Function of Vitamins & Minerals .:. Prenatal Direct

Vitamin A:: Promotes skeletal growth, normal tooth structure, healthy mucous membranes, healthy skin, eyes and hair; essential for night vision.
Natural Sources: Fish liver oils, liver, carrots, green and yellow vegetables, dairy products.
Vitamin D:: Promotes bone and tooth development and normal growth; aids utilization of phosphorus and calcium; maintains nervous system and heart action; prevents rickets.
Vitamin E:: Protects body's store of Vitamin A, tissues and fat from destructive oxidation, and breakdown of red corpuscles; strengthens capillary walls; regulates menstrual rhythm; prevents loss of other vitamins; aids blood flow to heart; lowers blood cholesterol and fatty acids; vital to cell health; regulates protein and calcium metabolism.
Natural Sources: Soybeans, vegetable oils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy greens, enriched flour, whole wheat, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, eggs.
Vitamin C:: Essential for the formation of collagen; needed for absorption of iron, some proteins and folic acid; prevents oxidation of other vitamins; aids in metabolism of amino acids and calcium; stops internal bleeding; strengthens blood vessels maintains hard bones and teeth; promotes stamina; holds body cells together prevents infections, colds, fatigue and stress; reduces allergies; heals wounds and burns.
Natural Sources: Citrus fruits, berries, green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes.
Niacin:: (as Niacinamide): Aids normal functioning of tissues, particularly skin, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system; used with other vitamins in converting carbohydrates to energy.
Natural Sources: Liver, lean meat, whole wheat, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, eggs, roasted peanuts, poultry, sesame seeds, nuts.
Vitamin B-6:: (Pyridoxine HCl) Aids metabolism of protein carbohydrates and fats; controls cholesterol level; aids chemical balance between blood and tissue; prevents water retention; builds hemoglobin.
Natural Sources: Brewer's yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, organ meats, beef, avocados, bananas, milk, eggs.
Vitamin B-1:: (Thiamine): Helps convert sugar and starches into energy; promotes digestion, strong heart muscle, child growth; prevents fatigue, fat deposits in arteries.
Natural Sources: Whole wheat, dried yeast, oatmeal, peanuts, pork, bran, enriched rice, sunflower seeds, soybean sprouts.
Vitamin B-2:: (Riboflavin): Aids in releasing energy to body cells; enables utilization of fats, proteins and sugars.
Natural Sources: Dairy products, liver, kidney, yeast, leafy greens, fish, eggs.
Vitamin B-12:: Promotes utilization of protein, fat and carbohydrates; essential for formation of red blood cells; builds nucleic acid; prevents pernicious anemia; helps nervous system.
Natural Sources: Liver, beef, pork, eggs, dairy products, shellfish.
Folic Acid:: Folic acid is a B vitamin which is essential for the function of Vitamins A, D, E, and K, forms red blood cells and nucleic acid; improves circulation; aids digestion of proteins. Folic Acid is used to make new cells, every one needs Folic Acid. The March of Dimes stated, "Studies show that if all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, up to 70 percent of all neural tube defects (NTDs) in the United States could be prevented. NTDs are serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord." Folic Acid may help prevent neuro tube defects (Spina bifida), and some cancers. Folic Acid may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.; Natural Sources: Dark-green leafy vegetables, carrots, liver, eggs, soybeans, avocados, oranges, beans whole wheat.
Calcium:: Builds bones and teeth; aids in proper function of muscles, heart, nerves, and iron utilization; helps blood coagulation; regulates the passage of nutrients in and out of cells; relieves pain and cramps; eases insomnia.
Natural Sources: Dairy products, soybeans, sunflower seeds, legumes, sardines.
Magnesium:: Reduces blood cholesterol; forms hard tooth enamel and fights tooth decay; aids in converting blood sugar into energy; helps regulate body temperature; aids nerve function and bone growth; helps utilize Vitamins B, C, E; promotes absorption and metabolism of other minerals; activates enzymes for metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids; prevents calcium deposits in the bladder, heart attacks, depression, polio.
Natural Sources: Nuts, figs, seeds, dark-green vegetables, wheat bran, avocados, bananas.
Iron:: Iron is a mineral that is an essential constituent of blood and muscle, and is required for the transport of oxygen. The primary role of iron relates to the ability of red blood cells to adequately carry oxygen to sustain the body�s cellular support. Iron deficiency is a common problem with most women, particularly pregnant women. A small percentage of men also suffer from iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is a frequent concern for post weight loss surgery (WLS) patients. When iron deficiency progresses to anemia, and anemia is finally detected, an unbalanced condition has already been reached.
Natural Sources: Liver, meat, raw clams, oysters, oatmeal, nuts, beans, wheat germ.
Iodine:: Aids thyroid gland and prevents goiter; helps burn fat; converts carotene into Vitamin A; aids absorption of carbohydrates from small intestine; promotes growth; regulates energy production; maintains hair, nails skin and teeth.
Natural Sources: Kelp, seafood, vegetables.
Copper:: Facilitates iron absorption; synthesizes enzymes and skin pigments; promotes protein metabolism; aids Vitamin C oxidation; produces RNA; forms hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hair color.
Natural Sources: Shrimp, beef liver, whole wheat, prunes, nuts, raw oysters.
Zinc:: Eliminates cholesterol deposits; aids in absorption of B-Vitamins, manufacture of enzymes and insulin, and metabolism of carbohydrates; essential for growth; aids healing essential for proper function of prostate gland; prevents prostate cancer and sterility; keeps hair glossy and smooth.
Natural Sources: Eggs, cheese, beef, pork, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, pumpkin seeds, popcorn.
Sodium fluoride:: Acts systemically to strengthen developing teeth. For the prevention of dental caries by increasing tooth resistance to acid dissolution. Promotes remineralization and inhibits the cariogenic microbial process.