ThE ImPoRtAnCe Of MiNeRaLs

Minerals(Nutrient and Health/Disease Associations)

For years the supplement market has been dominated by vitamins, but vitamins and amino acids are useless without minerals because all enzyme activities involve minerals. Minerals are needed to maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance, to form bone and blood cells, to provide for electrochemical nerve activity, and to regulate muscle tone and activity (including organ muscles like the heart, stomach, liver, etc.)

Minerals are primarily stored in bone and muscle tissue so toxicity is a possibility. Toxicity risks increase when one isolated mineral is ingested without any supportive cofactor nutrients. Such situations of mineral toxicity are quite rare, because toxic levels accumulate only if massive overdoses persist for a prolonged period of time.

BoronRDA: Not EstablishedResearched
Supplement Range: 1.5 mg to 6.0 mgAverage Daily Intake: 0.35 to 0.42 mg

Notes: never above 45 mg per day, interferes with riboflavin and phosphorus uptake

Prior to 1981 boron was thought to be unimportant in human nutrition. Since then numerous animal and human studies have established it as essential for normal growth and for hormones involved in bone metabolism, and for normal balanced levels of estrogen and testosterone. A 1988 study by Neilsen and Prasad "Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Human Health and Disease," found that boron is essential for the manufacture of several hormones. Overaggressive marketing claims touted boron for high testosterone levels; this is false, boron only helps the body to maintain normal levels. Of course without those normal levels many facets of enjoyable living will suffer.The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a study on boron and found that within eight days of boron supplementation of 3 milligrams, the test group of postmenopausal women showed 40% less loss of calcium and 33% less loss of magnesium through their urine than before boron supplementation. In spite of this study and numerous others, boron has yet to be added to the "Essential Nutrient" list and given an RDA intake level.

Body Components and Functions

Bones -- cofactor for mineral uptake into bone matrix structure
Hormones -- including estrogen and testosterone

Deficiency Symptoms
insomnia
muscle cramps
bone pain
backache
PMS and menstrual cramps
menopause problems

Therapeutic Uses
arthritis
fatigue
migraine headaches

nervousness
fluid retention

depression
hot flashes
backache

Natural Sources
Cheese, sardines, salmon, dark leafy vegetables, and sesame seeds


CalciumRDA: 1,200 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 1,000 mg to 1,600 mg

Average Daily Intake: 743 mgNotes: above 2,500 mg per day may stress the kidneys and may result in kidney stones, spread dose out during day and take with food.

Most calcium in the body is contained in the bones, but about 1% is used for nerve impulses and muscle contractions (including heart, kidney, and other organs) that sustain life and provide movement. Calcium participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA (so it affects the genetic structure and genetic mutations in the body's constant cellular replacement program).

Deficiencies of calcium and magnesium have been linked by researchers to high blood pressure. Calcium also aids in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and even in protection against colon cancer.

If daily calcium intake is inadequate the body steals bone calcium so that you won't die. In other words, your Blood Serum Calcium and Bone Calcium levels are constantly adjusting to maintain your most vital body functions.

A variety of calcium supplements exist, but absorption will vary greatly depending on the type of calcium, added cofactor nutrients that enhance calcium uptake, and individual bioabsorption (mainly adequate digestive acids to dissolve the calcium by the time it reaches the small intestines).

Antacids, such as Tums™, are a ridiculously poor source. First of all, most brands contain high levels of aluminum. They also contain calcium, but none of it is ever absorbable since the antacid neutralizes all stomach acids. So when you see an antacid company advertising their product as a calcium supplement, just grin from ear-to-ear because you know it's one of the biggest supplement hoax's on today's market.

Chelated calcium forms like gluconate, citrate, fulvate, and amino acid chelates are metal-free. The citrate malate form is to our knowledge the most bioavailable form of calcium ever researched. The poorest sources of calcium are the carbonate or dolomite type and these types can even contain metallic aluminum or lead.

