Stay healthy with Vitamin B (with testimony)

The host of Vitamin B are not a single vitamin, but chemically distinct vitamins that often coexist in the same foods. In general, there are 8 types of B supplements collectively known as vitamin B complex.

Vitamin B is found abundantly in most foods shown. Being water-soluble, they disperse throughout the body and must be replenished regularly, with any excess excreted in the urine.  There are hardly known health problems arising from excessive oral intake thus far. However, a single vitamin B type or synthetic form may produce some side effects if taken on prolonged periods.

B vitamins play a vital role in cell metabolism and other proper bodily functioning. Some health benefits are as follows:

• Enhance skin complexion and hair texture
• Support and increase metabolic rate useful for those who want to lose weight
• Enhance immunity and aid in the formation of neuro-transmitters to keep a healthy nervous system. Expect to see relieve symptoms caused by stress and improve memory, response and thinking process (also good for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Also prevents anxiety and depression.
• Gain in muscle strength, great for arthritis and joint dysfunction
• Reduce homocysteine level to slow buildup of bad cholesterol and help to increase good cholesterol.  Homocysteine is an amino acid that can hamper blood flow up in the blood vessel before its conversion into cholesterol.
• Work as coenzymes in the metabolic system to aid enzyme function, assist the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein. In this way the liver can function more efficiently.
• Inhibit tumor growth and reduce the risk of most difficult to treat cancer – pancreatic cancer. It aids in the production of p53 which has anti-cancerous effect.
• Promote growth of friendly bacteria in our gastrointestinal system for optimum nutrient absorption.

Sources

-  B vitamins are found in whole unprocessed foods whilst processed carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour tend to have lower B vitamin content.
-  High concentration is found in meat products such as turkey, tuna and any liver.
-  Healthy B vitamins are from plants like whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, tempeh and beans.

Types

-  Improves blood circulation and assists in blood formation
-  Involves in carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid, vital for proper digestion
-  Optimises cognitive activity and brain function
-  Clears free radicals arising from aging, alcohol consumption and smoking

Deficiency: Due to drugs, oral contraceptives, heavy alcohol/coffee consumption can cause:

-  Beriberi, a nervous system disease
-  Constipation, enlarged liver, fatigue, forgetfulness, appetite loss, muscle atrophy, severe weight loss, nervousness, gastrointestinal disturbances etc

Caution: Those who resort to injection of Vitamin B due to poor absorption in the digestive system should be beware that high-dose thiamine (or B1) injections into the vein or muscle can have side effect because niacin causes the dilation of small-skin blood vessels. A flushing reaction can occur, including redness of the face, arms and chest, burning, tingling, itching or headaches. It is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own in 1 to 2 hours.                           

-  Required for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth
-  Relieves eye fatigue and cataract problem
-  Aids in metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
-  Improves the mucous membranes in the digestive tract

Deficiency:

-  Affects proper development of foetus during pregnancy
-  Cracks and sores at the corner of the mouth
-  Eye disorders
-  Hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retard growth and slowed mental response
-  Carpel tunnel syndrome

Caution: Reported side effects from taking more than 10 mg per day of riboflavin include sun-induced eye damage, itching or numbing sensations and orange-tinted urine. It could interact negatively with certain other medications and supplements. Also, keep in mind that taking large amounts of one B-complex vitamin can cause an imbalance of other B-vitamins.

-  Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin
-  Aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system
-  Assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and production of hydrochloric acid
-  Involves in the secretion of bile and stomach acids
-  Involves in production of sex hormones
-  Lowers cholesterol and improves circulation
-  Improves mental illnesses

Deficiency:

-  Canker sores, dementia, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, appetite loss, skin eruptions, low blood sugar

Caution:  Amounts over 500 mg daily of niacin can cause liver damage if taken over prolonged periods. It may elevate blood sugar levels too.

Vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid)

-  Involves in vital bodily functions like production of hydrochloric acid, absorption of fats and proteins, maintenance of sodium and potassium balance, promotion of red blood cell formation, properly functioning of the brain, synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, prevention of arteriosclerosis (due to homocysteine) and cancer.

