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Overview for Vitamin B

 

Benefits

There are many benefits to Vitamin B. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, nerve function, and cell metabolism. There are 8 different types of Vitamin B:

 

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Plays an important role in the breakdown of nutrients for absorption.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Involved in energy production and helps with vision and skin health.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps to convert carbohydrates, fats and alcohol into energy. It also involved in cellular processes such as metabolism, signaling and DNA expression.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Helps in the metabolism of food and is also involved in hormone and cholesterol production.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Involved in breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is also involved in the production of hemoglobin, and supports immune function and brain health.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Needed to make fatty acids, and involved in the breakdown of nutrients.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid):  Needed to produce red blood cells, and helps in the development of the fetal nervous system. It is also involved in the formation of red and white blood cells and proper cell division

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Involved in the neurological function, DNA production and red blood cell development.

 

Recommended daily intake

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of each Vitamin B varies. The below shows a summary for adult males and females:

 

RDI for adult females

RDI for adult males

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

1.1mg

1.2 mg

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

1.1mg

1.3 mg

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

14mg NE

16 mg NE

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

5mg

5 mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin)

1.3mg

1.3 mg

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

30mcg

30 mcg

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

400mcg DFE

400 mcg DFE

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

2.4mg

2.4 mcg

* NE: Niacin Equivalents (NE)

** DPE: Dietary folate equivalents (DFE).

 

Those who are at risk of having a deficiency in Vitamin B would benefit increasing their Vitamin B intake with a supplement. These include those with gastrointestinal conditions (such as Ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease), malabsorption disorders (such as Celiac disease), and those on long-term medications (such as proton-pump inhibitors). In addition, there are some groups of people who are at risk on being deficient on specific Vitamin Bs, namely:

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): People with alcohol dependence
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate): Pregnant women (due to the higher requirements)
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): People with strict vegan diets. As Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal sources (like meat, eggs, seafood and dairy), those who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are at risk of being deficient in Vitamin B12.

 

Symptoms of deficiency

With a balanced diet, majority of people should be able to have sufficient Vitamin B. This includes meat, seafood, dairy products and vegetables. However, it is still possible for some to have low Vitamin B levels. Here are some signs that might suggest this:

  • skin rashes
  • cracks around the mouth
  • scaly skin on the lips
  • swollen tongue
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • anemia
  • confusion
  • irritability or depression
  • nausea
  • abdominal cramps
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • numbness or tingling sensation

 

If this deficiency is left for long periods, it might lead to some health complications. Some examples would be:

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Beri-beri or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Ariboflavinosis
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Pellagra
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate): Fetal tube defects in newborns for pregnant women and anemia
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Anemia

 

On the other hand, it is unlikely to have too much Vitamin B in an individual. This is because Vitamin B is water-soluble. This means that any excess that is not used by the body is passed out in your urine. Nevertheless, it is advised not to take above the recommended dose of supplements, unless directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-b-complex#recommended-daily-intake

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-b

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/vitamin-b/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325292#daily-values

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/ 

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Delivery lead time

Dear customer,

Just to share that the usual delivery lead time is 5 working days from the date of order confirmation.

We deliver from Monday to Friday. Delivery timing is between 9am - 5pm. We do not deliver on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Due to PDPA, we are unable to call or text customers prior to delivery.

Kindly take note that the delivery may take longer during peak period. 

Thank you.

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COVID 19 health essential

COVID 19 health essential

The emergence of COVID-19 variants is a constant cause for concern. As such, we are encouraged to stay vigilant towards COVID-19. Here are a list of essential items to keep yourself ready in the midst of COVID-19.

  1. Thermometer

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of coronavirus. Use a thermometer to monitor your temperature if you suspect you are ill.

  1. Oximeter

Oximeter checks the blood oxygen level and can help detect early signs of deterioration in health. When you’re exposed to COVID-19, lungs may be one of the major organs to be affected. It can cause the oxygen in your blood to drop, even if you feel generally well and do not present with other symptoms of the virus. This is known as “silent pneumonia” and if left untreated, can lead to serious consequences. Advanced age, underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pre-existing lung disease, obesity and active smokers are some risk factors.

Generally, an oxygen level between 95 – 100% is normal. Levels under 94% should be evaluated by a doctor, while levels below 90% are considered a clinical emergency and require immediate medical attention.

Hence, an oximeter can help ensure that this clinically silent early warning sign is not missed.

  1. Masks

Ensure that there are sufficient masks at home. The masks should have high filtration capability such as surgical masks, not just any cloth masks. The virus spread through respiratory droplets of infected people or asymptomatic individuals. Hence, masks are important in preventing the transmission of the virus.

  1. Hand sanitiser

You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent cleans much better than one with less alcohol or no alcohol in them.

  1. Cleaning, disinfection supplies

Each household should be equipped with cleaning supplies such as soap, disinfectants sprays, disinfectant wipes etc.

It is important to clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, desks, phone, keyboard. Disinfection supplies will also be critical if a member of the household is infected with Covid-19 and is recovering at home.  