If the label doesn't say what type of calcium is in a product it is probably the cheap carbonate form. Any company that puts more expensive chelates in their product will want to promote that fact on their label. If a product lists both the chelate form and the carbonate form you should avoid it--most likely it has lots of carbonate and just a little bit of chelate in it so that a semi-educated consumer will think that it is a good product. It will cost less, but by using that cheap calcium supplement you are cheating your body!

Body Components and Functions

Bones, teeth, nails, blood, heart, skin, and soft tissue.

The most important of the 11 nutrients known for bone/tooth formation, blood clotting, heart rhythm, nerve tranquilization, nerve transmission, muscle growth and contractions.

Deficiency Symptoms
heart palpitations
insomnia
muscle cramps
nervousness
arm/leg numbness
tooth decay

Therapeutic Uses
arthritis
osteoporosis
heart palpitations
aging symptoms
backache
bone pain
finger tremors
foot/leg cramps
insomnia
menstrual cramps
menopause problems
nervousness
overweight
premenstrual tension
rheumatism

Natural Sources
Cheese, sardines, salmon, dark leafy vegetables, and sesame seeds.


ChromiumRDA: 50 mcg to 200 mcg
Researched Supplement Range: 50 mcg to 800 mcgAverage Daily Intake: 25 mcg

Note: Trivalent chromium is very safe. However, hexavalent industrial chromium is highly toxic and a known carcinogen, so steer clear of fumes and dust if you work in that environment.

Ongoing studies using up to 1,000 mcg per day have shown no toxic effects.

Chromium was identified in 1957 by researchers Walter Mertz and Kenneth Swartz as the active component of the "glucose tolerance factor (GTF)." Signs of chromium deficiency mirror the symptoms of Type II Adult Onset Diabetes. Read on and you will see that chromium is an extremely important nutrient, and yet it took over 30 years before chromium was listed in the 1989 edition of the RDA handbook. That RDA handbook points out that chromium is essential for normal glucose metabolism, insulin metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and muscle growth.
Recent studies found that chromium helps raise HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind that escorts bad cholesterol out of your body. The 30-year delay makes chromium a good example of why you should not regard the RDA guidelines as an up-to-date source of optimal nutrition information.

Many studies have been done on the muscle-enhancing and fat-reducing effects of chromium picolinate. In one study, patients were given chromium picolinate in one of the following three doses daily for 2 1/2 months: 0 microgram (placebo), 200 micrograms, or 400 micrograms. The fifteen patients taking the 200 mcg and 400 mcg dose lost an average of 4.2 pounds of fat. The group taking the placebo lost only 0.4 pounds. Even more impressive was the chromium group's muscle gain (1.4 versus 0.2 pounds) versus that of the placebo group. The results were most striking in elderly subjects and men. The men taking chromium picolinate lost more than 7 times the body fat as those taking the placebo (7.7 versus 1 pound) Another intriguing area of study is a series that was done on pigs at the Baton Rouge LSU Department of Animal Science. Pigs are unique because they tend to overeat and get fat, just like humans, and they have a similar insulin metabolism. However, pigs won't cheat or change their habits, they don't even know they are being studied! They just belly up to the trough and "pig out" as usual. The test group were fed chromium picolinate and compared with a separate control group. The chromium fed pigs increased their lean tissue mass by an average of 7% and reduced what they term "tenth-rib fat" by 21%. That's a much leaner healthier pig, and the lazy porker didn't even have to start an exercise program.

The average American diet is chromium deficient. Researchers estimate that two out of every three Americans are hypoglycemic, prehypoglycemic, or diabetic. It's easy to see why since 98% of chromium is destroyed when flour is refined and the flour was already chromium deficient from being grown on depleted farm soils. The average American consuming the average diet laden with sugars and refined flour doesn't stand a chance. It doesn't take long to add up the score and see why adult onset diabetes is winning and the average American is losing.
Body Components and Functions -- Arteries, and blood. Part of glucose and insulin metabolism (energy). Weight-loss aid while increasing lean body mass.

Deficiency Symptoms
arteriosclerosis
glucose intolerance in diabetics
diabetic symptoms

Therapeutic Uses
diabetes
hypoglycemia
elevated blood cholesterol
triglyceride levels
weight loss
acne

Natural Sources
Brewers yeast, whole grains, raw cane sugar, meat, shell fish, chicken, clams, and corn oil.


