Week 45 Vitamins

Week 45: VITAMINS 365 vitamins per person. Get extra C and calcium with Vitamin D.

In all food storage programs a multivitamin makes good sense to supplement any possible deficiencies that may come about from eating differently in a survival situation, and possibly having not stored enough variety in food selections to balance out nutrition needs. A multivitamin is a very practical addition to every food storage program, and many multivitamins require only a single daily dosage, making it quite simple to buy enough bottles for a whole year that won’t take up much space.

A common multivitamin contains a combination of vitamins and minerals. Common vitamins and minerals present are Vitamin A, the B Vitamins (B-complex), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, beta carotene, and iron. Superior multivitamins normally contain 100% or more of many of the individual vitamins. There are also multivitamins on the market that go far beyond the basic multivitamins, and delve into proprietary herbal blends that create a certain synergy with the vitamins and minerals. One such example is the Nature’s Way Multi-Vitamin, Alive! , which contains herbs, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and a plethora of whole foods. Individuals wishing to concentrate their efforts by focusing upon vitamins singly are encouraged to do so on an as-needed basis, particular to their unique needs.

A basic explanation of some of the single vitamins and their functions may help one in deciding whether his or her body and diet need the extra help with a specific micronutrient, and which vitamins to include in their food storage.

Vitamin C is required for many essential metabolic reactions in all plants and animals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant (prevents oxidations of the cells caused by free radicals). It is a primary ingredient in the building of collagen (binds cells together to form tissues), and it is one of the best immune system enhancers. Vitamin C helps the nervous system by converting some of the amino acids into neurotransmitters. A deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy.

Vitamin D has sometimes been referred to as “sunshine in a bottle.” Vitamin D assists calcium absorption, enabling normal mineralization of bone. Vitamin D can help in insulin secretion in times of increased stress. It also benefits the heart, and may decrease the risk of hypertension. A deficiency of Vitamin D can cause Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults.

Vitamin B6 is needed for the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and in the metabolism of amino acids. B12 is also necessary for the processing of carbs, fats, and proteins as well as for the production of red blood cells.

B vitamins are important for the proper formation of every cell in the body, especially nerve cells. The B vitamins break down carbs into glucose, which provides the energy for the body. B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, and are often included as a smorgasbord in multivitamins. The B vitamins are known for their ability to help with stress and anxiety (especially B6 and B12) because of the part they play in producing neurotransmitters and in their interaction with the nervous system. Having these two vitamins is a great asset for emergency and survival situations.

Beyond vitamins, there are two more suggestions that I would like to make for food storage programs. Probiotics aid in digestion by helping your body absorb the nutrients in your food. Food storage foods might possibly be somewhat of a shock to the system, and any help you can give to the digestive process will be appreciated by your body. Shelf life for probiotics is about two years when kept refrigerated. Enzymes are another critical addition to a food storage program. Enzymes help to break down complex proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller, more usable forms.

(taken from Emergency Food Storage.com)