 

There are several types of disinfectants such as:

- Alcohol-based disinfectants. Ideally, use alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol. E.g Isopropyl/Ethyl Alcohol 70%

- Benzalkonium Chloride- in common cleaning agents

- Chloroxylenol- ingredient in Dettol

- Sodium Hypochlorite- in bleaches

  1. Medication: Some people infected with COVID-19 may experience fever, body aches and headaches. Paracetamol can help relieve symptoms associated with COVID-19.

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Note for Chinese New Year 2022

**   Note for Chinese New Year 2022:   ***

Dear valued customers,

Please help to take note that:

Our office will be closed for Chinese New Year between 29 January to 6 February 2022 and we will resume normal operation on 7 February 2022.

All orders received after 12pm on 24 January 2022, will be processed after 7 February 2022.

BeaconsHealth wishes all a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year!

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SD BIOSENSOR Standard Q Covid-19 AG Home Test Antigen Rapid Self Test (ART) Kit 1s (Expiry: June 2023)

 

SD BIOSENSOR Standard Q Covid-19 AG Home Test Antigen Rapid Self Test (ART) Kit 1s 

The Standard Q COVID-19 AG Home Test was developed for the purpose of self-administered home test for COVID-19.

This Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) could help to rapidly identify those who might have been exposed to the virus and isolate them from the community.

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Overview of Vitamin C

Overview of Vitamin C

Being regarded as one of the safest and most effective supplements, Vitamin C is no stranger to the general public. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient that your body cannot produce on its own, nor does the body store it. Most common sources of Vitamin C are from fresh fruits (such as oranges) and vegetables (such as red and green bell peppers). 

 

Vitamin C has many benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s immune system. It does it by protecting your cells against free radicals. These are harmful molecules which result from our regular processes, exposure to pollution and other environmental factors (such as smoking). Other functions of Vitamin C include helping the body absorb iron and helping your body produce collagen.

 

The recommended amount of Vitamin C to take in a day is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Most people get them sufficiently from a well-balanced diet. There are some groups that are more likely to be deficient in Vitamin C, such as:

  • Regular smokers or drinkers
  • Have certain gastrointestinal conditions (such as intestinal malabsorption), cancer or kidney conditions
  • Have a limited diet that doesn't regularly include fruits and vegetables (such as children, elderly)

 

Having insufficient vitamin C can lead to a medical condition called scurvy, which causes iron-deficiency anemia, inflamed gums, bruising and poor wound healing. Hence, it will be useful to take a Vitamin C supplement with their well-balanced diet. 

 

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 2000mg daily. This refers to the highest amount of Vitamin C a person can take in a day, and it being not likely to cause side effects. Some possible side effects are stomach discomfort (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), headache, and fatigue.

 

It is advised to consult with a medical professional before starting on a Vitamin C supplement or start with a minimum amount to test for any side effect. Start with a minimum amount to test for any side effect,  it is possible for Vitamin C to interact with some medications (such as warfarin), medical tests and medical conditions.

 

Citations:

  1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/#h2
  2. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932

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Testimony on Botanika Neem Cream with Shea Butter

Testimony on Botanika Neem Cream with Shea Butter 

 

I am having the eczema problems for the past five years and have been trying various skin products but the problem is still not resolve.

Sometime in october 2021 I had started using Botanika Neem Cream with Shea Butter and after trying out for a couples of weeks, my arm feels less itchy compare to previous time.

Just to share on the attached photos on the difference.

   

 

      

 

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Differences between disinfectants & Antiseptics

Differences between disinfectants & Antiseptics

Antiseptics, or skin disinfectants are chemicals that reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reducing the risk of infection.

Beacons Health skin disinfectants are formulated at alcohol concentrations with broad spectrum activity effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and viruses, that are similarly widely used in hospitals and other medical settings. 

Beacons Health Product Name

Comparison

Less Drying

Astringent

Properties

Analgesic

Properties

Denatured Alcohol

-

+

-

Methylated Spirit

-

+

-

Isopropyl Alcohol

+

-

-

Povidone Iodine

+

-

-

Proflavine Lotion

+

-

-

Surgical Spirit

-

+

+

Beacons Health carry a range of skin disinfectants and antiseptic products – here we try to differentiate the products to help you make an informed choice when purchasing them!

 

 

Beacons Health Denatured Alcohol, Methylated Spirit and Surgical Spirit are often used for its astringent effect, apart from its main function as a disinfectant. Astringents, once applied to your skin, works to shrink or constrict skin tissues; it evaporates quickly and also gives the skin a cooling effect, hence is especially useful prior to and after injections.

Beacons Health Isopropyl Alcohol is also used as a skin disinfectant, and it may be less drying on the skin as compared to the former two products mentioned due to its lower alcohol content. Non-alcohol based antiseptics as such Povidone Iodine and Proflavine Lotion are also likely to be less irritating or drying on the skin and are commonly used for minor cuts and wounds. In addition, Povidone Iodine 10% Solution contains Glycerin that acts as a humectant and emollient, which prevents skin drying.

Beacons Health Surgical Spirit which contains alcohol, may have a greater drying effect on the skin. Beacons Health Surgical Spirit also contains Methyl Salicylate which acts as a topical analgesic that helps to relieve pain. 

If you require any further information, do consult your doctor, pharmacist or nurse today!  

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