The following scientific research is for informational use only. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products. Vitamins & Me provides this information as a service and does not receive compensation for studies referenced. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
B COMPLEX, The Bigg “B”
B-Vitamins play a crucial role in DNA synthesis, healthy nervous system, oxygen transport and energy-yielding metabolism, which makes them crucial for cognition and muscular function.
SUPPORTS NERVOUS SYSTEM
Scientific studies claim that folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency are important public health problems in India (2,4). In a community-based study, adolescent rural Indian women with asymptomatic vitamin B-12 deficiency, it was demonstrated improvement in haematological and biochemical-metabolic indices, and in peripheral nerve function, after treatment with oral vitamin B-12 (3).
References
1. Tardy, A.-L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., Scholey, A., 2020. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
2. Micronutrient status of Indian population. Gonmei, Z., Toteja, G.S., 2018. Micronutrient status of Indian population. Indian J. Med. Res. 148, 511–521. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1768_18
3. Yajnik, C.S., Behere, R.V., Bhat, D.S., Memane, N., Raut, D., Ladkat, R., Yajnik, P.C., Kumaran, K., Fall, C.H.D., 2019. A physiological dose of oral vitamin B-12 improves hematological, biochemical-metabolic indices and peripheral nerve function in B-12 deficient Indian adolescent women. PLoS ONE 14, e0223000. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223000
4. Vitamin B12 Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/vitb12.php#
NOURISHES HAIR AND NAILS
Biotin supplementation may be crucial in hair growth. Studies show that deficiencies in biotin, Zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 are associated with male androgenetic alopecia (2) and premature canities (1) in Asians. Scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concludes that a strong correlation exists between the biotin supplementation and healthy hair (3).
References
1. Daulatabad, D., Singal, A., Grover, C., Chhillar, N., 2017. Prospective Analytical Controlled Study Evaluating Serum Biotin, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid in Patients with Premature Canities. Int J Trichology 9, 19–24. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_79_16
2. El-Esawy, F.M., Hussein, M.S., Ibrahim Mansour, A., 2019. Serum biotin and zinc in male androgenetic alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12865
3. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin and energy-yielding metabolism (ID 114,117), macronutrient metabolism (ID 113, 114, 117), maintenance of skin and mucous membranes (ID 115), maintenance of hair (ID 118, 2876) and function of the nervous system (ID 116) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), EFSA Journal, 2009.
VEGETARIANISM IN INDIANS
Metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent among Indian population as about 20% of them are vegetarians (1). Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal products and not in plant or grain based products and hence its deficiency.
References
1. Gonmei, Z., Toteja, G.S., 2018. Micronutrient status of Indian population. Indian J. Med. Res. 148, 511–521. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1768_18
2. Woo, K.S., Kwok, T.C.Y., Celermajer, D.S., 2014. Vegan diet, subnormal vitamin B-12 status and cardiovascular health. Nutrients 6, 3259–3273. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6083259
3. Hallert, C., Svensson, M., Tholstrup, J., Hultberg, B., 2009. Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 29, 811–816. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.03945.x
ANTIOXIDANTS – The “AA”yudha, fights free radicals
Our antioxidant capsules consists of a powerful blend of vitamins (A, E, B2 &C) and minerals (Zn & Selenium) that supports DNA synthesis, immunity, and fights free radicals by maintaining an overall health.
SUPPORTS IMMUNITY AND FIGHTS FREE RADICALS
Research scientists reviewed the antioxidant status and the effects of supplementation in ill patients for the most common antioxidant vitamin A, C, & E and the enzyme cofactor trace elements selenium and Zinc. Antioxidant combination therapy seemed logical as they worked in synergy and function as elements of the human antioxidant network (1). But further research has to be done to support these claims but as such the combination therapy of antioxidants may seem to be beneficial.
Vitamin A deficiency may impair innate immunity by threatening normal regeneration of mucosal barriers damaged by infection. This may lead to reduced functioning of neutrophils, macrophages and natural killer cells (2).
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin found in a wide variety of plant and animal foods. Evidence suggests that riboflavin is an antioxidant nutrient which may prevent lipid peroxidation and reperfusion oxidative injury (3).
