Monday 18 March 2013
Thursday 21 February 2013
MINERALS and HUMAN HEALTH
Minerals and Human Health
The Rationale for Optimal and Balanced Trace Element Levels
by Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D.
Introduction
There are 92 elements found in nature, and an additional 22 theoretical and/or observed elements. In addition, there are hundreds of isotopes of the elements, any one of which may play an as yet undiscovered role in human health. In table 1 below are listed the quantities of elements found in the earth's crust, oceans, and atmosphere. These are the elements our body must draw upon to survive. It becomes increasingly evident when studying the relationship of minerals to human health that keeping the level of minerals in balance in every tissue, fluid, cell and organ, in the human body may be the key to maintaining human health.
| Table 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elements Found in the Earth's Crust, Ocean and Atmosphere | |||||
| Earth's Crust (by mass) | Oceans (by mass) | Atmosphere (volume of dry air) | |||
| Oxygen | 46.5% | Oxygen | 85.79% | Nitrogen | 78.08% |
| Silicon | 28.0% | Hydrogen | 10.67% | Oxygen | 20.95% |
| Aluminum | 8.1% | Chlorine | 2.07% | Argon | 0.93% |
| Iron | 5.1% | Sodium | 1.14% | Carbon Dioxide | 0.03% |
| Calcium | 3.5% | Magnesium | 0.14% | Neon | 0.0018% |
| Sodium | 3.0% | All others | 0.19% | Helium | 0.0005% |
| Potassium | 2.5% | Krypton | 0.0001% | ||
| Magnesium | 2.2% | Hydrogen | 0.00005% | ||
| Titanium | 0.5% | Xenon | 0.000008% | ||
Through geophysical forces, mixing of the earth's crust with water can provide virtually every mineral our body requires to maintain health. This explains why the noted nutritionists, Ruth L. Pike and Myrtle L. Brown stated in Nutrition: An Integrated Approach (John Wiley &Sons), 1984, p.197) that: "Water is compatible with more substances than any known solvent, and therefore it is an ideal medium for transporting nutrients in the cells and for the chemical reactions of cellular metabolism to take place."
Table 2 below lists 66 elements that have been identified to date in sea water. A few surviving inland seas such as the Great Salt Lake of Utah have concentrated many of the same minerals found in the sea through geothermal and evaporative processes. These natural sources of the elements can provide a rich source of minerals compatible to human physiological needs.
| Table 2 | ||
| Decreasing Average Concentration of 66 Elements in Sea Water (mg/l) | ||
| Oxygen Hydrogen Chlorine Sodium Magnesium Sulfur Calcium Potassium Bromine Carbon Strontium Boron Silicon Fluorine Argon Nitrogen Lithium Rubidium Phosphorus Iodine Barium Aluminum | Iron Indium Molybdenum Zinc Nickel Arsenic Copper Tin Uranium Krypton Manganese Vanadium Titanium Cesium Cerium Antimony Silver Yttrium Cobalt Neon Cadmium Tungsten | Selenium Germanium Xeon Chromium Thorium Gallium Mercury Lead Zirconium Bismuth Lanthanum Gold Niobium Thallium Hafnium Helium Selenium Tantalum Beryllium Protactinium Radium Radon |
| These are average concentrations. Variations will exist depending on the collection site of the sample. | ||
| Ref. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 65th Ed. 1984-1985, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl., p. F-149 | ||
It is interesting to note that the famous environmentalist, Racheal Carson, recognized the importance of protecting the ocean and these delicate inland seas. In the Sea Around Us, she wrote:
". . .Fish, amphibian, and reptile, warm-blooded bird and mammal - each of us carries in our veins a salty stream in which the elements are combined in almost the same proportions as in sea water. This is our inheritance from the day, untold millions of years ago, when a remote ancestor, having progressed from the one-celled to the many celled stage, first developed a circulatory system in which the fluid was merely the water of the sea. In the same way, our lime-hardened skeletons are a heritage from the calcium-rich ocean of Cambrian time. Even the protoplasm that streams within each cell of our bodies has the chemical structure impressed upon living matter when the first simple creatures were brought forth in the ancient sea. . ."
Minerals and Human Health
In almost every chemistry textbook one can find a copy of the "Periodic Table of the Elements." This table shows each known element's particular physical characteristics. Scientific study of these elements has discovered that many of them are absolutely essential to life on this planet.
A number of factors have been associated with the occurrence of a deficiency of a mineral in humans: deficiency in the soil; water and plants; mineral imbalances; processing of water or soil; and, inadequate dietary intake.
There is a significant body of evidence that minerals by themselves and in proper balance to one another have important biochemical and nutritional functions.
To understand the concept of "biochemical individuality" we have to get away from the mistaken assumption that every person utilizes and absorbs minerals the same way. The absorption of minerals is dependent on so many different factors, not the least of which is age, adequacy of stomach acid output, balanced bowel flora, lack of intestinal illnesses and parasites, and dietary fiber intake.
