Minerals

Protocol

  1. Chelated Minerals
  2. Essential and Nonessential
  3. Chelated Mineral Supplements
  4. The Function of Minerals
Boron
Calcium
Chromium (GTF)
Copper
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Sodium
Sulfur
Zinc

Top

Chelated Minerals Top

Homeostasis or “balanced” nutrition is the goal of nutrition professionals. It results from the properly balanced intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Just ingesting these nutrients is not enough. The nutrients must be readily absorbable and bioavailable; otherwise, they are nothing more than waste material.

Only bioavailable minerals enter and enhance the body’s metabolic processes and contribute to the maintenance and production of healthy tissues. Some forms of minerals are more bioavailable than others.

Essential and Nonessential Top

Nutritionists generally consider a mineral to be essential if (1) it is present in the healthy tissues of the living body, (2) its concentration in similar animals and human beings is fairly constant, (3) upon withdrawal from the body, reproducible structural and/or physical abnormalities result, (4) the addition of the deficient mineral corrects such abnormalities, (5) an induced deficiency of a specific mineral is always accompanied by a pertinent specific biochemical change, and (6) if that change can be prevented or corrected when the mineral deficiency is prevented or corrected. Several microelements that are currently in vogue do not appear to meet these criteria and their true needs have not yet been established.

The essential macrominerals, that is, minerals required in dietary amounts of 100 milligrams or more a day, include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and sulfur. Essential microminerals, or trace elements, which are minerals needed I quantities of only a few milligrams or micrograms each day, are iron, copper, cobalt, zinc, manganese, iodine, molybdenum, selenium, fluorine and chromium. There may be some other minerals that one day will prove to be essential based on the above criteria, but at present their need in human nutrition has not been proven. Most generally trace elements function in enzymes, whereas macrominerals are also involved in structural roles as well as in enzymes. Included among the nonessential minerals are lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, barium, strontium, aluminum, lithium, beryllium and rubidium. Mineral supplements which contain any of those contaminants (and there are some on the market) should be avoided.

Although the essential trace elements comprise only a small fraction of total body weight, they are just as crucial in aiding the extraction of energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein, to the growth and maintenance of body tissue, and in assisting in the regulation of body processes as the macrominerals. A deficiency of any essential mineral, whether it be a macromineral or a trace element, affects the body in a negative way.

For several reasons, mineral absorption in the body is highly variable. Of an amount of iron consumed in the diet, anywhere from 2 percent to 20 percent may be absorbed, the variation in zinc is reported to be between 5 and 30 percent, and in manganese, 3 to 97 percent; calcium absorption ranges between 20 and 30 percent, while magnesium absorption is 25 percent to 30 percent, and copper absorption can be between 10 percent and 30 percent. One cause for this variability is the insolubility of some forms of minerals that are in our diets, including mineral supplements; another is the binding of those minerals that are soluble to other food constituents such as phytic acid or phosphates, which then prevents them from being absorbed. Finally, our diets, our physical conditions, our health, our emotional conditions, etc. all influence the quantity of minerals absorbed if those minerals are not properly chelated with amino acids.

Many people attempt to compensate for the lack of mineral absorption from their diets by taking mineral supplements, which address the problem of supply but not that of absorption. In order for minerals to be used by the body, their presentation must be modified and become part of an organic molecule through a process known as amino acid chelation.

Chelated Mineral Supplements Top

It is abundantly clear that consuming non-amino acid chelated minerals in nutritional supplements is unlikely to be very helpful. For instance, in a supplement containing iron sulfate, a non-chelated form of iron, only about 6 percent of the iron will be absorbed. In a supplement of non-amino acid chelated iron gluconate, 6 percent will be absorbed whereas up to 95% of an iron amino acid chelate will be absorbed. It ahs been reported that in zinc picolinate chelates not only does the picolinic acid not enhance zinc absorption, but it can actually reduce body levels of several other minerals. In an experiment at a university using manganese, it was shown that a properly chelated form was absorbed into intestinal cells 300 percent better than the best form of inorganic and amino acid-chelated calcium demonstrated that 76 percent more calcium was absorbed into the body when ingested in the amino acid-chelated form.