Cobalt

RDA: 3 mcg to 4 mcg
Researched Intake Guide: Not set to date
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Cobalt is one of the essential trace minerals that has been taken out of our soils by replacement of only NPK. Until the 1940's, most farmers returned essential minerals to the soil by mulching, manuring, and crop rotation. At the end of the Second World War, drug conglomerates making nitrates and phosphates for explosives, were frantic for new markets, and began selling NPK fertilizers at incredibly low prices that made traditional farming methods uneconomic. So therefore, the American soils have been reduced to only Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus, leaving out all the other essential trace minerals.

Human bodies need essential minerals to grow, cobalt is one that forms an essential part of vitamin B¹². It is also a necessary cofactor for making the thyroid hormone.
Body Components and Functions -- Blood. Aids in hemoglobin formation.

Deficiency Symptoms
slow growth and development

Therapeutic Uses
anemia
retardation

Natural Sources
All green leafy vegetables, clams, liver, oysters, milk, and red meat.


CopperRDA: 1.5 mg to 3.0 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 0.5 mg to 3.0 mg
Average Daily Intake: 1.2 mgNote: High dosages of copper—15 mg to 35 mg—could adversely affect zinc absorption.

Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in many functions in the human body. It helps build bones and make blood. It is also important in forming elastin and collagen, which are the connective tissues of skin, muscles, heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Copper is involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring, and taste sensitivity. It is also needed for healthy nerves and joints. Interestingly the highest tissue concentrations of copper are found in the brain.

According to Dr. Leslie Kelvay, M.D., Sc.D. from the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, copper-deficient animals have weakened hearts and blood vessels and may die from heart failure or a ruptured aorta. They also develop cartilage breakdown similar to that which takes place in osteoarthritis.

But more is not better, excess above 10 mg will often produce nausea and above 65 mg will cause vomiting (not a healthy situation). So just make sure you get a little bit every day, don't megadose.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, bones, brain, connective tissues, skin, and nerves.

Development of hair and skin color, healing processes of body, hemoglobin and red blood cell formation.

Deficiency Symptoms
Cardiovascular Disease
High LDL Cholesterol
aneurysms ruptures
artery wall damage
general weakness
low energy
brain disturbances
early aging signs
impaired immune function
anemia
baldness
slow healing sores
joint dysfunction and pain

Therapeutic Uses
heart disease
high cholesterol
artery wall damage
chronic fatigue
arthritis
osteoporosis
skin dryness/unelasticity
Alzheimer's disease
immune dysfunctionality
anemia
baldness

Natural Sources
Beef liver, organ meats, oysters and other shellfish, almonds, beans and legumes, prunes, and green leafy vegetables.


FlourideRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: Not set to date
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Fluoride is essential for both teeth and bones. Calcium by itself won't build a molecule of bone.

To use the calcium, your body has to have adequate supplies of at least 9 other minerals; and flouride is one of those minerals.

A study done in 1994 states that using calcium and fluoride helps in rebuilding bone loss and prevents new spinal fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Here is an interesting note for nutrient synergy. Have you heard that molybdenum will be added with the flouride that's in drinking water and toothpaste? We haven't heard it yet either! But since a study was published in Trace Elements and Dental Disease stating that molybdenum combined with flouride is more effective at decreasing cavity rates than just flouride alone; the implementation of a "new and improved" toothpaste is probably just a few months away.

Body Components and Functions -- Strengthens bones and reduces tooth decay.

Deficiency Symptoms
Not known

Therapeutic Uses
tooth decay
bone growth

Natural Sources
milk, carrots, garlic, seafood, and fluoridated drinking water.


GermaniumRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: Not set to date
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Germanium carries oxygen to the cells. This helps to fight pain, keep the immune system functioning properly, and rid the body of toxins and poisons.

A Japanese scientist, Kazuhiko Asai, found that individuals taking 100-300 mg of germanium improved many illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, elevated cholesterol, chronic viral infections, cancer and AIDS.

