Zinc

Zinc is a critical mineral required for the proper functioning of cells in the body. It is very vital for promoting a healthy immune system and for healing of wounds. It is required for proper sense of taste and smell. It protects the liver from chemical damage and is important for bone formation. Zinc supports normal growth during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.

Loss of Zinc in body due to:

• Diarrhea 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver Cirrhosis 
• Diabetes 
• Large consumption of fiber 
• Perspiration 
• Drinking hard water 

Signs of deficiency:

• Loss of the sense of taste and smell 
• Finger nails thin and develop white spots 
• Acne 
• Impotence 
• Susceptibility to infections 
• Recurrent colds and flu 
• Slow wound healing 
• Impaired night vision 
• Hair loss 

Effective for:

• Schizophernia 
• Alzheimers 
• Epilepsy 
• Anorexia nervosa 
• Attention deficit disorder 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Huntington’s disease 
• Dyslexia 
• Dementia 
• Wound healing 
• Ulcers 
• Colds 
• Cancer 
• Diabetes 
• Sexual health 
• Acne 
• Skin health- Sunscreen, diaper/nappy rash 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Sickle cell anemia 

Supplements: 

Available in zinc salts of - Zinc monomethionine, zinc picolinate, zinc aspartate, zinc orotate, zinc chelate

Recommended Dose:

• For preventative care a daily dose of 15-25 mg 

Side effects and precautions:

• Zinc competes with other minerals for absoption (copper, manganese and iron). Do not take more than 200 mg of zinc daily. Zinc and Iron supplements should not be taken together but taken at different times. 
• A simple test at home can be used to determine zinc deficiency. Take a mouthful of zinc sulfate heptahydrate solution, a widely available as liquid zinc supplement and swish it around in the mouth, if no taste or have delayed recognition of taste then one is zinc deficient.

Vanadium

Vanadium is needed for cellular metabolism and for bone and teeth formation, It palys a role in growth and reproduction and inhibits cholesterol synthesis. Vitally important in the treatment of both type I and type II diabetes.
Loss of Vanadium in body due to:
Tobacco use decreases the uptake of vanadium.
Signs of deficiency:
A vanadium deficiency maybe linked to cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Effective for:

• Lowering LDL cholesterol 
• Lowering triglyceride levels 
• Lowering of blood sugar 
• Lowering need for insulin 
• Insulin mimicking effect

Supplements:
Vanadium salt available as vanadyl sulphate
Recommended Dose:

•    25-50 mgs daily 

Sulfur

Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral based on percentage of total body weight. Sulfur is a part of the chemical structure of many amnio acids. Sulfur disinfects blood and helps the body to resist bacteria. Sulfur protects against harmful effects of radiation thus slows the aging process.

Effective for:

• Acne 
• Dematitis 
• Eczema 
• Psoriasis 
• Arthritis 
• Dandruff 

Supplements: 

Methylsulfonylmethane is a effective form of sulfur used to treat many a aliments such as pain syndromes, allergies, athletic injuries. Dimethyl sulfoxide which is usually applied topically is taken to treat arthritis pain.

Recommended Dose:

• 1000 -3000 mg daily for treating conditions. 

Side effects and precautions:

Diarrhea, upset stomach, headaches

Sodium

Sodium deficiency is rare, but it can still occur at times. Sodium is essential for maintaining proper water balance and blood pH. Sodium is necessary for stomach, muscle and nerve function. A proper balance of potassium and sodium is necessary for good health.

Loss of sodium body due to:

• Use of diuretics 
• Low sodium diets 

Signs of deficiency:

• Abdominal cramps 
• Anorexia 
• Confusion 
• Dehydration 
• Depression 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Low blood pressure 
• Flatulence 
• Headache 
• Heart palpitations 
• Muscular weakness 

Supplements:

Natural sea salt

Side effects and precautions:

Excessive sodium can result in edema, high blood pressure, potassium deficiency, liver and kidney disease

Silicon

Silica or Silicon is an essential trace mineral. Silicon is not to be confused with Silicone which is a man made substance that contains Silicon. Silicon is essential for healthy development of bones, blood vessels and the brain.

Effective for:

• Counteracting the effect of excessive aluminum 
• Health of hair, skin and nails 
• Keeps arteries strong and supple 
• Heals joint degeneration and cartilage 

Supplements:

Slicon is commonly found in the form of silica which is silicon dioxide

Recommended Dose:

• 2 mg of daily supplement 

Side effects and precautions: 

High doses on a daily basis can damage the kidneys

Selenium

Selenium’s main function is to inhibit the oxidation of fats (lipids) as a component of the enzyme gluthione peroxidase. Selenium is a vital antioxidant and when combined with Vitamin E it protects the immune system by prevention of free radicals, help maintain an healthy liver and heart.

