Manzoor (Pharm-D)

Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for human health, plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions. In this article, we will delve into the definition, overview, and importance of Vitamin A, exploring its sources, health benefits, potential risks, daily requirements, and food sources. Definition and Overview of Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and overall well-being. It exists in two primary forms: retinol (found in animal products) and provitamin A carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Understanding the significance of Vitamin A is paramount for appreciating its role in supporting optimal health. Importance for Overall Health Vitamin A is not just about maintaining good eyesight; it is a cornerstone for various bodily functions. It contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system, aids in skin repair and maintenance, and supports reproductive health. Its multifaceted importance makes it a vital component of a balanced diet. Sources of Vitamin A Food Sources A well-balanced diet rich in Vitamin A is crucial for overall health. Animal sources such as liver and dairy products provide readily available retinol, while plant sources like carrots and sweet potatoes offer carotenoids. Including a variety of these foods ensures a comprehensive intake of Vitamin A. Supplements In some cases, dietary supplements become necessary to meet Vitamin A requirements. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating supplements into your routine to avoid potential risks associated with excessive intake. Health Benefits Vision Health Vitamin A is renowned for its role in maintaining optimal vision. It contributes to the function of the retina and helps prevent conditions such as night blindness, ensuring that our eyes remain sharp and functional. Immune System Support The immune system relies on Vitamin A to fight infections and maintain robust defense mechanisms. Including sufficient Vitamin A in your diet can enhance your body’s ability to ward off illnesses. Skin Health and Maintenance Vitamin A plays a crucial role in skin regeneration, promoting a healthy complexion. It aids in the repair of skin tissues, contributing to a youthful appearance and overall skin health. Reproductive Health For both men and women, Vitamin A is essential for reproductive health. It supports fetal development during pregnancy and contributes to the overall well-being of the reproductive system. Deficiency and Excess Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency A deficiency in Vitamin A can manifest in various ways, including night blindness, dry skin, and compromised immune function. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for prompt intervention. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to various health issues, including: Night blindness and impaired vision Dry, rough, and flaky skin Increased susceptibility to infections Delayed growth and bone development in children Reproductive issues and complications Risks of Excessive Vitamin A Intake While Vitamin A is essential, excessive intake can lead to toxicity. This may result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and, in severe cases, can have adverse effects on bone health. Balancing intake is key to reaping the benefits without the risks. Daily Requirements Recommended Daily Intake The recommended daily intake of Vitamin A varies by age, gender, and life stage. Understanding these requirements ensures that individuals meet their nutritional needs without surpassing safe limits. Here are the recommended dosages: Infants: 400-500 micrograms (mcg) per day Children: 300-600 mcg per day, depending on age Adults: 700-900 mcg per day for males and 600-700 mcg per day for females You can read the full dosing and daily allowance here. Factors Affecting Vitamin A Needs Factors such as age, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions can influence the body’s Vitamin A requirements. Tailoring intake based on individual circumstances is essential for optimal health. Food Sources Following are the Animal and plant sources of this vitamins are; Animal Sources (Liver, Dairy) Animal sources provide preformed Vitamin A in the form of retinol. Liver and dairy products are rich sources that can contribute significantly to daily Vitamin A intake. Plant Sources (Carrots, Sweet Potatoes) For those following a plant-based diet, carotenoid-rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes offer provitamin A, which the body can convert into active Vitamin A. Interactions and Precautions: Vitamin D: Vitamin A and D work synergistically, but excessive intake of vitamin A can interfere with vitamin D absorption. Supplements and Medications: Vitamin A supplements should be taken cautiously, especially if you are on blood-thinning medications or have certain health conditions. Conclusion In conclusion, Vitamin A is a cornerstone for maintaining overall health and well-being. Whether sourced from animal or plant-based foods, ensuring an adequate intake of this vital nutrient is crucial. Recognizing the symptoms of deficiency, understanding the risks of excess, and tailoring intake to individual needs contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Summary of Key Points: Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, skin health, and reproductive well-being. Balancing intake from both animal and plant sources ensures comprehensive nutritional benefits. Recognizing deficiency symptoms and avoiding excessive intake are essential for optimal health. Encouragement for Maintaining a Balanced Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A is a key step towards a healthier and more vibrant life. Embrace a variety of foods to ensure you reap the full spectrum of nutritional benefits that Vitamin A has to offer. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Question: How can I get enough Vitamin A in my diet? A diverse diet including animal and plant sources, such as liver, dairy, carrots, and sweet potatoes, can help you meet your Vitamin A needs. Question: Are there risks associated with Vitamin A supplements? Yes, excessive intake of Vitamin A supplements can lead to toxicity. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating supplements into your routine. Question: What are the early signs of Vitamin A deficiency? Night blindness, dry skin, and a weakened immune system are common symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency. Question: Can I overdose on Vitamin A through food alone? It’s unlikely to overdose on Vitamin A through food, as the body regulates its conversion. However, excessive intake from supplements can lead to toxicity. Question: Is Vitamin A important during pregnancy?