"Whatever the nutritional potential of a food, its contribution is nonexistent if it does not pass the test of absorption. Those nutrients that have not been transferred through the intestinal mucosal cell to enter the circulation have, for all nutritional intent and purpose, have never been eaten. The variety of nutrients from the organism's environment that have been made available by absorption must be transported through the circulatory system to the aqueous microenvironment of the cells. There, they serve their ultimate purpose: participation in the metabolic activities in the cells on which the life of the total organism depends."
Ruth L. Pike and Myrtle L. Brown
Nutrition: An Integrated Approach
John Wiley & Sons, 1984 l, p. 283
Listed below in table 3 are eight minerals that should be ionic in order to be readily absorbed into the body through transfer in the small intestine (intraluminal absorption). These minerals become ionic after their food-bound forms, whether organically or inorganically bound, have been exposed to hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps liberate these minerals into ionic (charged) minerals.
Ageing increases the risk of gastric atrophy, a condition that commonly is associated with a decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As the level of hydrochloric acid output decreases, the body's ability to absorb these minerals from their food-bound form diminishes. This inability to adequately absorb these minerals may be one of the causes of age associated degeneration. It is for this reason that careful attention must be given to the form a mineral takes, since the less dependent it is on hydrochloric acid to be absorbed, the more likely it will be able to be utilized by the body.
As will be discussed later, three of the minerals listed in table 3 can be intraluminally absorbed in some complex forms without first becoming charged ions . However, all eight of these minerals are best absorbed when they are in their ionic form. The important point is that gastric atrophy or conditions such as achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid) or hypochlorhydria (inadequate stomach acid) can impair the body's absorption of important minerals. Achlorhydria has been found in children as young as five or six years of age. Hypochlorhydria, however, is more commonly seen after age 35. It is estimated that between 15 and 35 percent of adults age 60 have some degree of gastric atrophy, including hypochlorhydria. Finding a source of minerals in ionic form would clearly be of benefit to such individuals.
| Table 3 | |
| Acid-Dependent Minerals That Require Adequate Stomach Acid to Enhance Intraluminal Absorption in the Small Intestine | |
| Chromium (Cr) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Magnesium (Mg) | Manganese (Mn) Molybdenum (Mo) Selenium (Se) Zinc (Zn) |
One of the minerals listed in table 3 is zinc, a mineral found in every fluid, tissue, cell, and organ, in the human body. Inadequate intake of this essential mineral can effect any of over 200 enzymes in the body, such as the enzyme, alkaline phosphatase. In patients with either bulimia nervosa (binge-purging behavior) or anorexia nervosa (self-induced starvation), zinc deficiency can directly affect cognitive and perceptual processes that help maintain these insidious eating disorders. Recently it has been shown that there is an inverse relationship between morbid obesity and zinc, meaning that the more morbidly obese the individual the lower their zinc status. This suggests that zinc plays an important role in the entire continuum of eating disorders, from obesity to anorexia nervosa. A similar example would be the mineral magnesium which plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, many of which are directly related to cardiovascular health.
Non-Essential (Toxic) Elements
Excessive levels of non-essential toxic elements, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and aluminum, can have an "unbalancing" effect on trace element balances in the body's cells, as can be seen in the table 4 below.
Cadmium, an air pollutant from cigarette smoke, industrialization, and population growth, is known to experimentally cause hypertension, cancer, and immune disorders. Cadmium acts like a classical stress agent. It has also been implicated in learning disabilities. Unlike lead which has a short half-life in human tissue from 30 to 100 days, cadmium has a half-life of between 10-30 years. While it is known that free cadmium is very toxic, it has also been found to greatly increase the toxicity of other agents. Cadmium has a unique capacity to form a very close bond with chloride compounds, such as the chlorinated pesticide lindane. When the two are combined, the tissue levels of lindane doubles by altering liver metabolism. Cadmium accumulates in the most malignant cells; in prostate cancer there is a linear correlation between the grade of malignancy and cadmium content. On the positive side, little cadmium is absorbed orally unless there are nutrient deficiencies. Which nutrients protect against cadmium and other non-essential elements is found listed in table 5.
