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MINERALS - Back
Overview
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth
that work in the human body as coenzymes to allow the body
to perform vital functions. Minerals compose body as fluids,
blood and bone, the central nervous system functions.
Our dependence on specific minerals is based upon millions
of years of evolutionary development that can be traced back
to the earliest living organisms. Over time mineral salts
have been released into the environment by the breakdown and
weathering of rock formations rich in elemental deposits.
Accumulating in the soil and oceans, minerals are passed from
microorganisms to plants and on to herbivorous creatures.
Man then obtains minerals primarily from the plants and animals
that make up your diet. Recently mineral supplements have
gained in popularity as new research sheds light on our mineral
requirements for optimal health.
Minerals can be broken down into two basic groups: bulk,
or macro, minerals, and trace, or micro, minerals. The macro
minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium (salt) potassium
are needed in fairly substantial amounts for proper health.
By comparison, the trace minerals are needed in far smaller
quantities and include substances such as zinc, copper, manganese,
and selenium.
After ingestion, dietary minerals enter the stomach where
they are attached to proteins (chelated) in order to enhance
absorption into the blood stream. After minerals are absorbed
they are delivered by the blood stream to individual cells
for transport across cell membranes. Minerals must often complete
with the other minerals for absorption, and in certain cases
must be in a proper balance with other minerals to be properly
utilized. For example, an excess of zinc can cause a depletion
of copper, and too much calcium can interfere with the absorption
of magnesium. Minerals are generally considered safe, though
ingesting massive amounts for long periods can lead to toxic
effects.
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Minerals Glossary
Biotin promotes healthy skin, hair and nails;
supports the nervous system, GI tract, and cardiovascular
system.
Calcium (as calcium citrate) An essential
mineral that serves as a critical element in supporting bone
structure, metabolism, and proper muscle function. This form
of calcium is readily digested and absorbed by the body.
Chromium (as chromium picolinate) A trace
mineral that is an essential part of the GTF (Glucose Tolerance
Factor). Insulin works with the GTF molecule to regulate blood
sugar levels by transporting glucose into the body's cells.
The liver also needs chromium to manufacture and control fatty
acids, lecithin, cholesterol and lipoproteins. Chromium is
removed from foods such as wheat and sugar cane by processing,
and often consumed as part of a dietary supplement regimen.
Copper (as copper gluconate) catalyst in
the formation of hemoglobin; interacts w/other nutrients in
many enzymatic functions; helps in collagen production.
Iodine
(as potassium iodide) is needed to make thyroid hormones,
which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all
cells of the body. Reports suggest that iodine may have a
number of other important functions in the body unrelated
to thyroid function that may help people with a wide variety
of conditions.
Magnesium (as magnesium citrate) This essential
mineral plays a key role in over 300 chemical reactions in
our metabolism. These reactions include energy production
and storage, protein synthesis, stabilized heart rhythms,
and neuro-transmitter activity. Stored primarily in the bones,
Magnesium plays a major role in bone formation. Magnesium
is non-acidic (PH neutral) and gentle on the digestive system.
Manganese (as manganese gluconate) cofactor
in enzymes systems that regulate metabolism, the breakdown
of proteins and carbohydrate, and blood sugar control.
Potassium (as potassium citrate) helps maintain
fluid volume inside cells; critical electrolyte in nerve transmission
and muscle contraction; support the kidney and adrenal functions;
catalyst in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Selenium (as sodium selenate) works with
vitamin E to neutralize free radicals; support respiratory
and cardiovascular function and the immune system.
Zinc (as zinc gluconate) a co-factor in
essential fatty metabolism and the production of protein and
amino acid metabolism, and in the release of vitamin from
the liver. Also supports white blood cells function and the
immune system; essential for normal thyroid hormone function;
effects behavior and learning performance; essential for vision,
taste and smell.
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