Vitamin A is a collective term that covers a group of essential, fat-soluble nutrients with a similar structure. The active form of this in our body is called retinol, which can be converted and stored in our liver. Vitamin A is found in both animal and plant foods. The active form, retinol, is found in animal products, while provitamin A carotenoids such as β-carotene are found in plants. There are several forms of vitamin A, including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, which are found in animal foods, and various provitamin A carotenoids such as β-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which are found in plant foods. Our body can convert these plant provitamin A into vitamin A and use it. The best known and most important provitamin A is β-carotene. Since the conversion and bioavailability of provitamins A are different, the reference value is also given as retinol equivalent (RE), which mathematically takes into account the differences between vitamin A and provitamins A.  

This vitamin is vital for our body because it is necessary for a variety of biological processes such as vision, immune function, cell differentiation and embryonic development.  

Vitamin A is an important component of various processes, but the most prominent is the process of vision. Vitamin A is important for maintaining vision in dim light and helps the eye adapt to darkness. Vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin, which enables vision in the retina. Since carrots contain particularly high levels of provitamin A, β-carotene, this is where the saying comes from that carrots are good for the eyes.  

Vitamin A is also important for cell differentiation and cell growth. Vitamin A plays an important role in gene expression by binding to receptors in cell nuclei and influencing the transcription of specific genes, which is essential for the normal development and maintenance of cells. It is therefore very important for the development and maintenance of the function of most tissues such as skin and mucous membranes, but also for healthy hair. It can also support wound healing. It is also involved in the development and function of lymphocytes, white blood cells, in blood formation, bone mineralization and in the development of germ cells (egg cells and sperm). Vitamin A also plays an important role in embryonic development, including the maturation of lung tissue. In the immune system, it is needed to regulate certain cells, the lack of which could lead to autoimmune diseases.  

In medicine, vitamin A is mainly used in products to combat cancer and to promote healthy skin and skin diseases. Among other things, it is used to combat acne and skin aging caused by sun exposure.  

Vitamin A – the most important tasks in brief 

The following vitamin A-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies: 

• Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism 

• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes 

• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin 

• Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision 

• Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system 

• Vitamin A has a function in cell specialization 

Your daily requirement of vitamin A 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 850 µg per day for men and 700 µg per day for women. Pregnant women have an increased need of 800 µg, as do breastfeeding women, for whom 1300 µg is recommended. Nevertheless, pregnant women should avoid regular or excessive consumption of products rich in vitamin A.  

Vitamin A is only found in animal foods such as sausages, fish and cheese, especially in the liver.  

Provitamin A carotenoids, which our body can convert into vitamin A, are found in plant foods such as peppers, pumpkin, apricots, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, egg yolks and green leafy vegetables. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, when taken from plant sources, a little fat, such as a teaspoon of oil, should be consumed at the same time. The availability of vitamin A in foods can be affected by preparation methods. Long cooking or heating can reduce the vitamin A content. It is recommended to cook foods gently to preserve the nutrients  

With a balanced diet, a vitamin A deficiency is unlikely. However, an unbalanced diet, as well as some chronic diseases that affect fat digestion and absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease or pancreatic disorders, can lead to a deficiency. Alcohol abuse, inflammation and kidney disease can also increase the risk. In developing countries, a vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness and increased mortality in childhood.  

An unhealthy maximum amount of vitamin A is set at 3000 µg per day. Health side effects from a high intake of provitamin A from food are not known and there is no maximum limit. Too high an intake of vitamin A from natural foods is unlikely. It is possible if you take too many vitamin A supplements or foods rich in vitamin A. Symptoms of a vitamin A overdose are non-specific and include nausea, vomiting, headaches and blurred vision, as well as muscle pain, dry and red skin, hair loss and brittle fingernails. In pregnant women, it can also lead to embryonic malformations.  

How a vitamin A deficiency can manifest itself  

A deficiency typically manifests itself in visual disturbances such as night blindness. The blindness caused by long-term vitamin A deficiency can be permanent. This can also lead to drying out of the tear glands and conjunctiva, and even to ulceration of the cornea and blindness.  

The immune system is also strongly affected by a deficiency. It is weakened and the susceptibility to infections is higher, especially in the respiratory tract.  

Other symptoms include loss of appetite and weight loss, dry, hardened skin and mucous membranes, and general muscle weakness.  

In addition to vision problems and a weakened immune system, vitamin A deficiency can lead to growth delays in children, reproductive problems and increased mortality rates  

Which AgilNature® products contain vitamin A? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011.  

