough, the body needs minerals for optimal health and minerals are necessary to absorb vitamins. For information about a high quality vitamin, mineral and antioxidant product view

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at

http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Pregnancy Success Coach