Body Components and Functions -- All cells.

A relatively new mineral. Builds immune cells, gives energy, and has rejuvenate properties. A powerful antioxidant that also relieves pain.

Deficiency Symptoms
Not known

Therapeutic Uses
anemia
arthritis

Natural Sources
Garlic, aloe, comfrey, chorella, ginseng, and water cress.


IodineRDA: 150 mcg
Researched Supplement Range: 50 mcg to 200 mcg
Average Daily Intake: 250 mcgNotes: not toxic up to 2,000 mcg daily, but may exacerbate acne.

You need dietary iodine to make your thyroid hormones. Because they control all energy in the body, you better get it right. Inadequate iodine causes the thyroid in the neck to grow massive (goiter).

Goiters affect over 200 million people throughout the world, and 96% of it is caused by iodine deficiency! In 1924 the goiter rate for people in the Michigan was an amazing 47%, that is when iodine began to be added to table salt. Now goiters are quite rare in the U.S. and other industrialized countries.

Seafood of any kind is the best food source. Even breathing sea air every day will give you sufficient iodine to prevent goiter. Iodine intakes in the general population, however, have been declining steadily since 1980, presumably because people are cutting down on salt.

Body Components and Functions -- Hair, nails, thyroid gland, brain, skin, and teeth. Energy production, metabolism (excess fat), physical and mental development.

Deficiency Symptoms
dry hair
goiter
intellectual disability
growth retardation
irritability
nervousness
obesity

Therapeutic Uses
arteriosclerosis
hair problems
goiter
hypothyroidism

Natural Sources
Kelp, seafood, fish liver oils, egg yolks, citrus fruits, and garlic.


IronRDA: 15 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 10 mg to 25 mg
Average Daily Intake: 10 mg

Notes: If more than 100 mg of iron are taken per day, your risk of infection increases, and there are multiple toxic side-effects.

Iron mainly functions in the hemoglobin in our red blood cells, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, including the muscles and the brain. Iron can be accessed in many different types of food, but only a small percent is actually absorbed into the body. About 50% of women are iron deficient, and women who are menstruating or pregnant are usually the worst.
More than thirty years ago, researchers found that low levels of iron were correlated with a condition called akathisia, which comes from the Greek word meaning "can't sit down," and is now called the "restless legs syndrome" (RLS). No further research was done until recently when the Department of Geriatric Medicine of the Royal Liverpool University in Liverpool, U.K. completed a study that confirmed that the RLS severity score improved significantly in relation to the levels of iron in the blood.

The downside of iron is that it is very likely the cause of infant abuse! How so? Here are several facts, evaluate them for yourself:
Bacteria flourish in an iron rich environment; the medical text, "Iron and Infection" presents numerous studies that document this. Athletes that over supplement with iron to get a training edge often find themselves having problems with recurrent illnesses.

Babies don't need extra iron because they are born with high levels of tissue iron; almost twice as much tissue reserve iron as an adult. This is enough tissue iron reserve for a year of normal growth.
Mother's milk has almost no iron present, and a baby's virgin bacteria-free digestive system uses only lactic acid bacteria to digest milk.
Iron in an infant digestive tract causes a flourishing of other bacteria in the digestive tract causing bloating and gas discomfort, resulting in a ver-r-r-r-r-y fussy infant, and a ver-r-r-r-y stressed out parent one who can hopefully maintain their patience.
Then there's the fact that lower income families on the government "Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program have no choice but to use iron-fortified infant formulas. Combine fussy infant stress with financial stress and you have a prime formula for infant abuse.
So if you know someone with a fussy colic infant, check the infants diet! The whole situation stems from the old medical texts incorrectly assuming that the common occurrence of pregnancy anemia means that infants must be anemic. What about the manufacturers? They are responsible for producing a product that is supposed to replace mother's milk. Don't they realize the truth? If they do they are just to greedy to give up market share by not putting "fortified with iron" on the label.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, bones, nails, skin, and teeth. Hemoglobin production, stress and disease resistance.

