Boron is a newcomer to nutritional supplements
and is used to help with menopausal symptoms as well as maintaining healthy
bones, since its affinity to calcium and magnesium.
It enhances the body's ability to use
calcium, magnesium, as well as vitamin D. It also seems to assist in brain
functioning and recognition. Boron seems to prevent calcium and magnesium from
being lost in the urine and may help with decreasing menstrual pain by
increasing the oestradiol level, which is a very active type of estrogen.
People have also reported the reduction of arthritis symptoms with an intake of
Boron.
A shortage of boron might negatively
influence the balance of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus resulting in bone
loss, and increasing the risk of arthritis and elevated blood pressure.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of micro-elements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
No daily value has been set, but 1 - 2
milligrams per day may be beneficial, although up to 10 milligrams does seem
safe.
Ingesting Boron-containing preparations
have resulted in dryness of the skin and digestive upsets, but low dose
supplements have shown no toxic effect yet.
When eating a diet of refined foods, you
may be lacking in boron.
Boron has not been shown clinically to
build muscles, although some people firmly believe that it does.
Prunes, dates, raisins and honey, nuts,
fresh fruit such as grapes and pears, green leafy vegetables and beans are good
sources or Boron.
2.Chromium dietary trace element
Chromium is an essential nutrient
required for normal sugar and fat metabolism and works primarily by
potentiating the action of insulin. It is present in the entire body but with
the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys, spleen and bone.
Although chromium is only required in
very small amounts, our modern day diet has left many people short of chromium
on a daily basis, with the average American being chromium deficient, and two
out of three being hyperglycemic, pre-hyperglycemic or diabetic.
Chromium is needed for energy, maintains
stable blood sugar levels. In cooperation with other substances, it controls
insulin as well as certain enzymes. It works with GTF (Glucose Tolerance
Factor) when this hormone-affiliated agent enters the bloodstream because of an
increase of insulin in the bloodstream.
GTF (containing niacin, vitamin B3,
glycine, cysteine, glutamic acid etc.) enhances insulin, which results in the
sugars passing quicker into the cells and in that way they are removed from the
bloodstream. By stabilizing the blood sugar level it also assists in regulating
the cholesterol in the blood.
Natural chromium levels decline with age
and so with the action of the GTF. Although chromium picolinate is readily
absorbed by the body, and is one of the best types of chromium when it comes to
absorption, it will only be absorbed it if there is a shortage of chromium.
Chromium picolinate has been used as a
carbohydrate-burning supplement for some time and has proved very successful.
(Chromium picolinate is chromium chelated with picolinate - a natural amino
acid metabolite) It is also required in synthesis of fats, protein and
carbohydrates, and may assist in preventing coronary artery disease.
Deficiency
of chromium A
shortage of chromium may also lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance
(particularly in people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids,
and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
Dosage
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
120 microgram per day is indicated as
dosage.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Because chromium is not easily absorbed
(chromium picolinate is the best absorbed) and since it is lost easily in the
urine, toxicity does not seem to be a problem, but dermatitis has been noted,
as well gastrointestinal ulcers as well as liver and kidney damage if taken in
large dosages over prolonged periods.
If you are diabetic, do not supplement
with chromium, as it can make your blood sugar levels drop. Some people have
reported a skin rash and lightheadedness - if this occurs, stop taking the
supplement and consult your medical practitioner.
Best used with
It is best taken with vitamin B 3,
glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid.
Should you be suffering from overweight,
high cholesterol, exercise heavily or have sugar cravings, you might benefit
from a chromium supplement.
Chromium absorption is made more
difficult when milk, as well as when foods high in phosphorus are eaten at the
same time.
Other interesting points
Chromium picolinate is chromium chelated
with picolinate - a natural amino acid metabolite and is helpful in assisting with
the loss of fat and increased lean muscle tissue. Chromium picolinate in this
form is the most bio-available. Avoid chromium chloride, which is found in some
supplements. It is mostly un-absorbable
Food
sources
Chromium is found in eggs, beef, whole
grains, brewer's yeast as well as molasses.
3.Cobalt dietary trace element
Cobalt is part of the vitamin B 12
molecule.
