Vitamin & Dietary Supplement - Health Tips

Understanding the Different Types of PureBulk Vitamins

January 30, 2024

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that facilitate numerous physiological processes, including supporting the immune system, bone health, eye health, heart health, neurological function, and energy production. Many vitamins are also antioxidants that protect against free radicals and oxidative stress, while others are critical for cell growth and repair. The body can’t produce essential vitamins in sufficient quantities to fuel these processes and relies on dietary sources to meet its nutritional needs. The 13 essential vitamins include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K. PureBulk carries all the essential vitamins as standalone products or vitamin blends, as well as several vitamin-related compounds.

Who is at Risk of Developing Vitamin Deficiencies?

Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to various health problems, ranging from mild symptoms to severe conditions. For example, a vitamin A deficiency may lead to night blindness, a vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, and inadequate vitamin D can result in bone disorders. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet that includes a wide range of nutrient-rich foods is essential to ensure adequate vitamin intake. However, some situations may require supplementation, as certain populations are more susceptible to developing vitamin deficiencies. These include: [1 - 11]

Individuals who follow a plant-based diet. Vegan and vegetarian foods are often incomplete proteins, meaning they’re missing some essential vitamins. As a result, they’re more likely to develop vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies.
Individuals with certain medical conditions. Conditions such as Celiac and Crohn’s Disease can affect nutrient absorption and cause vitamin deficiencies. People with type 2 diabetes are particularly prone to vitamin B12 deficiencies, but they may experience insufficient vitamin B1, C, D, and E levels.
Individuals who follow restricted diet plans. People with gluten and dairy sensitivities or intolerances must follow a restrictive diet for health reasons, but others choose to limit their food choices as a weight loss technique. Low-carb diets remain hugely popular because they promise significant and rapid weight loss. However, purposefully restricting food groups eliminates many foods rich in essential vitamins and can cause vitamin deficiencies.
Bariatric patients. Bariatric surgery can be a lifesaving and transformative procedure. Most bariatric operations reduce the size of the patient’s stomach or limit nutrient absorption. The result is rapid and dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately, it also increases the risk of vitamin deficiencies.
Adults aged 50+. Physiological changes can affect how the body absorbs and processes nutrients as we age. Older adults also tend to eat less and consume fewer vitamin-rich foods. Aging also tends to coincide with other health complications that require medications. These medications can interfere with how the body absorbs vitamins. Vitamins B12 and D are the most common age-related vitamin deficiencies.

Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Understanding solubility is crucial when taking vitamin supplements. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and absorb directly into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. However, the body can only store these vitamins for a limited time before excreting them through the urine. As a result, they require daily consumption to replenish them. In contrast, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, meaning the body can keep them in its fat stores for longer. However, the body also holds fat-soluble vitamins in the liver, which increases the risk of toxicity if consumed in excess or too often. [12, 13]

Water Soluble Vitamins

B Vitamins

Vitamin B1: Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is essential for energy metabolism, particularly for converting carbohydrates into energy. Adequate thiamine levels are crucial for the brain and heart, as they need a continual energy supply. Vitamin B1 also supports the immune system. Although vitamin B1 is usually water-soluble in the form of thiamine HCl or thiamine mononitrate, PureBulk also carries benfotiamine powder, a fat-soluble vitamin B1. [14 - 18]
Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supports energy production, cell growth, and fat metabolism. It is also an antioxidant that enhances the immune system and may reduce migraine frequency. PureBulk carries two types of vitamin B2: riboflavin 5 phosphate and riboflavin. [19 - 24]
Vitamin B3: More than 400 enzymatic reactions rely on vitamin B3. It is essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the synthesis of certain hormones. It’s also a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is crucial for antioxidant defenses. NAD+ facilitates redox reactions that protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress and free radical damage. PureBulk carries several forms of vitamin B3: Niacinamide powder, niacin (vitamin B3) immediate release, and inositol hexanicotinate powder (flush-free niacin) (vitamin B3). [25 - 28]
Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), one of five essential cofactors that catalyze reactions in the citric acid cycle. It forms acetyl-CoA to initiate the cycle and kickstart the chain of events that help produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for energy. Coa further contributes to energy production by metabolizing fatty acids and breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. [29 - 32]
Vitamin B6: Once ingested, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) converts into its active coenzyme form, pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (P5P). P5P facilitates over 100 enzymatic functions, including amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and red blood cell formation. It also supports heart health by regulating homocysteine levels. Vitamin B6 is crucial for brain health, as it helps form the myelin sheaths that protect nerves and neurotransmitters that influence cognition, mood, and the stress response. Vitamin B6 can also help reduce the severity of morning sickness during pregnancy. PureBulk carries vitamin B6 as pyridoxine HCl and pyridoxal-5-phosphate. [33 - 40]
Vitamin B7: Vitamin B7, better known as biotin, is vital for cellular metabolism. It supports energy production as a cofactor for various enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Biotin is particularly essential for carboxylation reactions that influence gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. Biotin is also critical for keratin production, a crucial protein for healthy hair, skin, and nails. PureBulk carries two biotin supplements: biotin pure and biotin 1%. [41 - 47]
Vitamin B8: Scientists originally named myo-inositol, often shortened to inositol, vitamin B8 due to its similarities with the other B vitamins. However, researchers eventually discovered that the body synthesizes myo-inositol from glucose in the kidneys. While it may not be an essential vitamin, it is a component of phospholipids. Phospholipids are the building blocks of the cell membranes that prevent harmful substances from freely entering the cell. Choline is another B-vitamin-like nutrient that helps form phospholipids. Choline synergizes with inositol to support cognitive function and lipid metabolism.

