May 2007 issue

Trace Minerals

You can live in some areas, eat a perfectly 'balanced' diet and still develop mineral deficiencies...

Mineral insufficiency and trace elements insufficiency are more likely to occur than are vitamin insufficiency states. Because of differing geologic conditions, minerals and trace elements may be scarce in the soils of certain regions and rich in those of other regions. Thus, you can live in some areas, eat a perfectly 'balanced' diet and still develop mineral deficiencies or trace element deficiencies that can only be averted through dietary change or supplementation.

The lack of minerals in our soil is evidenced through the need for constant fertilization. Plants need nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, carbon, boron, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper manganese, and molybdenum, some of which are commonly replaced through fertilizers to provide maximum crops through minimum investment. However, humans are known to additionally need calcium, sodium, fluorine, bromine, chromium, iodine, silicon, selenium, beryllium, lithium, cobalt, vanadium and nickel, which would not necessarily be replaced through fertilization for plants

This continual cycle of soil depletion and minor replacement of minerals through fertilization in conjunction with a diet of processed foods has left many North Americans deficient in minerals and trace minerals. There has been a massive increase in manufactured, convenience foods, often referred to as ‘junk food’. These are high in saturated fats, sugars and processed carbohydrates. These foods have, over the last 30 years, become the norm and there is a generation of children who have eaten little else and regard it as an appropriate diet. Consequently, we have created a society which is overfed but malnourished of micro-nutrients. These factors have contributed to the rise in certain diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Dr. Linus Pauling the two-time Nobel Prize winner states that: "You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

Zinc

Zinc is present in every organ, tissue and fluid in the body, but mainly in muscles and bones, and is required by about 300 different enzymes to do their work.  Zinc is essential for normal human growth, development and reproduction.  Because the body does not make zinc naturally, we must get what we need of the mineral from the food we eat or from supplements.

Zinc plays an important role in the body’s immune system, is necessary element for healthy eyes, because some of the enzymes in the retina that are needed for proper vision require zinc.  Zinc also helps regulate the appetite, and some studies suggest that people with anorexia or bulimia may be especially deficient in this important nutrient.  Zinc is critical to a healthy male sex hormone and prostate function.  A zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor in the high rate of prostate enlargement and male infertility (decreased sperm count).  Zinc deficiency may also be common in people with diabetes, Chrohn’s disease, smokers, and people who overindulge in alcohol.  Although recent studies have shown that zinc can have a beneficial effect on the body’s immune system, the exact way in which it does this is unknown. 

Although only a small amount of zinc is required from food in order to maintain a healthy level of this important mineral, most people do not get enough zinc.  In fact, many people have a mild form of zinc deficiency, and as a result, supplementation with this mineral may be a good idea.

Some signs of zinc deficiency include loss of taste and disturbances in the sense of smell, poor wound healing, diminished immune function, night blindness, problems with skin (acne), hair or nails, poor sensitivity to light and joint problems.

Zinc supplements should be taken with water or juice.  If this causes upset stomach, then take zinc supplements with meals.  Zinc should not be taken at the same time you take calcium, copper, iron, or soy, since zinc may interfere with the absorption of these nutrients.  In addition, zinc should not be taken with caffeinated beverages. Dosage should never exceed 45mg for adults.

Selenium

Selenium is one of the most important trace minerals.  This trace mineral plays a direct role in helping the body protect itself from cell and tissue damaging free radical molecules.  The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring a large study to determine selenium’s role in cancer prevention.  Low levels of selenium are linked to higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions associated with increased free-radical damage including premature aging and cataract formation.  While some studies indicated that selenium might be useful to benefit mood and quality of life in elderly people, recent studies have not been able to confirm this.  Research shows that a deficiency of selenium may lead to cervical dysplasia.

Food source of selenium in food is directly related to the level of selenium in the soil.  Cooking foods and processing of foods robs them of selenium.

Adequate levels of selenium are thought to help fight breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer, prevent hardening of the arteries, strokes and heart attacks, relieve arthritis, acne, and dermatitis when used in conjunction with vitamin E, and help thyroid hormones mobilize.

Recommended dosage for supplementing selenium is 100mcg to 200mcg per day.  Selenium should be avoided by pregnant women or women trying to conceive.

Manganese

Research indicates that inadequate dietary manganese may play a significant role in the development of osteoporosis.  Manganese is required for bone mineralization and for the creation of connective tissue in both joint cartilage and bone.  Manganese functions in many enzyme systems, including enzymes involved in blood sugar control, energy metabolism and thyroid hormone function.  It is also thought to increase antioxidant activity.  Low blood manganese levels are also linked to epilepsy and those with the lowest levels typically have the highest seizure activity.

Manganese plays a significant role in cerebral function because it is a critical metal for glucose utilization.  This mineral also supports the immune system because of its antioxidant properties.  Manganese also stimulates the enzymes that help nutrients such as vitamin B1, vitamin C, and biotin perform their functions.  As a benefit of all this stimulation, manganese may increase our overall energy level.  Women using birth control pills may especially want to consider manganese supplementation, since oral contraceptives prevent the body from utilizing the mineral.

Recommended dosage for supplementation is 15 to 30mg.  Antacids may inhibit the absorption of manganese.

Chromium

Chromium supplementation is useful in a number of health conditions, primarily because of its effects on blood sugar control mechanisms.  It works closely with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.  Without chromium, insulin’s action is blocked and blood sugar levels are elevated.  Chromium has gained a great deal of attention as a weight-loss aid. A recent study suggests that chromium may help reduce carbohydrate cravings in people who are depressed.  It is also useful for women with PMS who experience food cravings, typically for chocolate and certain carbohydrates, such as pizza.

Some estimates indicate that as many as 90% of North Americans get less than the recommended amount of chromium in dietary sources, and chromium deficiency is known to affect the elderly, people with poor diets or a high intake of sugar in their diets, people who exercise a great deal and those who are chronically under stress.  People with a high sugar intake may have a deficiency in chromium because sugar increases the amount of chromium in the bloodstream and subsequently, increases its excretion in the urine.

Chromium has also been shown to improve cholesterol levels, particularly in people with high cholesterol. 

Recommended dosage for supplementation is 100 to 400 mcg per day.  If you are a diabetic, make sure to speak with your doctor about chromium as it may affect your diabetic medication requirements.

Top

The Hormone Guide

Women will understand this and the men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

Cartoon of the month

Contact Us

Alternative Hormone Solutions

WEST VANCOUVER CLINIC

Suite #9 -636 Clyde Ave, West Vancouver, B.C.

Phone: 604-922-3997   Fax: 604-926-3727

E-mail: info@alternativehormonesolutions.ca

We’re on the Web...  www.alternativehormonesolutions.ca