FAQ

Biocure® also gives an answer and solution to your questions. You'll find an extensive list with the frequently ask questions about vitamins and vitamin supplements.

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Questions about a healthy diet

Questions about vitamins and minerals

Questions about vitamin supplements

 

Questions about a healthy diet

How do I know if I take enough vitamins?

It is difficult to determine because many packages don’t list the quantities of vitamins and minerals contained in their product. This usually only happens on packages of foods which were enriched with vitamins or minerals. But it’s actually quite simple: people with a balanced diet, rich in grains, fruits and vegetables, absorb enough vitamins and minerals. If you have a doubt, you should consult your doctor. Through a blood test, he will determine whether you have a shortage or not, and what can be done. Back to top 

When is food "healthy and balanced '?

A balanced diet is suggested by the food pyramid, which shows the different types of foods we should eat to be able to speak about a healthy diet. The base of the food pyramid is the most important element. It carries the whole edifice. But the other levels are essential too. Delete one, and the triangle loses its harmony. Back to top

Why should I daily eat fruits and vegetables?

Nutrition rich in fruits and vegetables provides a barrier against many health problems. It already has been shown that vitamin C and folic acid, both abundantly present in fruits and vegetables, plays an important role. It is very likely that a combination of different substances are determinant for this protective effect. Fruits and vegetables not only contain a lot of vitamin C, but also other healthy nutrients like fiber, β-carotene, folic acid, vitamin E and flavonoids. Like vitamin C, these are antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals. Back to top

What are free radicals?

A free radical is a molecule with one or more unbound electron, by which it’s very reactive. Free radicals are released in the body after different oxidation reactions, such as when releasing energy from nutrients. They also play an important role in defending the body against unwanted bacteria and viruses. But they can also be very harmful. They play a role in aging and cardiovascular disease and can damage the genetic material. Our body can defend itself in two ways from the negative effects of free radicals. Our body produces enzymes that can tackle free radicals. We also absorb anti-oxidants through food. Vitamins C and E and β-carotene, but also components that contains minerals such as zinc and selenium and flavonoids (present in wine and fruit) are antioxidants. Who lives healthy, with a balanced diet and enough sleep, without smoking and with moderate sunbathing, is able to maintain the balance between free radicals and the natural defense mechanisms without the need for extra antioxidants. Back to top

What are antioxidants?

An antioxidant slows or breaks down oxidation. An example of oxidation is when an apple is cut and eventually turns brown due to the contact with the oxygen in the air. During the oxidation, oxidants or free radicals are created, which damage the apple. If we sprinkle the half cut apple with lemon juice, it will not turn brown because of the vitamin C present in lemon juice. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which can deactivate free radicals. Back to top

Questions about vitamins and minerals

 Why are vitamins named 'vitamins'?

The Polish-American biochemist Casimir Funk  invented the term 'vitamin' in 1911, after it became known that food contains certain elements that are essential for maintaining a good health. It is a combination of the Latin word vita (= life) and amine (= nitrogen containing compound). Only later it became known that not all vitamins contain nitrogen. Back to top

Are vitamins medication?

Not at all, but they are essential substances for our body. In exceptional cases, doctors proceed  to a medicinal treatments with vitamins, but these are more the exception than the rule. Back to top

Do medications affect the effectiveness of vitamins?

That is common. Those who regularly use drugs, may have to deal with disturbed vitamin balance, because medication influences the conversion, absorption and excretion of vitamins in the body. Consult your doctor for more information on this subject. Back to top

Is Β-carotene a vitamin?

β-carotene is the main provitamin. These are substances that the body can convert into vitamins. β-carotene is converted to vitamin A and is therefore sometimes called provitamin A. β-carotene is responsible for the typical color of orange and yellow vegetables and fruits. Provitamin D is also important. By exposing to sunlight, vitamin D is created. Back to top

What is the difference between vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and minerals have a lot in common. They are both vital for several processes within the human body. The difference between the two is actually pure chemical. Vitamins are organic and come from the living nature, minerals are anorganic. Back to top

What is the difference between minerals and trace elements?

Some minerals are only needed in very small amounts. Such small amounts are called traces. These are minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum. Back to top

 Questions about vitamin supplements

 Can vitamin supplements replace real food?

Only in very exceptional cases. Vitamin supplements contains for instance certain substances that are not in daily food, such as the necessary fiber and various other substances. Back to top

What’s the best time to  take my vitamins?

As a meal mostly contains  fat, it is usually better to take the vitamins when consuming food.

This way, the substances will attain much quicker their aimed destination.  Read the leaflet first and follow the instructions from your pharmacist. Back to top

I feel a bit depressed. Can extra vitamins help me?

B-vitamins may help in case of temporary depressed moods. Moreover, they complete the daily requested food intake. Back to top

Can you get addicted to vitamins?

Not at all. Keep in mind that some vitamins (especially vitamin A, D and B6) may be toxic, but only in high doses. Those who strictly follow the package leaflet, should not worry at all. Back to top

Does the effectiveness of vitamins reduce the longer they are stored for a longer period?

If you store your vitamins in the right way, you can easily use them until their expiry date. Never store them in humid place, and therefore certainly not in the medicine cabinet of the bathroom or the refrigerator. Choose a cool, dark and dry place such as a kitchen cabinet or bedside table. Back to top

Are there certain rules for the composition of vitamin supplements?

For sure. Vitamin supplements are dietary supplements, their composition must comply with the law. Besides vitamins, minerals and other bioactive substances found in vitamin supplements, there are also excipients such as thickeners, stabilizers and sugar and colouring agent in the coating. Back to top

May vitamin supplements contain more than the daily recommended amount?

Yes, but for each vitamin and mineral there are specific limits. Leaflets should therefore always indicate the percentage of the recommended daily intake is present in a supplement. Back to top

Should I consult my doctor if I want to take vitamin supplements?

That is not necessary. A doctor visit is recommended in case of symptoms related to vitamin deficiency, during pregnancy, drug use or chronic diseases such as heart diseases and cancer. Back to top