|
Minerals
Minerals are the inorganic elements which comprise part of the body. They
contribute from 60% to 80% of all the inorganic material in the human body.
The trace elements make up the remainder. Minerals and trace elements serve
as vital catalysts for the biological reactions that take place within the
body. They are found, for example, in bones, teeth and soft tissues. They
are needed for the production of blood, hormones and enzymes, thus serving
a life sustaining function.
The absorption of minerals and trace elements
(excluding electrolytes) is generally less efficient than that of other nutrients.
The term “bioavailability” refers to the degree to which a particular nutrient
is available for use in the body. There are many factors which influence bioavailability
including the compound form of the mineral or trace element.
Boron helps
influence the metabolism of nutrients that help maintain bone health and may
play a role in hormone regulation.
Calcium
is the most abundant mineral in the body. Its primary function – in cooperation
with phosphorus – is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. Calcium aids
the blood-clotting process and helps control the passage of fluids through
cells. Calcium is also is related to proper functioning of the heart and neuromuscular
system.
Chromium,
when complexed as the Glucose Tolerance Factor, plays a role in the effectiveness
of insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar metabolism.
Copper aids
iron absorption, helping to form haemoglobin of red blood cells.
Copper also helps convert amino acids into pigment,
thereby adding colour to hair and skin.
Iodine is
an essential component of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, which is the master
regulator of metabolism.
Iron acts
with protein and copper to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component
of red blood cells.
Magnesium
is involved in muscle contraction and nerve function. At least half of the
magnesium in the body is combined with calcium and phosphorus in bones. The
remainder is in soft tissues including red blood cells and muscles.
Manganese
is an important activator of enzyme systems. It is involved in protein synthesis
and fatty acid metabolism. Manganese is also necessary for normal skeletal
development and pituitary gland activity.
Molybdenum
is a trace element that serves as a cofactor in many enzyme systems. It is
also involved in the physiological roles of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Phosphorus
is the second most abundant mineral in the body and is found in every living
cell. It is involved in helping the proper function of muscles and nerves
and often works in conjunction with calcium.
Selenium
is an essential trace mineral that works synergistically with vitamin E. As
a constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, selenium helps
neutralize the effects of free radicals within body tissue.
Sodium and potassium
are involved in the process of balancing fluid within the body. Sodium is
found predominantly in fluids outside the cells, while potassium is found
inside the cells. The balance of these two electrolytes – along with calcium
and magnesium – plays a vital role in helping to maintain cardiovascular function.
Zinc is
an essential trace mineral, important to help support the immune system. It
is also a component of insulin, body fluids, and many enzyme systems.
Important Notice Regarding
Supplementation
For many people, nutritional
supplementation can be an important and useful adjunct to a healthy diet.
However, by no means should supplementation be a substitute for food and it
should also be recognised that certain nutrients should be used within the
recommended guidelines so as to reduce the possibility of toxicity or side
effects.
This list is only offered as
a general guide and is not to be viewed as a definitive statement on the subject
of drug-nutrient interactions or toxicity.
Caution should always be
used with individuals who are taking any form of drug therapy.
Ongoing research will no doubt
turn up additional information on the relationship between optimum nutrient
intake and overdose. If in doubt consult either an authoritative text such
as Martindale, Merck Index or the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The following may serve as a
useful guide to some of the more common contra-indications.
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Iron
-
Iron
can accumulate in the system and long-term use should be monitored.
Contra-indicated in cases of Addisons Disease.
-
Inorganic
iron supplements can cause diarrhoea alternating with constipation and stomach
cramps.
-
Inorganic
iron supplements can cause dark brown to black bowel motions.
Magnesium
-
Contra-indicated
in kidney disease.
-
Can
cause diarrhoea, nausea and sometimes headaches when taken in large doses.
Manganese
Molybdenum
Potassium
Selenium
Zinc
|
