How To Choose A Dog Vitamin
The best way to choose a dog vitamin is to talk to your veterinarian about what, if any, dog vitamin supplements your dog needs. According to Professor Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, most people are doing it because they want to, not because it is necessary, when it comes to giving dogs vitamins.
There are exceptions to this rule. If your dog needs vitamins, either to complement his homemade diet or because of a medical condition or deficiency, then you need to make sure that your dog gets the appropriate vitamin supplement.
Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate vitamin dosage for your dog. Human vitamins often have different concentrations of vitamins than vitamins specifically made for dogs, and may even contain additives that are harmful to dogs. This means you should stick with a veterinary vitamin supplement or one specifically made for dogs, and you should always check the label to make sure the vitamin contains the appropriate amount of the vitamins your dog needs.
Your vet may even recommend supplementing your dogs diet with specific fruits and vegetables, instead of vitamin supplements, according to Dr. Wynn.
Vitamins are some of the building blocks of dog health. Feeding a good quality dog food is the best way to ensure your dog is getting all of the vitamins he needs, but if you have any questions about vitamin supplements, make sure to talk to your veterinarian.
The Difference Between Vitamins And Minerals
Although they are all considered micronutrients, vitamins and minerals differ in basic ways. Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air, or acid. Minerals are inorganic and hold on to their chemical structure.
So why does this matter? It means the minerals in soil and water easily find their way into your body through the plants, fish, animals, and fluids you consume. But its tougher to shuttle vitamins from food and other sources into your body because cooking, storage, and simple exposure to air can inactivate these more fragile compounds.
Vitamin D And Autoimmune Disease
There is increasing epidemiologic evidence linking vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis , rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes mellitus , inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (reviewed in reference. Reports of low serum vitamin D predicting development of autoimmune disease in the future have been published for MS, autoimmune DM and RA. There is also data linking decreased in utero exposure to vitamin D and islet cell autoimmunity. Lower in utero exposure assessed by a lower maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy in women whose prospective child was at risk of developing autoimmune DM is associated with a statistically increased risk of the child developing pancreatic autoimmunity.
Vitamin D has also been shown to facilitate progression of existing autoimmune disease. In one study, 161 patients with an early undifferentiated connective tissue disease were followed for a mean of over 2 years. Most patients did not progress and remained in an undifferentiated state. Thirty-five patients went on to develop a defined rheumatologic diagnosis including RA, SLE, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and Sjogrens Disease while 126 did not progress. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Importantly, the mean vitamin D level was significantly lower in the group that progressed to a definitive disease.
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How Important Is Diet For A Healthy Immune System
Claims you can boost your immunity by eating particular foods have hit the headlines over the past year, but do they stack up?
A healthy, balanced diet is important for supporting your immune system. You need sufficient energy and nutrients for the immune system to function properly, and poor nutrition can compromise it. But there is no individual nutrient, food or supplement that will boost immunity, or stop us getting highly infectious viruses like Covid-19, says Sarah Stanner, Science Director at the British Nutrition Foundation.
So do you need to make changes to your diet for the sake of your immune health?
How Much Zinc Is Needed To Boost Your Immune System
The Mayo Clinic recommends 8 milligrams for women and 11 milligrams for men can be taken daily. In addition to boosting the immune system, zinc has been shown to act as an antioxidant, which also helps to reduce inflammation. It is important to read the recommended daily dosage, as each supplement contains different amounts of zinc.
Zinc is a trace element, which means just a small amount is needed in your body.
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Vitamins To Help Support Your Immune System
Lets guide you through the science
A strong, healthy immune system is super important for keeping you feeling your best. Without it doing its thing, working hard behind the scenes, youre more likely to catch every cold going .
If youre looking to show your immune system a little extra love, there may be a few questions floating around your head. Should I take vitamin supplements? Which ones should I take? Do they really help? Take a breath, well show you the ropes.
The Remarkable Benefits Of Vitamin D
Now that youve learned about some of the best vitamins and minerals for supporting a strong immune system, its time to dig deeper.
Shockingly, nearly 42% of Americans lack adequate vitamin D. But why? Because this special vitamin is produced by exposure to natural sun rays, its often called the sunshine vitamin. Modern indoor lifestyles keep us out of the suns helpful rays and even when we are outside, sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing can block our skin from adequate exposure.
A terrific way to obtain adequate vitamin D is through your diet! Learn more about the incredible benefits of High Vitamin D mushrooms by downloading our free ebook.
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Do Dogs Need Vitamin Supplements
Your dog gets his vitamins from dog food. Commercial dog food diets labeled complete and balanced are specially formulated to contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs.
Foods catered toward different life stages, like puppy food, adult dog food, and senior dog food, contain different levels of certain vitamins, depending on the requirements of that life stage. This is especially important for large breed puppy foods, as these breeds can develop diseases, such as hip dysplasia, if their food contains vitamins and minerals, like calcium, that make them grow too quickly.