Literature:  

1. Vitamin A. DGE. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/vitamin-a/ (accessed on January 21, 2024)  
2. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims)  
3. Blaner WS, Li Y, Brun PJ, Yuen JJ, Lee SA, Clugston RD. Vitamin A Absorption, Storage and Mobilization. Subcell Biochem. 2016;81:95-125.  
4. Carazo A, Macáková K, Matoušová K, Krčmová LK, Protti M, Mladěnka P. Vitamin A Update: Forms, Sources, Kinetics, Detection, Function, Deficiency, Therapeutic Use and Toxicity. Nutrients. 2021 May 18;13(5):1703.  
5. Zinder R, Cooley R, Vlad LG, Molnar JA. Vitamin A and Wound Healing. Nutr Clinic Pract. 2019 Dec;34(6):839-849.  
6. VanBuren CA, Everts HB. Vitamin A in Skin and Hair: An Update. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 19;14(14):2952. doi: 10.3390/nu14142952.  

Overview

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs as plant-based vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, which can only be produced by bacteria and is therefore found in animal and fermented products and is also formed in our intestines thanks to intestinal bacteria. It is heat-stable and therefore little is lost when cooking and heating. Our body has only small stores of vitamin K and therefore has a mechanism with which it can “recycle” the vitamin and use it several times.  

Vitamin K is mainly important for blood clotting and healthy bones. As a coenzyme, it enables other enzymes in our body to function. It allows blood to clot and therefore prevents uncontrolled bleeding by using it to produce clotting factors.  

It is needed to transport calcium, the main component of our bones, from the blood to the bones and is therefore essential for strong, healthy bones. Due to the role of the vitamin in calcium regulation and some studies, it is also assumed that vitamin K2 has a positive influence on the cardiovascular system.  

Vitamin K2 – the most important tasks in brief  

The following vitamin K2-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting 
• Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones 

Your daily need for vitamin K2 

The DGE recommends an intake of 70 µg vitamin K per day for young male adults. For young women, 60 mcg per day is recommended. Older people over 50 have increased needs. This is 80 µg for men and 65 µg for women.  

Vitamin K2 is found in animal products such as milk and dairy products, meat and eggs.  

A vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare because it is found in numerous foods, is produced in our intestines and is reused. However, there is a risk of deficiency with some medications as well as some diseases such as liver damage, fat malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis.  

However, since there is little vitamin K in breast milk and due to insufficient storage, newborns have an increased risk of vitamin K deficiency.  

There are currently no known harmful effects to higher vitamin K2 intake.  

How a vitamin K2 deficiency can manifest itself  

A deficiency can lead to problems with blood clotting, which manifests itself in bleeding such as bleeding from the gums and nose and very heavy menstrual bleeding. Bruising is also easier. It poses a fatal risk in newborns, as bleeding in the skull is also possible.  

Deficiency has also been linked to some diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer and dementia.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin K2? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Vitamin K. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-k/ (accessed on December 17, 2023)  
2. "Vitamin K". Corvallis, OR: Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. July 2014. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-K (accessed December 17, 2023)  
3. Ren L, Peng C, Hu X, Han Y, Huang H. Microbial production of vitamin K2: current status and future prospects. Biotechnol Adv. 2020 Mar-Apr;39:107453.  
4. Hariri E, Kassis N, Iskandar JP, Schurgers LJ, Saad A, Abdelfattah O, Bansal A, Isogai T, Harb SC, Kapadia S. Vitamin K2-a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review. Open Heart. 2021 Nov;8(2):e001715.  
5. Halder M, Petsophonsakul P, Akbulut AC, Pavlic A, Bohan F, Anderson E, Maresz K, Kramann R, Schurgers L. Vitamin K: Double Bonds beyond Coagulation Insights into Differences between Vitamin K1 and K2 in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Feb 19;20(4):896.  
6. Přemysl Mladěnka et al.: Vitamin K - sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. In: Nutrition Reviews. Volume 80, No. 4, March 10, 2022, pp. 677-698.  
7. Mladěnka, P., Macáková, K., Kujovská Krčmová, L., Javorská, L., Mrštná, K., Carazo, A., Protti, M., Remião, F., Nováková, L., & OEMONOM researchers and collaborators (2022). Vitamin K - sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. Nutrition reviews, 80(4), 677-698.  
8. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims)  

Overview

Vitamin D is used as a generic term for a group of fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, ergocalciferol. Vitamin D precursors are present in our body from which vitamin D can be formed under sunlight, more specifically under UV-B radiation. In contrast to other vitamins, the main source is not food, but rather the body's own production.  

The main function of vitamin D is to participate in calcium and phosphate metabolism. By promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphates from the intestine and increasing calcium levels in the plasma, vitamin D ensures bone mineralization. It is primarily important for bone hardening, but the vitamin is also involved in numerous other metabolic pathways and gene regulations. It is involved in the immune system and also influences muscle strength.  