| Table 4 | |
| Body Organs and Tissues Affected By Toxic Levels of Minerals | |
| Aluminum (Al) | Stomach, Bones, Brain |
| Arsenic (As) | Cells (cellular metabolism) |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Renal Cortex of the Kidney, Heart, Blood Vessels to the Brain, Appetite and Smell Center of the Brain; Every Known Process in the Development of Cancer. |
| Lead (Pb) | Bone, Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Heart, Brain, Nervous System |
| Mercury (Hg) | Nervous System, Appetite and Pain Centers of the Brain, Immune System, Cell Membranes |
| Table 5 | |
| Nutrients Protective Against the Effects of Toxic Elements | |
| Toxic Element | Protective Nutrients |
| Aluminum (Al) | Possibly magnesium. None other. |
| Arsenic (As) | Selenium; Iodine; Calcium; Zinc; Vitamin C; Sulfur; Amino Acids (Found in garlic, hen's eggs, and beans) |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin C, Sulfur Amino Acids |
| Lead (Pb) | Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Sulfur Amino Acids |
| Mercury (Hg) | Selenium, Vitamin C, Pectin, Sulfur Amino Acids |
Besides all of these more obvious issues are two important factors: 1) diseases and 2) drug-nutrient interactions. Physical illness can raise demands for many trace elements. The demand for some minerals, such as zinc, even increases under psychological stress. Drug-nutrient interactions can also create deficiencies and imbalances of minerals at the cell level. For example, the absorption of iron from the gut can be affected by antacids and tetracycline. Magnesium and zinc are hyperexcreted by those receiving oral diuretics, nephrotoxic drugs, penicillamine, and antacids containing aluminum hydroxide.
Recent research indicates that minerals may play a significant role against a variety of degenerative diseases and processes. They may also prevent and reduce injury from environmental pollutants and enhance the ability to work and learn. They can also protect the body from the effects of toxic minerals, as can be seen by the table 5 above.
New studies suggest that numerous minerals, when in proper balance with one another, may be performing important non-classical biochemical functions especially important to age-related health problems. Examples will be illustrated in the second chapter.
Given this body of new data, we should begin to view our daily intake of nutrients as performing dual roles; first in the role of preventing known mineral deficiencies; and, second in optimizing the disease-preventing properties of these nutrients. The latter role, and the increasing evidence that supports it, makes it reasonable to believe that it will be possible to reduce the incidence of most life-limiting chronic diseases through the adoption of optimal daily nutrient intake levels. The key is insuring that the body always receives an adequate and balanced supply of all minerals (elements) that might be of potential benefit to maintaining our health or restoring our health.
One can summarize the health benefits of some trace elements in table 6 below. These minerals can be of benefit as described in table 6 if they are in balance with other elements they interact with.
| Table 6 | |
| Examples of Health Benefits of Selected Trace Elements | |
| Calcium | Essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Assists in blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Helps reduce risk of osteoporosis. |
| Chromium | Aids in glucose metabolism and regulates blood sugar. |
| Cobalt | Promotes the formation of red-blood cells. |
| Copper | Normal red-blood cell formation. Connective tissue formation. Acts as a catalyst to store and release iron to help form hemoglobin. Contributes to central nervous system function. |
| Iodine | Needed by the thyroid hormone to support metabolism. |
| Iron | Necessary for red blood cell formation and function. Amount needed is higher in women of childbearing age. Important for brain function. |
| Magnesium | Activates over 100 enzymes and helps nerves and muscles function. |
| Molybdenum | Contributes to normal growth and development. |
| Phosphorous | Works with calcium to develop and maintain strong bones and teeth. Enhances the use of other nutrients. |
| Potassium | Regulates heartbeat, maintains fluid balance and helps muscles contract. |
| Selenium | Essential component of a key antioxidant enzyme, necessary for normal growth and development. |
| Sulfur | Needed for muscle protein and hair. |
| Zinc | Essential part of more than 200 enzymes involved in digestion, metabolism, reproduction and wound healing. |
Establishing optimal nutrient levels as an additional yardstick in assessing nutrient intake has important implications. Recent analyses of data of nutrient and supplement intake in the United States conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and other government agencies indicate that the vast majority of people in both affluent and emerging industrialized countries do not reach even 50% of the minimal Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for nutrients. This finding may be seen by some as discouraging, especially if evidence continues to support the view that nutrient levels above the RDA perform a role in the prevention of chronic diseases.
It is also valuable to know that the realization of the importance of trace elements to human health is of recent origin. For example, only fifteen years ago every textbook taught that the trace element boron was non-essential to all mammals, including man. However, today it is believed to be so important to human health that numerous scientists are preparing to petition the governments to urge them to recognize boron as a trace element essential to human health. (See discussion of boron.)