Deficiency:

-  anemia, headaches, nausea, sore tongue, vomiting, acne, cracks or sores on the mouth and lips, depression, dizziness, fatigue, impaired wound healing, mouth and gum inflammation, impaired memory, hair loss, oily facial skin, stunted growth, tingling sensations, Carpel tunnel syndrome

Caution:  Prolonged use of high doses like 1000 mg daily can be toxic, and may result in nerve damage and loss of coordination.

Vitamin B6 is used by the body every single day since it plays a part in such major functions including movement, memory, energy expenditure and blood flow. Basically, it helps to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells throughout the body, to provide energy from the food that we eat, to balance blood sugar levels, and to create antibodies that our immune system uses to protect us.


Deficiency:

• Low energy or fatigue
• Worsening of PMS symptoms (on contraceptive pills)
• Worsening symptoms of anemia
• Changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety and depression
• Muscle pain

Caution: When someone has too much synthetic vitamin B6 from within their body, reactions including muscle numbness, confusion and other unpleasant temporary symptoms.

Vitamin B7 also known as Vitamin H is a catalyst for various metabolic reactions in the human body to extract energy. Owing to its water solubility, this vitamin is regularly diminished and thus needs constant replenishment. Though it is seldom lacking in the body as our intestinal bacteria is always involved in its production, frequent drug intake can cause the elimination of these bacteria. For such patients, including Vitamin B7 in the normal diet may reverse this condition.


The health benefits of Biotin include improved metabolism, tissue maintenance, healthy skin, weight loss, relief from heart problems, alopecia, Parkinson’s disease, Rett syndrome and vaginal candidiasis. It also aids in the synthesis of vital components and helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.


Deficiency occur amongst vegetarians, drinkers, seniors:
1. Hair loss
2. Fatigue and depression
3. Nausea
4. Muscle pains
5. Anemia


No toxicity has been reported with biotin intake. 

-  Child-bearing women must take more folic acid for nerve cell formation to avoid having premature birth and a neural tube defect foetus that can lead to a stillborn baby or permanent paralysis.

-  It converts the harmful substance homocysteine from forming plaques in arteries by converting it to other non-harmful amino acids in the body.
-  Vitamin B12 and folate are two most important Vitamin B necessary to form and mature the red blood cells, granulocytes and platelets.  A deficiency of either one can result in anemia characterised by larger than normal red cells. The white blood count and platelet count are usually below normal too.
-  As a coenzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis, it promotes cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells for prevention of anemia especially amongst vegetarians and ladies under heavy menstruation (B6, B9 and B12 for blood formation)
-  Habitual smokers need more vitamin B12 and folic acid to prevent bronchial and lung cancer.
-  Researchers found that men with the highest levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate in their blood scored highest on tests of their mental abilities.  These nutrients can help the brain to operate at peak levels. On the same note, it helps to mitigate depression and anxiety.

Deficiency:

-  Sore red tongue, anemia, fatigue, graying hair, growth impairment, insomnia, memory problems, paranoia, weakness, digestive disturbances

Caution:  Do not take high doses of folate for extended periods if you have a hormone-related cancer or seizure disorder.

-  Important for formation of red blood cells and thus prevents anemia.
-  Metabolises carbohydrates and fats and synthesis of proteins.
-  The chemical variants of the B₁₂ vitamin in them found in food are active for bacteria, but cannot be used by the human body.  Hence, Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop in individuals who have had all the stomach removed, stomach lining degenerating or when tapeworm/bacterial infections in the intestines. Injectable medication may have to be administered periodically.
-  Elderly/vegetarians tend to be deficient in vitamin B12 resulting in neuron disorders or mental problems as it is linked to neurotransmitter and maintenance of fatty sheaths (protect nerve endings)
-  Alcohol addicts and those with gastrointestinal inflammation tend to lose vitamin B12.