Are you looking for an effective and natural way to address your Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Do you want to avoid pharmaceuticals but are still determining the alternative? Look no further – today’s post is about Over the counter ADHD Medication. Here we will cover a variety of remedies to help manage symptoms associated with this condition. We will discuss different options in detail so you can determine which one(s) best suits your individual needs. You may find relief naturally without breaking the bank or relying on another prescription drug. With many options available, there has never been a better time to explore natural ways of managing ADHD and improving long-term health outcomes. Read on for more information. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a psychological condition that can cause difficulty concentrating and controlling impulses. Those who are diagnosed are typically impulsive and find it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand. It can affect adults and children but is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include restlessness, trouble focusing, acting without thinking, and feelings of boredom. Although there is no cure for ADHD, the disorder can be managed with medication and behavioral therapies like cognitive therapy and parent training programs. Taking proper steps toward managing ADHD can help individuals achieve tremendous success in school, work, and relationships with others. With the right support system and care plan, those with ADHD can thrive despite their condition. ADHD medications are prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. These medications belong to a class of drugs known as stimulants, designed to help improve focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Commonly prescribed ADHD medications include; Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) Concerta and Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) and Strattera (Atomoxetine). Although these medications can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, it’s essential to talk to a physician before starting any medication, as they can pose potential side effects. Additionally, your doctor may suggest alternative options such as lifestyle changes or psychotherapy, that may be more beneficial for controlling symptoms. Over The Counter ADHD Medication When treating ADHD, prescription medications are not the only option. While many natural ADHD supplements and remedies claim to be helpful in easing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they don’t always have much scientific backing. To make sure you’re making informed decisions while finding your ideal treatment plan, here is an overview of non-prescription options with substantial evidence demonstrating their effectiveness for those seeking alternatives to traditional medication. Increase Caffeine Intake Caffeine has been a popular form of self-treatment for those with ADHD–and research backs up its efficacy. It may bolster alertness, attention span, working memory, motivation levels, and reaction time when taken at 200-400mg – the equivalent of two to four cups of coffee. Drinking coffee or tea may be a healthier way to get the benefits of reduced ADHD symptoms, as the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in these drinks could also play an important role. Be careful though – caffeine is still a stimulant and can have adverse effects if overconsumed; speak with your doctor about how much you should drink per day for optimal health. Animal and human studies have found that caffeine enhances cognitive abilities, sharpening alertness, attention, working memory, moods & motivation while quickening reaction time. Caffeine is widely known to help those with ADHD, but coffee may be more than just a quick fix. It’s packed not only with energizing caffeine, but also awesome antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which could contribute towards easing symptoms. Use Supplements containing the below ingredients; Use Antioxidants New research has uncovered a possible link between oxidative damage and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To reduce the symptoms of ADHD, experts suggest increasing your antioxidant intake with supplements such as Ginseng and maritime pine bark extract. The latter is said to be especially beneficial due to its abundant source of Pycnogenol – an effective compound for improving focus and coordination with reduced hyperactive behavior in children afflicted by this condition. Moreover, you can gain more antioxidative agents from consuming grapes, berries, or even red wine. After an in-depth study of children with ADHD, remarkable results were seen – participants experienced a marked improvement in their ability to socialize effectively and cope better with hyperactivity and impulsivity after taking American Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba twice daily for four weeks. Another study offers promising evidence that supplementing a daily routine with omega-3 and Korean red Ginseng could be an effective, natural way to beneficially impact the symptoms of ADHD. Through this holistic approach, children may experience improved attention span, memory retention, and heightened executive functioning skills. Another newly conducted study has revealed an exciting result: administering Pycnogenol, a natural extract derived from the bark of pine trees, to children with ADHD produced remarkable improvements in hyperactivity levels, attentiveness, and visual-motor coordination. Furthermore, these benefits proved to endure after only one month of treatment – although symptoms started to reappear shortly afterward when use was stopped. Citicoline Citicoline is an incredibly naturally-occurring chemical found in the human brain. While it’s only available as a dietary supplement in America, its origin lies in Japan where doctors prescribed it to their patients. This ingredient is mainly used in over the counter ADHD medication and other brain health supplements. For example, A study found that participants consuming a combination of citicoline and caffeine experienced elevated cognitive functioning in mental alertness, attention-spanning tasks, and working memory while tackling complicated problems. Other studies have also indicated how its unique bioactivities may benefit attention and focus – perfect for those who tackle ADHD issues or boost overall cognitive function. Recent research has also confirmed that the supplement Citicoline can help sharpen focus and maximize attentional performance. Despite promising findings in preclinical models, recent clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any protective effects of citicoline for people suffering from ischaemic stroke or traumatic brain injury. Therefore more in-depth human research is needed to prove its efficacy. Phosphatidylserine Can Also Be Used As an Over The Counter ADHD