The Function of Minerals Top

Like vitamins, minerals function as coenzymes, enabling the body to quickly and accurately perform its activities. They are needed for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, and the maintenance of healthy nerve function.

Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made up of mineral salts. As rock and stone are broken down into tiny fragments by millions of years of erosion, dust and sand accumulate, forming the basis of soil. Besides these tiny crystals of mineral salts, the soil is teeming with microbes that utilize them. The minerals are then passed from the soil to plants, at which time they are chelated (bound) to amino acids, which are then eaten by herbivorous animals.

Minerals belong to two groups: macro (bulk) minerals and micro (trace) minerals. Bulk minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals. Although only minute quantities of trace minerals are needed, they are important for good health. Trace minerals include zinc, iron, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, and iodine. Because minerals are stored primarily in the body’s bone and muscle tissue, it is possible to overdose on minerals if an extremely large dose is taken. However, toxic amounts will accumulate only if massive amounts are taken for a prolonged period of time or non-chelated forms are used.

Boron Top

Boron is needed in trace amounts for calcium uptake and healthy bones. Most people are not deficient in boron. However, the elderly will benefit from 203 milligrams daily because they have a greater problem with calcium absorption.

The latest study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that within eight days of supplementing the diet with 3 milligrams of boron, a test group of postmenopausal women lost 40 percent less calcium, one-third less magnesium, and slightly less phosphorus through their urine.

Boron is found in leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains.
Do not take more than 3 milligrams daily.

Calcium Top

Calcium is vital in the formation of strong bones and teeth and is also important in the maintenance of regular heartbeat and the transmission of nerve impulses. It is needed for muscle growth and contraction and for the prevention of muscle cramps. This important mineral is also essential in blood clotting and helps prevent colon cancer. It may lower blood pressure and prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis as well. Calcium provides energy and participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA. It is also involved in the activation of several enzymes including lipase. The amino acid lysine is needed for calcium absorption.

Calcium protects the bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of this toxic metal. If there is a calcium deficiency, lead will be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones. This may account for the higher levels of lead in children who have a higher incidence of cavities.

A calcium deficiency may result in the following symptoms: muscle cramps, nervousness, heart palpitations, brittle nails, eczema, hypertension, aching joints, increased cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, tooth decay, insomnia, rickets, and numbness in the arms and/or legs.

When taken at night, it also promotes a sound sleep. This mineral works less effectively when taken in a single megadose.

Female athletes and women experiencing menopause need greater amounts of calcium due to lower estrogen levels. Estrogen protects the skeletal system by promoting the deposit of calcium in bone.

Sources of calcium include dairy foods, salmon (with bones), sardines, seafood, and green leafy vegetables. It is found in almonds, asparagus, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, collards, dandelion greens, dulse, figs, filberts, goat’s milk, kale, kelp, mustard greens, oats, parsley, prunes, sesame seeds, tofu, turnip greens, whey, and yogurt.
Oxalic acid (found in soybeans, kale, spinach, rhubarb, beet greens, almond, cashews, chard, and cocoa) interferes with calcium absorption by binding with calcium in the intestines and producing insoluble salts that cannot be absorbed. Casual consumption of foods with oxalic acid should not pose a problem, however overindulgence inhibits absorption of calcium.

Those suffering from kidney stones or kidney disease should not take calcium supplements. Calcium may interfere with the effects of Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker for the heart. Tums, as a source of calcium, neutralizes the stomach acid needed for calcium absorption. Calcium taken with iron reduces the effect of both minerals. Too much calcium can interfere with absorption of zinc, just as excess zinc can interfere with calcium absorption. A hair analysis can determine the levels of these two minerals if needed.

Insufficient vitamin D intake or excess phosphorus and magnesium hinders the uptake of calcium. Although heavy exercising also hinders calcium uptake, moderate exercising contributes to its uptake. A diet that is high either in protein, fat, or sugar also affects calcium uptake. The average American diet of meats, refined grains, and soft drinks (high in phosphorus) leads to increased bone loss in adults. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which contain significant amounts of calcium but lower amounts of phosphorus, should be consumed.