Deficiency:

-  Bone loss, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, liver enlargement, eye disorders, memory loss, nervousness, headaches/migraines, palpitations, anemia, ringing in the ears and spinal cord degeneration.

More comments

+  Oral contraceptives and some medicated drugs deplete Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 leading to clinical depression.


+  Always opt for natural over synthetic Vitamin B for easy bioavailability.

Viva corner

Viva B-easy offers the easy solution with all the entire range available in one, concentrated from yeast, in meeting our daily requirement.  Most working people are suffering from stress, fatigue, digestive disorders and liver malfunction and have to resort to medicated drugs for help.  Certainly taking this supplement can be a better relief.

Testimony

Not long ago I was coughing so badly that at one stage my heavy cough caused my spinal cord to ‘lock up’ and could barely move my entire upper body. I went for acupuncture treatment and was told that it would take few days to fix up. Next morning waking up was no better and decided to see a neurologist as arranged by a friend.

A VIVA friend recommended me to try out 4 tablets of VIVA B-easy for some relief to sooth the tight nerves. Bravo! In a matter of 15 mins, I was able to move my shoulder without any fuss. I followed his advice to take 4 more in the day and repeated again the next day. By the 3rd day, the ordeal is over without any pain whatsoever.

A week later, my brother met with similar encounter and I shared my experience with him. He did it the same way and got off quickly too.

I learn from this episode that Vitamin B helps in improving the elasticity of the nerves.

Ken Queck (VIVA ID 71000714)

Blood disorder I - ANEMIA

The power of blood


Whenever we breathe in, oxygen-rich blood from the lungs is carried through a network of capillaries to the pulmonary vein to be delivered to the left side of the heart which then pumps to tissues in the body. The reverse happens with removal of carbon dioxide from tissues back to lungs.

In a broad sense, our blood performs three specific functions in the body:

• Transports gases, nutrients, waste and chemical messengers

• Protects the body by controlling bleeding, allergens and errant cells, fight infections and repel invaders

• Regulates temperature (by distributing heat produced by the working muscle throughout the body), pH (involving enzymes and oxygen) and hydration for keeping the body systems in homeostasis, within their vital parameters.


Components of blood


Blood comprises of 3 major components:


-  Red blood cells which are produced by the bone marrow


-  White blood cells which are produced by the bone marrow and certain lymphoid tissue


-  Platelets which are produced by giant cells in the bone marrow


They can be found floating in a liquid base known as plasma which is basically made of water (90%), proteins (7%) and tiny amounts of sugar, fats and mineral salts. The plasma proteins account for the stickiness of blood and clotting factors, as well as specialized functions by their antibodies and enzymes.

Blood cycle


Do you know that every red blood cell in your body is replaced every 120 days and that your body produces red blood cells at a phenomenal rate of approximately 2.5 million new cells per second, which is incredibly, 200 billion new cells every single day?

The quality of your blood will change for the better or for the worse depending on the quality of nutritional building blocks you provide daily. The ability to perform its specific functions relies on the proper vitamins and minerals being made available in the foods you eat.

What is anemia?

Anemia arises from a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Normal adult range is in the region of 4-6 million cu/mm comprising 40-45% red cells and 55-60% plasma.

Composition of red cells

When iron in our body is combined with a protein, a substance known as hemoglobin is formed in our blood cells. Based on the normal cycle, red cells have a lifespan of 120 days after which they are removed from circulation by the spleen and to a lesser extent, by the liver. However, iron and protein from the retired cells are retained by the tissues and reused in the production of new hemoglobin. Only the red pigment is eliminated as part of the bile. In the case of jaundice, this process is overdone with the result that the bile pigments accumulate in the tissues in darker color.

(1)  The two proteins, namely Alpha globin and beta globin are responsible for forming hemoglobin, and may cause thalassemia when a gene that helps control production of one of these proteins is defective.

(2)  Iron is an important mineral for two main purposes -

-  Helps our muscles to store and use oxygen

-  Being part of many enzymes (eg. catalase), it is used in many cellular functions related to many other important reactions occurring within our bodies.

