Friday, May 29, 2009

Zinc

Zinc Supplements

Zinc is found in traces in all tissues, except the bones, teeth, and pancreas which have slightly more amount of zinc. A normal adult contains 1.4-2.5 gm of zinc. Zinc level for adults in plasma or serum is 0.1/100 ml, and in whole blood it is 0.7mg/100 ml.

It is a component of vital enzyme carbonic anhydrase, and other enzymes like several dehydrogenises (alcohol, glutamics, and certain pyridine nucleotide) and pancreatic carboxypeptidase’s. It exists in the body mostly in combination with other constituents.

Zinc Supplements
TruNature Saw Palmetto with Zinc
Saw Palmetto with Zinc, Lycopene and Pumpkin Seed Prostate Health Complex - Extra Strength - 200 Softgels



TruNature Prostate Health Complex contains Lycopene, Pumpkin Seed and Saw Palmetto, nutrients that contain phytonutrients and fatty acids that may help maintain a healthy prostate. New Formula! Extra Strength. One Softgel Per Day.
Function of Zinc in Our Body



• It is an integral and essential element of insulin molecule. It easily forms a compound with insulin, and thus prolongs insulin action. As pancreas is rich in zinc, it helps storage of insulin in the pancreas.
• It promotes growth and sexual maturity, improves immune system and hastens healing of wounds.
• It also helps digestion of protein.
• It is an ideal remedy for fatigue.
• It is also needed to transport Vitamin A to the retina.

Natural Sources of Zinc


Sources of zinc are whole wheat, breakfast cereals, nuts, legumes, animal food, like crabs, sardines, oysters, lean meat, eggs, cheese, and fish.

Daily Requirement of Zinc

The RDA (recommended daily requirement) of 3 mg for infants, 10 mg for children, and 10-15 mg for adults is suggested. Most human diet provides these requirements. Growing children, pregnant and lactating women need more.

Zinc Deficiency

• The deficiency of zinc can cause loss of appetite and taste, alopecia, skin lesions, reduced growth, and dysfunction of reproductive system.
• Its deficiency also leads to hypogonadism, anemia, delayed genital maturation and hepatomegaly.
• Acute zinc efficiency results in mental apathy, diarrhoea, moist eczema, and dermatitis especially around the mouth.

Zinc in Excess

• Excess intake of zinc can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to the kidneys.
• Too much of zinc can also cause loss of iron and copper in the body.

Manganese

Manganese Supplements

The human body contains 10-20 mg of manganese, and is widely distributed in body specially in intestinal track, liver and reproductive organs. It is stored in the blood and liver.

Manganese Supplements
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with Joint Shield, Vitamin C and Manganese Plus Boron - 280 Easy to Swallow Tablets



Osteo Bi-Flex promotes joint flexibility, comfort and range of motion by helping to support joint and cartilage health over time. Osteo Bi-Flex® supplies the scientifically researched ingredients, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, at the most popular levels to help maintain and renew cartilage and joints.Plus Osteo Bi Flex contains added nutrients for joint health: Vitamin C, Boron and Manganese.
Function of Manganese in Our Body



• It helps the synthesis of haemoglobin, like copper but on a lesser degree.
• A combination, of iron, copper, and manganese is given to treat hypochronic anaemia.
• It has a role in normal reproductive physiology and producing more milk and nursing mothers.
• Manganese ions activate many enzymes and helps in proper utilization of vitamin B and E.
• It is helpful in diabetes as it increases tolerance.
• Manganese as a component of different enzymes helps metabolise carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• It helps in combination with Choline, in digestion and utilization of fat.
• Manganese nourishes the brain and nerves which helps in right coordination between brain, nerves and muscles in every part of the body.

Natural Sources of Manganese


Sources of manganese are whole grain bran, seeds, nuts, shell-fish, organ meats and black tea.

Daily requirement of Manganese

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 1.5 mg for Children and 2 to 5 mg for adults is recommended. Normal mixed diet contains about 2 mg, which is enough.

