Every Vitamin Page (.

pdf version)
All Vitamins and Pseudo-Vitamins
http://db.ancient-future.net/vitamins.html

Compiled by David Bennett

Vitamin A
Chemical Names- Retinol, Beta Carotene (pro-vitamin A)
Deficiency- Night blindness
RDA- 5,000 IU
Optimal intake- 10,000-25,000 IU Beta Carotene
Good Sources- liver, carrots, spinach
Discussion- Vitamin A is fat soluble, and therefore can be toxic in large amounts. Taking
over 25,000 IU of retinol a day can lead to toxic buildup. Beta-Carotene is an antioxidant.
Synthetic Beta-Carotene (the kind sold in supplement stores) has been shown ineffective
in preventing cancer in humans.

Vitamin B1
Chemical Names- Thiamine
Deficiency- Beriberi
RDA- 1.5 mg
Optimal Intake- 5-15 mg
Good Sources- brewer's yeast, peanuts, milk, rice
Discussion- Thiamine is relatively safe.

Vitamin B2
Chemical Names- Riboflavin
Deficiency- lesions on mouth, lips, skin, etc.
RDA- 1.7 mg
Optimal Intake- 5-20 mg
Good Sources- Milk, cheese, leafy vegetables
Discussion- Riboflavin is a mild antioxidant. Its bright yellow color colors urine after it is
taken. Also known as Vitamin G

Vitamin B3
Chemical Names- Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinic Acid
Deficiency- Pellagra
RDA- 20 mg
Optimal Intake- 50-500 mg
Good Sources- lean meat, whole wheat, brewer's yeast
Discussion- Niacin in higher doses results in a "flush" reaction, while Niacinamide is
flush-free. Niacinamide does not have anti-cholesterol properties though. Also known as
Vitamin PP for "pellagra-preventative"
Vitamin B4*
Chemical Names- Adenine
Deficiency- Muscular weakness (in rats and chicks)
Good Sources- Widespread in animal and plant tissues
Discussion- Adenine is a purine base of nucleic acids. Its status as a human vitamin is in
doubt.

Vitamin B5
Chemical Names- Pantothenic Acid, Panthenol, (Calcium) Pantothenate
Deficiency- hypoglycemia, ulcers, skin disorders.
RDA- 10 mg
Optimal Intake- 15-500 mg
Good Sources- Meat, whole grains, leafy vegetables
Discussion- Studies with rats by Dr. Roger Williams showed that Pantothenic Acid may
be beneficial in fighting the effects of stress.

Vitamin B6
Chemical Names- Pyridoxine
Deficiency- Anemia, dermatitis, glossitis
RDA- 2 mg
Optimal Intake- 10-100 mg
Good Sources- Brewer's yeast, soy beans, wheat germ
Discussion- As a methylating agent, B6 has potential to fight homocysteine, possibly
reducing the risk of heart disease. Amounts in excess of 200 mg/day might lead to
toxicity, expressed in nerve problems.

Vitamin B7*
Deficiency- Digestive disorders in pigeons.
Good Sources- Rice polish
Discussion- Also known as Vitamin I. See also Biotin which some have called "Vitamin
B7."

Vitamin B8*
Chemical Names- 5'-Adenylic Acid, Ergadenylic Acid, Adenosine Monophosphate
Deficiency- Decreases RNA, ADP, and ATP synthesis, inhibits breakdown of food into
energy, reduces hormone function.
Good Sources- Yeast
Discussion- This nucleotide is still listed as a "Nutrient" by the Merck Index. Many
sources now claim this substance is indeed an essential vitamin.

Vitamin B9*
Chemical Names- Mixture of multiple B Vitamins
Discussion- See Folic Acid. Some later researchers used Vitamin B9 to classify Folic
Acid
Vitamin B10*
Chemical Names- pteroylmonoglutamic acid mixed with other B vitamins
Deficiency- Depressed growth and feathering in chicks.
Discussion- Also known as Vitamin R and "Factor R."