Equally important is the ratio of trace elements. For example, if you compare the levels of minerals in human's and cow's milk, you will see significant differences between the two. In fact, the ration of mother's milk is different for every animal, suggesting the importance nature has placed on the differential physiological needs of each animal on this planet.
| Table 7 | ||||||
| Minerals in Human's and Cow's Milk (per 100 millileters) | ||||||
| Element | Human Milk | Cow's Milk | Human/Cow ratio | |||
| Copper (mcg) | 40.0 | 14.0 | 2.86 | |||
| Iron (mcg) | 100.0 | 70.0 | 1.43 | |||
| Sulfur (mg) | 14.0 | 30.0 | .47 | |||
| Potassium (mg) | 57.0 | 145.0 | .39 | |||
| Chlorine (mg) | 40.0 | 108.0 | .37 | |||
| Magnesium (mg) | 4.0 | 12.0 | .33 | |||
| Calcium (mg) | 35.0 | 130.0 | .27 | |||
| Sodium (mg) | 15.0 | 58.0 | .26 | |||
| Phosphorous (mg) | 15.0 | 120.0 | .13 | |||
| Table 8 | |
| Concentrations of Some Essential Trace Metals in Human Breast Milk | |
| Element | Concentration Range (milligrams/liter) |
| Zinc | 0.4 - 8.0 |
| Copper | 0.15-1.34 |
| Iron | 0.20 - 1.45 |
| Manganese | 0.006 - 0.120 |
| Chromium | 0.00043 - 0.080 |
| Selenium | 0.007 - 0.06 |
| Molybdenum | 0 - 0.002 |
| Cobalt | 0 - 0.44 |
| Nickel | 0.01 - 0.15 |
| Ref: Rennert, O.M. Chan, W-Y. Metabolism of Trace Metals in Man, Vol. I. CRC Press, 1984, p. 71. | |
The concentration differences seen in tables 7 and 8 within species and between species emphasizes the importance of needing to recognize biochemical individuality. Numerous factors contribute to determining the optimal minerals intake for each individual.
Inorganic vs. Organic Minerals
From time to time some supplement companies claim that their mineral supplements are superior to others because their products contain "organically-bound minerals" versus inorganic minerals. Such claims can create confusion in the minds of some consumers and are worth discussing.
In the field of plant physiology it is a well known fact that minerals enter the plant roots in ionic form. When the mineral attempts to enter the exterior of the root in a non-ionic complex form (i.e. organic), the complex is first broken down in the exterior of the root into an ionic form before it passes through a selective barrier known structurally as the xylem. From there the mineral is carried upward in its ionic state across critical membranes until the mineral is delivered to those leaves and other plant parts requiring them. This is essential to any plants ability to survive and grow normally.
What is an ion?
An ion is a particle (either an atom or a group of atoms) that carries an electrical charge. There are two types of ions : positively charged ions called cations, and negatively charged ions called anions. Examples of important cations in the body include magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and hydrogen. Important anions are bicarbonate, chloride, and phosphate.
Then what is an electrolyte?
Substances that form ions are called electrolytes . Calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonates, potassium, sodium, and hydrogen are all examples of electrolytes .
What functions do electrolytes perform in the body?
| Some examples of what specific anions and cations do in the body include: | |
| Anions (-) | Effect on the Body |
| Bicarbonate | Neutralize stomach acid; maintain acid-base balance. |
| Chloride | Component of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid); maintain acid- base balance; maintain water balance. |
| Phosphate | Maintain acid-base balance; protein and energy metabolism; maintain structure of cell membranes. |
| Cations (+) | Effect on the Body |
| Calcium | Help nerves conduct messages; muscle contractions; blood clotting; signaling the heart muscle. |
| Magnesium | Enzyme activation; muscle contraction; protein metabolism; nerve conduction; bone and teeth formation. |
| Potassium | Nerve conduction; maintain water balance; maintain acid-base balance; muscle contraction. |
| Sodium | Maintain water balance; maintain acid-base balance; muscle contraction; nerve contraction. |
| Hydrogen | Component of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid); maintain acid- base balance. |
From the examples above, it is clear that maintaining a balance of cations and anions in the body is essential to our health. For example, the acidity of the blood is dependent on the level of hydrogen cations. To prevent the blood from becoming too acidic, hydrogen cations are neutralized by bicarbonate anions. Should the fluid state within any cell become too acidic, phosphate anions inside the cells will "neutralize" the cations to restore balance. In this way you can see how a natural inorganic magnesium source, such as magnesium chloride, can provide both a cation and an anion vital to maintaining the electrical balance in the fluid and the cells of the body.
For the body to function normally, the level of each ion must be kept in balance within a very narrow range; any significant deviation can result in symptoms.
Many trace elements are better absorbed in humans and animals if they are in ionic form (see table 3 above for listing of these elements). Magnesium, for example, from a variety of more expensive organic salts (acetate, citrate, lactate) and less expensive organic salts (carbonate, chloride, oxide, phosphate and sulfate) have been shown to be equally absorbed from green leafy vegetables ("organic" magnesium) is equivalent to the absorption of magnesium from magnesium chloride ("inorganic magnesium"). These finds, and many others, question the assumption that "organic" minerals are somehow superior to "inorganic" minerals.
