A
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B
Boron
Symmetry Products with Boron: Calcium Coverage
Boron is required by your body in trace amounts for proper metabolism
of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Boron helps brain function,
healthy bones, and can increase alertness. Boron supplements are
especially good for older people. Boron is known to help support
proper bone growth and is also useful for people who want to build
muscle.
Doctor Rex E. Newnham, Ph.D., D.O., has shown a relationship between
a dietary lack of boron and joint stress. (See his article in the
Journal of Applied Nutrition, volume 46, issue 3, 1994.) The article
observes:
1. People in Jamaica and other surrounding islands where the soil
and diet is low in Boron have a higher than average chances of suffering
from arthritis.
2. Boron amounts in the soil is directly proportional to the amount
of organic matter. Highly fertilized crops provide much less quantities
of boron.
3. South Africans with a high boron diet had a 3% incidence of arthritis.
When they changed their diet after moving to the city they had a
20% incidence of arthritis.
4. Hot mineral spas where boron content in the water is very high
have the reputation of healing arthritis.
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C
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. An average man
contains about three pounds of calcium and an average woman about
two pounds. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the calcium in the body
is found in the bones and teeth.
What does it do for your body?
Bones and Teeth - Calcium is essential in the development and maintenance
of healthy bones and teeth. Bone is made up of cells and fiber embedded
in a mineral matrix, which is mostly crystals of calcium phosphate.
One form of bone calcium is bound tightly within the bone and the
other is easily removed to maintain blood levels. Calcium is removed
from the tightly-bound part of the bone only when the more mobile
stores are exhausted and dietary intake is inadequate. Bones are
constantly being replaced, with 20% of an adult’s bone calcium
reabsorbed and replaced every year.
Nerve and Muscle Contraction - Calcium is essential for muscle
contraction, including that of the heart muscle and for nerve impulse
conduction. Calcium also aids in the release of neurotransmitters
which carry messages between nerve cells.
Blood Pressure - Calcium interacts with sodium, potassium and magnesium
to help regulate blood pressure. It has been found that people whose
diets are low in calcium have a higher incidence of high blood pressure.
The effects of a mother’s high calcium diet during pregnancy
may also be passed on to her children, who will be less likely to
suffer from high blood pressure.
Blood - Calcium in the blood is essential for clotting by activating
vitamin K (prothrombin) which is the first stage in wound healing.
It is also involved in the control of blood cholesterol levels.
Increased calcium supports normal blood cholesterol levels and overall
heart health.
Immune Function - Calcium in milk has been shown to enhance resistance
to salmonella in rats.
Metabolism - Calcium is essential for the production and activity
of many enzymes and hormones that are involved in digestion, energy
and fat metabolism and the production of saliva.
Cell Membranes - Calcium is involved in the transport of nutrients
and other substances across cell membranes and aids in the maintenance
of connective tissue which holds cells together.
Absorption.
Between 10-40% of dietary calcium intake is absorbed although women
after menopause may only absorb 7%. Calcium from milk and milk products
is absorbed more easily than that from vegetables. Absorption is
enhanced by vitamin D, proteins, lactose and stomach acid.
Lactation increases the ability of women to absorb calcium after
weaning or the resumption of menstrual periods. Deficiency and moderate
exercise also increase absorption and the efficiency of absorption
decreases as intake increases.
Dietary calcium must be made soluble in the stomach and then pass
to the small intestine, where it combines with a calcium binding
molecule so it can be absorbed (a process called chelation). Calcium
competes with zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper and iron for absorption
in the intestine, and a high intake of one can reduce absorption
of the others.
Adults excrete 400-600mg of calcium daily.
Deficiency.
Signs of severe calcium deficiency include abnormal heartbeat,
muscle pains and cramps, numbness, stiffness and tingling of the
hands and feet. Children can suffer from rickets, with symptoms
of excessive sweating of the head, slowness in sitting, crawling
and walking, insomnia and bow legs. In adults deficiency can lead
to symptoms of bone pain, muscle weakness and delayed healing of
fractures.
Blood levels of calcium are tightly regulated by hormones, including
calcitonin and vitamin D. These hormones control absorption from
the intestine, excretion from the kidney and the rate of bone formation
and breakdown. If there is a calcium deficiency, calcium is extracted
from the bones to maintain blood levels.