Dogs fed an appropriate commercial diet should not require vitamin supplements unless recommended otherwise by a veterinarian. Dogs fed a homemade diet, on the other hand, may require supplements to ensure that they are getting enough vitamins with their meals. However, these vitamins should be given to match the diet, according to veterinary nutritionist Susan Wynn, DVM. Simply feeding these dogs a vitamin with dinner is not enough.
Immunomodulatory Role Of Vitamin D
The influence of VD3 metabolites in the immune system, particularly of 1,252 VD3, has been known for more than 20 years,. In vitro, 1,252VD3 exerts a marked inhibitory effect on adaptive immune cells . It inhibits T-cell proliferation,, the expression of interleukin-2 and interferon- mrNA and protein in T cells,, and CD8 T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The decrease in the production of IL-2 and IFN by 1,252VD3 is partially mediated by binding of the VDRRXR complex to the VDRE in the promoters of genes encoding IL-2 and IFN . The anti-proliferative effect could be explained, at least in part, by the decrease in IL-2 production, as proliferation is partially rescued by adding exogenous IL-2 . These inhibitory effects of 1,252VD3 are most pronounced in the memory T-cell compartment, which is concomitant with the higher expression of VDR in effector and memory T cells compared with naive T cells. Moreover, 1,252VD3 enhances nonspecific T-cell suppressor activity, as measured by the ability of 1,252VD3-treated T cells to suppress primary mixed-lymphocyte reactions and cytotoxic T-cell responses.
Mechanisms of vitamin D immunomodulation
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Zinc Boosts The Immune System
One of the most popular uses of zinc supplements is to shorten the duration of a head cold. At the first sign of a few extra sneezes or a scratchy throat, you should consider taking a zinc supplement just as the cold is about to develop. If you catch a virus in time, you may be able to shorten the overall length of its unwanted stay by a day or two. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to take the powerful supplement is in a chewable gummy form. Zinc supplements are also available in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, lozenges and liquid form for quick absorption.
Taking Too Much Vitamin A Can Be Risky
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in your body. This means that excess consumption can lead to toxic levels.
Hypervitaminosis A is caused by consuming too much preformed vitamin A through your diet or supplements containing the vitamin.
Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, pain and even death.
Though it can be caused by excessive intake from the diet, this is rare compared to overconsumption from supplements and medications.
Additionally, eating a lot of provitamin A in its plant form doesnt carry the same risks, as its conversion to the active form in your body is regulated .
Summary
Eating high amounts of the active form of vitamin A from animal foods, medications or supplements can be toxic. Excessive consumption of provitamin A from plant foods is unlikely.
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What Supplements Should I Take For Coronavirus
- The recent COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak causes a variety of telltale signs and symptoms, ranging from fever and dry cough, to more extreme symptoms requiring immediate medical help such as difficulty breathing and confusion.
- We do not currently have any antiviral medications that specifically cure or treat COVID-19, so treatment will usually involve managing symptoms with supportive treatments.
- COVID-19vaccines are now available in order to help protect you from becoming infected with the virus.
- If you have relatively mild COVID-19 symptoms and dont have any other medical conditions that would put you at high risk for developing complications of COVID-19 , these vitamins and supplements might help strengthen your immune system to fight coronavirus.
- It is important to note that no vitamin or supplement can cure COVID-19, nor is there solid evidence any non-FDA-approved vitamin or supplement has any effect on COVID-19. Immune supporting effects of supplements and vitamins in the context of the coronavirus is theoretical.
- Vitamins and supplements may interact with one another in your system and with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Notify your doctor about all the drugs and supplements you are taking, and do not start a vitamin regimen without consulting your physician.
Zinc And The Immune System
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps keep your body healthy. It works with your immune system to help fight off colds, viruses and flus. While zinc is found in many foods, you may need a boost every so often to help your immune system ward off bacteria by promoting cell growth.
Heres a look at who should take a zinc supplement, how it can help you if you are experiencing a deficiency and how much is needed to boost your immune system.
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Enjoy A Colourful Diet
When shopping for groceries, aim for a colourful selection of fruits and veggies. The prettier your basket looks, the better for your overall health. This is because getting your fruit and vegetables in almost every colour of the rainbow is a sure-fire way to ensure you get the variety of micronutrients that your immune system needs to work well!
Support Your Immune Function With Good Nutrition
One of the most valuable things you have is your health. As a dietitian, I have received numerous queries about recommended foods, supplements and diet patterns to boost immune function. While it is true that nutrition plays a large role in immune function, diet recommendations for the prevention of acute illnesses, like COVID-19 and other viruses, don’t look a whole lot different than general guidelines for healthy eating.
I’ll start by saying that the concept of boosting the immune system through diet is flawed, as boosting refers to something that is stimulated above the normal level. A good diet cannot boost the immune system, but it’s important to maintain a functional immune system by avoiding immunodeficiency due to malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies.