Vitamin D – the most important tasks in brief  

The following vitamin D-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus. 
• Vitamin D contributes to normal calcium levels in the blood. 
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. 
• Vitamin D contributes to maintaining normal muscle function. 
• Vitamin D helps maintain normal teeth. 
• Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. 
• Vitamin D plays a role in the process of cell division. 

Your daily need for vitamin D 

The German Society for Nutrition e. V. sets a daily requirement of 20 µg per day. Adolescents and adults only consume an amount of 2-4 µg per day through food. The DGE recommends supplementation if there is no self-synthesis (especially in the winter months), as the intake of vitamin D through food is not sufficient to ensure the desired daily supply.  

Vitamin D is found in food, especially in fatty sea fish such as salmon, herring or mackerel. Eggs can also be a good source. Some mushrooms are grown under special conditions so that they can sometimes be rich in vitamin D. There is also margarine enriched with vitamin D. However, sufficient intake through food cannot be guaranteed. The main source remains the body's own vitamin D synthesis, which, however, requires sufficient sunlight.  

In our latitudes, sunlight is not sufficient for sufficient vitamin D synthesis, especially between October and Easter. In addition, we make it difficult for our bodies to have adequate contact with the sun's rays by wearing clothes and staying indoors, even in summer. Therefore, it is important (especially during the cold and dark season) to help our body to achieve or maintain a good vitamin D blood level through supplementation. Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, you should also consume a little healthy fat when taking vitamin D supplements for optimal absorption of the vitamin.  

Vitamin D can also be overdosed, but only through excessive intake of preparations and not through the body's own synthesis. Long-term intake of more than 100 µg per day can lead to an overdose. An overdose may result in elevated blood calcium levels, hypercalcemia, which may be associated with polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion and coma. It is therefore important to adhere to the recommendations when taking the preparations.  

How a vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself 

A vitamin D deficiency manifests itself physically primarily in a disruption of healthy bone growth. If the bones are not sufficiently mineralized during childhood, they remain soft and can become deformed. This also means deformations of the skeleton. This condition is known as rickets in children. Even in adults, demineralization due to vitamin D deficiency can lead to softening and deformation of the bones, a condition known as osteomalacia. This disease is accompanied by severe bone pain and muscle weakness. Another disease that can occur is osteoporosis. The bone mass is lower and the bones are slightly hollower and more porous on the inside, which leads to the bones becoming slightly brittle. A connection between vitamin D deficiency and non-bone-related diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as cardiovascular or cancer diseases is currently being investigated.  

A link between the deficiency and neurocognitive disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, dementia and ADHD is still under investigation.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin D? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Vitamin D. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-d/ (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. Chang SW, Lee HC. Vitamin D and health - The missing vitamin in humans. Pediatric Neonatol. 2019 Jun;60(3):237-244. 
3. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
4. RKI - Gesundheit AZ - Answers from the Robert Koch Institute to frequently asked questions about vitamin D. (nd). https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/Vitamin_D/Vitamin_D_FAQ-Liste.html (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
5. Vieth R. Vitamin D supplementation: cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol. Your J Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov;74(11):1493-1497. 
6. DeLuca HF. Overview of general physiological features and functions of vitamin D. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6 Suppl):1689S-96S. 
7. Vitamin D: How to take it correctly. Health Center. https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/vitamine/vitamin-d-uebersicht/vitamin-d-die-rechte-einnahme (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
8. Rizzoli R. Vitamin D supplementation: upper limit for safety revisited? Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021 Jan;33(1):19-24. 
9. Lewis, JL, III. (2023, October 26). Hypercalcemia. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/profi/endocrine-and-metabolic-diseases/elektrolytst%C3%B6rungen/hyperkalz%C3%A4mie  
10. Roy NM, Al-Harthi L, Sampat N, Al-Mujaini R, Mahadevan S, Al Adawi S, Essa MM, Al Subhi L, Al-Balushi B, Qoronfleh MW. Impact of vitamin D on neurocognitive function in dementia, depression, schizophrenia and ADHD. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2021 Jan 1;26(3):566-611.  
11. Geng C, Shaikh AS, Han W, Chen D, Guo Y, Jiang P. Vitamin D and depression: mechanisms, determination and application. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2019;28(4):689-694.  
12. Akpınar Ş, Karadağ MG. Is Vitamin D Important in Anxiety or Depression? What Is the Truth? Curr Nutr Rep. 2022 Dec;11(4):675-681.  

Overview

Vitamin B2, better known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble, light-sensitive vitamin. It is a precursor of coenzymes, which are important for the correct functioning of our enzymes. It is therefore involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body. Since it is essential, it must be consumed through food to ensure proper functioning of the body.  