Bones - Osteoporosis, which literally means ‘porous bones’
is the result of calcium deficiency and in some cases can be so
severe as to cause the bones to break under the weight of the body.
Particularly badly affected bones include the spinal vertebrae,
the thigh bone and the radius (shorter arm bone). The symptoms of
osteoporosis may be absent until fractures occur, although in some
cases there may be back pain.
Postmenopausal women are especially prone to osteoporosis, although
the problem occurs in a similar way in men. Most of the bone loss
seen in osteoporosis occurs in the first 5-6 years after menopause
due to a decline in circulating estrogens and an age-related reduction
in vitamin D production.
Getting enough calcium early in life is vital for bones to reach
their maximum density so that they are as strong as possible to
support the body, even when they lose density later in life. Studies
show that calcium intake in the 11-24 age group is often below the
recommended levels with serious consequences for later life. It
is never too late to slow the bone loss seen in osteoporosis, and
early postmenopausal years are an important time to ensure optimal
intake.
There may be a genetic component in osteoporosis in addition to
behavioral and hormonal factors. Body weight is the factor most
frequently linked to bone mineral density and in women, body fat
may be at least as important as muscle in maintaining bone mineral
content.
Bone loss is found to be up to 11% greater during the night. Calcium
levels are also lowest during the night and may be affected by the
concentration of the hormone cortisol. These findings may offer
new hope for the support of osteoporosis.
A synthetic calcitonin nasal spray is available in the U.S. and
offers and alternative support for osteoporosis for women who cannot
tolerate the estrogen therapy that is the conventional support for
osteoporosis. Intake of calcium and vitamin D needs also to be adequate.
Digestive System - Calcium may also play a role in colon health
but further studies are necessary to confirm the link. Researchers
have found that people who eat a lot of foods containing calcium
are less likely to develop colon problems than those who eat small
amounts. Calcium may exert its protective effects by binding to
certain colon irritants. Calcium may also normalize the growth of
cells in the intestinal wall thus protecting the colon.
Blood Pressure - Calcium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure.
Increasing intake has been shown to lower blood pressure in cases
where there are deficiencies. Whether calcium can lower blood pressure
in cases where there are no apparent deficiencies is controversial.
Muscles - When calcium levels drop below normal, muscle cramps
can occur since low levels of calcium in the blood can increase
the sensitivity of the nerves and cause muscles to go into spasm.
Pregnant women whose diets are deficient in calcium are at greatest
risk of muscle cramps.
Teeth - Calcium's role in tooth development and health are well
documented.
Those at risk of calcium deficiency include the elderly, people
who don’t eat dairy products, those on high protein or high
fiber diets and those who drink a lot of alcohol. People on weight-reducing
diets are also at risk as foods containing calcium are often high
in calories. Athletes and premenopausal women whose menstrual periods
have stopped may also be at increased risk of deficiency which can
lead to stress fractures, shin splints, weak bones, poor bone healing
and eventually osteoporosis.
Studies have shown that calcium is deficient in the diets of many
women with around 35% of women suffering from osteoporosis after
menopause. The average daily intake in the U.S. is 600mg and in
many countries calcium is the mineral in which people are most likely
to be deficient. Hip fractures cost $10 billion in the U.S. and
$175 million per year in Australia.
Supplements.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, postmenopausal women and vegans
may benefit from supplements. Some research shows that taking calcium
supplements later in life can slow the bone loss associated with
osteoporosis.
Some studies have shown that calcium supplements support normal
blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients although the results
are controversial. It is possible that supplements can be mainly
of benefit in cases where calcium intake is insufficient, which
may be relatively common. Increasing calcium intake may increase
the excretion of sodium thus normalizing blood pressure.
Different calcium supplements contain different amounts of calcium.
Carbonate contains 40% calcium, but citrate contain 21% calcium.
Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate, the two most soluble forms
contain 9% and 13% respectively. Bonemeal and dolomite are common
sources of calcium supplements but they may contain lead and cadmium
which can be toxic. Antacids are also good sources of calcium but
those containing aluminum or sodium should be avoided, since aluminum
inhibits calcium absorption and sodium can raise blood pressure.
Calcium citrate is an acidified form and may be absorbed better
in older people who often have low stomach acid.
