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Glossary: U / V
Dictionary of Terms
A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J/K   L   M   N   O   P   Q/R   S   T   U/V   W/X/Y/Z

Uva ursi
Uva ursi is also referred to as bearberry, kinnickinick, whortleberry, bear's grape, mountain cranberry and mealberry. The leaves of this small shrub have been used as an herbal folk medicine for centuries as a mild diuretic and astringent, and in the treatment of urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis.

Vaccine
A preparation administered to achieve immunity against a specific agent by inducing the body to make antibodies to that agent. A vaccine may be a suspension of living or dead organisms, or a solution of an allergen, viral, or bacterial fungus.

Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) of the family Valerianaceae, is a tall perennial herb with hollow stems that bear white or reddish flowers. The vertical rhizome and attached rootlets are harvested in the autumn of the second year's growth. Valerian extract, derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of the plant, has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy, tranquilizer and calmative for several disorders such as restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, hysteria, menstrual problems, and as a sedative for "nervous" stomach. Valerian extracts are currently used in scores of compounds and teas in Europe. See: Valerian with Lemon Balm

Virus
Any of a vast group of minute, often disease causing structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA. Because they are incapable of reproducing on their own, viruses are not technically living organisms. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not affected by antibiotics.

Vitamin A
Beta carotene, the naturally occurring orange pigment found in abundance in such plants as carrots, squash, and pumpkins, is an exciting and powerful fat-soluble antioxidant with tremendous ability to neutralize free radicals, prevent cancer, and fight infectious diseases. Beta carotene is also referred to as provitamin A because in its natural form it is not readily available for use in our bodies. When we need extra vitamin A, beta carotene undergoes a transformation as powerful liver enzymes split each molecule of beta carotene to form two molecules of vitamin A. This unique feature enables beta carotene to be non-toxic at doses ranging as high as 500,000 IU whereas vitamin A retinol can produce toxic effects in relatively low doses. Adequate intake of beta carotene will prevent Xerophthalmia or night blindness. In addition to promoting good vision, beta carotene also protects the heart and cardiovascular system, boosts immune functions, speeds recovery from respiratory infections such as colds and flu, and promotes wound healing.
See: D. Salina Beta Carotene

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)
A vitamin which maintains energy levels, supports brain function (memory). Aids in digestion. Necessary for metabolism of sugar and starch to provide energy. Maintains a healthy nervous system. Alcohol can cause deficiencies of this vitamin and all the B-complex vitamins. See: Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin)
Necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Important to amino acid and fatty acid synthesis; essential for hemoglobin and nerve cell growth and maintenance. The anti-stress vitamin, sometimes prescribed for stress reduction See: Energy-Plus B-12; Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
A vitamin which helps with energy production and amino acid production. Helps body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Helps maintain good vision and healthy skin. See: Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
A vitamin important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation of testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells and maintaining the integrity of all cells. Helps body utilize protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Necessary for a healthy nervous system and digestive system. It also lowers elevated blood cholesterol levels when taken in large amounts of more than 1,000 milligrams a day. See: Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
A vitamin which supports hemoglobin synthesis, carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Helps release energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Needed to support a variety of body functions, including the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. See: Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
A vitamin which supports glycogen and nitrogen metabolism, production and transport of amino acids, and production and maintenance of red blood cells (hemoglobin. Essential for the body's utilization of protein. Needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve tissues, and antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of B-6. See: Vitamin B-6; Ultra B-Complex

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
This vitamin is used for collagen production, bone and tooth formation, healing, digestion, red blood cell formation, infection and shock resistance, iodine conservation, and protection against vitamin oxidation.
See: Vitamin C w/ Rose Hips; Ester-C 675mg; Ester-C 1370mg

Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Supports calcium absorption and deposition into bones. Must be present for your body to use calcium and phosphorus. Essential for growing children to insure that teeth and bones develop properly.

Vitamin E
This vitamin is used as an antioxidant, for increased oxygen availability, aging retardation, blood cholesterol reduction strengthens capillary walls, lung protection.
See: Vitamin E; Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols 400 IU; Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols 1000 IU

Vitamin K
Supports blood clotting, bone mineralization.

Vitamins
Complex organic molecules essential for biochemical transformations necessary for proper metabolism and disease protection.

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