It is required in the manufacture of red
blood cells and in preventing anemia.
If a normal diet is followed a
deficiency is most unlikely.
Dosage
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
An excessively high intake of cobalt may
damage the heart muscles, and may cause an over-production of red blood cells
or damage to the thyroid gland.
Other
interesting points
Since cobalt is part of the vitamin
B12 molecule, the function of cobalt is interwoven with
that of vitamin B 12.
Food sources
Cobalt is present in pulses and
vegetables.
Copper and zinc absorption is closely
related, and although copper is also needed in relatively small amounts, some
discussions are under way on the optimum need of this mineral. If large amounts
of copper are present, then zinc and vitamin C is reduced in the body, and vice
versa.
Copper
is required for
Copper is required in the formation of
hemoglobin, red blood cells as well as bones, while it helps with the formation
of elastin as well as collagen - making it necessary for wound healing.
A lack of copper may also lead to
increased blood fat levels. It is also necessary for the manufacture of the
neurotransmitter noradrenaline as well as for the pigmentation of your hair.
It can be stored in the body, and daily presence
in the diet is therefore not necessary. If copper is deficient in the body,
iron is also normally in short supply, leading to anemia as well as the
likelihood for infections, osteoporosis, thinning of bones, thyroid gland
dysfunction, heart disease as well as nervous system problems.
Dosage
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum
that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular
nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually
increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of micro-elements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and
about 2 mg per day is required.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Toxic levels will lead to diarrhea,
vomiting, liver damage as well as discoloration of the skin and hair, while
mild excesses will result in fatigue, irritability, depression and loss of
concentration and learning disabilities.
Children getting too much copper may
have hyperactive tendencies.
Best used with
Copper is best absorbed and utilized in
the body when cobalt, iron, zinc and folic acid is available.
Should extra zinc supplements be taken,
your need for copper may be increased.
The absorption of large amounts of
vitamin C, zinc can negatively influence the level of copper in the body, while
large amounts of fructose can make a copper deficiency worse.
Be careful of having any liquids stored
in copper containers, as the liquid could have absorbed too much of the copper.
Copper is made available from a variety
of foods, such as whole grain, liver, molasses, and nuts, but water from copper
pipes will also carry copper in it, and copper cooking utensils will also add
more copper to be ingested.
Fluorine is a constituent of bones and
teeth, but since it is very seldom added to supplements, we have not included a
large volume of data on this element.
It is beneficial in most cases in
preventing dental caries, but the addition of fluoride to drinking water has
become a controversial subject in some societies.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
The dosage determined to prevent dental
caries, without marking the teeth is set at 1 mg Fl/L.
Excess fluorine stains the teeth with
mottled spots - known as dental fluorosis.
There is some evidence that it is
effective in the treatment of osteoporosis, as an increase in the retention of
calcium was noted, together with a reduction of bone demineralization, by some
people treated with fluorine salts.
It is found in water as well as the food
grown in areas where fluorine is present in the soil and water.
Iodine in our food is dependant on the
iodine found in the ground where the food is grown, in the food the animals
receive, as it influences the iodine content in the meat and eggs we consume.
Iodine is used in the production of
hormones (such as thyroxine, thyroxin) by the thyroid gland, which in turn
regulates the conversion of fat to energy, stabilizing our body weight as well
as controlling our cholesterol levels.
These hormones produced from the iodine
are also needed to help form our bones, as well as keeping our skin, nails,
hair and teeth in prime condition.
Some indication also exists that iodine
is helpful in preventing cancer of the breast and womb.
Iodine is not stored in the body, but
various items in our diet do supply iodine, so a shortage does not happen
overnight.
When iodine is deficient the thyroid
gland enlarges (referred to as a goiter) to maximize the amount of iodine to be
extracted from the blood, and if this problem is not corrected, a shortage of
this hormone in the body may lead to constipation, obesity, weakness, mental slowness
as well as mental problems.
Goiter is not always the cause of iodine
deficiency, but can in some cases be caused certain micro-organisms.
Iodine is also thought to help protect
the thyroid from the effects of radiation, and the Polish government handed out
iodine tablets to their population after the explosion at Chernobyl.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and
150 micrograms per day is indicated as dosage.