Calcium carbonate can be taken in divided doses with meals in order
to avoid side effects such as nausea, gas and constipation. Absorption
of calcium carbonate may be increased with food while other supplements
may be best absorbed if taken between meals, since there may be
some reduction in absorption due to the presence in foods containing
certain fats and fiber.
Another form of calcium supplement, calcium hydroxyapatite, is
a naturally occurring calcium phosphorus protein bonded matrix of
bone and is the actual protein calcium matrix found in bone.
Some calcium supplements can interfere with iron absorption and
iron and calcium supplements should be taken at different times
although calcium citrate and calcium ascorbate may enhance iron
absorption as they are acidic.
When taken with magnesium supplements the ratio should be 2:1 calcium
to magnesium.
As bone loses calcium at night some experts recommend taking supplements
in the evening to maintain blood calcium levels.
Therapeutic uses.
Calcium can be used to control the incidence of leg cramps in pregnant
women. It has also been shown to reduce menstrual muscle tension
and stress associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Use of calcium supplements during pregnancy may support normal
blood pressure and normal delivery. During pregnancy, the fetus
will take calcium at the expense of maternal bones. Adequate calcium
is therefore extremely important during this time.
Calcium may be of benefit in the support of allergies, normal mood
and sleep, muscle and joint health.
Recent studies have shown that slow-release calcium fluoride therapy
can reduce bone fractures and increase bone density in postmenopausal
women, although other researchers have found that fluoride therapy
can lead to calcium deficiency despite calcium supplementation.
Interactions
Calcium is regulated by several things: vitamin D, which helps
the body absorb calcium and deposit it in the bones; calcitonin,
which enhances the ability of the bones to store calcium by transferring
calcium from the blood to the bones and inhibiting release; parathyroid
hormone, which regulates the transfer of calcium from the bones
to the blood; estrogens which help retain calcium in the bones;
and thyroid and growth hormones.
In the absence of vitamin D less than 10% of dietary calcium may
be absorbed.
Lead absorption is blocked by calcium in the intestines. Boron
supplementation may reduce the excretion of calcium. Antacids containing
aluminum can inhibit calcium absorption. Excessive calcium can interfere
with the absorption of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc.
Calcium helps in the absorption of vitamin B-12.
Calcium and magnesium and calcium and potassium are related in
that high levels of one can produce low levels of the other. Excessive
potassium can lower calcium levels.
Calcium and phosphorus work together to form healthy bones and
teeth. If a person's phosphorus intake is too high the body excretes
the extra phosphorus and calcium along with it.
Large quantities of fat, oxalic acid (which is found in chocolate,
rhubarb and many dark green leafy vegetables) and phytic acid (which
is found in grains) can prevent calcium absorption. Large quantities
of sucrose can enhance calcium excretion.
Vitamins A and C enhance the transport of calcium through cell
membranes. Vitamin B-6 may enhance calcium function. High protein
diets can increase calcium excretion.
The contraceptive pill, anti-epileptic drugs, diuretic drugs, corticosteroid
drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and IBD and some antidepressants
can lead to deficiency as can smoking, malabsorption due to lactose
intolerance and absorption disorders such as celiac disease.
Calcium decreases the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, iron
and aspirin if taken at the same time.
Caffeine and carbonated drinks can lead to calcium losses thus
contributing to high blood pressure.
Cautions: You should not take calcium supplements
if you have impaired kidney function or if you suffer from constipation.
Copper
Copper is classified as an essential mineral. If one's body does
not acquire a sufficient amount of copper, iron can not be mobilized
from body stores. This explains why iron deficiency and copper deficiency
have similarities. Various enzyme reactions require copper as well.
In your body, the liver and brain contain the largest amounts of
copper. Copper imbalances can produce various symptoms, inefficient
utilization of iron and protein, diarrhea, high cholesterol, thyroid
problems, stunted growth, mental and emotional problems.
Studies have been published that further establish the negative
effects of copper deficiency in humans. Copper is of vital importance
for many reasons: supports the cardiovascular system, joints, bones
and against free radical damage. Copper is also vital for keeping
our skin, blood vessels and connective tissue supple and elastic.
These well-documented findings came as a surprise to many who had
been misled to believe that copper should be avoided because it
is toxic and can generate free radicals.