Vitamin B11*
Chemical Names- Pteryl-hepta-glutamic acid (?)
Deficiency- Depressed growth and feathering in chicks
Discussion- Also called Vitamin S and "Factor S."

Vitamin B12
Chemical Names- Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin
Deficiency- Pernicious Anemia
RDA- 6 mcg
Optimal Intake- 100-1,000 mcg
Good Sources- Meat products, cheese
Discussion- B12 reduces homocysteine levels in the blood, thus it possibly has a role in
heart disease prevention. B12 needs "intrinsic factor" to be absorbed, and some stomachs
do not produce enough, hence the need for injections.

Vitamin B13*
Chemical Names- Orotic Acid, Pyrimidinecarboxylic Acid
Deficiency- Possibly Multiple Sclerosis
Good Sources- Whey, Root vegetables
Discussion- Orotic Acid, as a "mineral transporter" is available in the form of Calcium
Orotate, Magnesium Orotate, etc. Its vitamin status is unlikely. By association, Aspartic
Acid, and Colamine Phosphate (Calcium AEP) are in the same class of "mineral
transporters," and might have some claim as "B13."

Vitamin B14*
Deficiency- Anemia
Good Sources- Yeast, grains, legumes, organ meats, wine.
Discussion- Little is known about this; it might be similar to B10 and B11. Perhaps a
substance isolated from wine that prevents cancer.

Vitamin B15 *
Chemical Names- Pangamic Acid, Pangametin, Calcium Pangamate, Dimethylglycine,
diisopropylamine dichloroacetate
Optimal Intake- 50-150 mg
Good Sources- Yeast, Apricot seeds, Corn
Discussion- The chemical identity of B15 is often disputed. Generally it is believed to be
Dimethylgycine (DMG) and Gluconic Acid, although other B15 mixtures vary. If DMG
is responsible for its benefits, then Trimethylglycine would be B15 by association. Both
DMG and TMG act as methylators and reduce homocysteine in the blood. Vitamin status
is unlikely. “Discovered” along with laetrile, by Ernst Krebs, Sr., MD and his son Ernst
Krebs, Jr.
Vitamin B16*
Discussion- Perhaps studied in Russia, but vitamin status never fully developed.

Vitamin B17*
Chemical Names- Amygdalin, Prunasin (d-mandelonitrile glucoside), Dhurrin,
Linamarin, Lotaustralin, Sambunigrin (l-mandelonitrile glucoside), Prulaurasin (dl-
mandelonitrile glucoside), Triglochinin, Linustatin, Neolinustatin, Laetrile, oratrile.
Deficiency- Possible increased incidence of cancer
Optimal Intake- 25-100 mg
Good Sources- Apricot seeds, buckwheat, millet, lima beans, flax
Discussion- Supposed anti-cancer substances, a group of cyanide producing sugars
known as "cyanogenic glycosides" or “nitrilosides” that release cyanide when acted upon
by the enzyme beta-glucosidase (emulsion). Often taken in concentrated form of
amygdalin, but soon after mixed with water, the chemical is subject to ephemerization, so
quality is poor when pre-mixed in water. Laetrile is a patented formula containing
amygdalin, although laetrile is no longer available commercially. Rodent research
suggests anti-metastatic effect at high injectable doses. Is an unproven therapy for cancer.
Vitamin status unlikely.

Vitamin B22*
Discussion- Listed in Linda Clark's “Know Your Nutrition.” Otherwise, unknown. Aloe
Vera is a possible source.

Vitamin Bc- See Folic Acid

Vitamin Bh- See Inositol

Vitamin Bp- See Choline

Vitamin Bt*
Chemical Names- L-Carnitine
Optimal Intake- 500 mg
Good Sources- Chicken, red meats, fish
Discussion- Carnitine is an amino acid and not essential as a protein or vitamin. It has
been promoted as a treatment for heart disease.