Deficiency Symptoms
breathing difficulties
brittle nails
iron deficiency
anemia (pale skin, fatigue)
constipation

Therapeutic Uses
alcoholism
anemia
fatigue
colitis
menstrual problems

Natural Sources
Bananas, black molasses, prunes, raisins, whole rye, walnuts, kelp, lentils, liver, kidney, heart, red meat, oysters, and raw clams.


LithiumRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: Not set to date
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Body Components and Functions -- Nerves, muscles, and brain. Helps transport sodium metabolism to brain nerves and muscles.

Deficiency Symptoms
nerves
mental disorders
Therapeutic Uses
paranoid schizophrenic

Natural Sources
Kelp, dulse, and seafood.

MagnesiumRDA: 350 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 400 mg to 1,200 mg
Average Daily Intake: 329 mg

Magnesium functions in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium is essential for the conversion of vitamin D to its biologically active form that then helps the body absorb and utilize of calcium.
The typical American diet is frequently very low in magnesium. Many surveys have indicated that over 80 percent of Americans get less than the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) of this important mineral. The highest magnesium concentration is found in the tissues that are most metabolically active including the brain, heart, liver, and kidney.

"Every 30 seconds someone will die from cardiovascular disease." Magnesium supplements can improve energy production within the heart, improve delivery of oxygen to the heart, reduce demand on the heart, inhibit the formation of blood clots, and improve heart rate. "Magnesium supplementation has been used in many of these applications for over 50 years!"
Magnesium is also effective with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. People with CFS have low red blood cell magnesium levels. A recent study in the United Kingdom conducted a double-blind experiment with CFS patients and magnesium supplements. The researchers concluded that 80% of the patients receiving magnesium reported "significantly improved energy levels, better emotional state, and less pain."

On a daily average, more than 9 million Americans are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels, the level where the risk for permanent hearing loss increases exponentially. Since magnesium is essential in regulating cellular membrane permeability and neuromuscular excitability, researchers decided to test the hypothesis that noise-induced hearing loss and magnesium are related. The researchers were right! They discovered that magnesium supplementation is highly effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

Body Components and Functions -- Arteries, bones, heart, muscles, nerves, and teeth. An important nutrient--out of the known 11 nutrients--for building bone. Acid/alkaline balance, blood sugar, metabolism (energy), and metabolism (calcium and vitamin C). Needed to balance with calcium.

Deficiency Symptoms
confusion
disorientation
easily aroused anger
nervousness
rapid pulse
tremors
tiredness/fatigue

Therapeutic Uses
alcoholism
heart attack
erratic heart beat
high cholesterol
heart conditions
depression
kidney stones
nervousness
prostrate troubles
sensitivity to noise
chronic fatigue
stomach acidity
tooth decay
overweight


ManganeseRDA: 2.0 mg to 5.0 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 2.0 mg to 5.0 mg
Average Daily Intake: 2.7 mgNotes: Low level of toxicity, except industrial manganese dust, which causes locura manganica, permanent insanity

Manganese plays an essential part of proper bone and cartilage formation, and glucose metabolism. Manganese helps build and support strong bones in your body, but many people are deficient in this mineral because as much as 75 percent of all manganese is lost in the refining of wheat to white flour.

Studies of animals have shown that the animals deficient in manganese have similar bone problems as people with osteoporosis. The bones actually appeared to be riddled with holes.

Nobody wants holes in their bones and yet many "calcium bone formulas" will not contain the cofactor manganese.

Body Components and Functions -- Forms bone and fragile ear and joint cartilage.
Brain, thyroid and mammary glands, muscles, and nerves. Is part of glucose metabolism.
Enzyme activation, reproduction and growth, sex hormone production, and tissue respiration. Needed for normal bone growth.

Deficiency Symptoms
ataxia(muscle coordination failure)
dizziness
ear noises
hearing loss
Therapeutic Uses
allergies
asthma
diabetes
fatigue
osteoporosis

Natural Sources
Nuts and grains, spinach, beets, brussel sprouts, and kelp.