Not only is copper relatively non-toxic, but a deficiency of copper
raises free-radical activity in our bodies by lowering the activity
of many of our endogenous antioxidant peptides like superoxide dismutase,
ceruloplasmin, and glutathione peroxidase. Indeed a deficiency of
copper increases an animal's damage from free radicals. Research
showing a negative effect of both zinc and ascorbic acid supplements
on copper status was alarming for supplement users. Benefits of
good copper nutrition is obvious, especially for those people consuming
supplements of dietary copper antagonists like zinc and ascorbic
acid.
Some companies manufacture multivitamin or mineral products that
contain little or no copper (and worse with high doses of vitamin
C & Zinc), and do not worry about the possible consequences.
Remember the fundamental importance of adequate copper in good nutrition.
Because copper supplements are inexpensive, its importance has generally
been overlooked. If copper were a high-priced nutrient it would
have many vocal supporters pointing to its vital importance and
remarkable health-promoting properties.
Chromium
Chromium (Cr) is an essential nutrient required for normal sugar
and fat metabolism. It potentates the action of insulin. Chromium
occurs primarily in the trivalent and hexavalent forms; the form
in higher organisms is trivalent. This mineral occurs throughout
the body with highest concentrations in the liver, kidney, spleen
and bone. Chromium is an essential trace mineral required for normal
protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
A study reported in the journal Diabetes, an official publication
of the American Diabetes Association, states that the use of chromium
picolinate supplements supports a normal glycated hemoglobin level
in individuals with type II diabetes.
This clinical trial was conducted by Dr. Richard Anderson and his
coworkers at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in Beltsville, Md. and
by Dr. Nanzheng Cheng and her colleagues from the Beijing Medical
University in Beijing, China.
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 180 adult
patients with the most common form of diabetes (type II or adult-onset)
were randomized into one of three equal groups who received either
200 micrograms of chromium as chromium picolinate, 1,000 micrograms
(one milligram) of chromium as chromium picolinate or placebo. All
supplements were taken daily for four months, during which time
the patients were instructed not to change their customary diets,
exercise regimens or medications.
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D
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E
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F
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G
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H
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I
Iodine
Iodine is only needed in trace amounts. A good source of this mineral
is kelp. Iodine helps to metabolize excess fat and it is very important
for both mental and physical health.
Iodine is required for a healthy, normally functioning thyroid
gland and the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones control
the body's basal metabolic rate (the rate at which the body uses
energy).
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J
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K
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L
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M
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the body's major electrolytes, essential for
metabolism and an aid to the growth of bone as well as nerve and
muscle health. Researchers now believe magnesium is responsible
for the health of the heart, blood pressure, circulation, and overall
relaxation including muscle relaxation. Professional athletes or
anyone who engages in heavy physical labor must keep magnesium levels
up, as the mineral facilitates oxygen delivery to working muscle
tissue. Magnesium-rich foods include meats, seafood, green vegetables,
dairy products, nuts, kidney and lima beans, bananas, peanut butter
and potatoes. An association has been observed between magnesium
and normal concentration in children. It has been well established
that intravenous magnesium supports muscle relaxation.
Magnesium deficiency is extremely rare. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
include personality changes, nausea, weakness, muscle spasms and
tremor. Adequate levels of magnesium are necessary for the heart
muscle to beat regularly.
Persons with kidney failure must be very careful when taking any
food or medication with magnesium because the kidney clears excess
magnesium from the body.
Magnesium also helps calcium to be processed by your body. Calcium
problems often occur with women.
The body's processing of magnesium can also be inhibited by consuming
foods high in oxalic acid, like spinach, cocoa, and tea.
Manganese
Manganese is needed in small amounts for your body's fat and protein
metabolism. It is used in energy production. Manganese is essential
for a healthy immune system, healthy nerves, normal bone growth,
blood sugar regulation, and reproduction.
Manganese is very important for the processing of vitamin B-1 (thiamin),
vitamin C and biotin.
Manganese helps in the formation of mother's milk and is a key mineral
in the production of enzymes needed to oxidize fats and metabolize
purines.
Manganese works well in supplements with the B-complex vitamins
to give you a feeling of well being and is very useful for stressed,
depressed, worried, and hurried people.