Several vitamin companies use D1-calcium-phosphate, but do not list it on the label. This form of calcium interferes with the absorption of the nutrients in a multisupplement.

Test your brand of calcium to assure absorption. Place the calcium pill in a glass of warm water and shake. If the calcium does not dissolve within twenty-four hours, change to another brand or form.

Chromium (GTF) Top

Because it is involved in the metabolism of glucose, chromium (glucose tolerance factor or GTF) is needed for energy. It is also vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and protein. This essential mineral maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization in both the diabetic and the hypoglycemic. Low plasma chromium levels are an indication of coronary artery disease.

The average American diet is chromium deficient. Researchers estimate that two out of every three Americans are either hypoglycemic, prehypoglycemic, or diabetic. The ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels is jeopardized by the lack of chromium in our soil and water supply and by a diet high in refined white sugar, flour, and junk foods.

Chromium is found in the following food sources: beer, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat, and whole grains. It may also be found in dried beans, cheese, chicken, corn and corn oil, dairy products, calves’ liver, mushrooms, and potatoes.
No side effects have been found to date.

Copper Top

Among its many functions, copper aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells, and works in balance with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin. It is involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring, and taste sensitivity. This mineral is also needed for healthy nerves.

One of the early signs of copper deficiency is osteoporosis. Copper is essential for the formation of collagen, which makes up the connective tissue of the bone matrix.

Besides its use in cookware and plumbing, copper is also widely distributed in foods. Its food sources include almonds, avocados, barley, beans, beet roots, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, dandelion greens, garlic, lentils, liver, mushrooms, nuts, oats, oranges, organ meats, pecans, radishes, raisins, salmon, seafood, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables.
Copper levels in the body are reduced if high amounts of zinc or vitamin C are taken. If copper intake is too high, the levels of vitamin C and zinc will drop.

Iodine Top

Needed in only trace amounts, iodine helps to metabolize excess fat and is important in physical and mental development. Iodine is also needed for a healthy thyroid gland and in the prevention of goiter. Mental retardation may result from an iodine deficiency in children. In addition, an iodine deficiency has recently been linked to breast cancer.

Foods that are high in iodine include iodized salts, seafood, salt-water fish, and kelp. It may also be found in asparagus, dulse, white deep-water fish, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sea salt, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach (see warnings below), summer squash, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.
Some foods block the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland when eaten raw in large amounts. These include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, spinach, and turnips. If a hypothyroid disorder is present, limit these foods in the diet. Excess iodine (over thirty times the RDA) produces a metallic taste and sores in the mouth, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Iron Top

Perhaps the most important of its functions is its production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is the mineral found in the largest amounts in the blood. This mineral is essential for many enzymes, and is important for growth in children and resistance to disease. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system and for energy production. Vitamin C can increase iron absorption as much as 30 percent.

Iron deficiency symptoms include brittle hair, nails that are spoon-shaped or that have ridges running lengthwise, hair loss, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, and anemia.

Sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCI) must be present in the stomach in order for the iron to be absorbed. Copper, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin A, and the B-complex vitamins are also needed for complete iron absorption.

According to Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, iron utilization is impaired by rheumatoid arthritis and cancer and will result in anemia despite adequate amounts or iron stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The journal also states that iron deficiency is more prevalent in those suffering form candidiasis and chronic herpes infections.

Excess iron build-up in the tissues has been associated with a rare disease known as hemochromatosis, a disorder that causes bronze skin pigmentation, cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart disorders.

Iron is found in eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and enriched breads and cereals. Other food sources include almonds, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, dates, dulse, egg yolks, kelp, kidney and lima beans, lentils, millet, parsley, peaches, pears, dried prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice and wheat bran, sesame seeds, and soybeans.
Excessive amounts of zinc and vitamin E interfere with iron absorption. Those who engage in strenuous exercise and who perspire heavily deplete iron form the body. Because iron is stored in the body, high iron intake can cause problems. Increased iron in the tissues and organs leads to the production of free radicals and increases the need for vitamin E, an important antioxidant (free radical scavenger).