There have been many studies on mineral absorption in humans. Professors Rosenberg and Solomons of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) state that:
"Insofar as minerals in the diet are often bound to proteins, complexed with organic molecules in food, or otherwise imbedded in the matrix of food-stuffs, the mechanical processes of mastication, dissolution, dispersion, and often digestion are important preparative steps to absorption. Moreover, at the conclusion of the aforementioned reductive processes, minerals generally emerge in the intestinal lumen as charged ions , e.g. Fe**, PO4--, SeO3--."
Rosenberg, I.H., Solomons, N.W. In: Absorption and Malabsorption of Mineral Nutrients. Alan R. Liss, 1984, p. 2.
In other words, the form of the mineral in foodstuffs or a dietary supplement is not quite as important as making sure it is in an ionic form at the point of intraluminal absorption. The dominant factor is that the mineral must be freed from whatever matrix it is contained in until it is in such an ionic form that it can be taken up in the intestine. Rosenberg and Solomons state that in order for most minerals to be absorbed it is essential to acidify the stomach contents to liberate the minerals from their food matrices. (ibid, p.5) They also point out that excessive alkalinization later on in the small intestinal contents can reduce the solubility of certain minerals in the gut, thereby reducing absorption of those minerals. So no matter if the mineral is organically bound or not, other factors must be considered.
That is not to say that there aren't some minerals such as iron or cobalt that are absorbed from foods such as components of complex organic entities (heme porphyrin, coalamin) at the point of absorption. The primary source of these minerals come from food. Iron in the form of hemoglobin and myoglobin in red meats is more bioavailable than inorganic iron. (In the case of iron, an excessive intake of dietary iron can lead to ill-health, especially in individuals with iron storage disorders.)
Trace Element Interactions and Balance
The importance of maintaining optimal ratios of nutrients is important in the prevention, mitigation and treatment of numerous diseases. For example, in a recent review on the role of trace elements and hypertension (high blood pressure) the authors came to the conclusions that:
"Clearly, nutrients function interactively both in the body and in their impact on blood pressure regulation. Whenever the consumption of a single nutrient is significantly altered, an entirely new dietary pattern is created. Nutrients occur in clusters in the diet and may therefore act synergistically to alter physiologic variables such as blood pressure."
Ref: Reusser, M.E., McCarron, D.A., Nutr Rev., 1994: 52; 367-375.
Simply stated, trace elements must exist in relative balance in the fluids, cells, organs, and tissues of the body to contribute to human health.
Summary
Trace minerals do not exist by themselves but in relationship to one another. Too much of one trace element can lead to imbalances in others resulting in disease, rather than the absence of disease. Most trace elements need to be in ionic form to be well-absorbed in the intestine. Other factors, such as diet, trace element concentrations in water, drug-nutrient interactions, etc., play a role in maintaining a balance of trace elements in the body.
http://www.traceminerals.com/research/humanhealth
Trace Minerals - Health Benefits of Trace Minerals
http://www.algaecal.com/trace-minerals.html
What is a Trace Mineral?
Most of us are familiar with the minerals our bodies need at high levels, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These minerals, because they are needed by our bodies in significant amounts, are called macrominerals. A number of other minerals, required in much smaller levels by our bodies, but no less important to good overall health, are called microminerals, or more commonly trace minerals.14 Trace minerals are usually found at extraordinarily small levels in our bodies, in the parts per million range.1 In spite of the relatively low concentrations of these minerals, scientists are discovering that they play an increasingly vital role in our health, including the health of our bones and joints.1-19
The Benefits of Trace Minerals
Do we need trace minerals?....Yes! It is a certainty that a large number of trace minerals are directly linked to good bone health. Deficiencies of certain trace minerals, such as copper and manganese, for example, have been connected to lower bone density and weaker bones.5 While everyone is aware of the benefit calcium has on bone health, studies show that supplementing with calcium and trace minerals together increases bone density in post-menopausal women more than calcium alone.5 Calcium alone is not enough!
A two year, double-blind, placebo controlled trial suggests that bone loss in post-menopausal women can be STOPPED when trace mineral intake is increased!6 The women in the study who took calcium alone only slowed their rates of bone loss. While the mechanisms of how trace minerals function in our bodies may not be entirely known, it is becoming clear that they are necessary for preserving bone mass and for general health as well! There are 60 minerals found in human blood and known to be needed in the diet on a regular basis.15 Human milk also contains 60 minerals, including some, such as nickel and vanadium, that were previously thought to be unimportant.15 Because these minerals are found in our blood and in mothers' milk our bodies probably have some use for them, even though science has not yet identified the usefulness of each trace mineral!
We Are Losing Nutrients!