Deficiency

A deficit can affect several organ systems such as:

• Delay normal infant’s normal activity and movement or thinking and processing skills;
• Anemia during pregnancy can increase risk for small or premature babies who tend to have health problems or may die in early infancy;
• Cause fatigue that impairs the ability to do physical work in adults and affect memory or other mental function in teens;
• Bone marrow producing smaller and paler cells. In severe cases, the rate of red cell formation is curtailed, causing a low red cell count. This happens to frequent bleeding due to a prolonged illness or pathogenic attack.

An astronomical shocking figure - 75% of the world population is iron deficit of which 30% or 2 billion people are anemic, frequently exacerbated by environmental contacts like malaria and worm infections that can blow out of epidemic proportions.

Causes

Anemia may result from improper formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. Hence, it may indicate a need for B12, B6 and folic acid to assist the cells in maturing. Check blood test readings like MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets and PBF to determine if this is the cause.

Drug use, hormonal disorders, thalassemia, chronic inflammation, surgery, hemorrhoids, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, liver damage, thyroid disorders and dietary deficiencies (eg. iron, folic acid, Vitamin B) are frequent causes for anemic condition.

Other possible causes are as follows:

+ Tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis prevent the movement of iron to the bone marrow where hemoglobin is formed.

+ Women who use intrauterine devices for contraception, suffer heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance, fibroid tumors, uterine cancer are prone to anemia. In the worst scenario, cessation of menstruation.

+ Those who overuse antacids to treat peptic ulcer disease and acid reflux, and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen tend to suffer internal bleeding.

+ Intestinal parasites, particularly hookworm, can cause severe iron-deficiency anemia.

+ A lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach reduces the absorption of iron from food. Cancer of the stomach or intestine, diarrhoea from intestinal infections, and the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach or intestine may interfere with iron absorption.

+ Those who abstain from meat or vegetarians, thus lacking in B6 and B12.

+ Athletics who do strenuous exercise and heavy perspiration depleting the iron reserves.

+ Among children, iron deficiency is seen most often between 6 months and 3 years of age due to rapid growth and inadequate intake of dietary iron. This is especially so for breastfed babies who after age 6 months are not being given plain, iron-fortified cereals or another good source of iron from other foods.

+ Growing adolescents who need the nutritional factors necessary for red blood cell conversion of energy.

Signs and symptoms

• Feeling tired and weak, dizziness, shortness of breadth, palpitation
• Decreased work and school performance
• Slow cognitive and social development during childhood
• Difficulty maintaining body temperature
• Decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection
• Inflamed tongue and difficulty swallowing
• Fragile bones
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• For children, poor concentration and behavioral problems are frequently observed, leading to poor attention spans and academic performance.
• Muscles in adults and brain cells in children do not function up to par.

Blood test

Treating individuals suspect of anemia is easier. A blood test can be run to show the blood composition, including ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to detect any inflammation lurking in the body.

Specific test for iron and its stored form, ferritin can provide the clue too. Note:

(1) Low level below 25 ng/mL indicates a need for iron. High level can be due to inflammatory disorder, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver.

(2) If iron, ferritin are normal and MCV, MCH, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit are all decreased, suspect a toxic metal body burden.

Diet considerations

If test result showed iron deficiency, load up iron-rich foods like animal meat and green leafy vegetables. Foods high in iron content include kidney beans, liver, rice bran, dried peaches and prune juice.

Kids in more affluent societies are found not eating right and their counterparts in poor countries are not having enough to eat, resulting in both suffering from lack of iron in their diets.

