Break It Down, Give Me An A, Give Me A B12, Give Me A C

Cooper Complete offers a snapshot of the vitamin ABCs

Learning what vitamins do to help your body function is a step toward making smart food and supplement choices, experts at Dallas Cooper Complete a division of Cooper Aerobics, say.

Todd Whitthorne, president & CEO of Cooper Concepts, says, Ideally we should get all of the vitamins and minerals we need through our diet but we know, based on the evaluation of thousands of patients each year at the Cooper Clinic, that very few of us eat as well as we should (or would like to). For instance, less than a third of Americans eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The proper supplements, in the right dosage, help us fill in the gaps, essentially serving as a nutritional insurance policy. Its critical though to get the right nutrients, in the right amounts, in order to maximize health and performance.

Our bodies need a basic list of vitamins to work optimally. As we grow, and progress through life, the relative quantities may vary, but the body has its basic requirements listed by recommended daily allowance.

Function of Pro-Vitamin A (beta-Carotene)
Maintains healthy vision
Keeping the cells of your skin healthy
Helps relieve skin disorders-- often to treat acne and wrinkles
Boosts your immune system
Helps to heal any wounds you may have
Some studies have also shown that vitamin A may help insulin regulate blood sugar levels-- a big vitamin benefit for people with diabetes
Food sources: milk, margarine, eggs, beef liver and fortified breakfast cereals, carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, and spinach

Function of Vitamin B 12
Helps formation and regeneration of red blood cells; your bodys manufacturer of DNA and RNA
Aids with proper nerve function
Food sources: fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products, liver, shellfish

Function of Vitamin C
Helps heal wounds
Boosts the immune system
Protects artery linings
Produces collagen
Food sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, and potatoes, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe

Function of Vitamin D
Maintains normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus
Aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle and soft
Prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults
Food sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are among the best sources. Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks provide small amounts

Function of Vitamin E
Potent antioxidant
A possible role in protection against heart disease; some types of cancers
Boosts your immune system, and helping as an aid in the healing of injuries
Some studies have shown it can boost the immune system in elderly people
Food sources: Vegetable oils like wheat germ, sunflower, and safflower oils, nuts (such as peanuts, hazelnuts, and, especially, almonds) and seeds (like sunflower seeds)
Function of Vitamin K
Helps blood clotting
Source to strengthen bones and counter osteoporosis
Food Source: Green leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts, seaweed, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, lettuces, okra, peas and parsley

Whitthorne says, Fueling our bodies with the proper vitamins is the first step toward preventing life-altering illnesses. Knowing what vitamins do for us will aid in better decision making.

Cooper Complete is more than a name-- its an accurate description. Based on scientific research, each formulation contains the precise amount of vitamins and minerals listed on the label. Thats the Cooper Complete guarantee theyre pure and potent.

As theyve done with exercise, Dr. Kenneth Cooper pushed, and will continue to push, for the study and documentation of the effects of vitamin supplementationand enhance Cooper Complete based on the best and latest research.

To order any of the Cooper Complete products or talk with someone about the best solution for you, send an email through Cooper Store or phone 888-393-2221 or visit http://www.coopercomplete.com/.