It is an astonishing, yet little published fact, that many of our foods don't contain the same levels of nutrition as they once did.4,10,11,19The reasons aren't entirely known, but since the early 1960's the levels of vitamins and minerals in our produce and meats has dropped significantly.4 Did you know, for example, that broccoli today has only 50% of the calcium it did in 1963?4 The potassium level in beets has dropped by 10% over the same time period, and spinach has 10% less magnesium!4 Going back to the 1930's, vegetables have lost about half of their sodium and calcium content, a quarter of their iron and 76 percent of their copper content.10The nutrient levels of fruits has declined significantly with copper, iron, and zinc all falling by up to 27 percent. 10 Other vitamins and minerals have shown a 5 to 35 percent decline in our fruits and vegetables over the past 50 years.11 Some cattle farmers are even finding low levels of trace minerals in our beef and have begun supplementing their animals with minerals obviously lacking in their feed!19 While many of us have never heard about this loss of nutrition, scientists have even given it a name, calling this phenomenon "the dilution effect". Farmers get paid by the weight and appearance of their product, so they have been focused on growing large, beautiful fruits and vegetables, but the nutritional value has washed out! Clearly our soil isn't providing the same nutrients to our foods as it once did.
the following trace minerals which have been shown to have positive effects on bone health!
- Boron [Scientific research has shown that boron plays an essential role in bone health.]
- Copper
Copper and Bone Health
While it might be surprising to think of copper as something our bodies require, it has been shown in numerous studies to have a positive impact on our bone health.2,5Among the studies on copper and bone health, researchers have found a definite correlation between copper deficiencies and lower bone density and bone strength.5 It has been demonstrated that copper can have a positive impact on the spinal bone densities of post-menopausal women.5 Copper has also been shown to be essential in the metabolism of bone, working along with certain enzymes such as lysyl oxidase to help incorporate both collagen and elastin into the organic component of bone.5In a recent rat study, copper was shown to have an effect on the balance of bone building cells vs bone absorbing cells. The rats that didn't get enough copper in their diet essentially had their bones remodeled because of this imbalance.5 Copper isn't just for pipes anymore! It is an essential mineral, vital to the health and strength of our bones!- Silica/Silicon
- Silicon (found most often in a form called silica) is among the most understood of all the trace minerals in terms of the benefits it provides to bone health. It also appears to have a unique role in the way our bones are formed. Silicon seems to be very important early on in bone formation.1 It helps get the bone growth process started, and as bone mineralization continues, the silicon is replaced in the bone by calcium.1 In animals testing, chicks fed a silicon deficient diet had skull and long bone abnormalities associated with depressed collagen (the organic part of bone that gives it strength and flexibility) content in bone, poorly formed joints, and defective bone growth.1 Silicon also has an effect calcium levels in the bone. When calcium-deficient rats are also deprived of silicon, the level of calcium in the rats' bones appears to drop even further!1Animal studies show that supplementing with silicon reduces the number of osteoclast (bone destroying) cells, partially preventing bone resorption and bone loss. Silicon compounds were also shown in vitro to stimulate the DNA synthesis in osteoblast (bone building) cells.13Human testing using silicon has also demonstrated the mineral's positive effect of bone health. Dietary silicon intake has been positively associated with bone mineral density in men and pre-menopausal women!7 In a clinical study on 53 women with osteoporosis, supplementing with silicon was associated with a SIGNIFICANT increase in the mineral bone density of the femur!13These studies all suggest that there is an important link between silicon and bone health. In light of the abundance of science supporting silicon why do calcium supplements not include silica or other trace minerals? Count on AlgaeCal to provide you with much needed silicon and start improving your bone health today!
- Manganese
- The benefits of maintaining adequate manganese levels in our bodies to ensure good bone health are readily apparent from the scientific research available today. Manganese is essential in bone metabolism, working as a cofactor for a number of bone building enzymes.2 It has also been demonstrated to be an effective way to help increase spinal bone mineral density in post-menopausal women.2 Conversely, deficiencies in manganese have been correlated with lower bone density and bone strength.5Other studies involving animals have shown that a lack of manganese in those animals caused improper formation of bone and cartilage.5,8 It is clear that manganese, while not a traditional ingredient in our bone, plays an essential role in the production of the proteins found in organic matrices, such as bone.5 One study has shown that insufficient manganese can lead to ACCELERATED bone loss!8
- Nickel
- Selenium
- Selenium appears to be one of the least understood trace minerals in terms of how it impacts bone and joint health, but studies show that it does appear to have a positive impact.In a recent study, scientists clipped the toenails of 940 volunteers and measured the amount of selenium in each sample. They also tested the volunteers for incidence of osteoarthritis. They found that the group of volunteers who had osteoarthritis, also had lower levels of selenium in their bodies than the people who didn't have osteoarthritis. While the scientists are not sure how low levels of selenium contribute to osteoarthritis, they found that for every additional 0.1 parts per million of selenium in the toenails, there was a 15 to 20 percent lower risk of osteoarthritis in the knees!16 In another study, scientist used Heparin (a blood thinning drug) on rabbits to induce conditions of osteoporosis. Once the rabbits exhibited the signs of osteoporosis, they were given a combination of vitamins E and C. While these vitamins helped partially prevent osteoporosis in the rabbits, once selenium was added to the mix, the rabbits' bone structure virtually returned to normal!17
- Strontium
- Strontium is a common element which is naturally found in your bones. Studies show supplementation with Strontium in its various forms is well tolerated and completely safe. Strontium lies directly below calcium on the periodic table of elements and that makes calcium, strontium and magnesium all in the same chemical family. They are all naturally occurring metals found in the soil, in foods, and in your body.As an alkaline earth element, strontium is similar to calcium in its absorption in the gut, incorporation in bone, and elimination from the body through the kidneys. Strontium is naturally present in trace amounts with around 100 micrograms in every gram of bone, so when you supplement with strontium you are simply making more of this element available for incorporation into your bone.