Riboflavin is the precursor of the important coenzymes FAD and FMN. In our body it is converted into these and is important for cell function, growth and development. Once in the form of coenzymes, it helps enzymes in energy and protein metabolism function. In addition, it is also involved in the metabolism of the other B vitamins. Thanks to its anti-oxidative properties and influence on anti-oxidative enzymes, the vitamin helps the body against oxidative stress that comes with aging.  

Myelin is a layer that surrounds our nerves and enables the nerve fibers to conduct impulses quickly. Riboflavin is involved in the formation of this myelin and is therefore also essential for the nervous system.  

Riboflavin – the most important tasks in brief  

The following vitamin B2-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Riboflavin contributes to normal energy metabolism. 
• Riboflavin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
• Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. 
• Riboflavin helps maintain normal red blood cells. 
• Riboflavin helps maintain normal skin. 
• Riboflavin helps maintain normal vision. 
• Riboflavin contributes to normal iron metabolism. 
• Riboflavin helps protect cells from oxidative stress. 
• Riboflavin helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

Your daily need for riboflavin 

The DGE recommends an intake of around 1.1 mg riboflavin per day for adolescents and adult women. For men, the recommended intake is slightly higher at 1.4 mg per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have an increased need of 1.3-1.4 mg per day.  

Riboflavin is mainly found in animal foods. In offal such as liver and kidney as well as fish and milk and dairy products (some types of cheese such as whey cheese, Camembert, mountain cheese, Emmental). Plant sources include seeds, nuts, legumes, various vegetables (e.g. broccoli, kale) and whole grains. Since the vitamin is very water-soluble, large amounts of riboflavin can be lost during preparation if the cooking water is not used.  

A riboflavin deficiency alone does not usually occur and is accompanied by other nutrient deficiencies. Older people, women who take the pill, those taking other medications such as psychotropic drugs and alcoholics are more at risk of a deficiency because the body can absorb less riboflavin. People with a vegan diet also have a higher risk of deficiency.  

Since our body simply excretes excess riboflavin, there are no known negative effects from increased riboflavin intake.  

How a riboflavin deficiency can manifest itself  

A riboflavin deficiency can lead to inflammation of the oral mucosa and tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth and scaly eczema, as well as hair loss. Since a lack of the vitamin impairs iron absorption, severe deficiency can lead to anemia and associated symptoms such as weakness. Due to riboflavin's involvement in the metabolism of other B vitamins, this can also be impaired if there is a deficiency.  

Which AgilNature products contain riboflavin? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/riboflavin/ (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. Suwannasom N, Kao I, Pruß A, Georgieva R, Bäumler H. Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan 31;21(3):950. 
3. Olfat N, Ashoori M, Saedisomeolia A. Riboflavin is an antioxidant: a review update. Br J Nutr. 2022 Nov 28;128(10):1887-1895. 
4. Plantone D, Pardini M, Rinaldi G. Riboflavin in Neurological Diseases: A Narrative Review. Clin Drug Investig. 2021 Jun;41(6):513-527. 
5. Mahabadi N, Bhusal A, Banks SW. Riboflavin Deficiency. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 
6. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 

Overview

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a collective term for several vitamin-active, water-soluble compounds that have the same biological function. It can only be produced by microorganisms and is therefore mainly found in animal foods thanks to the food chain. Some plant-based foods contain vitamin B12 analogues, which we cannot utilize and can even worsen the supply of vitamin B12.  

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important coenzyme in human metabolism. This means that many enzymes that carry out various metabolic steps rely on vitamin B12 and cannot function without it. On the one hand, the vitamin is important in regulating the homocysteine ​​concentration in the blood. Homocysteine ​​is an intermediate product in our body that must be broken down quickly because it increases the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B12 ensures the breakdown of this substance. Another cobalamin is involved in amino acid and fat metabolism. Another key role of the vitamin is to protect the DNA from damage by being involved in regulatory processes and also has anti-oxidative properties and thus protects the DNA from oxidative stress. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for cell division and differentiation, e.g. B. in blood formation and DNA synthesis.  

Vitamin B12 – the most important tasks in brief 

The following vitamin B12-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies: 

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine ​​metabolism. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. 
• Vitamin B12 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 
• Vitamin B12 plays a role in the process of cell division. 
• Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells. 

Vitamin B12 also works closely with folate. Folate also contributes to normal homocysteine ​​metabolism, normal immune system function, reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal cell division.  

Your daily need for vitamin B12 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 4 µg per day for young people and adults. Pregnant women have an increased need of 4.5 µg and breastfeeding women, for whom 5.5 µg is recommended.  