MolybdenumRDA: 50 mcg to 250 mcg mg
Researched Supplement Range: 40 mcg to 500 mcg
Average Daily Intake: 109 mcg

Notes: toxicity starts at 10 mg daily, causing gout-like disease

Molybdenum functions as a component in several enzymes that are involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and sulfur metabolism. Researchers have also found a that low molybdenum levels is an associated condition accompanying cancer.

Studies in China concluded that where soil molybdenum levels are low, the rate of esophageal cancer is higher. "Presumably the anticancer effects of molybdenum stem from its role in the detoxification of cancer-causing chemicals." Molybdenum is also correlated with cavity prevention and tooth decay. It is possible that molybdenum enhances flouride, causing less tooth decay.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood. Integral part of enzymes involved in oxidation processes.

Deficiency Symptoms
Not known

Therapeutic Uses
copper poisoning
improper carbohydrate metabolism

Natural Sources
Brown rice, millet, buck wheat, legumes, leafy vegetables, and whole cereals.


PhosphorusRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: Not needed
Average Daily Intake: 1,500 mg

Notes: megadoses cause the body to lose calcium, because of its interaction with calcium metabolism

Out of the 800 grams of phosphorous in your body, about 88% is in your bones. The other 12% is used for many other important processes in the body including the metabolism of red blood cells, and the production of ATP in the energy cycle. Phosphorus is found in many foods, so most people have a sufficient intake of this mineral.

Body Components and Functions -- Bones, brain, heart, kidneys, nerves, and teeth. Cell growth and repair, energy production, heart muscle contraction, metabolism (calcium, sugar), muscle activity, vitamin utilization.

Deficiency Symptoms
appetite loss
fatigue
irregular breathing
nervous disorders
overweight
weight loss

Therapeutic Uses
arthritis
stunting growth in children
stress
tooth/gum disorders
fatigue

Natural Sources
Dairy products, whole grains, seeds and nuts, egg, fish, and poultry.


PotassiumRDA: 3,500 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 100 mg to 500 mg
Average Daily Intake: 2,500 mg

Note: Potassium supplements of up to 5 grams per day have been shown to be safe.

Individuals with kidney diseases or complications should not take supplemental potassium. Also, potassium taken on an empty stomach can cause nausea.
Potassium is an electrolyte that interacts with sodium to conduct nerve impulses and many other functions in the cells. In the past, high potassium foods used to dominate, but unfortunately through evolution, our food has become saturated with sodium. The processing of food fills it with sodium and reverses the high potassium/low sodium ratio. For example: stone-ground whole wheat flour is 120 parts potassium to 1 part sodium, whereas commercial whole wheat bread is 100 parts potassium to 570 parts sodium.

This reversal in the potassium/sodium ratio has increased the incidence of high blood pressure; but studies show that increasing dietary potassium intake will lower blood pressure. For example, a study was done on adults with mild hypertension. Some of the patients received either 2.5 grams of potassium per day, 2.5 grams of potassium plus 480 milligrams of magnesium, or a placebo for 8 weeks. The study showed that systolic blood pressure was lowered by a significant amount in the patients who received the potassium supplements.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and skin. Rapid growth, and nerve tranquilization.

Deficiency Symptoms
acne
continuous thirst
dry skin
constipation
general weakness
insomnia
muscle damage
nervousness
slow irregular heartbeat
weak reflexes

Therapeutic Uses
acne
alcoholism
allergies
burns
colic in infants
diabetes
high blood pressure
heart disease
angina
heart attack

Natural Sources
Green leafy vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, water cress, and whole grains.


SeleniumRDA: 70 mcg
Researched Supplement Range: 200 mcg to 400 mcg
Average Daily Intake: 108 mcg

Note: To maintain the proper level of selenium, only a small amount is needed.
Contrary to popular belief, more is not always better. Megadosages over the researched intake levels have caused toxic results, to the point of hair and fingernail loss. Balanced nutrient ratios and broad interactive nutrient coverage provides the best results.