Manganese Deficiency

• Its deficiency result is poor growth, digestive disorders, and abnormal bone formation.
• On prolonged deficiency it may also affect fertility, and cause impotence in men.

Iodine

Iodine Supplements

Iodine is am important trace element for healthy thyroid gland, which kills harmful germs, makes up it own hormone (thyroxin) and rebuilds energy. It is required for the synthesis of the thyroxin hormones-thyroxin and triodothyronine. It is present in the secretions of thyroid gland.

The iodine metabolism is controlled by thyroid. Iodine is an essential life. The total quantity in body is 25 mg, and half of it is in the thyroid as thyroglobulin, a complex of protein and iodine. About 30% is removed by the thyroid gland for the synthesis of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin, and the rest is excreted by the kidneys. Its concentration in thyroid gland is very high as compared to that in muscles and blood.

Iodine Supplements
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution
The Breath of Life Lugol's Iodine Solution(2 oz.)



Lugol's taken internally in addition to replenishing the thyroid, also brings amazing relief and a calming, soothing, peaceful state to anxiety and a manic stage. It destroys vicious stomach bacteria, (especially salmonella), against gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn.
Functions of Iodine in Our Body



• It reduces tension, keeps body and mind calm, and keeps skin, hair, teeth, nail etc in healthy condition and form.
• It helps in the chemical synthesis of cholesterol, thus checking its build up in arteries.
• It also burn extra fat in the body.
• It increases the heart rate as well as urinary calcium excretion.

Natural Sources of Iodine


Iodine is available in traces in water, food, common salts. Iodine found in sea-water is 0.2 mg per litre. Sea weeds and spongy shells are very rich in Iodine. The best sources are sea fish, ser salt, green vegetables and leaves like spinach grown on iodine rich soil. The common sources are milk, meat, and cereals. About 90% of the Iodine intake is obtained from the food consumed, and the remainder from the water. Common salt fortified with small quantities of sodium or potassium iodate is now compulsorily made available in the market as Iodised Salt to check goitre.

Daily Requirement of Iodine

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 80 mcg for children and 150 mcg for adults. The requirement for growing children, pregnant and lactating women is more.

Iodine Deficiency

• Iodine deficiency leads to enlargement of thyroid gland known as simple goitre, and swelling of feet or toes, enlarged glands, excessive hunger, neuralgic pains in the heart etc.
• Its deficiency may also causes deafness, and poor learning.
• Iodine deficiency or total loss will affect our mental and physical activity, obesity, and hardening of blood vessels.
• A dietary lack of iodine may cause anemia, tiredness, laziness, loss of interest in sex, a slow pulse, low blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol/triglyceride leading to heart disease.
• In children lack of iodine may lead to mental retardation, enlarged thyroid gland, defective speech, and clumsy gait is created. His skin is rough, and hair sparse, with brittle nails, bad teeth, and anaemic.

Calcium

Calcium Supplements

Calcium is the most important and largely required mineral in the Dietary Sources body. It is a white, malleable, metallic element and is found in the body as calcium carbonate, its compounds like calcium sulphate, calcium fluoride, and calcium phosphate.

Its absorption gets retarded with lot of fat, oxalic acid, and phytic acid in the diet. In the absence of Vitamin D there is decreased absorption of calcium from the food and also decreased level of phosphate in blood.

Calcium Supplements
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D - 200 Caplets



Citracal - Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D is unique because it is calcium citrate, a highly soluble and absorbable form of calcium that allows the active calcium to be absorbed into your blood. Citracal+D can help protect you from osteoporosis. Its action can limit bone breakdown and protect against developing thin and brittle bones.
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)



Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D helps build strong bones and may help prevent Osteoporosis. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium; contains 50% RDA of Calcium and 50% 0f Vitamin D per tablet serving. Pack of two bottles, each bottle containing 300 bone-strengthening calcium tablets with 500 milligrams of Vitamin D (600 total tablets).
Function of Calcium in Our Body


• It is essential for strong teeth and healthy bones.
• Ionic calcium greatly helps in blood clotting, by acting as a cofactor in the coagulation process.
• Taking calcium reduces the risk of developing polyps which may be a precursor to cancer.
• It helps in blood clotting, maintaining nerve and muscle function.