An iron deficiency may result from intestinal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, a diet high in phosphorus, poor digestion, a long-term illness, ulcers, prolonged use of antacids, excess coffee or tea consumption, and causes other than a nutrient deficiency. A doctor should investigate these symptoms before prescribing iron supplements. In some case, doctors have discovered that a vitamin B6 or B12 deficiency is the underlying cause of the anemia.

According to a 1998 issue of Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, you should not take extra iron if you have an infection. Because bacteria require iron for growth, the body stores iron and does not utilize it when there is an infection.

Magnesium Top

Magnesium is vital to enzyme activity. It assists in calcium and potassium uptake. A deficiency interferes with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, causing irritability and nervousness. Supplementing the diet with magnesium helps prevent depression, dizziness, muscle weakness, twitching, heart disease, and high blood pressure, and also aids in maintaining the prop pH balance. This essential mineral protects the arterial lining from stress caused by sudden blood pressure changes, and plays a role in the formation of bone and in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. With vitamin B6, magnesium helps reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate stones.

Magnesium is found in most foods, especially dairy products, fish, meat, and seafood. Other rich food sources include apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, figs, garlic, kelp, lima beans, millet, nuts, peaches, black-eyed peas, salmon, sesame seeds, tofu, tourla, green leafy vegetables, wheat and whole grains.
Consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, the presence of fluoride, and high amounts of zinc and vitamin D all increase the body’s need for magnesium. Magnesium combined with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Large amounts of fats, cod liver oil, calcium, vitamin D, and protein decrease magnesium absorption. Foods high in oxalic acid, such as almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach, and tea, also inhibit magnesium absorption.

Manganese Top

Minute quantities of manganese are needed for protein and fat metabolism, healthy nerves, and healthy immune system and blood sugar regulation. It is used for energy production and is required for normal bone growth and reproduction. Manganese is essential for iron-deficient anemics and is also needed for the utilization of thiamin (B1) and vitamin E. Manganese works well with the B-complex vitamins to give an overall feeling of well being. It aids in the formation of mother’s milk and is a key element in the production of enzymes needed to oxidize fats and to metabolize purines.

The largest quantities of manganese are found in avocados, nuts and seeds, seaweed, and whole grains. This mineral may also be found in blueberries, egg yolks, legumes, dried peas, pineapples, spinach, and green leafy vegetables.
No side effects have been found to date.

Molybdenum Top

This essential mineral is needed in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism, which enables the body to use nitrogen. It aids in the final stages of conversion of purines to uric acid. It promotes normal cell function, and is part of the enzyme system of xanthine oxidase. Molybdenum is found in the liver, bones, and kidneys. A low intake is associated with mouth and gum disorders and cancer. Those whose diets are high in refined and processed foods are at risk of having a deficiency. A molybdenum deficiency may cause sexual impotence in older males.

This trace mineral is found in beans, cereal grains, legumes, peas, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Heat and moisture may change the action of the mineral. Massive intake of over 15 milligrams daily may produce gout. High intake of sulfur may decrease molybdenum levels. Excess amounts of molybdenum may interfere with copper metabolism.

Phosphorus Top

Phosphorus is needed for bone and tooth formation, cell growth, contraction of the heart muscle, and kidney function. It also assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and the conversion of food to energy. A balance of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus should always be maintained. If one of these is present in excess or insufficient amounts, it will have adverse effects on the body.

A deficiency of phosphorus is rare because it is found in most foods, especially soda. Significant amounts of phosphorus are contained in asparagus; bran; brewer’s yeast; corn; dairy products; eggs; fish; dried fruit; garlic; legumes; nuts; sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds; meats; poultry; salmon; and whole grains.
Excessive amounts of phosphorus interfere with calcium uptake. A diet consisting of junk food is a common culprit.

Potassium Top

This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells.

Food sources of potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, poultry, vegetables, and whole grains. It is specifically found in apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, tourla, wheat bran, and yams.
Use of diuretics, kidney disorders, diarrhea, and laxatives all disrupt potassium levels. Although potassium is needed for hormone secretion, hormones secreted as a result of stress cause a decrease in the potassium-sodium ratio both inside and outside the cell.

