The Role Of B Vitamins Essays - Nutrition, Health, B Vitamins

The Role Of B Vitamins Water-soluble vitamins were collectively called water soluble B in the beginning. When more water-soluble vitamins were discovered, they were referred to as B1, B2, B6, B12 and so on. Later when more vitamins were discovered in both the categories, they were referred as vitamins C, D, E and K. Now, most are known by a word that indicates either chemical nature or function. Some vitamins are synthesized in the body itself by intestinal micro-organisms. Antibiotics and sulfa drugs may destroy these organisms resulting in decreased vitamin synthesis. There are other bacteria which when present in the intestine utilize dietary vitamins for their own use thus causing vitamin deficiency. Vitamins in the diet are bound to protein and fat. During digestion, they get broken down and absorbed. Vitamins present in undigested food are not available to the body. The body requirement of vitamins depends upon several factors. Apart from those mentioned above, people suffering from tuberculosis or high fever require more vitamins and people living in high altitudes and cold regions also have increased vitamin requirement. The B vitamins have a wide and varied range of functions in the human body. Most B vitamins are involved in the process of converting blood sugar into energy. Diets rich in B vitamins are particularly important for pregnant and breast-feeding women and for other people who require more energy, such as athletes and heavy-labor workers. General Deficiencies of Vitamin B Deficiencies of B vitamins are uncommon in the U.S., but when they occur, they usually involve several B vitamins, since many of them come from the same food groups. Alcohol interferes with these vitamins, and some of the physical and mental problems that alcoholics experience may be attributed to a deficiency of B vitamins. Elderly people are also at risk for deficiencies, because of inadequate diets and potential interference with B-vitamin absorption by medications. General Toxicity of Vitamin B Because the B vitamins are water-soluble and eliminated in the urine, toxic reactions from oral administration of most of them are extremely rare. (Exceptions are niacin and B6.) (For specific adverse reactions from deficiencies or high dosage levels, see individual discussions of B vitamins, below). It should be noted that substances known as B15 (pangamic acid) and B17 (laetrile) are neither vitamins nor nutrients; both chemicals are highly dangerous and have no proven nutritional or other value. Deficiencies and Toxicity of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Thiamin is essential for converting blood sugar into energy and is involved in metabolic activities in nerves, heart, and muscles and in the production of red blood cells. Thiamin is found in almost all foods, but the best source is pork and good sources are dried fortified cereals, oatmeal, corn, nuts, cauliflower, and sunflower seeds. Recommended RDA is 1.2 mg per day for men and 1.1 mg for women. Supplements for people with normal diets and health are unnecessary. Severe vitamin B1 deficiency, known as beriberi, is rare in the U.S., but can occur in alcoholics, in severely malnourished people, or in those receiving long-term dialysis or intravenous feeding. Symptoms may include visual disturbances, paralysis, staggering, loss of sensation in the legs and feet, psychosis, and congestive heart failure. No toxic effects have been reported for thiamin. Deficiencies and Toxicity of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Like thiamin, riboflavin is important in the production of energy. Some dietary sources are liver, dried fortified cereals, and low fat yogurt. Recommended DRI is 1.7 mg. Supplements for people with normal diets and health are unnecessary. Deficiencies affect the skin and mucous membranes and can cause cracks on the lips or corners of the mouth, eczema of the face and genitals, a burning sensation on the tongue, or eye irritation. Previously, no toxic effects had been reported even from large doses of riboflavin However, one new study indicated that high consumption of vitamin B2 may increase the risk of stomach cancer. (In the same study, vitamins B1, B3, and B6 were protective). Deficiencies and Toxicity of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, helps break down blood sugar for energy and also acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Dietary sources are mackerel, swordfish, chicken, veal, dried fortified cereals, pork, salmon, and beef liver. Current DRI recommendations are 20 mg.