Significant evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation in adults and children with a common cold can significantly reduce its duration and severity and relieve cold symptoms (4-5). Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.
The extent of vitamin E deficiency in Asian countries including India was reviewed and the data shows inadequate vitamin E status in most age groups, with the prevalence of deficiency reaching 67%, 80%, 56% and 72% in infants, children and adolescents, adults, elderly and pregnant women, respectively, based on varying cut offs. Vitamin E deficiency may lead to anaemia, neuropathy and other health conditions (6).
Zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in several cellular metabolic activities, crucial for catalytic activity of about more than 100 enzymes. Zinc insufficiency may be characterized by impaired immune function, loss of appetite and growth retardation (7).
References
1. Koekkoek, W.A.C.K., van Zanten, A.R.H., 2016. Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Critical Illness. Nutr Clin Pract 31, 457–474. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533616653832
2. Stephensen, C.B., 2001. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 21, 167–192. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.21.1.167
3. Saedisomeolia, A., Ashoori, M., 2018. Riboflavin in Human Health: A Review of Current Evidences. Adv. Food Nutr. Res. 83, 57–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.11.002
4. Gombart, A.F., Pierre, A., Maggini, S., 2020. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236
5. Carr, A.C., Maggini, S., 2017. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
6. Malik, A., Eggersdorfer, M., Trilok-Kumar, G., 2019. Vitamin E status in healthy population in Asia: a review of current literature. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000590
7. Zinc Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/zinc.php
VITAMIN C – The “C” Shield
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and plays key role in immunity and wellbeing of health. A large number of metabolic activities ranging from the synthesis of carnitine, collagen, norepinephrine and a wide range of antioxidant activities involve vitamin c which is crucial for human metabolism.
VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY IN INDIAN POPULATION
A population-based cross sectional survey in two areas of north and south India were investigated for the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in people aged more than 60. The age, sex and season standardized prevalence of vitamin C deficiency was 73.9% in 2668 people in north India and 45.7% in 2970 from south India (1). This indicated the poor nutrition and lower dietary intakes of vitamin C in communities of Indian population.
A cross-sectional study on adults from Western India was done to examine interrelationships between (a) dietary habits, (b) socioeconomic and (c) environmental factors, and their impact on plasma ascorbic acid (2-3). Subnormal status of vitamin C was observed and the study emphasizes the need to increase consumption of fruit, Green leafy vegetables and milk products, and also better education and environment.
References
1. Ravindran, R.D., Vashist, P., Gupta, S.K., Young, I.S., Maraini, G., Camparini, M., Jayanthi, R., John, N., Fitzpatrick, K.E., Chakravarthy, U., Ravilla, T.D., Fletcher, A.E., 2011. Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin C deficiency in north and south India: a two centre population based study in people aged 60 years and over. PLoS ONE 6, e28588. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0028588
2. Chiplonkar, S.A., Agte, V.V., Mengale, S.S., Tarwadi, K.V., 2002. Are lifestyle factors good predictors of retinol and vitamin C deficiency in apparently healthy adults? Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601291
3. Chatterjee, I.B., 2009. The history of vitamin C research in India. J. Biosci. 34, 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-009-0021-7
4. Vitamin C Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/vitc.php
SUPPORTS IMMUNITY
Scientific evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation in adults and children with a common cold can significantly reduce its duration and severity and relieve cold symptoms (1-2). Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.
Three controlled trials found that vitamin C prevented pneumonia (3). Two controlled trials found a treatment benefit of vitamin C for pneumonia patients.
References
1. Gombart, A.F., Pierre, A., Maggini, S., 2020. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236
2. Carr, A.C., Maggini, S., 2017. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
3. Ran, L., Zhao, W., Wang, J., Wang, H., Zhao, Y., Tseng, Y., Bu, H., 2018. Extra Dose of Vitamin C Based on a Daily Supplementation Shortens the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomed Res Int 2018, 1837634. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1837634
4. Hemilä, H., 2017. Vitamin C and Infections. Nutrients 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9040339
VITAMIN D – The “Surya” Shakthi
Vitamin D is essential for normal functioning of bones, neuromuscular and immune function and cellular growth. Though found in few foods, majority of it is produced endogenously from exposure to direct sunlight that activates the vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D supplementation plays an important role in its deficiency for those exposed to minimal sunlight and consumes fewer foods fortified with it.