- Vanadium
- Vanadium is another trace mineral that we do not understand the role of very well, yet it clearly has an effect on the health of our bones. In research with goats, scientists have noted skeletal deformations in the legs of vanadium deprived goats.1 In in vitro tests on bone cells, vanadate, a compound containing vanadium, has been shown to stimulate bone cell proliferation.1 It was also shown to stimulate collagen (the organic part of bone that provides strength and flexibility) synthesis.Vanadium has also shown that it helps promote bone health without negative side effects. In a study involving both diabetic and non-diabetic rats, vanadium compounds were shown to increase bone formation without any adverse health effects!18
- Zinc
- The mineral zinc is another metal that helps us maintain bone health. Studies have found zinc to be ESSENTIAL in bone metabolism as a cofactor for specific enzymes, and has been proven effective in increasing the spinal bone mass density of post-menopausal women.2 Appropriate doses of zinc can help prevent osteoporosis!3 Zinc also plays a role in the activity of osteoblasts in our bodies, the cells that actually build up our bone.5 It aids in the production of collagen, and has also been correlated with low insulin growth factors, something scientist speculate is associated with age related bone loss!5
The Bone Health Benefits of Nickel
Unfortunately there isn't very much information in the benefits of nickel to our bone health. We do know, however, that if you do not have enough nickel in your diet it can affect the distribution and functioning of other nutrients in the body, including calcium.1 Given the obvious benefit calcium has on our bones, it isn't difficult to see that maintaining adequate levels of nickel is therefore an important factor in maintaining or building healthy bone!
The Bone Health Benefits of Selenium
Selenium appears to be one of the least understood trace minerals in terms of how it impacts bone and joint health, but studies show that it does appear to have a positive impact.
In a recent study, scientists clipped the toenails of 940 volunteers and measured the amount of selenium in each sample. They also tested the volunteers for incidence of osteoarthritis. They found that the group of volunteers who had osteoarthritis, also had lower levels of selenium in their bodies than the people who didn't have osteoarthritis. While the scientists are not sure how low levels of selenium contribute to osteoarthritis, they found that for every additional 0.1 parts per million of selenium in the toenails, there was a 15 to 20 percent lower risk of osteoarthritis in the knees!16 In another study, scientist used Heparin (a blood thinning drug) on rabbits to induce conditions of osteoporosis. Once the rabbits exhibited the signs of osteoporosis, they were given a combination of vitamins E and C. While these vitamins helped partially prevent osteoporosis in the rabbits, once selenium was added to the mix, the rabbits' bone structure virtually returned to normal!17
The Bone Health Benefits of Vanadium
Vanadium is another trace mineral that we do not understand the role of very well, yet it clearly has an effect on the health of our bones. In research with goats, scientists have noted skeletal deformations in the legs of vanadium deprived goats.1 In in vitro tests on bone cells, vanadate, a compound containing vanadium, has been shown to stimulate bone cell proliferation.1 It was also shown to stimulate collagen (the organic part of bone that provides strength and flexibility) synthesis.
Vanadium has also shown that it helps promote bone health without negative side effects. In a study involving both diabetic and non-diabetic rats, vanadium compounds were shown to increase bone formation without any adverse health effects!18
The Bone Heath Benefits of Zinc
The mineral zinc is another metal that helps us maintain bone health. Studies have found zinc to be ESSENTIAL in bone metabolism as a cofactor for specific enzymes, and has been proven effective in increasing the spinal bone mass density of post-menopausal women.2 Appropriate doses of zinc can help prevent osteoporosis!3 Zinc also plays a role in the activity of osteoblasts in our bodies, the cells that actually build up our bone.5 It aids in the production of collagen, and has also been correlated with low insulin growth factors, something scientist speculate is associated with age related bone loss!5
References
1. Nutritional Requirements for Boron, Silicon, Vanadium, Nickel, and Arsensic: Current Knowledge and Speculation; Nielsen, FH; United States Department of Agriculture, The FASEB Journal, Vol. 5, Pages 2661-2667, September 1991.