Although too low levels of iodine can
cause a goiter, so too can too high intake of iodine.
Iodine is rapidly eliminated from the
body, so high intake or toxicity is not very likely, but if your diet is
supplement with too much kelp or iodine you could have problems with acne or
skin rashes.
When iodine in the soil is very low, or
if very little seafood is consumed a person may want to check their iodine
intake, or when breast feeding or pregnant as well as being on a sea-salt
restricted diet.
If you have an under-active thyroid try
and avoid large amounts of raw cabbage, peaches, pears, spinach and Brussels
sprouts as they may block the absorption of iodine.
Iodine is found in eggs, milk, sea fish
and sea food, sea vegetables - such as kelp, asparagus etc.
Iron is an essential element carrying
oxygen, forming part of the oxygen-carrying proteins - hemoglobin in red blood
cells and myoglobin in muscles. It is also a component of various enzymes and
is concentrated in bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
The production of hemoglobin and
myoglobin (the form of hemoglobin found in muscle tissue) requires this
nutrient.
It is also needed for the oxygenation of
red blood cells, a healthy immune system and for energy production.
Severe iron deficiency results in
anemia, and red blood cells that have a low hemoglobin concentration. Anemia in
pregnancy increases the risk of having a premature baby or a baby with low
birth weight.
In young children, iron deficiency can
manifest in behavioral abnormalities (including reduced attention), reduced
cognitive performance and slow growth. In adults, severe iron deficiency anemia
impairs physical work capacity.
Symptoms of iron deficiency may include
fatigue, poor stamina, intestinal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding,
nervousness, heart palpitations and shortness of breath. It may also cause your
mouth corners to crack, brittle hair, difficulty in swallowing, digestive
disturbances and spoon shaped nails with ridges running lengthwise.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
The indicated dosage for males is 10 mg
per day, and 18 mg per day for females.
High iron content in the body has been
linked to cancer and heart disease.
People of European origin, sometimes
have a genetic abnormality for storing excessive iron (1:300) where ten percent
of these populations carry a gene for hemochromatosis. Iron supplements are the
leading cause of death in children - so keep the supplements out of the reach
of children.
A fatal dose for children could be as
little as 600 milligrams. Iron can be poisonous and if too much is taken over a
long period could result in liver and heart damage, diabetes and skin changes.
Large iron supplementation may also
contribute to the hardening of arteries, heart disease and reducing zinc
absorption.
Iron should be taken between meals with
Vitamin C, while manganese, copper, molybdenum, vitamin A and the B group are
also beneficial. Iron in a supplement should be almost balanced with zinc.
Iron absorption is negatively affected
when oxalic acid - found in spinach, Swiss chard, tea, coffee soy and some
pulses. Antacid medication, coffee and tea drinkers at mealtimes, people on
calorie restricted diets and women with a heavy flow during menstruation may
require more iron.
Try to cut out tea and coffee at
mealtimes. Iron supplements should not be taken together with calcium, zinc or
vitamin E if in the form of ferrous sulfate.
Some research being conducted is to test
the possibility of high iron stores in the body being responsible for an
increased risk to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, through
oxidative mechanisms.
Heme iron (present in red blood cells
and muscles) found in meat, poultry and fish - is readily absorbed; Non-heme
iron - with the absorption more influenced by other dietary factors, are
present in cereals, fruits, grains, beans and vegetables.
Manganese is one of those humble trace
elements so often overlooked, yet essential to your health.
It enables the body to utilize vitamin
C, B1, biotin as well as choline. It is used in the manufacture of fat, sex
hormones and breast milk in females.
It is thought to also help neutralize
free radicals as well as being of assistance in preventing diabetes and needed
for normal nerve function.
Manganese is also indicated in
stimulating growth of the connective tissue and is also thought to be of
importance in brain functioning.
Deficiencies are rare but would include
poor bone growth, problems with the disks between the vertebrae, birth defects,
and problems with blood glucose levels and reduced fertility. Serious
deficiency in children can result in paralysis, deafness and blindness.