HYPO-VITAMINOSIS D IN INDIA
International Osteoporosis Foundation in 2009 reported that about 96% of neonates, 91% of healthy school girls, 78% of healthy hospital staff, and 84% of pregnant women in North India and 40% of males and 70% of females in south India were diagnosed with hypovitaminosis D(1,2). Vitamin D deficiency leads to deteriorated bone health, such as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults (2).
1. Vishwanath, P., Kulkarni, P., Prashant, A., 2014. Vitamin D deficiency in India: Are we overconcerned? International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences 3, 77. https://doi.org/10.4103/2278-344X.132688
2. Singh, P., 2018. Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency and Comorbidities: A Review. J Assoc Physicians India 66, 75–82.
3. Vitamin C Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/vitd.php
BONE HEALTH
Vitamin D functions by regulating the calcium-phosphorus homeostasis and controls bone metabolism, helps in absorption of calcium in gut and keeps bones adequately mineralised and healthy. Our formulation has a unique blend of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and vitamin K2, to maintain bone mineral density (BMD).
References
1. Christakos, S., Dhawan, P., Porta, A., Mady, L.J., Seth, T., 2011. Vitamin D and intestinal calcium absorption. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 347, 25–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.038
2. Goltzman, D., 2018. Functions of vitamin D in bone. Histochem. Cell Biol. 149, 305–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-018-1648-y
IMMUNITY
Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in several chronic conditions associated with increased inflammation and deregulation of the immune system, such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. These observations, together with experimental studies, suggest a critical role for vitamin D in the modulation of immune function.
References
Sassi, F., Tamone, C., D’Amelio, P., 2018. Vitamin D: Nutrient, Hormone, and Immunomodulator. Nutrients 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111656
IRON – “Rakth” Poshan
Iron is a micro-mineral that forms a crucial component of hemoglobin, a red blood cell (erythrocyte) protein that functions to carry oxygen from the lungs to the cells and body tissues. Iron is also essential for cellular and neurological development, physical growth and hormonal synthesis.
IRON DEFICIENCY IN INDIA
A recent perspective published by the scientific community indicates that iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Indian women is a problem of major public health significance. Data available at the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) shows that between 2005–2006 and 2015–2016, IDA in India decreased by only 3.5 percentage points for women aged 15–49 years. However, during the same period, of 27 states compared, IDA increased in eight: Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh (1). The perspective suggests on a concerted effort of community-level health workers along with food based strategies, food supplementation and improved health services can reduce the IDA among Indian women.
References
1. Rai, R.K., Fawzi, W.W., Barik, A., Chowdhury, A., 2018. The burden of iron-deficiency anaemia among women in India: how have iron and folic acid interventions fared? WHO South East Asia J Public Health 7, 18–23. https://doi.org/10.4103/2224-3151.228423
2. Anand, T., Rahi, M., Sharma, P., Ingle, G.K., 2014. Issues in prevention of iron deficiency anemia in India. Nutrition 30, 764–770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2013.11.022
IRON SUPPORT
Iron plays crucial role in formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, reduces fatigue and tiredness. Evidence suggests that iron may be crucial for immunity and energy yielding metabolic activities of body. Our formulation has iron along with vitamin C that helps in improved absorption of iron (2).
References
1. Iron Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/ironguide.php
2. Sourabh, S., Bhatia, P., Jain, R., 2019. Favourable improvement in haematological parameters in response to oral iron and vitamin C combination in children with Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia (IRIDA) phenotype. Blood Cells Mol. Dis. 75, 26–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcmd.2018.12.002
ZINC – “Z”eelo Immunity
Our zinc is a part of a powerful formulation blend of vitamins (A, E, B2 &C) and minerals (Zn & Selenium) that supports DNA synthesis, immunity, and fights free radicals by maintaining an overall health. Zinc is involved in several cellular metabolic activities, crucial for catalytic activity of about more than 100 enzymes.