Aspirin is, no doubt, one of the most remarkable human pharmaceutical inventions. The drug, which humans have used in some form since at least 1500 BC, has become one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. It is, of course, not surprising that Aspirin has such wide global use. It is an essential medicine for relieving various forms of pain, as well as reducing fever. In addition, a low dosage of Aspirin used daily was found to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems such as strokes and heart attacks. With such immense health benefits and popularity, many now gloss over the dangers of Aspirin and use it routinely. It is, however, important to pay attention to these risks as they may result in severe and fatal outcomes in some cases. Thus, in this article, we will be addressing some of the risks and dangers of aspirin use and how they could be mitigated. Let’s dive right in: What is Aspirin? Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps relieve pain by reducing substances in the body that generally cause pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen are typically used by doctors, as opposed to opioid pain relievers like morphine, to treat pain that is less severe. Inflammation generally occurs when the body reacts to an infection or injury. When there is inflammation, however, the body receives pain signals from nerve receptors, causing us to feel pain. Aspirin and other NSAIDs disrupt this process by minimizing the direct effect of inflammation on pain-nerve stimulation. In addition, the drug also decreases inflammation, helping relieve the pain. Aspirin, specifically, contains a property called salicylate. This is a compound found in certain plants, such as the willow tree. This is the active ingredient in Aspirin that allows it to relieve pain. Interestingly, the willow tree has been used to manage pain since around 4,000 years ago and is still used by some people today. Hippocrates is said to have used the willow tree plant to relieve fever and manage pain during childbirth. Notably, the name ‘Aspirin’ is a trademark owned by a German pharmaceutical company known as Bayer. However, the name has become a generic term used to describe Acetylsalicylic acid. Overall, there is no gainsaying the fact that Aspirin is a beneficial drug with many uses. However, taking Aspirin also comes with some risks, particularly when used daily, as is the case with many Americans. Risks of using Aspirin daily Aspirin is commonly used for less severe pain that occurs with fevers and headaches. However, over time, the use of Aspirin was expanded beyond these conditions. This was majorly a result of research that showed that using Aspirin on a daily basis may be an effective way to prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Aspirin reduces this risk by preventing blood clots from forming. In fact, the 2016 recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force stated that adults between the ages of 50 and 59 may take Aspirin daily to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. It is worth noting that these recommendations could have restricted use to people who have a risk of cardiovascular disease, don’t have a high risk of bleeding, and are willing to take a daily dose for at least 10 years. While this guidance reflected the medical stance on Aspirin at the time, that has changed quite a lot since 2016. In the following years, research has accumulated to show that the potential risks of taking Aspirin daily far outweigh whatever health benefits can be derived. As such, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has updated its recommendations in 2022, taking into account the new known risks of daily aspirin use. The risks of daily aspirin use are particularly higher for people who have no known heart disease or stroke. In such cases, using daily Aspirin is not recommended. The risk of such use ironically stems from the effect of Aspirin that enables it to prevent cardiovascular events. Aspirin thins the blood and prevents clots from forming. And while this might help with reducing the risk of a heart attack, it can also lead to bleeding in the intestines, stomach, and brain. A person who has had no cardiovascular event, therefore, risks potentially severe bleeding if they use Aspirin daily. Similarly, those with an underlying risk of internal bleeding may experience more harm than good by using Aspirin daily. Considerations for seniors Given that seniors generally have a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events, it is understandable that this demographic is also more likely to explore the daily use of Aspirin in order to reduce this risk. One of the top health insurance concerns for seniors is the question “will Medicare pay for assisted living?”. Since the risk of assisted living increases with the occurrence of a heart attack or stroke, it makes sense why many seniors would try to prevent these events. However, as we have illustrated, the daily use of Aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events has many risks. Even in cases where people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease may benefit from daily aspirin use, it is essential that they make that decision in consultation with a healthcare professional. Other risk factors of Aspirin While daily use is clearly a primary catalyst for health risks in relation to Aspirin, other factors can also result in adverse outcomes. Here are some: Drug interaction: Using Aspirin alongside anti-inflammatory painkillers, particularly antidepressants and warfarin can exacerbate the risk of internal bleeding. Underlying conditions: People with conditions such as bleeding disorders (like hemophilia), asthma, stomach ulcer, and liver or kidney disease should be cautious with aspirin use as it could have harmful side effects. Use for children: Doctors generally don’t recommend using Aspirin for children as it increases the risk of a condition known as Reyes syndrome. Alcohol consumption: It is considered unsafe to take Aspirin before or after consuming significant amounts of alcohol