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Vitamins are "organic" compounds, which means they are produced naturally
in both vegetables and animals and are therefore found in abundant
quantities in both of these food sources. The main function of vitamins in
the system is to act as "coenzymes" (i.e., substances that enhance the
action of proteins which induce chemical reactions). Enzymes are catalysts
in all chemical reactions that take place in the body. These reactions
include energy metabolism and muscle building, to name only two of
thousands. As coenzymes, vitamins are an essential component of enzymatic
activity - without vitamins, enzymes simply wouldn't work; you wouldn't
build muscle, and your body wouldn't be able to convert the food you eat
into all the magnificent chemicals that make up the human body.
Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble; depending on whether fat
or water based molecules transport the vitamin through the bloodstream.
Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. Because these vitamins have
an affinity for fat, they can be stored in both adipose (fat) tissue and
in the liver, extending their functional life span in the body and
strongly decreasing the chance of developing deficiencies. The
water-soluble vitamins include all of the B vitamins and Vitamin C; they
aren't stored in the body for more than a few hours, so daily intake is a
must.
B-12 belongs to group of B vitamins. The active form of this water-soluble
vitamin is not found in vegetable sources. Researchers have found the form
in sea vegetables and tofu to be virtually unusable by the body. Only
animal-derived foods contain viable amounts of B-12. For this reason, many
nutritionists advise strict vegetarians to take a B-12 supplement.
B-12
supplementation (injections especially) is quite popular with bodybuilders
who believe it helps boost energy levels, protect the liver, and increase
appetite.
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