Vitamin Bx- See PABA

Vitamin Bw- See Biotin

Biotin
Deficiency- Eczema, improper fat metabolism
RDA- 300 mcg
Optimal Intake- 300-10,000 mcg
Good Sources- Brewer's yeast, soy beans, egg yolk
Discussion- A Biotin deficiency is rare. Unless raw egg whites are eaten often (they
contain a substance that binds Biotin), we get ample Biotin. Recently high-dose Biotin
has been found to benefit Diabetes. Also known as Coenzyme R, Factor W, Factor S,
Factor H, Factor X, and Vitamin H

Choline*
Deficiency- Liver problems
Optimal Intake- 100-1000 mg
Good Sources- Brewer's yeast, Lecithin, wheat germ
Discussion- Choline can be made in the human body, but nonetheless, of all questionable
vitamins, Choline is closest to being recognized as essential.

Inositol*
Deficiency- possibly Eczema
Optimal Intake- 100-1,000 mg
Good Sources- Brewer's yeast, grapefruits, Lecithin, peanuts
Discussion- Inositol is still present in many B-Complex formulas, and is probably a B-
Complex "factor," appearing with the B vitamins, rather than an actual vitamin.

PABA*
Chemical Names- Para-Aminobenzoic Acid
Deficiency- Graying of hair, eczema in animals
Optimal Intake- 10-100 mg
Good Sources- Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, sunflower seeds
Discussion- PABA was often used in sunscreens, although some people have reactions
when it is applied to the skin. Like Choline, and Inositol, it still appears in B-Complex
formulas despite not actually "essential."
PQQ*
Chemical Names- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Deficiency- fertility issues in mice
Optimal intake- unknown
Good Sources- natto, parsley, green tea, green peppers, papaya, and kiwi
Discussion- Some Japanese researchers at the Institute of Physical and Chemical
Research in Tokyo believe that PQQ (discovered in 1979) may actually be a vitamin,
within the B-Complex. If so, it is the first new vitamin to be discovered in over 55 years!

Vitamin C
Chemical Names- Ascorbic Acid
Deficiency- Scurvy
RDA- 60 mg
Optimal Intake- 100-1,000 mg
Good Sources- Citrus fruits
Discussion- Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and has been found to benefit against cancer,
infections, and other disorders.

Vitamin D
Chemical Names- ergocalciferol, calciferol, colecalciferol
Deficiency- Ricketts
RDA- 400 IU
Optimal Intake- 400-600 IU
Good Sources- Milk, Sunlight
Discussion- Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and is being shown to be an important
factor in cancer and multiple sclerosis prevention.

Vitamin E
Chemical Names- Alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocopheryl
Deficiency- infertility
RDA- 30 IU
Optimal Intake- 100-300 IU
Good Sources- Sunflower seeds, wheat germ
Discussion- Vitamin E has been shown to be a strong antioxidant, and helpful in
preventing and treating prostate problems. Alpha-tocopherol is the only vitamin form,
although beta, gamma, delta, etc, tocopherols exist, and might be beneficial. Intake of
over 400 IU/day has been linked to increased mortality, therefore supplementation below
this amount is suggested. “D-alpha” is the natural form of the vitamin, while “dl-alpha” is
synthetic.

Vitamin F*
Chemical Names- Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Arachadonic Acid
Deficiency- Similar to those associated with lack of fat in diet
RDA- None established
Good Sources- Vegetable oils
Discussion- Vitamin F is a term for the macronutrients known as Essential Fatty Acids.
Vitamin G- See Vitamin B2

Vitamin H- See Biotin

Vitamin I*- See Vitamin B7

Vitamin J*
Chemical Names- Catechol, Flavin
Good Sources- Higher woody plants
Discussion- Catechol is a flavonoid. Vitamin J has also been applied to Choline

Vitamin K
Chemical Names- Menadione, Phytomenadione
Deficiency- Hemorrhage
RDA- 80 mcg
Optimal Intake- 100-150 mcg
Good Sources- Green leafy vegetables, cheeses
Discussion- Essential for blood clotting; is now recognized as a key factor in bone health.