Signs of deficiency:

• Exhaustion 
• Growth impairment 
• High cholesterol levels 
• Infections 
• Liver impairments 
• Pancreatic insufficiency 

Effective for:

• Cancer 
• Cardiac arrhythmias 
• Heart and artery disease 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Colitis 
• Psoriasis 
• Thyroid disease 
• Metal poisoning 
• Pancreatitis 
• Birth defect prevention 
• AIDS 
• Fertility 

Supplements:

Selenomethionine, sodium selenite

Recommended Dose:

• 200 mcg daily 
• For treating conditions such as inflammation, viral infections, heavy metal contamination 400 mcg 

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm Potassium in important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses.

Loss of potassium body due to:

• Use of diuretics 
• Stress and trauma 
• Perspiration 
• Vomiting and diarrhea 

Signs of deficiency:

• Dry skin 
• Acne 
• Chills 
• Constipation Edema 
• Depression 
• Insatiable thirst 
• Nervousness 
• High cholesterol 
• Low blood pressure 
• Periodic headaches 

Effective for:

• High blood pressure 
• Muscle weakness and fatigue 

Supplements:

Best way to get potassium in through food not supplements. Although salt substitute potassium chloride can be used.

Phosphorus

Phophorus assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and the conversion of food to energy. Phophorus is need for blood clotting, bone and tooth formation, cell growth, contraction of heart muscle, normal heart rhythm. A proper balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus should be maintained at all times.

Effective for:

Calcium based kidney stones 

Hypercalcemia 

Recommended Dose:

700 mg daily to treat the conditions

Side effects and precautions:

Excessively high levels of phosphorus in the blood, although rare, can combine with calcium to form deposits in soft tissues such as muscle. High levels of phosphorus in blood only occur in people with severe kidney disease or severe dysfunction of their calcium regulation.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral and is vital for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is involved in formation of healthy bones and teeth, body temperature regulation, transmission of nerve impulses, energy production. It helps promotes normal blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, vital for the heart and supports a healthy immune system. A deficiency of magnesium in the body makes nearly every disease worse.

Loss of Magnesium in body due to:

• Coffee
• Drinking fluoride water 
• Excessive calcium 
• Excessive sweating 
• Food with preservatives 
• Smoking and alcohol 
• Soft drink 
• Stress 

Signs of deficiency:

• Abnormal heart rhythms 
• Depression, mood swings 
• Fatigue and weakness 
• Loss of appetite 
• Muscle cramps and contraction 
• Seizures 
• Low levels of potassium in blood 

Effective for:

• Anti aging benefits 
• Arrhythmia 
• Athletic Performance 
• Diabetes 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Heart disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Improves mood and memory 
• Insomnia 
• Lowering the risk of heart disease 
• Migraine 
• Osteoporosis 
• Pregnancy complications 
• Premenstrual syndrome 
• Prevent stroke and obesity 
• Prevention of gall and kidney stones 
• Restless legs syndrome 
• Treating diabetes 

Supplements:

Several kinds of magnesium supplements are available to be taken orally, these are salts of magnesium such as magnesium oxide, magnesium orotate, magnesium taurate, magnesium chloride, magnesium aspartate, magnesium glycinate. Magnesium sulphate or Magnesium Oil is best for absorption through the skin (transdermal magnesium replenishment).

Recommended Dose:

• 400-1000 mg per day 
• Benefits of magnesium can be maintained with individualization of treatment and a flexible dosage system. 

Side effects and precautions:

Excessive levels of magnesium can be harmful. High levels can result in diarrhea and interference with calcium absorption. Blood tests are the best way to determine the need. Individuals with kidney disease have to take magnesium supplement under medical supervision. Some important drug interactions with magnesium are diuretics, tetracycline antibiotics, anti cancer drugs. 

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential mineral required in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism. Molybdenum is a cell purifier and thus cleanses the body of toxic compounds. Molybdenum generates energy and helps manufactures red blood cells.

Loss of molybdenum body due to:

• Consumption of sugar 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Excess copper intake 

Effective for:

• Seizures in newborns 
• Combat sulfite allergies and chemical sensitivites 
• Metal grogginess 
• Prevents tooth decay 
• Wilson’s disease 

Recommended Dose:

• 200-500 mcg daily 
• 2000 mcg a day to address some of the conditions listed 

Side effects and precautions:

High intake of sulfur may decrease molybdenum levels. Excess amounts of molybdenum may interfere with copper metabolism.

Iodine

Iodine is required in trace amounts. Iodine helps to metabolize fat and is important for physical and mental development. Iodine deficiency in children may result in mental retardation. Iodine is required for healthy thyroid gland and prevention of goiter.

Effective for:

• Prevention of birth defects 
• Treatment of polio, viral diseases 
• Treatment of fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids 
• Cancer in women by reducing carcinogenic form of estrogen (estradiol-estriol) 
• Learning disabilities 

Recommended Dose:

• 100 mcg daily 

Side effects and precautions:

Excessive intake of iodine may inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormone and can produce a metallic taste and sores in mouth, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea and vomiting

Manganese

Manganese is a trace mineral essential for growth, reproduction, wound healing, peak brain function and proper metabolism of sugar, insulin and cholesterol.