Difference between iron derived from animal and plant protein

• Iron from meat, poultry and fish (i.e. heme iron) is absorbed two to three times more efficiently than iron from plants (i.e. non-heme iron). However, note that animal meat contain high level of cholesterol.
• Toxicity in non-heme iron from plants is unheard of and thus offers a safer option than heme iron derived from animal meat.
• Vitamin C found in plants can increase iron absorption by as much as 30%.
• The amount of iron absorbed from plant foods is dependent on the types of foods eaten at the same time.  Foods like almonds, cashews, chocolate, cocoa, kale, spinach, most nuts and beans contain high oxalic acid should be avoided as it interferes with iron absorption.
  Also foods containing polyphenols, phytates or calcium eg. tea, coffee, whole grains, legumes and milk or dairy products have negative effect.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies do not drink cow's milk as it interferes with iron absorption and possibly causes internal bleeding.

Overdose?

Men and menopausal women may not need extra iron, and the RDI for iron in children in 1-3 years category is much lower than adults. It is found that people with excessive iron in their blood tend to have an increased risk of developing heart disease and cancer as the body’s natural killer cells are unable to perform their normal duty. This is because as iron is stored in the tissues and organs, excessive iron intake leads to the production of free radicals.

Do not take iron supplements if you have an infection. Taking extra iron at such times encourages bacterial profileration in the body.

Other comments

+ Avoid strenuous exercise in order to protect the vital organs from oxygen deficiency. Moderate exercise should be carried out in the open air as a means of maintaining general good health.

+ Women whose menstrual flow is excessive should seek medical help. There may be an underlying problem that need to be addressed. Abnormal bleeding can be one of the danger signals of cancer.

Recent studies showed that 20% of women and an alarming 50% of children are anemic. The consequential damages in terms of ill-health, premature death and dimunition or loss of earnings is unfathomable. Is believed that if corrective treatment is administered fast, national productivity levels can rise by as much as 20%. As the poorest and the least educated are most affected, they are the likely the biggest beneficiary of a drive programme if effectively implemented.

Source: Prescription to Natural Healing; The Simplified Patient Reference Guide by Ronald J Grisanti D.C.

VIVA corner

If you are not getting them from the diet outlined, then you definitely need to supplement.


Hemoberry is a VIVA powdered drink supplement specifically designed for building healthy red blood cells containing 150% RDI of vitamin C and 70% RDI of iron for adults. 

It contains a balanced formula of blood-building nutrition including:

+ Natural Iron (ferrous lactate) for optimum production of hemoglobin and gives a radiant, rosy complexion.
+ Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to optimize iron absorption
+ B Vitamins (B6, B12, B5), folic acid and pantothenic acid for enzymatic activity for proper iron utilization and formation of red blood cells.
+ Natural fruit powders and extracts from cranberry, rosehips, acerola, beetroot and lemon – loaded with phytonutrients and add with natural berries flavours like blueberry and blackberry for delicious taste, natural color and antioxidant power.

VIVA B-easy provides full range of Vitamin Bs essential for red blood cell maturation in the bone marrow as well as to break down and prepare protein for cellular use.

Testimonies

CASE 1

I have a colleague who complained to me that once her menstruation came she felt very painful and discharged a lot of clog blood. I recommended her VIVA HEMOBERRY to try out.

After 2 months she came back and told me that her menstruation does not cause any more pain and no more blood clogging.

CASE 2

My colleague’s sister from Australia Sydney came back to Singapore for holiday early this year. She was complaining that her blood count was very low after check up and always had giddiness. I recommended my colleague to try VIVA HEMOBERRY. My colleague bought and gave it to her sister. After she went back to Australia and consumed for a month,  she called up and asked my colleague to get more of the HEMOBERRY product. She is so happy that her health is improving and her blood counts shoot up almost double to 11.5. (still short of ref range 13.5)

Thanks to VIVA, is amazing!

JACQUELINE SIEW (viva id 71005683)

Blood disorder II - Thalassemia

 

Iron is combined with a protein in our body to form a substance called hemoglobin in our blood cells.

Iron deficient causes anemic condition whereas thalassemia has to do with protein. With lesser amount of oxygen delivered and the high rate of destruction, the red blood cells become smaller and lower in counts, rendering the patient tired easily.