Natural Sources of Calcium



Diary products like milk, curd, yoghurt and cheese are the best sources of calcium. Other important sources are spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves, dry figs, almonds, whole meal bread/flour, potatoes, dried apricot, citrus, celery, parsley, certain fish like pomfret, and fruits.

Other calcium rich items are bran cereals, breads, ragi, sea same seeds, pulses, rajmah, soyabean, poppy seed, dry, coconut, vegetables and fruits, and drink enough water (at least eight glasses a day).

Daily requirement of Calcium

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 400 to 500 mg of calcium for children and adults. For menopausal women, who do not take estrogen, it will be 1000 to 15000 mg of calcium.

Unfortunately, calcium tablets by themselves are barely absorbed and the calcium is excreted in the urine unutilized. So take the calcium supplement along with the vitamin D which is available in oily fish, fortified cereals, or exposure to sunlight.

The magnesium deficiency reduces the calcium levels. The ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is 2:1 for effective absorption. Natural sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, peanuts, soyabean and millets that are its rich sources.

The excess of calcium can cause kidney damage, constipation, nausea, excessive thirst, abdominal pain and general confusion.

Calcium Deficiency

• Calcium deficiency may cause back pain and low back pain.
• Calcium deficient persons become lazy, pale, and more sensitive to cold weather.
• Its deficiency also leads to irritability, fatigue, erratic behavior, emotional upsets flightiness and nervous tensions.
• Its deficiency also causes sweating around the head even during cold weather, porous and fragile bones, tooth decay, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and insomnia.
• Women suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like PMS, urinary infection, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
• Young girl’s suffering from calcium deficiency may have problems like delayed puberty, irregular menstruation, excessive bleeding with crampy pain, and anemia.

Magnesium

Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is an essential element necessary for the oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. It is essential for the normal metabolism of calcium and potassium. It is a constituent of bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate, and is present in all body cells.

Magnesium Supplements
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate
Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate, 180 capsules



Magnesium Taurate is a scientifically-designed amino acid-mineral complex which insures maximal bioavailability of the essential macromineral, magnesium. Magnesium Taurate is a fully reacted complex and not simply a blend of the two materials. Unlike some other magnesium preparations, magnesium taurate does not cause gastrointestinal upset.
Twinlab Magnesium Caps
Twinlab Magnesium Caps, 400 mg, 200 Capsules (Pack of 3)



Dietary supplement. Natural. High potency. Twinlab Magnesium Caps are easier to swallow and assimilate. Well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals. No tablet binders, coatings or colorings. Free of the most common allergens such as corn, soy, yeast, rice, barley, wheat, lactose (milk sugar), and all milk, citrus, fish and egg products.
Functions of Magnesium in Our Body

Various functions of magnesium in our body are:



• Magnesium ions activate the enzyme phosphatase, which accelerates the action of bone phosphatase.
• Magnesium activates muscles phosphatase, and as a member of a complex coenzyme system takes part in the chemical changes underlying muscular contraction.
• Magnesium helps formations of bone and teeth.
• The distribution and function of magnesium ion is generally antagonistic to that of calcium ion.
• Helps in utilization of Vitamin B and E, and functions with minerals calcium, sodium, and potassium to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Helps in production of lecithin, which checks cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
• Helps in preventing calcium deposits in kidneys and gallstones.
• Magnesium is necessary for normal neuromuscular contractions.
• Magnesium along with vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine is effective in prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Natural Sources of Magnesium


Soyabean, leafy vegetables, and nuts are good sources of magnesium. Hard water has high magnesium content in it whereas milk is a poor source.

Daily Requirement of Magnesium

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for infants is 40 mg during first 6 months, 60 mg in the second 6 months, and later at the rate of 3.0-4.5 mg/kg weight or 350 mg for adult men and 300 mg for women. Its presence in normal diet is generally enough to meat its requirement in the body.