Since 1949 researchers have been trying to get selenium into the RDA handbook, and it finally made it 40 years later in 1989. Selenium works as an antioxidant with vitaman E to destroy hydroperoxides, free radicals that damage cell membranes. Selenium is a antioxidant weapon that must be in any health arsenal for battling cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. In fact several of these major diseases have been proven to be associated with selenium deficiency.

The Committee on Diet and Health established by the Food and Nutrition Board extensively researched the relationship between selenium and cancer. They found that "low selenium intakes or decreased selenium concentrations in the blood stream are associated with increased risk of cancer in humans." Although low levels of selenium are linked with many forms of cancer, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract cancers are affected the most by selenium.
Selenium levels are have also been correlated with heart disease and strokes. Researchers have found that rates for heart disease are highest where selenium intakes are lowest. "In one double- blind study, 81 heart attack patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 micrograms of selenium or a placebo. After 6 months, there were 4 fatal heart attacks and 2 nonfatal heart attacks in the placebo group compared to no deaths and 1 nonfatal heart attack in the selenium group."

Among the leading causes of impaired vision and blindness in the United States, cataracts are number one. The lens depends on adequate levels and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; and adequate levels of the accessory antioxidants vitamins E and C and selenium. The reason selenium supplements are so important is because human lens glutathione peroxidase is selenium-dependent. Proper selenium levels in the human eye would significantly cut down on the number of cataract surgeries performed every year in the U.S.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, membranes, cells, organs, prostrate gland, liver, and testicles. Powerful antioxidant that protects cellular and organelle membranes from free radical damage. Helps the body handle hydrogenated and polyunsaturated (trans) fats. Slows the aging process of skin and organs.

Deficiency Symptoms
heart disease
heart attack
stroke
early aging signs
age spots
muscular dysfunction
myalgia
organ failures
immune system problems

Therapeutic Uses
slow the aging process
cardiovascular disease
heart attack
stroke
myalgia
muscular dystrophy
organ dsyfunction
cancer
Alzheimer's disease
immune system

Natural Sources
Wheat germ, kelp, garlic, seafood, and bran.


SiliconRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: 5 mg to 20 mg
Average Daily Intake: 329 mg

Notes: generally regarded as being nontoxic, but increased levels of silicon have been detected in Alzheimer's disease patients

Second to oxygen, silicon is the most abundant element on earth, but it wasn't regarded as an essential nutrient for health until 1972. All the publicity about the toxicity of silicon breast implants should not be confused with silicon as a nutrient. Silicon (the nutrient) is important for normal bone growth, and for proper integrity of the skin.
One study of 50 women with signs of aging skin, hair and nails produced very significant results. After 90 days of taking daily oral doses of 10 milliliters of colloidal silicic acid and applying colloidal silicic acid twice daily to the face, improvements were made in the thickness of skin, strength of skin, wrinkles, and health of the hair and nails.

Body Components and Functions -- Bones, hair, nails, and teeth. Helps healing process and builds immune system.

Deficiency Symptoms
aging symptoms of skin (wrinkles)
thinning/loss of hair
poor bone development
soft or brittle nails

Therapeutic Uses
hair loss
irritations in mucous membranes
skin disorders
insomnia

Natural Sources
Flaxseed, oats, nuts, seeds, apples, and beets.


SodiumRDA: 0.5 g
Researched Supplement Range: Not needed
Average Daily Intake: 5 g

Notes: never above 45 mg per day, interferes with riboflavin and phosphorus uptake
Sodium is one of the three main electrolytes in the body. Without electrolytes, the body would completely stop working. Daily consumption of salty foods provides more than enough dietary intake.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, lymph system, stomach, muscles, and nerves. Normalizes glandular secretions.

Deficiency Symptoms
excessive sweating
chronic diarrhea
nausea
respiratory failure
heat exhaustion
impaired carbohydrate digestion

Therapeutic Uses
sun stroke
heat prostration
muscular weakness
mental apathy

Natural Sources
Sea salt, kelp, shellfish, carrots, and kidney.