Inositol also helps contribute to the overall lipid balance in the body by breaking down fats into simpler components and mobilizing stored fats for various metabolic functions, energy production, and nutrient transport. Inositol may support mental health in several ways, too. It helps balance chemicals in your brain that influence moods, including dopamine and serotonin. It also has anxiolytic properties that can help soothe nervousness, reduce feelings of panic, and help individuals cope with stressful situations. [48 - 58]
Vitamin B9: Folic acid is a synthetic vitamin B9 supplement. However, the body absorbs folic acid supplements much better (85%) than the natural folate form of vitamin B9 found in food sources (50%). Vitamin B9 is crucial for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. It works with vitamins B6 and B12 to support heart health by regulating homocysteine levels. Vitamin B9 also helps synthesize critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, attention, and cognition. Additionally, individuals with folate deficiencies have a higher risk of developing megaloblastic anemia. [59 - 66]
Vitamin B10: Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) belongs to the B-vitamin family; however, it’s not an official vitamin. Sometimes referred to as vitamin B10 or Bx, PABA has antioxidant properties that may benefit hair and skin health. It helps protect the skin against free radicals and UVA ray damage. Several studies show that PABA can restore gray hair to its original color by promoting re-pigmentation. It can also increase hair thickness and may reduce hair loss. [67 - 76]
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 supplements contain cyanocobalamin, a stable form of vitamin B12 that the body converts upon ingestion to the active B12 forms: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. Vitamin B12 works intimately with several other B vitamins. It supports heart health by synergizing with vitamins B6 and B9 to reduce homocysteine levels. The body also needs adequate B12 to maintain folate levels (vitamin B9). Like vitamin B6, it helps form the myelin sheath that protects nerves. B12 also participates in methylation processes that regulate gene expression and neurotransmitter synthesis. B12 deficiencies can cause significant neurological issues, including peripheral neuropathy, balance problems, nerve damage, and cognitive impairments. [77 - 84]
Vitamin C. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and aids in collagen synthesis. It neutralizes free radicals generated through normal metabolic processes and external factors like pollutant exposure. These radicals can damage cells and contribute to aging and various diseases. Vitamin C also helps regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E to maximize their antioxidant potential. Vitamin C also supports lymphocyte and phagocyte development and function. These white blood cells are crucial players in the immune response. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It protects against UV light exposure and UV-induced free radical damage. It is also vital for synthesizing collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body and a structural component in the skin. Vitamin C can help repair sun damage by increasing collagen protein synthesis. It may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. PureBulk carries several vitamin C supplements, including ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate (a more stable and fat-soluble vitamin C ester), calcium ascorbate (a buffered, gentler form of vitamin C for sensitive stomachs), acerola cherry vitamin C extract 25% (a plant-based, concentrated vitamin C source). [85 - 99]

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a group of crucial retinoids for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. It is a component of rhodopsin proteins in the retina that allows the eyes to respond to light. It also supports the immune system by promoting healthy skin and mucous membranes that act as barriers against pathogens. Vitamin A supports skin health in several ways. It promotes normal skin cell turnover, helping to ensure that new, healthy cells replace old ones. Vitamin A also participates in collagen synthesis, which improves skin elasticity and firmness. While most people associate topical retinoids with wrinkle reduction, research shows that oral vitamin A can also improve the appearance of skin aging and photodamage. Oral vitamin A may also benefit individuals with acne that doesn’t respond to topical treatments. PureBulk carries palmitate (vitamin A) and beta carotene powder 1% (provitamin A). [100 - 106]
Vitamin D. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D) is critical for bone health and immune function. Although the skin can absorb vitamin D from sunlight, many individuals develop vitamin D deficiencies during the winter from staying indoors more often. Increased sunscreen use can also impede vitamin D absorption. Vitamin D promotes bone health and mineralization by improving calcium and phosphorus absorption. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones become brittle. Vitamin D also supports the immune system by regulating the T and B cells that defend against pathogens and participate in the immune response. Additionally, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system. PureBulk carries cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) powder and vitamin D3 5000IU olive oil (soy free) softgels. [107 - 114]
Vitamin E. Vitamin E has eight naturally occurring forms, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. It is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical oxidative damage and contributes to the body’s antioxidant defense system. Although vitamin E loses its antioxidant capacity after neutralizing a free radical, vitamin C can restore its antioxidant status. Vitamin E also supports the immune system by protecting immune cells against oxidative stress, activating T cells and natural killer cells, and alleviating chronic inflammation. Vitamin E may enhance skin health, too. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture, prevents oxidative stress that can contribute to premature aging, and protects against UVB-induced skin damage. PureBulk carries several vitamin E supplements: D-alpha tocopheryl acetate powder (700 IU), acid succinate powder, d-alpha tocopherol oil (1000IU), and Vitamin E 400IU softgels. [115 - 122]

Vitamin Blends

Vitamin D3 and K2. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, but it’s also pivotal for bone health. Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption to support bone health, while vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth and away from soft tissues to prevent arterial calcification. Together, they work synergistically to support optimal calcium metabolism. PureBulk carries vitamin D3 + vitamin K2 MCT oil (soy free) softgels. [123 - 128]
Multivitamin. Multivitamins combine numerous essential vitamins and minerals into a single convenient capsule. PureBulk’s multivitamin softgels contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and the B-vitamin-like compound choline. It also includes the essential minerals calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.
Immune support blend. PureBulk carries an immune support supplement blend that provides a targeted approach to boosting the immune system. It includes numerous immune system-enhancing supplements, including chaga mushroom extract, n-acetyl l-cysteine (NAC), and vitamins B1, B6, and D.