Magnesium Deficiency

• Prolonged deficiency of magnesium can cause loss of calcium and potassium in body, and consequent their deficiencies.
• The deficiency of magnesium can cause magnesium-tetany, wherein blood magnesium falls, blood cholesterol rises, and the calcium content become very high in the soft tissues, especially in the muscles and the kidneys. It causes vascular disturbances, severe excitability, and lack of energy, increased or decreased reflexes, convulsions and untimely death.

Fluorine

Fluorine Sources, Functions and Deficiency

Fluorine is one the most active element of halogen group. It belongs to the same group of elements as bromine, chlorine, and iodine. It is never found free in nature. In the body, it is found in combination with other constituents of the body. Natural water contains 3-12 mg of Fluoride per litre.

Ingested fluorides are completely ionized and rapidly absorbed, and distributed throughout the extra cellular fluid. The level is too low in blood and tissues. It is rapidly excreted in the urine.



Functions of Fluorine in Our Body

• Fluorine is essential for the normal mineralization of bones and the formation of dental enamel. Thus 96% of the Fluoride in the body is found in bones and teeth. The Fluorine and Calcium has strong affinity between them and work together, mainly in the outer parts of bones.
• Fluorine prevents dental caries, by reducing the solubility of the enamel in acids produced by bacteria. A very small amount of it may help in development of tooth, but excess of it causes dental fluorosis-endemic areas.

Natural Sources of Fluorine

The Fluorine is found in traces in water, and food. Sea food, cheese, and tea are good sources.


Daily Requirement of Fluorine

The safe and adequate RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Fluoride in the diet is 0.25 mg for children and 1.5 to 4.0 mg for adults. On an average we ingest about 1 mg of Fluoride daily from drinking water, and 0.25-0.35 mg from the diet. The drinking water should not contain more than 1-2 mg of Fluoride per litre.

In case of excessive content defluoridation of water should be done by adding two chemicals lime and alum in sequence followed by flocculation, sedimentation and filtration. Prolonged drinking of water containing Fluorine over 10 ppm, or handling of fluoride containing minerals can cause Fluorine intoxication, leading to pathological changes like increased density and hyper calcification of the bones.

Chromium

Chromium Supplements

Chromium is present in traces in all organic matter. It is a grayish-white metallic element. Earlier it was considered poisonous for human beings, but now said to be vital health.

Chromium Supplements
Nature Made Chromium Extra Strength
Nature Made Chromium Extra Strength, 350 mcg, 100 Tablets (Pack of 4)



Nature Made Chromium Extra Strength helps insulin function properly and regulates the absorption of glucose into cells.

* No Artificial Colors
* No Artificial Flavors
* No chemical solvents, starch or gluten
* No preservatives
Chromium - 300% more effective than chromium picolinate
Chromium - 300% more effective than chromium picolinate



Chromium helps insulin metabolize fat, turn protein into muscle and convert sugar into energy. In fact, chromium-activated insulin increases the amount of blood sugar available for energy production nearly twenty-fold. A lack of chromium can result in type II diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

* 600% more effective than chromium chloride. 300% more effective than chromium picolinate.
* 100 capsules
* Each capsule contains 200 mcg of chromium.
Functions of Chromium in Our Body



• It prevents diabetes and controls high blood pressure.
• It controls fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis.
• It prevents and delays hardening of arteries.
• It helps to take protein where it is needed and also helps in growth.
• It gets depleted with age, injuries, surgical operations, and strenuous exercise.

Natural Sources of Chromium


Sources of Chromium are nuts, areca nut, betel leaves, mushrooms, beer, liver, cereals (whole), shellfish, brewer’s yeast, corn oil etc.
Daily Requirements of Chromium

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 5 - 200 mcg for an adult. It can be 10-60 mcg for infants, and 20 - 200 mcg for children.

Chromium Deficiency

• Its deficiency may cause poor glucose tolerance leading to diabetes.
• Its deficiency may also lead to atherosclerosis and protein-energy malnutrition.