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods, such as: meat, fish and seafood, eggs and dairy products. Even though vitamin B12 is found in some plant foods, such as sauerkraut, seaweed and shiitake mushrooms, it is not accessible to our body and cannot be absorbed.  

It is therefore important for people who eat an exclusively plant-based diet or only consume a small amount of animal foods to take vitamin B12 supplements to ensure sufficient supply. You can have your vitamin B12 level checked by your family doctor.  

Our body has an extensive store of vitamin B12 in the liver if sufficient intake was previously guaranteed, so a deficiency can only become apparent after a few years. If, for example, your diet did not provide enough vitamin B12, deficiency symptoms will appear earlier. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are particularly at risk of a deficiency if they do not take supplements.  

Stomach and intestinal diseases can also disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12 and are therefore a risk of deficiency.  

According to current knowledge, a high intake of vitamin B12, which occurs naturally in foods, is not harmful.  

How a vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest itself  

A prolonged deficiency can lead to disruptions in cell division and DNA synthesis, which can result in anemia because blood cells can no longer be produced properly. Symptoms associated with this include tiredness, paleness and weakness. The breakdown of homocysteine ​​is disrupted in the event of a deficiency and the concentration of this compound is therefore increased. This, together with other substances that are increased due to vitamin B12 deficiency, can lead to neurological damage. Symptoms would be disorders of movement coordination, poor memory, attention deficits and depressive moods.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B12? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Vitamin B12. DGE. https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/faq/vitamin-b12/#c3450 (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. Homocysteine ​​(HCYS). Health portal. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/labor/laborwerte/blutgerinnung/homocystein.html#:~:text=Homocystein%20ist%20eine%20sulphur-containing%20Aminos%C3%A4ure,and%20Heart%2Dcirculatory%2Ddiseases. (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
3. Halczuk K, Kaźmierczak-Barańska J, Karwowski BT, Karmańska A, Cieślak M. Vitamin B12-Multifaceted In Vivo Functions and In Vitro Applications. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 13;15(12):2734. 
4. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
5. Ankar A, Kumar A. Vitamin B12 Deficiency. 2022 Oct 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

Overview

Vitamin B5, better known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. We get it through food, but it can also be formed from the provitamin dexpanthenol. The vitamin is involved in the building up and breaking down metabolic processes in our body.  

The vitamin is needed to form coenzyme A (CoA). This coenzyme is therefore involved in numerous metabolic processes. These include the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids, synthesis of cholesterol, bile acids and the breakdown of carbohydrates, amino acids and alcohol. Coenzyme A also influences gene expression and cell division and is involved in the breakdown of foreign substances. It is also required for the synthesis of important neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.  

The precursor of the vitamin, dexpanthenol, has anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on wound healing. Studies have observed mild to moderate healing of dermatitis (chronic skin inflammation) when applied as a cream. It leads to improved barrier function as well as improved skin structure and hydration. In addition, preventive effects regarding skin irritations and skin regeneration were found. It also has positive effects on wound healing.  

In studies, the precursor dexpanthenol and pantothenic acid stimulated hair growth by stimulating the cells of the hair follicles to grow and ensuring longer survival of the cells.  

Pantothenic acid – the most important tasks in brief 

The following vitamin B16-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies: 

• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy metabolism.  
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.  
• Pantothenic acid helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.  
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.  

Your daily need for pantothenic acid 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 5 mg per day for adolescents and adults. Breastfeeding women have an increased requirement of 7 mg.  

Pantothenic acid is found in animal foods such as offal, chicken eggs, fish, muscle meat and soft cheese. Good plant sources of pantothenic acid are mushrooms, peanuts, tree nuts and wholemeal flour.  

Since the vitamin is found in almost all foods, no nutritional deficiency has been observed so far. Even with a diet low in pantothenic acid, there are usually no deficiency symptoms. A deficiency can occur in cases of extreme undersupply and a gene mutation of pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2).  

Too much pantothenic acid intake is not harmful. Mild gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea were only observed after extreme amounts of 10 g per day.  

How a pantothenic acid deficiency can manifest itself  

In the case of a deficiency that is due to an extreme undersupply, there is also a deficiency of many other vitamins, so it is not entirely possible to assign specific symptoms to a pantothenic acid deficiency. However, symptoms described include: fatigue, malaise, headaches, personality changes, numbness, muscle cramps and disturbances and nausea.  

With a PANK2 mutation, the coenzyme A concentrations are low and this is accompanied by the following symptoms: movement disorders, impaired speech motor skills, balance disorders, spasticity and muscle stiffness.  

