
Part 1: Vitamins
Have you ever wondered what vitamins and minerals are in a multi-vitamin tablet and what they do? My patients in the chiropractic clinic often ask me how vitamin and mineral supplements can help to promote their health and wellbeing.
Eastbourne Chiropractor James Revell investigates the contents of one type of multi-vitamin and mineral supplement from BioCare and sums up their main function in the human body.

Part 1 describes why vitamins are essential for our health. Part 2 to follow describes how minerals are essential for our health and well being.
Vitamins: What’s all the Fuss?
Vitamin A
Vitamin A has an essential role in bone growth, reproduction and immune system health. It also helps the skin and mucous membranes to resist bacteria and viruses effectively and is key to retina function. One of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency is struggling to see in the dark.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is converted into a hormone Calcitriol in the body. This hormone circulates in the blood and helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate nutrients in the body which are essential in the optimal function of the nerves, muscles and immune system. Some of the symptoms of low vitamin D levels are muscle weakness, fatigue and softened bones.
To find out more about Vitamin D, click here to read my blog.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin which removed oxygen free radicals which are the unstable compounds that damage healthy cells. Vitamin E is also essential in optimal immunity and lowering cholesterol and helps to prevent skin ageing. An early symptom of vitamin E deficiency is muscle weakness and wasting leading to loss of coordination.
Vitamin C
Like E, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which can help fight off infection. It also helps the body to maintain optimal function of connective tissues, bones, blood vessels and skin. Some more advanced deficiencies of vitamin C include gum inflammation, brittle hair and a decreased ability to ward off infection.
Vitamin B1
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B1 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential to maintain digestive function and promotes the immune system, hair and liver. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to fastened heart rate, shortness of breath and swellings.
Vitamin B2
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B2 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential to maintain digestive function and promotes eye health and blood cell health. A lack of vitamin B2 can lead to dry skin and skin rash, anaemia, inflammation of the tongue and weakness.
Vitamin B3
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B3 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential in the production of adrenal hormones in the adrenal glands and is thought to suppress inflammation. A deficiency of vitamin B3 can lead to dry cracked skin, inflammation of the tongue and swelling of the mouth.
Vitamin B5
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B5 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential in the production of adrenal hormones in the adrenal glands, blood cells and helps the body to lower cholesterol. Vitamin B5 deficiency can lead to low moods, fatigue, insomnia and mood swings.
Vitamin B6
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B6 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain for normal brain function. Low levels of vitamin B6 can lead to dry skin, low moods and a reduced ability to fight off infection.
Vitamin B7
One of the 8 water soluble B vitamins, B6 helps to covert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy and to breakdown fats and protein. It is also essential to strengthen and maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. A lack of vitamin B7 can lead to hair loss, a red facial rash and weakness or tingling of the hands and feet.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is important in the prevention of certain birth defects, which is why it is often recommended for pregnant women. It is also helpful in reducing blood pressure and helps the body to maintain healthy cells. Low levels of folic acid can lead to signs of anaemia and the inability to fight off infection.
For more information about supplements, multivitamins and minerals, ask your chiropractor. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, make sure to ask your GP for advice.
Ingredients Table
This table has been taken from the BioCare website and refers to the one a day vitamins and minerals.
INGREDIENT | AMOUNT | PROVIDING | % EC NRV |
Vitamin A 2667iu | 800 mcg | Retinol equivalent | 100 |
Vitamin D2 400iu | 10 mcg | 200 | |
Vitamin E 100iu | 67 mg | Alpha Tocopherol equivalent | 558 |
Vitamin C | 191.8 mg | 240 | |
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 32 mg | 2909 | |
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 25 mg | 1786 | |
Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 100 mg | Niacin Equivalent | 625 |
Vitamin B6 | 30 mg | 2143 | |
Folic Acid | 400 mcg | 200 | |
Vitamin B12 (hydroxycobalamin) | 100 mcg | 4000 | |
Biotin | 400 mcg | 800 | |
Pantothethic Acid (Vitamin B5) | 60 mg | 1000 | |
Calcium | 30 mg | 4 | |
Magnesium | 19 mg | 5 | |
Iron | 7.5 mg | 54 | |
Zinc | 15 mg | 150 | |
Manganese | 4.45 mg | 223 | |
Selenium | 200 mcg | 364 | |
Chromium | 100 mcg | 250 | |
Molybdenum | 500 mcg | 1000 | |
Iodine | 151 mcg | 101 | |
Choline bitartrate | 60 mg | ||
Inositol | 25 mg | ||
PABA | 25 mg | ||
Bilberry Extraxt 4:1 | 20 mg | Equivalent to 200 mg Billberries | |
Lutein | 5 mg | ||
Beta carotene | 2 mg | Providing 333 mcg retionol equivalent | |
Boron | 1.2 mg |

Thanks for reading, look out for Part 2 to find out how minerals are essential for our health and well being.
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