Loss of manganese body due to:

• Heavy consumption if sugars and refined flours
• Effective for:
• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Birth defects 
• Bone and joint health 
• Seizures 
• Schizophrenia 
• Asthma 

Recommended Dose:

The dosage of manganese has to be determined in relation to zinc and copper. Manganese should be used with two to five times the amount of Zinc.

Side effects and precautions:

Manganese overload usually for air pollution can be toxic and cause damage to brain cells.

Germanium

Germanium delivers more oxygen to body tissue. This helps to fight pain and proper functioning of the immune system. Germanium helps the body to get rid of toxins and poisons.

Effective for:

• Food allergies 
• Elevated Cholesterol 
• Treatment of cancer 
• Arthritis 
• Osteoporosis 
• Candida infections 
• AIDS 
• Viral infections 
• Accelerate wound healing 
• Decrease pain 
• Boosts immune system 
• Wards off free radical damage 

Supplements:

Germanium bis-carboxyethyl sesquioxide-132 (Ge-132)

Recommended Dose:

• 25-300 mg once per day 

Side effects and precautions:

Germanium dioxide, germanium lactate citrate can be potentially dangerous, may cause kidney problems, but Ge-132 has never been shown to cause adverse effects.

Copper

Copper is a very important mineral. Copper is essential for the health of nerves and joints, development of red and white blood cells, immune function and infant growth. Copper and zinc levels are closely interrelated, if an excess of one is found then the other is likely to be deficient.

Loss of copper in body due to:

• High consumption of fructose corn syrup 
• Kidney disease 
• Chronic diarrhea 
• Crohns disease 
• High use of antacids 
• High Vitamin C intake 
• High does of zinc supplements 
• Malnutrition 

Signs of deficiency:

• Osteoporosis 
• Anemia 
• Baldness 
• Diarrhea 
• Skin sores 
• Increased blood fat levels 

Effective for:

• Maintaining hearts pumping ability 
• Preventing Aneurysm 
• Preventing coronary heart disease 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Antifungal and bactericidal effects 
• Protects against free radical damage 
• Bone healing 

Supplements:

Copper sebacate is very well absorbed by body as compared to copper gluconate copper sulphate and copper acetate.

Recommended Dose:

• 2 mg per day 

Side effects and precautions:

• Before taking copper supplements it is very essential to run blood test to check serum copper and zinc levels. 
• Excessive amount of copper in body depends more on the form of copper ingested than on quantity. Copper and zinc levels are closely interrelated. Part of the copper toxicity is due to corresponding zinc reduction. 
• High serum levels of copper can increase risk of heart attack, depression, anxiety, eye damage

Chromium

Chromium is very important for the metabolism of glucose. Chromium is sometimes called glucose tolerance factor. Chromium is very essential for maintain stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization. Chromium is vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and proteins. Most often many people are deficient in chromium

Signs of deficiency:

• Anxiety 
• Fatigue 
• Glucose intolerance 

Effective for:

• Diabetes: Type I and type II 
• Obesity 
• Lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides 
• Hypertension 
• Aging 

Supplements:

Chromiun picolinate, chromium polynicotinate

Recommended Dose:

• 200-600 mcg daily 
• For full blown diabetes and extreme obesity 600-1000 mcg daily 

Side effects and precautions:

Excessive intake is associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney and liver impairments

Calcium

Calcium is one of the most abundant stored dietary component in the body. Calcium is vital to the body for the formation of bone, teeth and healthy gums. Calcium is important for maintaining proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity and hearth health. Calcium is most effective when taken in combination with magnesium. Other supplements such as folic acid, boron, zinc, manganese, Vitamin C and Vitamin D when taken in small amounts along with Calcium has proven to be beneficial.

Signs of deficiency:

• Aching joints
• Brittle nails
• Eczema
• Tooth decay
• Insomnia

Effective for:

• Insomnia
• Cancers of endometrium, pancreas and colon
• Pregnancy complications
• Bone health
• Hypertension
• Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
• Skin health

Supplements:
Calcium hydroxyaoatite, calcium citrate, calcium orotate (has special affinity to bone)
Recommended Dose:

• 800 mg to 1500 mg

Side effects and precautions:

Calcium interferes with effects of Calcium Channel blocker drugs, tetracycline, thyroid hormone, certain anticonvulsants and steroids.

Boron

Boron is need in trace amounts for healthy bone and muscle formation. Boron is necessary for production of natural steroid compounds in the body. Most people are not boron deficient but boron supplement is beneficial for elderly people.

Signs of deficiency:
• Boron deficiency accentuates vitamin D deficiency

Effective for:
• Enhances brain function
• Promotes alertness
• Required for metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
• Beneficial for preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis
• Building muscle
• Raises natural estrogen in women
• Alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness
• Alleviates arthritic symptoms

Recommended Dose:
• 2-3 mg daily
• 6-18 mg for arthritics, menopausal symptoms.