Which AgilNature products contain pantothenic acid? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Pantothenic acid. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/pantothensaeure/ (accessed on December 17, 2023) 
2. Sanvictores T, Chauhan S. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). 2023 Jun 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 
3. Shin JY, Kim J, Choi YH, Kang NG, Lee S. Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2021 Sep 28;43(3):1361-1373. 
4. Wang Z, Nan W, Si H, Wang S, Zhang H, Li G. Pantothenic acid promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation in hair follicles of American minks via inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch signaling pathway. Life Sci. 2020 Jul 1;252:117667. 

Overview

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is the very first vitamin to be discovered. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in numerous processes in the body that are important for survival. Since our body only has a very small reserve of vitamin B1, we have to consume it daily through food.  

Thiamine serves as a cofactor for some enzymes and must therefore be present so that they can carry out their functions in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Thiamine thus enables our body to be supplied with energy, which is necessary for the function of all our organs. In addition, it plays a role in the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system and is therefore essential for a healthy brain. It plays a role in the formation of some neurotransmitters such as serotonin and myelin, which forms a layer around nerves to enable rapid conduction.  

Thiamine – the most important tasks in brief  

The following thiamine-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Thiamine contributes to normal energy metabolism. 
• Thiamine contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
• Thiamine contributes to normal psychological function. 
• Thiamine contributes to the normal functioning of the heart. 

Your daily need for thiamine 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 1.2-1.3 mg thiamine per day for adult men (19 years and older) and an intake of 1.0 mg thiamine per day for adult women. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need of 1.2-1.3 mg per day.  

Thiamine is found in animal and plant foods, especially in whole grain products such as whole wheat flour and oatmeal, in wheat germ, in seeds such as sunflower and pine nuts, in muscle meat, especially pork, and in legumes such as peanuts and peas. Since thiamine is sensitive and can easily be lost, you should cook gently to retain as much vitamin B1 as possible. This means, for example, cooking vegetables rather than frying them.  

A diet-related thiamine deficiency usually does not occur in Germany, but usually only as a result of diseases that influence the absorption and metabolism of thiamine. These would be, for example, nausea during pregnancy, gastrointestinal and liver diseases and chronic alcohol abuse.  

Nothing is known about the harmful effects of high doses of vitamin B1, as the excess thiamine is simply excreted by the body.  

How a vitamin thiamine deficiency can manifest itself  

A deficiency of thiamine leads to disruption of carbohydrate metabolism. Without thiamine, our body cannot generate enough energy to function, leading to neurological, cardiovascular and immunological disorders. Severe thiamine deficiency leads to beriberi disease. A distinction is made between dry and wet symptoms. The wet form affects the cardiovascular system. It is manifested by edema and heart failure. The dry form affects the central nervous system. It manifests itself in reflex and movement disorders, muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the extremities. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.  

Which AgilNature products contain thiamine? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Thiamine (vitamin B1). DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/thiamin/ (accessed on December 16, 2023)  
2. Polegato BF, Pereira AG, Azevedo PS, Costa NA, Zornoff LAM, Paiva SAR, Minicucci MF. Role of Thiamine in Health and Disease. Nutr Clinic Pract. 2019 Aug;34(4):558-564.  
3. Smith TJ, Johnson CR, Koshy R, Hess SY, Qureshi UA, Mynak ML, Fischer PR. Thiamine deficiency disorders: a clinical perspective. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2021 Aug;1498(1):9-28.  
4. Wiley KD, Gupta M. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30725889.  
5. Calderón-Ospina, CA, & Nava-Mesa, MO (2020). B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 26(1), 5–13.  
6. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the vitamin B group. It is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. As a coenzyme, it is involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body. This means that many enzymes that carry out various metabolic steps rely on biotin and cannot function without it. Our body cannot produce this vitamin itself and therefore it must be obtained through food.  

Biotin as a coenzyme

Biotin is used in many ways as a coenzyme and is involved in reactions within energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, gluconeogenesis and the breakdown of odd-numbered fatty acids and the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine and threonine. During enzyme reactions, a chemical group is transferred to other groups and biotin serves as an “intermediate holder” to enable these transfers. Thus, biotin enables the formation of fatty acids in our body, the production of sugar in our body and the production of energy from it. Without biotin, our body lacks energy.  

Additionally, biotin is involved in the regulation of gene expression, cell division and repair of DNA damage. This also results in biotin's role in the growth of blood and nerve cells, sebaceous glands as well as skin, hair and nails.  

Biotin is therefore essential for essential functions in our body and the importance is also shown in the observation of a study in which it was found that even with severe biotin withdrawal, our body downregulates the uptake and function in the liver and kidneys in order to ensure the availability for to ensure the brain.  

Biotin – the most important tasks in brief  

The following vitamin B6-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Biotin contributes to a normal energy-rich metabolism. 
• Biotin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. 
• Biotin contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism. 
• Biotin contributes to normal psychological function. 
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. 
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. 
• Biotin helps maintain normal skin. 