 

Causes

 

There are 2 proteins present in the hemoglobin - Alpha globin and beta globin. For thalassemia to occur, there is a defect in a gene that helps control production of one of these proteins.

• Alpha thalassemia occurs when a gene (s) related to the alpha globin protein are missing or changed (mutated), occurring mostly in persons from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China and Africa. The most severe form of alpha thalassemia major causes stillbirth.
• Beta thalassemia occurs when similar gene defects affect production of the beta-globin protein, occurring mostly in persons of Mediterranean origin. The reason is that parts of those countries were once full of malaria and this gene afforded protection against malaria, and thus continue to thrive.

Both alpha and beta thalassemia include the following two broad categories:

A 25% chance of having a child without any (with both genes for normal beta chains).

• Thalassemia minor - inherits one copy of the beta thalassemia (defective) gene from a parent together with one perfectly normal beta-chain gene from another. Probability is 50%. The person:

        -  Remains a carrier and usually do not show symptoms.
        -  Suffers only mild anemia with slight lowering of the blood hemoglobin level but usually normal blood iron level. No treatment is necessary for thalassemia minor and can lead normal healthy life.

• Thalassemia major - inherits two genes for beta thalassemia (defective) and no normal beta-chain gene. Probability is 25%.

        -  The foetus/newborn seems entirely normal because of a special form of hemoglobin present at birth. Anemia begins to develop within the first months after birth when this hemoglobin is replaced by defective hemoglobin. As it becomes progressively more and more severe, the infant failed to grow normally and often eat poorly due to easy fatigue from lack of oxygen and shortness of breath.
        -  Symptoms include pale skin, irritability, growth retardation, swelling of the abdomen due to enlargement of the liver and spleen, bouts of fever and heart failure due to infections, jaundice, diarrhea and other intestinal problems. Most full-blown cases occur within the age group 5-8 and can be fatal.
        -  Severe anemia with rupture of the red blood cells is a critical condition as it gives no choice to the child to become dependent on blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks that can create further problems including iron overload, resulting in diabetes, liver and heart failure if not cleared timely.     
        -  Premature death due to heart failure are reported, usually between ages 20 and 30.
        -  Such patients should not take iron supplements, which can worsen the condition. Also, chelation therapy may need to arrange to remove the excess iron from the body for those who receive significant numbers of blood transfusions. 

        -  Folic acid supplementation is often given to relieve the symptoms of the illness.
        -  A bone marrow transplant may help treat the disease in some patients, especially children. Alternative treatment is by insertion of the normal beta-chain gene through gene therapy.

In 1995, Dr Patrick Tan performed a world’s first stem cell transplant in Singapore on a 5 year old boy suffering from Thalassemia Major from an unrelated donor. After the successful procedure, the boy was completely freed from dependence of drugs and blood transfusions. He was cured and leads a normal healthy life.

Tests

Conventional clinical and blood testing, and molecular medical tests can detect both thalassemia major and minor. These tests permit accurate diagnosis to be made at any time, even before birth and formation of beta chains for hemoglobin.     

VIVA Corner

+ VIVA Dailyguard provides our body cells with 27 vitamins and minerals for its normal functioning, all extracts from fruits and vegetables. As our red blood cells have a lifespan of only 120 days, putting all the essential nutrients can help to improve the quality of new cells regenerated. Its high antioxidant contents protect the cellular membrane against the onslaught of free radicals internally (eg. stress) and externally (eg. pollutants).

+ VIVA B-easy contains natural B complex concentrated from yeast helps in healthy blood formation and thus prevent anemia. Taking adequate B12, B6 and folic acid assist in protein uptake and thus accelerate cell maturation, boosting the number of healthy red blood cells in your body. This is crucial as most thalassemia patients have red blood cells that survive only 90 days instead of 120 days.

VIVA Ageguard is a proprietary formulation of amino acids in highly absorbable form derived from natural foods like soy and rice protein. Specially prepared as unchained free form amino acids, they serve as primary building blocks for healthy tissues and rebuild healthy cells.