It’s important to note that no single food or nutrient will prevent illness. Also, the immune system is incredibly complex and influenced by a variety of other factors, including stress level, age, sleep and other medical conditions.
A few key micronutrients have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells, including:
Need a multivitamin or mineral supplement?
A general multivitamin or mineral supplement providing no more than 100% of your recommended daily allowance can be used and is generally safe for many people. Your health care provider may recommend further supplementation based on your lab values or medical status.
GRILLED COD WITH CRISPY CITRUS SALADServing: 2
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Are There Risks Associated With Dog Vitamins
Vitamins are absolutely vital to life. It should not surprise us that something so essential could also be potentially dangerous in large quantities.
You already know that too much of the mineral calcium can cause skeletal problems in large breed puppies. You might not know that vitamins can cause problems, too.
Too much vitamin A can cause dehydration, joint pain, and can even harm your dogs blood vessels. On top of that, there are very few studies that have tested the long-term safety of dog vitamin supplements, and some supplements contain other ingredients, like herbs, that can interact with certain medications.
You can avoid these risks by working out a nutritional plan with your veterinarian.
Helps With Zinc Deficiencies
If you have a zinc deficiency, a supplement like NatureBell’s Zinc Picolinate Supplement will give you the boost needed to get your body healthy. Zinc deficiency symptoms typically include hair and appetite loss, weakened immune system, a loss or decreased sense of smell and taste, no energy, loose stools and the body’s inability to heal wounds. A zinc deficiency can easily be detected by your physician with a blood or urine test. But take note: people with kidney or liver disease often have difficulties absorbing zinc.
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Promotes Healthy Growth And Reproduction
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy reproductive system in both men and women, as well as ensuring the normal growth and development of embryos during pregnancy.
Rat studies examining the importance of vitamin A in male reproduction have shown that a deficiency blocks the development of sperm cells, causing infertility (
36 ).
Therefore, many health authorities recommended that women avoid foods that contain concentrated amounts of vitamin A, such as pâté and liver, as well as supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy.
Summary
Adequate amounts of vitamin A in the diet are essential for reproductive health and the healthy development of babies during pregnancy.
Effects Of Antioxidant Vitamins On Immunity
It has been known for more than 30 years that some vitamins with antioxidant properties, including vitamin A, vitamin B6 , vitamin C and particularly vitamin E, have protective effects on animal models of atherosclerosis and ischaemia-reperfusion injury . Vitamin E collectively refers to eight related compounds , of which -tocopherol has the greatest bioavailability and is the best characterized. Vitamin E decreases the release of reactive oxygen species by monocytes and the expression of CD11b and very late antigen 4 , thereby decreasing monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Vitamin E also blocks the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, TNF and the chemokine IL-8, by monocytes and macrophages,. Moreover, vitamin E prevents the upregulation of the adhesion molecules vascular cell-adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on the endothelium induced by oxidized low-density lipo protein and IL-1, as well as the upregulation of E-selectin and some chemokines. Reactive oxygen species activate the nuclear factor-B pathway, which initiates many pro-inflammatory events. Therefore, the therapeutic antioxidant effect of these vitamins could be explained, at least in part, by their capacity to decrease NF-B activation.
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Cansupplements Help Your Immunity
While vitamins andsupplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up onessential nutrients is to get them straight from food.
Your body absorbs and usesvitamins and nutrients better when they come from a dietarysource. When its a vitamin or supplement, its often questionablehow much youre actually getting. Because supplements are regulated asfoods, not as drugs, the Food and Drug Administration doesnt evaluate thequality of supplements or assess their effects on the body.
Some supplements may have side effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions. And the effects of many supplements havent been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups.
Its especially important to avoid taking vitamin E supplements. Not only is there little clinical research showing that vitamin E supplements benefit your health, but they may also be harmful in some situations.
For these reasons, expertssay its best to get vitamins through food rather than supplements.
Talk with yourhealthcare provider if youre thinking about taking dietary supplements,Zumpano says.
Effects On Adaptive Immune
Vitamin A metabolites can also affect some aspects of the adaptive immune response . Retinoic acid enhances cytotoxicity and T-cell proliferation, the latter probably mediated, at least in part, by enhancing IL-2 secretion and signalling in T cells. Consistent with an in vivo role for vitamin A in T-cell function, vitamin A-deficient mice have defects in TH-cell activity. A possible mechanism for this observation is that in the setting of vitamin A deficiency, retinoic acid does not compete with 1,252VD3 for their common nuclear binding partner RXR and, therefore, the inhibitory effects of 1,252VD3 on T-cell function are not offset by retinoic acid.
Effects of vitamin A metabolites on gut mucosal immunity
Retinoic acid can inhibit B-cell proliferation,, although it has also been found to enhance B-cell activation under some conditions,. In addition, retinoic acid inhibits B-cell apoptosis. These effects are mediated through binding of vitamin A metabolites to RAR receptors.
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