Your daily need for biotin 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 40 µg per day for young people over 15 and adults. Breastfeeding women have an increased requirement of 45 µg per day.  

Biotin is found naturally in numerous foods, such as: liver and kidneys, nuts and sunflower seeds, (boiled) eggs, especially egg yolks, soybeans, oatmeal and mushrooms. Likewise milk & dairy products and multi-fruit juices.  

Diet-related biotin deficiency rarely occurs. Exceptions are if you have a very unbalanced diet with a high consumption of raw egg whites. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which binds biotin and thus prevents it from being absorbed into the body. Avidin is inactivated during cooking and therefore this problem is not found in boiled eggs.  

Reasons for impaired biotin absorption or promoted biotin degradation include high alcohol consumption, smoking and taking anticonvulsants (medications to prevent epileptic seizures).  

A biotin deficiency can also occur in a metabolic disease in which the enzyme biotinidase is missing. Biotin is not directly available to us after eating, but is bound to proteins and the vitamin must first be split off from them using the enzyme biotinidase. However, the absence of the enzyme is usually checked during newborn screening in order to enable early treatment and prevent subsequent damage and a possible fatal outcome.  

A high-dose intake of 20 mg of biotin per day has not yet shown any negative effects on people.  

How a biotin deficiency can manifest itself  

The deficiency symptoms of biotin are numerous and start with symptoms such as thinning hair with progressive loss of all hair on the body, scaly, red rash around body openings (eyes, mouth, nose, perineum), conjunctivitis, brittle nails, skin infections, general feeling of weakness, up to In advanced stages, they manifest themselves in seizures, depression, hallucinosis, abnormal sensations and developmental delay in infants. Without enough biotin, the brain's behavior changes and you feel confused and out of control. So you have many neurological disorders that can develop.  

The congenital metabolic disease in which biotinidase is missing can result in hearing and vision disorders, developmental disorders, skin changes, hair loss (alopecia), cramps, low blood pressure and ketoacidosis (hyperacidity) if not treated, as well as fatal outcomes due to the symptoms.  

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B2? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature: 

1. Biotin. DGE. https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/faq/biotin/#c5041 (accessed on December 15, 2023) 
2. León-Del-Río A. Biotin in metabolism, gene expression, and human disease. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2019 Jul;42(4):647-654. 
3. Health insurance fund, A.-. D. (2023, May 24). Biotin: The vitamin for beauty? AOK - The Gesundheitskasse. https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/ernaehrung/vitamine/biotin-das-vitamin-fuer-die-schoenheit/ 
4. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 

Overview 

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in numerous processes in the body . However, the name vitamin B6 hides various chemical , vitamin-active compounds. These go by the names pyridoxine , pyridoxamine and pyridoxal . Pyridoxamine and pyridoxal are formed from pyridoxine through chemical modification. The active form of pyridoxine in the body is pyridoxal phosphate . Pyridoxine esters (a specific form of pyridoxine ) are usually ingested with food .  

The numerous tasks of vitamin B6 include participation in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as in the formation of messenger substances and the B vitamin niacin ( 1 ) . Niacin is relevant because it is an important component for the development of many essential coenzymes in our body (2) . In the body it is required for more than 1 5 0 reactions in the body (3) . Vitamin B6 is also involved in the immune system (3) . Particularly important is vitamin B6 for the regulation of homocysteine ​​metabolism . Homocysteine ​​is an intermediate product in our body that must be broken down quickly because it increases the risk for thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases increased . Vitamin B6 is involved in this breakdown ( 4 ) .  

Vitamin B6 – the most important tasks in brief (5)  

The following vitamin B6-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine ​​synthesis and homocysteine ​​metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Vitamin B6 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue 
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity 
• Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells 

Your daily need for vitamin B6 (1) 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 1.6 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adult men (19 years and older) and an intake of 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 per day for adolescent and adult women. Pregnant women have increased needs. 

Vitamin B6 is found naturally in numerous foods, such as: whole grains, nuts (hazelnuts and walnuts), red peppers, sardines, mackerel and pork. Fruit juices and dried fruits also contribute to the supply. 

However, a diet-related vitamin B6 deficiency rarely occurs. If there is a vitamin B6 deficiency, it is likely that the stores of the other B vitamins (B2, B12, ...) are also relatively empty. 

Vitamin B6 can be harmful if consumed in excessive doses. To do this, however, approximately 350 times the recommended daily dose (more than 500 mg) must be consumed over the long term. This is not possible through diet and our nutritional supplements when following the recommended intake. 

How a vitamin B6 deficiency can manifest itself (6)  

A deficiency can manifest itself in many other symptoms in addition to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Neurologically, fatigue, weakness, confusion and depression may occur. 