SulfurRDA: Not established
Researched Supplement Range: Not set to date
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Sulfur is a structural part of most proteins and thereby participates in many life-sustaining enzymatic, antibody, and tissue activities. It also is found in the anticoagulant heparin and in chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. Deficiency of sulfur results in degeneration of collagen, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Body Components and Functions -- Hair, skin, nails, and nerves. Collagen synthesis and body tissue formation.

Deficiency Symptoms
Not known

Therapeutic Uses
arthritis
eczema
dermatitis
psoriasis

Natural Sources
Radish, onions, kale, and water cress.


VanadiumRDA: 10 mcg to 60 mcg
Researched Supplement Range: 10 mcg to 100 mcg
Average Daily Intake: Unavailable

Notes: excessive amounts lead to cramping and diarrhea

According to an article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vanadium has an essential role in human nutrition. Vanadium research has shown that this nutrient improves insulin action and even mimicks the functionality of insulin.

Most research on vanadium has been done on animals, but most researchers would agree that vanadium would produce similar effect on humans. In one study on goats, researchers discovered that after a 3-year vanadium restricted diet, female goats gave birth to kids with serious birth defects. Some of the kids were born with a reversible bone deformity, some died within 3 days, some could not stand after birth, and the mothers produced significantly less milk.

Body Components and Functions -- Heart and blood vessels. Inhibits formation of cholesterol in blood vessels.

Deficiency Symptoms
high blood pressure
hardening of arteries
Therapeutic Uses
heart attack prevention
high blood pressure
arteriosclerosis
diabetes

Natural Sources
Fish.


ZincRDA: 15 mg to 19 mg
Researched Supplement Range: 15 mg to 50 mg
Average Daily Intake: 8.6 mg

Notes: toxicity of zinc is low up to 500 mg/day

Zinc is a part of every cell in the body and forms part of over 200 enzymes that have functions ranging from proper action of body hormones to cell growth. Because the body readily uses zinc for many different functions, it constantly needs to be replaced. Sufficient levels of zinc are very important for the body's immunity and strength.

Zinc plays a vital role during pregnancy, and because of that, the dosage taken during pregnancy should be increased. It has been proven that low zinc levels are associated with premature births, low birth weight, growth retardation, and preeclampsia--a serious condition of pregnancy associated with elevations in blood pressure, fluid retention, and loss of protein in the urine. A study was conducted of African-American women who had relatively low plasma zinc levels early in pregnancy. The women were given either a placebo or 25 milligrams of zinc in the form of zinc sulfate, and a daily prenatal vitamin/mineral tablet that contained folic acid, iron, and other minerals but no zinc. The results showed that the babies from the zinc-supplemented group had greater body weight and head circumferences than the placebo group. Zinc supplementation at higher dosages during pregnancy is critical for the baby's health.

Zinc also works wonders on the immune system, especially for fighting the common cold. Zinc works like vitamin C and uses its antiviral activity against several viruses that cause the common cold. A double-blind clinical trial demonstrated zinc-containing lozenges significantly reduced the average duration of common colds by 7 days. As you can see, lozenges containing zinc are miracle workers, which accounts for their increasing popularity.

Male sexual function can also be linked back to zinc. Male hormone metabolism, sperm formation, and sperm motility are all associated with levels of zinc. Several studies have proven the success of zinc supplementation in cases of infertility and sterility.

Zinc can also help fight every teenagers worst nightmare--acne. In several studies, zinc has demonstrated similar results to tetracycline in superficial acne and superior results in deeper acne. For those who want blemish-free skin, try taking extra zinc.

Body Components and Functions -- Blood, brain, heart, and prostrate gland. Burn and wound healing, carbohydrate digestion, prostrate gland function, reproductive organ growth and maturity, vitamin B1, and phosphorus and protein metabolism. Needed for bone growth. Often deficient in those with arthritis.

Deficiency Symptoms
delayed sexual maturity
fatigue
loss of taste
poor appetite
prolonged wound healing
retarded growth
sterility

Therapeutic Uses
alcoholism
alzheimers
arteriosclerosis
baldness
cirrhosis
arthritis
osteoporosis
diabetes
internal/external wound/injury healing
high cholesterol
infertility
fatigue