Senior Drivers essays

Senior Drivers essays Driving is a privilege as well as an independence that we all come to take for granted. We are given our licenses to operate motor vehicles based on the assumption, concluded from drivers tests, that we are physically and mentally capable of driving safely under the requirements of the law. That issuance of the license is not necessarily permanent or steadfast, if the driver does not maintain the requirements. Therefore, when a said driver is unable to locate familiar places, or they make slow or poor decisions, or drive at inappropriate speeds do we as tax payers and fellow drivers agree that it is still okay to allow senior citizens who fall into these categories to still be out on our roads? No, senior citizens should be submitted to an increased amount of testing to determine whether or not they are still in a suitable physical and mental state to drive safely. Its an issue that will impact us all one way or another, someday, and its a growing concern that must be addressed. There comes a time when its necessary to tell people you love their driving may be hazardous to them and to others. According to a report by the American Association for Retired Persons Policy Institute, older drivers are three times as likely to crash per mile driven as younger drivers. The report also states that among all drivers age 65 and older, its the oldest drivers who pose more risk to themselves and public safety, showing how ability to drive safely decreases with age. Technically, the National Highway Traffic Administration refers people over the age of 70 as seniors, but with the magnitude of baby boomers who will soon fall into the 70 and over age group the problems need to be addressed at a much earlier age. Every day it seems I come into contact with a senior driver who frustrates me. I adore the elderly, but its clear as seen through their driving, when it comes to the road; old age an...

Strategic Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Strategic Perspectives - Essay Example The paper also reveals the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of the Company. The value chain analysis and the resource capability analysis of Zara reflect the systematic and effective management of the products and services which has helped the company to achieve a successful position in the retail industry. This paper also provides insights on the current issues regarding the violence of the CSR activities by the company. It has been identified that the company should plan for an effective cost structure to overcome the recent problems. Recommendations have been provided using porter’s three generic strategies and Ansoff’s matrix to help the company make suitable strategies for achieving competitive advantage through market penetration and product differentiation. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Zara: A Company Overview 4 External Analysis 4 PESTEL Analysis 4 Industry Analysis: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis 6 Value Chain Analysis 7 Resource Capability Analysis 9 Issues related to the PR crises of Zara 10 Strategy Recommendation 11 Strategy Evaluation 15 Conclusion 16 References 17 Appendix 20 Zara: A Company Overview Zara is a well known Spanish clothing and accessories retailer. It’s headquarter is located in Arteixo, Spain. The company was founded by Amancio Ortea Gaona. It is one of the renowned brands of Inditex which was founded in the year 1975. The company had a slow growth in its initial years of operations but expanded to a great extent after the 1990’s. Zara is successfully operating in more than thirty different countries. Presently it is one of the leading fashions designing as well as manufacturing companies successfully providing services to the customers. External Analysis The environmental scanning of Zara will be done using the PESTEL Analysis. Pestel Analysis helps in analysing the issues related to the macro environmental factors (Lorat, 2009). PESTEL Analysis Factors Analysis Political UK is presently facing various problems related to high public debt, high unemployment etc. The government has taken important measures like cutting down the budget to an extent of 23 percent for media department, 22 percent for sports and culture department in order to reduce the overall financial deficit caused due to the sovereign debt crisis and the economic recession (Lynn, 2010). The Government has also planned to decrease the corporate tax rate in order to facilitate the companies operating in the country to recover from their financial crisis condition. Economic The economic recession has affected the European countries including United Kingdom. This recession has resulted in the increased unemployment rate for UK. Economists have also forecasted the future rise of the unemployment rate in the coming years. The recession has resulted in the decrease in the purchasing power of the customers as well. Thus the fashion retailers will have to face a situation of demand crunch du e to their operation in UK. Social The sovereign debt crisis along with the budget deficit in UK has decreased the purchasing capacity of the individuals and has also created a challenge in maintaining a standard life style. The working age population in UK is rising. The fashion retailers should focus on bringing a change in its product portfolio in future in order to satisfy the needs of the aging population of the country. Technological The retailers in UK are