Vitamin L1*
Chemical Names- Ortho-Aminobenzoic Acid, Anthranilic Acid
Good Sources- bovine liver
Deficiency- Lactation problems in animals

Vitamin L2*
Chemical Names- Adenyl Thiomethylpentose
Good Sources- Yeast
Deficiency- Lactation problems in animals

Vitamin M- See Folic Acid

Vitamin N*
Chemical Names- Thioctic Acid, Alpha-lipoic acid
Deficiency- lack of growth in protozoa and bacteria.
Optimal Intake- 300-600 mg
Discussion- Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been used recently in Diabetes treatment, and is an
antioxidant.

Vitamin P*
Chemical Names- Rutin, Hesperidin, Quercetin, Citrus Bioflavonoids
Deficiency- Capillary fragility
Optimal Intake- 100-1,000 mg
Good Sources- Citrus fruits, onions, vegetables
Discussion- While not vitamins, Bioflavonoids are making a comeback as non-essential
beneficial chemicals. Often associated with Vitamin C, many referring to Vitamin P as
"C-Complex." There are over 1000 chemicals that can be classified as Bioflavonoids.
Vitamin PP - see Vitamin B3

Vitamin Q*
Deficiency- Inability of blood to clot in telagiectasia patients
Good Sources-Soybeans, clover, alfalfa
Discussion- Named after Dr. Armand J. Quick, who found a substance in soybeans could
prevent bleeding in people with telagiectasia. According to Quick, only essential in
patients with that rare blood disorder.

Vitamin R* Discussion- Old name for Vitamin B10. Also on "The Simpsons" the
vitamin in the "malk" drink, the kids drank at lunch on a budget crisis!

Vitamin S*
Deficiency- Sterility
Good Sources- kelp
Discussion- I found one reference to this in a book a long time ago. Kelp is known for its
many nutrients, so it's likely that this substance is some other vitamin or mineral.
Vitamin B11 was also called Vitamin S for awhile.

Vitamin T*
Chemical Names- Tegotin, Termitin, Torutilin
Deficiency- Anemia, lack of growth
Good Sources- Yeast, termites, fungi, sesame seeds
Discussion- Vitamin T has been used as a name for growth-promoting substances in
termites, yeast and fungi. However, many sources list it as a blood health factor in sesame
seeds. It is likely that these are two separate chemicals and the factor in termites is
distinct from that in sesame seeds. This happens because different researchers discover
nutrients and call them by the same name, not knowing another person has already used
the designation.

Vitamin U*
Chemical Names- Methylmethioninesulfonium Chloride, Cabagin-U, S-
Methylmethionine
Deficiency- Ulcers
Good Sources- Cabbage, Alfalfa, Green leafy vegetables, egg yolks
Discussion- Cabbage Juice often heals ulcers in a week or two, so Dr. Garnett Cheney of
Stanford, whose research backed up this assertion, proposed it was a vitamin. However,
research is lacking into the chemical's vitamin status. Another possible factor responsible
for Vitamin U activity in Cabbage and Alfalfa might be Allantoin or possibly the amino
acid glutamine.

Vitamin V*
Chemical Names- Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD
Deficiency- Developmental problems in chicks
Discussion- Vitamin V was also used of PABA
Vitamin W*
Discussion- Possibly Biotin

Vitamin X*
Deficiency- Aging
Good Sources- Hydrocotyle Asiatica Minor (an herb)
Discussion- A proposed vitamin by certain researchers, I read about in Worldwide
Secrets For Staying Young by Paavo Airola. Ultimately "Vitamin X" is used to describe
any unknown vitamin, including PABA before it was isolated.

Vitamin Y*
Discussion- Perhaps Vitamin B6.

* (asterisk) – vitamin status unlikely