2. The Role of Trace Minerals in Osteoporosis; Saltman PD, Strause LG; J Am Coll Nutr. 1993 Aug 12(4):384-9.
3. Aaseth, J., Osteoporosis - minerals and trace substances, Department of Internal Medicince, Kongsvinger Hospital.
4. Vegetables Without Vitamins, LE Magazine March 2001, www.soiland health.org, as viewed Oct. 24, 2007.
5. Patrick, Lyn, N.D., Comparative Absorption of Calcium Sources and Calcium Citrate Malate for the Prevention of Osteoporosis, Alternative Medicine Review, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1999.
6. Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, Bracker M, Andon MB, Spinal Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women Supplemented wit h Calcium and Trace Minerals, J Nutr. 1994;124(7):1060-4
7. Jugdaohsingh R, Tucker KL, Qiao N, Cupples LA, Kiel DP, Powell JJ, Dietary Silicon Intake is Positively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Men and Premenopausal Women of the Framingham Offspring Cohort, J Bone Miner Res. 2004 Feb;19(2):297-307
8. Schauss, Alexander G., Manganese, AIBR Life Sciences Division, www.traceminerals.com/products/manga.html, visited on 1/22/2007
9. Manganese Supplements (Systemic), www.nlm.nih.gov/medicineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202618.html, visited on 1/22/2007
10. New Hope FFN, www.ffnmag.com, visited 3/17/2006
11. Scientists Concerned at Plummeting Nutrient Levels, www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=66440, visited 3/15/2006
12. Potter B., Chelated Minerals - Magic or Myth?, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/livestock/beef/facts/info_minerals.htm visited 8/18/2003
13. Silicon: An Overlooked Trace Mineral; www.arthritissupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/739 visited 8/18/2003
14. "Dietary mineral." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 18 Oct 2007, 08:26 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 29 Oct 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dietary_mineral&oldid=165367296>.
15. The Importance of Mineral Health, Marsh, David E., www.positivehealth.com/permin/articles/nutrition/marsh48.htm visited 8/19/2003
16. Low selenium levels tied to osteoarthritis, U.S. News and World Report http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/briefs/bonehealth/hb051121a.htm , visited 10/29/07
17. Selenium combined with vitamin E and vitamin C restores structural alterations of bones in heparin-induced osteoporosis, Turan et al., Clinical Rheumatology, 22(6):432-436, February 18, 2004.
18. The effects of vanadium treatment on bone in diabetic and non-diabetic rats; Facchini DM, Yuen VG, Battell ML, McNeill JH, Grynpas MD; Bone. 2006 Mar;38(3):368-77. Epub 2005 Oct 26.
19. Trace Minerals for Cattle, Littlefield J., http://ag.arizona.edu/ANS/research/research_07.pdf visited 10/30/07.
HUMIC ACID BENEFITS
Humic acid is a family of related organic acids, commonly found in soil, peat, and in lake and ocean water, as well as soil-grown foods. Humic acid supplementation to soil can increase the yield of organic crops, and humic acid content in food is thought to have a number of effects on the body. Specifically, humic acid consumption and treatment has been linked to several health benefits.
Protection Against HIV
One health benefit of humic acid may be protection against HIV infection, the viral infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV infection occurs when the virus enters a human white blood cells, generates viral proteins within the cell, and generates several more copies of the virus. The infection continues when the infected cell bursts open, releasing viruses into the bloodstream, allowing the infection of other white blood cells. A study published in "Chemotherapy" in 2002 indicates that treating white blood cells with oxihumate -- a form of humic acid -- decreased their susceptibility to infection with HIV. As a result, some forms of humic acid may have a protective role in preventing HIV infection.
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Humic acid may also help boost your immune system. Your immune system is made up of specialized cells, called lymphocytes or white blood cells, that can identify and engulf foreign particles and bacteria. A health immune system recognizes these particles quickly upon their introduction to the body, preventing irritation or infection. A study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" in 2010 indicates that humic acid can stimulate the immune system by promoting the release of antibodies and cytokines -- chemicals used to identify foreign parties and activate the immune system.
Chelation
Some think another benefit of humic acid may be that it can act as a chelator. Several conditions, or drugs used to treat conditions, may lead to the accumulation of toxic chemicals or heavy metals in the body, which can interfere with proper cellular function. The University of California, San Diego explains that chelators bind these toxins or heavy metals, neutralizing the chemicals and allowing their excretion via the urine. Humic acid may act as a natural chelator, helping remove toxins from your bloodstream and your body. As a result, humic acid consumption may play a role in supporting chelator therapy, and may help reduce the risk of some diseases that develop from heavy metals in the blood.
References
- Chemotherapy: Investigation of the anti-HIV properties of oxihumate.
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Glucan and humic acid: synergistic effects on the immune system.
- University of California, San Diego: Chelation Therapy
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