Physically, inflammation can occur in the mouth area such as the oral mucosa, tongue or lips. Skin changes such as dermatitis or eczema are also possible. 

In pregnant women, vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to premature births and miscarriages. It is therefore important, especially for women, to ensure adequate supply at all times. 

Which AgilNature products contain vitamin B6? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature  

1. Vitamin B6. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/vitamin-b6/?L=0 (accessed on November 22, 2023) 
2. Kirkland JB, Meyer-Ficca ML. Niacin. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2018;83:83-149. 
3. Ueland PM, McCann A, Midttun Ø, Ulvik A. Inflammation, vitamin B6 and related pathways. Mol Aspects Med. 2017 Feb;53:10-27. 
4. Homocysteine ​​(HCYS). Health portal. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/labor/laborwerte/blutgerinnung/homocystein.html#:~:text=Homocystein%20ist%20eine%20sulphur-containing%20Aminos%C3%A4ure,and%20Herz%2DCirculation%2DDiseases . (accessed on November 28, 2023) 
5. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 
6. Brown MJ, Ameer MA, Daley SF, Beier K. Vitamin B6 Deficiency. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

Folate is probably the most well-known vitamin in pregnancy. It is one of the water-soluble B vitamins and can occur in different physiologically active forms. Folates are found primarily in leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce, and in grains (wheat bran and germ). But animal foods such as egg yolk, beef and pork liver are also sources of folate. The synthetic or The industrially produced representative of the vitamin is folic acid. It is used to fortify foods and in dietary supplements (1, 2).  

Folate - importance in pregnancy 

Pregnant women consume only a third of the recommended amount of folate in the 1st trimester. The body can then fall back on the body's own stores, but these are quickly exhausted due to the increased need during pregnancy and especially in young mothers who have lower reserves. Rapid succession or multiple pregnancies also represent a particular burden on the folate balance. Especially in the early stages, when many do not yet know that they are pregnant, a folic acid deficiency in the mother can have serious consequences for the unborn child. These include low birth weight, premature birth and miscarriage, birth defects and congenital malformations such as neural tube defects. It should therefore be ensured that there is sufficient intake, even before pregnancy. This can be done through a folate-rich diet and folic acid supplementation agreed with your doctor. But watch out, the folate-rich liver should be consumed by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester should be avoided as it provides excessive amounts of vitamin A, which can be harmful to the fetus (2, 4). 

Folate – the most important tasks in brief 

• Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis 
• Folate contributes to normal blood formation 
• Folate plays a role in the process of cell division 
• Folate helps reduce tiredness and fatigue 
• Folate contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Folate contributes to normal psychological function 
• Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism  
• Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy (3) 

However, if you have a folate deficiency, the cell division and growth processes in particular are disrupted, which can lead to anemia (1). Consequently, one of the first symptoms is fatigue, followed by pallor, irritability, shortness of breath and dizziness. A severe deficiency can lead to depression, confusion and even dementia (4). 

Your daily folate requirement 

The German Society for Nutrition recommends consuming 300 mg folate equivalent* per day. Pregnant women should even consume 550 mg and breastfeeding women 450 mg folate equivalent per day. In addition, women who want or could become pregnant are recommended to take 400 μg folate equivalent in the form of a supplement with a folate-rich diet to prevent a neural tube defect. This additional intake of a folic acid or folate supplement should be started at least 4 weeks before the onset of pregnancy and continued throughout the 1st trimester of pregnancy (1).  

*The different physiologically active forms of folate differ in their bioavailability. The folate equivalent was therefore introduced for a more reliable calculation of folate intake. 1 folate equivalent corresponds to the effect of 1 mg of free folate (2). 

Which AgilNature® products contain folic acid?  

*NutrientReference Value=percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation VO (EC) No. 1169/2011. 

Literature: 

1. DGE (2018): Selected questions and answers on folate. In: German Society for Nutrition e. V. (DGE). https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/faqs/folat/#folat (accessed on February 18, 2022) 
2. Biesalski, Hans Konrad; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Pirlich, Matthias; Weimann, Arved (ed.) (2018): Nutritional Medicine. Based on the curriculum for nutritional medicine of the German Medical Association. With the collaboration of Michael Adolph, Jann Arends, Ulrike Arens-Azevêdo and Christine von Arnim. 5th, completely revised and expanded edition. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag. 
3. European Commission (2022): Nutrition and Health Claims. In: European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search (accessed on 02/18/2022) 
4. Johnson, Larry E.: Folic Acid Deficiency. In: MSD Manual Patient Edition. Available online at https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/feeding disorders/vitamins/folic acid deficiency. (accessed on 02/21/2022)