Manganese plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and is required
for normal skeletal and connective tissue development. It also is
a cofactor for an important antioxidant enzyme in the body.
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N
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O
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P
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps your body in processing of vitamins
and in the conversion of food into energy. A proper balance of calcium,
magnesium, and phosphorus is required everyday. These minerals must
be present in the body in the correct balance for optimal health.
Phosphorus is required by the body for the formation of bone and
teeth.
A diet consisting of junk food can have too much phosphorus, which
affects the body's processing of calcium. Most protein foods have
phosphorus, making it rare for a deficiency to develop.
It has also been found that vitamin D boosts the effectiveness
of phosphorus. Magnesium helps in the absorption of phosphorus.
Potassium
The mineral potassium is important to your body for a strong healthy
nervous system, maintaining a regular heart beat and proper muscle
contraction. Potassium nourishes the heart, kidneys, pancreas, muscles
and the nerves. Potassium works with sodium to regulate the body's
water balance. Potassium is very important to chemical reactions
inside cells and it controls the flow of nutrients through cell
walls.
Potassium helps in the transmission of electrochemical impulses
needed by the human nervous system. Potassium is also needed to
maintain a stable blood pressure level.
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Q
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R
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S
Silica
Silica is made up of silicon, a mineral needed in your body for
the building of collagen for your bones and connective tissue. It
is also beneficial for good healthy skin, fingernails, and hair.
Silicon is needed for calcium absorption in the beginning phase
of bone formation. Silicon also benefits your cardiovascular system
and is required to keep your arteries flexible.
Silicon is used by your body better when you are also getting boron,
calcium, manganese, and potassium in a multi-vitamin or other health
supplement.
Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that helps defend against damage from oxidation.
Selenium complements vitamin E to act as an efficient anti-oxidant.
It promotes normal growth and development as well as functions as
an antioxidant itself.
Possible Selenium Benefits:
· Stimulates immune system
· Supports proper bone growth
· Protects against all hypothesized
aging mechanisms
· Protects cardiovascular and circulation
health
· Increases elasticity and youthfulness
of skin
· Helps control dandruff (selenium
sulfide) when applied to scalp. Used this way it possesses anti-fungal
and anti-bacterial effects.
· Supports healthy fertility, especially
in men
· Removes age spots when rubbed
on skin
Who Needs Additional Selenium?
· Anyone with inadequate caloric
or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
· People who live in areas where
soil is selenium-deficient, such as China, New Zealand and the central
and eastern United States.
· In the United States check with
your local county agricultural agent.
Proven Deficiency Symptoms:
Selenium deficiency in the soil and water has resulted in cardiomyopathy
and myocardial deaths in humans
Possible Selenium Deficiency Symptoms:
· Keshan's disease, a fatal heart
disease found in children living in certain sections of China
· Cataracts
· Muscular dystrophy
· Retarded growth
· Liver problems
· Infertility
Miscellaneous Selenium Information:
Selenium should be part of a well-balanced vitamin-mineral regimen.
Protection of long term health has yet to be proven. Experimental
studies are trying to prove selenium plays a big part as an "antioxidant
nutrient" to help protect against damaging "free radicals."
Organic forms (from foods or brewer's yeast) are less toxic than
inorganic sodium selenite. No one is sure of the correct amount
of selenium to be ingested each day. People who eat a balanced diet
of food grown in the western United States probably get enough selenium
from food.
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T
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U
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
Zinc
Because it has been found to support the healing process, zinc
has been called the "healing" mineral. It is recommended
that the pre- and post-operative patient should insure an adequate
intake of zinc for this reason. Zinc is helpful for the respiratory
systems and in stress situations where the body must call on its
healing capacity. Zinc has been a chief component of many topical
preparations for burns, diaper rash, and other abrasive conditions.
Zinc deficiency can be manifested as growth retardation and sexual
underdevelopment. Biochemically, zinc is involved in DNA biosynthesis
and is thought to be the activator of collagen synthetase, an enzyme
which is necessary for collagen biosynthesis and therefore tissue
repair.
Zinc is essential for many body processes including protein synthesis
and amino acid metabolism. It has a role in the immune system function.
Men typically need more zinc than women.
Perspiration can cause a loss of up to 3 milligrams of zinc a day.
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