Selenium Top

Selenium is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E. As an antioxidant, selenium protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals, which can damage the body. Selenium and vitamin E act synergistically to aid in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy heart. This trace element is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. A selenium deficiency is linked to cancer and heart disease.

Because New Zealand soils are low in selenium, its cattle and sheep have suffered a breakdown of muscles, including the heart muscle. However, human intake of selenium is adequate because of imported Australian wheat.

Depending on the soil content, selenium can be found in meat and grains. It can also be found in Brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, liver, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, tourla, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ, and whole grains.
No side effects have been found to date.

Sodium Top

Sodium is necessary for maintaining the proper water balance and blood pH. It is also needed for stomach, nerve, and muscle function. Although a sodium deficiency is rare, its symptoms include confusion, low blood sugar, weakness, dehydration, lethargy, and heart palpitations. Because a balance of potassium and sodium is necessary for good health but most people overindulge in sodium intake, potassium is typically needed in greater amounts.

Virtually all foods contain some sodium.
Excess sodium intake results in edema, high blood pressure, potassium deficiency, and liver and kidney disease. Sodium intake may lead to heart disease when not properly balanced with potassium.

Sulfur Top

An acid-forming mineral that is part of the chemical structure of methionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione, sulfur disinfects the blood, resists bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells. It aids in oxidation reactions, stimulates bile secretions in the liver, and protects against toxic substances. Because of its ability to protect against the harmful effects of radiation and pollution, sulfur slows down the aging process and extends life span. It is found in hemoglobin and all body tissues and is needed for the synthesis of collagen, which prevents dryness and maintains elastin in the skin.

The following foods contain sulfur: Brussels sprouts, dried beans, cabbage, eggs, fish, garlic horsetail (herb), kale, meats, onions, soybeans, turnips, wheat germ, and the amino acids L-cysteine, L-lysine, L-cystine, and L-methionine. DaVinci Laboratories supply sulfur in tablet and powdered form.
Moisture and heat may destroy or change the action of sulfur in the body.

Zinc Top

This essential mineral is important in prostate gland function and the growth of the reproductive organs. It is required for protein synthesis and collagen formation and promotes a healthy immune system and the healing of wounds. Zinc also allows acuity of taste and smell and protects the liver from chemical damage.

Sufficient intake and absorption of zinc is needed to maintain the proper concentrations of vitamin E in the blood.

Zinc is found in the following food sources: fish, legumes, meats, oysters, poultry, seafood, and whole grains. Significant quantities of zinc are found in brewer’s yeast, egg yolks, lamb chops, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seeds, soy lecithin, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and tourla.
Daily dosages of more than 100 milligrams of zinc can depress the immune system while dosages under 100 milligrams can enhance immune response. Zinc levels may be lowered by diarrhea, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and fiber. The phylates found in grains and legumes bind with zinc so that it cannot be absorbed.

The proper copper and zinc balance should be maintained. Consumption of hard water can upset zinc levels.

Basically it is possible to formulate specific amino acid chelates in combination with other factors, such as enzymes, so that the resulting nutritional pattern is targeted to tissues themselves in addition to crossing the intestinal barrier. This clearly demonstrates the methodology for formulating nutritional supplements so as to assure that they will be transported directly to the tissues. Amino acid chelates (utilizing specific amino acids) having a ligand to divalent mineral ratio of at least two to one, and having a molecular weight of not more than 1500 and preferably not more than 1,000, and also having a stability constant of about 10, can be formulated for delivery to one or more specific tissue sites within a mammal.

The ligand utilized in formulating the amino acid chelate is a natural occurring amino acid, or a dipeptide, tripeptide or quadrapeptide thereof. The selection of an appropriate ligand with which to form the chelate provides a product that when entering the bloodstream of the mammal, either by oral ingestion or injection, has the propensity to migrate to one or more targeted tissue sites within the mammal.

The patent for this unique formulating method is extremely broad, well supported and scientifically researched, and demonstrates clearly and is thoroughly scientifically based.