Manganese is not easily absorbed but
since small amounts are needed deficiencies are not very general.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and
the indicated dosage is 2 milligrams per day.
Toxicity by diet is rare. Miners who are
exposed to high levels of manganese, which can also be inhaled, can cause
"manganese madness".
It is best taken with vitamins B1, E,
calcium as well as phosphorous.
A higher intake may be necessary when
breast-feeding or when taking a calcium or phosphorous supplement.
Manganese is lost in milling and
absorption is also negatively influenced in the presence of large amounts of
calcium, phosphorous, zinc, cobalt and soy protein.
Manganese is depleted in the soil by
extensive use of chemical fertilizers or too much lime, and food grown in such
soil will have a low manganese content.
It is found in nuts, avocados, eggs,
brown rice, spices, whole grains, leafy greens as well as tea and coffee.
Molybdenum is a component of three
different enzymes, which is involved in the metabolism of nucleic acids - DNA
and RNA - iron as well as food into energy. These three enzymes are sulfite
oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase.
Molybdenum assists in the breaking down
of sulfite toxin build-ups in the body, and may prevent cavities. With these
qualities, there might be evidence of antioxidant properties in this nutrient.
It assists the body by fighting the nitrosamines, which are associated with
cancer, and may help to prevent anemia. It is needed for normal cell function
and nitrogen metabolism.
Molybdenum deficiencies in older males
have also been linked to impotence and may be of value in fighting mouth and
gum disorders. Molybdenum is part of sulfite oxidase, an enzyme that breaks
down sulfites. Sulfites are found in protein food as well as chemical
preservatives in certain foods and drugs. Should your body not be able to break
down these sulfites, a toxic build-up results, and your body may react with an
allergic reaction.
These allergic reactions can be
respiratory problems such as asthma and others. Molybdenum is also part of
xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase - both involved in the body's production
of genetic material and proteins. Xanthine oxidase also helps the body to
oxidize purines and pyrimidines, and produce uric acid, an important waste
product.
Deficiencies of molybdenum are
identified by the absence of the three molybdenum enzymes. The deficiency of
this element and the metabolic disorders are accompanied by abnormal excretion
of sulfur metabolites, low uric acid concentrations, and elevated hypoxanthine
and xanthine excretion.
The absences of sulfite oxidase in
metabolic disorder can lead to death at an early age. High rates of esophageal
cancer have been reported in regions where the soil levels of molybdenum are
low as well as vitamin C intake - although this does not clinically prove that
molybdenum might be involved with prevention of certain cancers.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important. A
dosage of up to 250 micrograms is considered safe while 15 milligrams can
border on toxic.
Dosages of more than 15 milligrams may
be toxic and excess molybdenum in the body can interfere with the metabolism of
copper in the body, can give symptoms of gout, and may cause diarrhea, anemia
and slow growth.
If your diet consists mainly of refined
foods or if you are taking copper supplements, you might be running low on
molybdenum.
An excess of copper, tungsten and
sulfates can deplete molybdenum. Heat and moisture change supplemental
molybdenum.
Milk, lima beans, spinach, liver, grain,
peas and other dark green leafy vegetables contain molybdenum.
Selenium used to be treated as a very
toxic substance, but modern science now regards it as essential - but in small
quantities. An overdose or deficiency of selenium is equally bad, and good
steady amounts should be available - but in small quantities.
One of the main activities of this
mineral is its anti-aging properties and its ability to help rid the body of
free radicals, as well as toxic minerals such as mercury, lead and cadmium.
It is helpful in fighting infections
since it stimulates increased antibody response to infections, promotes more
energy in the body, and while it helps with alleviating menopausal symptoms in
women, it assists the male in producing healthy sperm.
In certain cases selenium has also
proven effective in helping to fight cold sores and shingles, which are both
caused by the herpes virus.
Some researchers have shown that in
selenium-deficient animals a harmless virus can mutate into a virulent form
capable of causing damage and death - this has also been followed up with other
studies, which seem to indicate that selenium helps to keep the spread and
multiplying of viruses in check.
Selenium is also used against arthritis
and multiple sclerosis and if provided in adequate amounts it is thought to
help prevent cancer as well. Tissue elasticity and pancreatic function is also
dependant on this mineral.