ZINC DEFICIENCY IN INDIA
Scientists conducted a study by collecting information on the total per capita consumption at the household level from 7 rounds of the National Sample Survey of Consumption Expenditure: 1983 (round 38), 1987 to 1988 (round 43), 1993 to 1994 (round 50), 1999 to 2000 (round 55), 2004 to 2005 (round 61), 2009 to 2010 (round 66), and 2011 to 2012 (round 68). Intake data was paired with Indian food composition to estimate per capita dietary zinc (1). The prevalence of inadequate zinc intake has risen from 17.1% to 24.6% in 2011/12, reaching a maximum of 26.3% in 2009/10.
References
1. Smith, M.R., DeFries, R., Chhatre, A., Ghosh-Jerath, S., Myers, S.S., 2019. Inadequate Zinc Intake in India: Past, Present, and Future. Food Nutr Bull 40, 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572118825176
2. Zinc Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/zinc.php
ZINC & COMMON COLD
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zinc for treatment of common cold, by evaluating the data from several randomized clinical trials. The results from the meta-analysis showed that oral zinc formulations may shorten the duration of symptoms of common cold. Of 17 trials involving a total of 2121 participants, those receiving zinc had a shorter duration of cold symptoms when compared to that of placebo given patients (1).
References
1. Science, M., Johnstone, J., Roth, D.E., Guyatt, G., Loeb, M., 2012. Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ 184, E551-561. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.111990
2. Hemilä, H., Petrus, E.J., Fitzgerald, J.T., Prasad, A., 2016. Zinc acetate lozenges for treating the common cold: an individual patient data meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 82, 1393–1398. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13057
CALCIUM PLUS D – “C-D” Plus
Calcium is abundant in our body; it is required for muscular function, neurotransmission, metabolic functions, and vascular functions. Our body’s biggest source of calcium is our bones that maintain the normal levels of calcium in blood, muscle and intracellular fluids.
CALCIUM INTAKE IN INDIA
Data collected from National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) on nutritional status of rural, tribal and urban populations in 10 out of 32 Indian states and union territories from 1975 to 2017 showed there was a decline in dietary intake of calcium both in rural and tribal population in the past four and a half decades.
References
Harinarayan, C.V., Akhila, H., 2019. Modern India and the Tale of Twin Nutrient Deficiency–Calcium and Vitamin D–Nutrition Trend Data 50 Years-Retrospect, Introspect, and Prospect. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00493
VITAMIN D-K-CALCIUM CO-SUPPLEMENTATION
A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to assess the effects of vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation on endocrine, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers in vitamin D-deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The results showed that vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation for 8 weeks among vitamin D-deficient women with PCOS had beneficial effects.
References
Maktabi, M., Jamilian, M., Asemi, Z., 2018. Magnesium-Zinc-Calcium-Vitamin D Co-supplementation Improves Hormonal Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Biol Trace Elem Res 182, 21–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-017-1085-0
VITAMIN B12 – The “Bee”12
B-Vitamins play a crucial role in DNA synthesis, healthy nervous system, oxygen transport and energy-yielding metabolism, which makes them crucial for cognition and muscular function (1).
SUPPORTS NERVOUS SYSTEM
Scientific studies claim that folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency are important public health problems in India (2,4). In a community-based study, adolescent rural Indian women with asymptomatic vitamin B-12 deficiency, it was demonstrated improvement in haematological and biochemical-metabolic indices, and in peripheral nerve function, after treatment with oral vitamin B-12 (3).
References
1. Tardy, A.-L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., Scholey, A., 2020. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
2. Micronutrient status of Indian population. Gonmei, Z., Toteja, G.S., 2018. Micronutrient status of Indian population. Indian J. Med. Res. 148, 511–521. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1768_18
3. Yajnik, C.S., Behere, R.V., Bhat, D.S., Memane, N., Raut, D., Ladkat, R., Yajnik, P.C., Kumaran, K., Fall, C.H.D., 2019. A physiological dose of oral vitamin B-12 improves hematological, biochemical-metabolic indices and peripheral nerve function in B-12 deficient Indian adolescent women. PLoS ONE 14, e0223000. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223000
The following scientific research is for informational use only. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products. Vitamins & Me provides this information as a service and does not receive compensation for studies referenced. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.