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Multi-Mineral Support

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Multi-mineral support - Structural support - Osteoporosis - Osteoarthritis - Cramps - Injury - Tendon and soft tissue regeneration - Chelation therapy support (use in conjuction with DMSA)

Clinical Applications/Research

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body with 99% of it deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of calcium is used for numerous functions including muscle contraction, blood clotting, vitamin D metabolism and nerve transmission. Calcium has been found effective for many condtions including: osteoporosis, cramps, anxiety, insomnia, colon problems, injury, hypertension, indigestion, kidney stones, pregnancy, PMS, periodontal disease, and rickets.

Magnesium

Magnesium increases the solubility and retention of calcium. Magnesium gets depleted in conditions of inflammation, and is integral to the healing process. Magnesium is very important in preventing infection after trauma, “Recent findings regarding roles for magnesium in immunocompetence confirm and extend previous knowledge of its participation in natural and adaptive immunity” (Mag Res. 1992:5:281-93). Several magnesium (Mg) derivatives are used in treating gastrointestinal disorders. Magnesium is necessary to maintain ionic balance of calcium and sodium in the cell, and prevent the buildup of other ions intracellularly, which can increase blood pressure. Besides having a favorable effect on blood pressure, magnesium fights chronic fatigue syndrome, slows bone loss, strengthens muscles, reduces kidney stone formation, and helps in diabetes (Wright, Jonathan V. M.D. Healing with Nutrition. 1990. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. p. 205). Osteoporosis patients have decreased magnesium levels.

Potassium

Potassium (K+) regulates water balance (along with sodium), is necessary for normal growth, stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction, maintains proper alkalinity of body fluids, functions in enzyme reactions and cell metabolism, and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous wastes. Supplementation of extra potassium in the diet seems to have a favorable effect on blood pressure. Many researchers believe that it may not be the amount of sodium that influences blood pressure so much, but rather a relative lack of potassium in proportion to sodium.

Zinc

Zinc is a constituent of 25 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism. Zinc is a component of insulin, plays a part in carbohydrate digestion, protein metabolism and phosphorus metabolism, is essential for growth and development of the reproductive organs, is necessary for proper functioning of the prostate gland, is important in wound healing and burns, maintains acid-base balance, and is essential to proper immune function. Zinc also has antioxidant properties, plays an important role in taste and smell, and is beneficial in skin conditions.

Manganese

Principle uses of manganese include: trauma and injury (sprains and strains), inflammation, ligament support, osteoporosis, epilepsy and diabetes. Manganese is an important component of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), which is an enzyme that battles the damaging free radicals that cause swelling. Immediately after trauma, the body starts coding for more MnSOD to be produced (J Biol Chem. 1992;267:10625-30). Repletion of manganese after inflammatory trauma is necessary to keep up the free radical defense system.

Boron

Boron is a trace mineral essential for healthy bone and joint function. Boron decreases urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, increases estradiol levels to aid in preventing bone loss; and helps in activating vitamin D to aid in calcium absorption and utilization. Osteoarthritis patients have shown improvement when supplemented with boron (Giller, R., M.D., and Matthews, K., Natural Prescriptions, Ballantine Books, NY, 1994 p. 245). A possible mechanism is via the parathyroid gland, which contains more boron than any other tissue. Boron enhances parahormone activity, and the parathyroid gland is the primary organ controlling mineralization of bone (Burton Goldberg Group, Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. WA, 1993 p. 533).

Chromium

Chromium is a blood sugar regulator. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is thought to potentiate the action of insulin at the cellular level. Chromium supplementation has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, (Press, RI. Geller, J., and Evans, GW. The Effect of Chromium Picolinate on Serum Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein Fractions in Human Subjects. Western J Med, 152, 41-45, 1993) and obesity. It has been known to restore glucose tolerance to normal, reduce insulin requirements, and eliminate encephalopathy in doses of 150 mcg/day (JAMA 1979; 241:496-98).

Selenium

Principle uses include: liver support, heart disease, cancer risk reduction, eye disorders, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid support. Selenium, as part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme, is involved with antioxidant reactions. Additionally, however, it has reported antioxidant activity of its own, the mechanism of which is not certain (Shils & Young, Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease 1988. Lea and Farbiger. Phil. Pa. p. 263). Studies on the metabolism of phenobarbitol in rats suggest that selenium is needed for normal functioning of the hepatic (liver) microsomal P-450 system, and this function is also independent of glutathione peroxidase. Epidemiological studies suggest that many diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, are higher in areas where selenium is depleted in the soil.

Vanadium

The functions of vanadium are still being researched. It appears that vanadium is most important for its role in controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is also believed to be necessary for bone and tooth formation. Vanadium is found in small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including sunflower, safflower, corn and olive oils, as well as oats, buckwheat, rice, carrots, green beans, cabbage, parsley, pepper and dill.

Iodine

Iodine aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland and is an integral part of thyroxine (a thyroid hormone). It promotes growth and development, regulates cellular oxidation, stimulates metabolism, influences cell differentiation and protein synthesis. Iodine has also been shown to possibly modulate estrogen's effect on breast tissue, and may be beneficial in fibrocystic breast disease.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential part of three enzymes: xanthine oxidase, which aids iron mobilization from the liver, aldehyde oxidase, necessary for the oxidation of fats; and sulfite oxidase, necessary for sulfite metabolism. It is also a factor in copper metabolism.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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