(TRACE ELEMENTS) MICRO MINERALS

Boron (B) is a trace mineral essential for healthy bones in that it enables calcium to be absorbed efficiently, and it also stimulates the production of sex hormones.

Chromium (Cr) is a trace mineral important in carbohyrate metabolism and for regulating blood-sugar levels by its influence on insulin production. It is also involved in protein transport and may inhibit the formation of plaque in the aorta (the main heart gateway to the body).

Chromium depletion may aggravate adult-onset diabetes and contribute to atherosclerosis.

Cobalt (Co) is the trace mineral needed specifically for normal functioning and maintenance of the red blood cells in combination with cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) into which it is absorbed. Cobalt depletion can result in pernicious anemia, a slow rate of growth, and nervous disorders.

Copper (Cu) is a trace element found in all body tissues. It is involved in the production of important biochemicals as diverse as haemoglobin, collagen, noradrenaline, RNA, elastin, and phospholipids. It is one of the chief blood antioxidants and is present in many important enzymes. Through its action, the pigment melanin that gives colour to hair is produced, and it works with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the production of elastin, which is important in skin tone.

Iodine (I) present as iodide is an essential part of the thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), produced in the thyroid gland. This trace mineral has a role in regulating the this gland. It is absorbed and incorporated with tyrosine residues to form thyroxine. Normal production of thyroxine results in the smoother functioning of bodily processes such as energy production, metabolism, carbohydrate absorption, synthesis of protein, and conversion of carotene to vitamin A. The condition of hair, nails, skin and teeth, mental processes and speech also come under the thyroid's supervision. The hormone thyroxine stimulates production of an essential constituent of cells and body fluids, cholesterol.

Iron (Fe) is present in the body combined with protein. With the help of copper it becomes a constituent of haemoglobin, the red matter in blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues for respiration, and in myoglobin which transports oxygen into muscle cells. It is also present in various enzymes involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, and is stored in the liver in forms such as ferritin and haemosiderin.

Manganese (Mn) in trace amounts has many roles including activation of enzymes enabling vitamin uptake, as an antioxidant, as a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids,cholesterol and simple sugars, in the production of protein and blood, in maintenance of sex-hormone production and a healthy immune system, for skeletal development, for production of mother's milk, and formation of urea and collagen. Manganese depletion can result in glucose intolerance, atherosclerosis, and neuromuscular disease.

Molydenum (Mo) is a factor in copper and nitrogen metabolism. The trace mineral helps promote normal cell function and is a constituent of aldehyde oxidase, needed in the oxidation of fats, and of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that can mobilise iron. It is also important in urine production. It is found in most tissues, and in tooth enamel. Molybdenum depletion, perhaps from a diet of refined foods and sulphur based preservatives, can result in mouth and gum disorders, visual problems, and male impotence.

Nickel (Ni) is an essential trace mineral found in every cell in RNA and DNA and believed to be a factor in the metabolism of fats, hormones, glucose, and cell membranes.

Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral with organic and inorganic forms. Organically, as part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, it acts as an antioxidant. Populations with relatively high blood selenium levels related to their diet are found to have better resistance to disease, including cancer. Selenium works in harmony with vitamin E (tocopherols) to make antibodies and bind toxic substances, and to promote normal body growth and fertility. It can also protect cell membranes and preserve the elasticity of the skin and conective tissues that otherwise sag with age Selenium is also vital to thyroid function.

Silicon (Si) is a trace mineral essential for the soundness of the body's connective tiisues, including tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, nails, skin and hair. It works with calcium to make strong bones.

Strontium (Sr) is an essential trace mineral believed to be necessary for correct bone growth and tooth-decay prevention.

Zinc (Zn) is the trace element most abundant in the body after iron and occurs in all tissues. It is a constituent of some 2,000 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism, is involved in the synthesis of DNA, and is a component of insulin. It governs the taste buds and the oil glands beneath our skin, and the male sex drive through its regulation of testosterone production. It guards the immune system and influences the absorption and action of the B group of vitamins.

Other vital (ultra) trace elements include:

The following are termed ultra trace elements as they are need in very small amounts (parts per million (ppm);

Aluminium (Al) activates an enzyme (succinic dehydrogenase) involved in the energy-production cycle.

Arsenic (As) metabolism is essential for the growth of newborn babies in the first four weeks of life.

Bromine (Br) is a liquid element in its pure form. It interacts with amino acids. It is present at 6 parts per million (ppm) in land mammals.

Cesium (Cs) is found in the muscles and is involved along with potassium in regulating cell permeability.

Fluorine (F) as fluoride is found in minute amounts in human tissues, especially in the skeleton and teeth. Calcium fluoride is the natural form; sodium fluoride is the one added to water supplies. Fluorine in the correct dosage strengthens bones by increasing the deposition of calcium, and limits tooth decay. Fluoride in water at concentrations greater than 2 ppm is toxic to humans because it inhibits the action of vital enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase.

Gallium (Ga) has a role in enzyme activity in the human brain.

Germanium (Ge) efficiently initiates electrical impulses between cells and enhances the immune system by increasing oxygen flow into cells from the blood. It is present in trace amounts in plants and animals. In immune system function, germanium stimulates production of natural killer cells, macrophages, T-suppressor cells, lymphokines, and interferon.

Lithium (Li) Deficiency in humans finds expression in depression, bi-polar disease, and behavioural problems.

Silver (Ag) is found in land mammals in the range 0.05 to 0.7ppm. Silver is anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal; it kills micro-organisms by disrupting their respiratory processes.

Vanadium (V) in glucose tolerance problems such as diabetes, hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia makes cell membrane insulin receptors more sensitive to insulin. This trace mineral also enhances insulin's stimulating effect on DNA synthesis for normal growth and cell replacement. Vanadium supplementation can reduce, or even eliminate, adult onset diabetes. Vanadium inhibits cholesterol synthesis in both animals and humans, leading to lower levels of artery-clogging cholesterol in the blood stream.