In a study it was shown that selenium
could be useful in treating certain cancers, and is also helpful in making the
blood less "sticky", which is helpful in preventing heart attacks and
strokes.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and 70
micrograms per day is taken as the required dosage.
As mentioned earlier - selenium is toxic
and too large quantities may result in hair loss, tooth decay, brittle nails,
white spots, poor appetite, sour taste in the mouth, loss of feeling in the
hands and feet, change in skin pigmentation and the breath may have a garlic
smell.
Selenium should always be taken with
vitamins E, A and beta-carotene, and it is preferable when taking a supplement
to take selenium in the form of selenocysteine or selenomethionine, which are
both organic.
People with yeast intolerance should
check the source of the selenium used in the supplement, as certain
manufacturers obtain selenium from yeast.
Men need more selenium than women as it
is lost in the seminal fluid, and people staying in areas where the soil is
poor in selenium, should also pay attention to their selenium intake.
Brazil nuts are excellent sources of
selenium, but are also found in whole grains, shellfish.
Silicon is not present in the body in
large amounts, yet is found in virtually every type of tissue in the body.
Do not confuse it with silicone.
|
Silicon is also called silica and is a
natural substance while silicone is a man-made industrial polymer used in
breast enlargement operations.
Silicon is used to keep bones,
cartilage, tendons and artery walls healthy and may be beneficial in the
treatment of allergies, heartburn and gum disease, as well as assisting the
immune system.
It is also required by the nails, hair
and skin to stay in good condition and is useful in counteracting the effects
of aluminum.
Silicon levels drop as we age, and it
might therefore be beneficial as an anti-aging component in our diets.
Although it can yet not be known for
sure, it is thought that a deficiency may result in problems with teeth and
bones as well as hardening of the arteries.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is
usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
Unknown.
Boron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and
potassium are indicated as the best nutritional partners for this mineral.
Silicon is present in onions, wheat,
oats, millet, barley, rice, beetroot, alfalfa as well as leafy green vegetables
and whole grains.
Zinc is one of the minerals men should
never be without (see
lower down on page) and has such a wide application in
human health that everybody should ensure that they obtain enough of this
humble trace element.
It is necessary for a healthy immune
system, and is also of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and
sore throats. It is further needed for cell division, and is needed by the
tissue of the hair, nails and skin to be in top form. Zinc is further used in
the growth and maintenance of muscles.
Children, for normal growth and sexual
development also require zinc.
It also seems as if zinc helps to
control the oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and
collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin.
There is a shortage of zinc in many
people's diet, since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost
in cooking. A deficiency will result in an under-performing immune system, open
to infections, allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, falling hair, white
spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc.
Men with zinc shortage may have a
problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children
with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity.
With too little in the body, the sense
of smell might suffer, as well as your sense of taste.
The dosage is the Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the
minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this
particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually
increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as
trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
Elevated intake of zinc (1- 2 gram per
day) over an extended period can actually harm your immune system instead of
assisting it. Intake of zinc should be kept to under 100 mg per day as larger
amounts may result in nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and
hallucinations.
It is best to take a zinc supplement
separately from other minerals, especially iron, copper, manganese and calcium
as they may interfere with zinc absorption. Some people take it at night, but
some individuals may react by having an upset stomach if taken on an empty
stomach. In a multi-vitamin situation, make sure that the zinc and iron is
nearly in the same amounts.
Large intakes of zinc can cause nausea
and diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, fever and chills, electrolyte imbalances,
dizziness, abdominal pain, lethargy and a disruption of coordination.
A good combination in nutrition would be
adequate levels of copper, calcium, phosphorous, selenium, vitamin A, B6 and E.
Men should always ensure enough zinc in their diets, since
the health of their prostate gland is linked to zinc. Zinc is needed to
manufacture testosterone and a shortage may induce a low sperm count, loss of
libido and other emotional problems. Zinc may also be helpful in fighting
infection and inflammation of the prostate gland in older men. It is lost on
ejaculation, since sperm needs this mineral to swim towards the egg.
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