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Mineral – Zinc
Zinc is one of the minerals men should never be without and has such a wide application in human health that everybody should ensure that they obtain enough of this humble trace element.
It is necessary for a healthy immune system, and is also of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throats. It is further needed for cell division, and is needed by the tissue of the hair, nails and skin to be in top form. Zinc is further used in the growth and maintenance of muscles.
Children, for normal growth and sexual development also require zinc.
It also seems as if zinc helps to control the oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen – which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin.
There is a shortage of zinc in many people’s diet, since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking. A deficiency will result in an under-performing immune system, open to infections, allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, falling hair, white spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc.
Men with zinc shortage may have a problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity.
With too little in the body, the sense of smell might suffer, as well as your sense of taste.
The dosage is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Elevated intake of zinc (1- 2 gram per day) over an extended period can actually harm your immune system instead of assisting it. Intake of zinc should be kept to under 100 mg per day as larger amounts may result in nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and hallucinations.
It is best to take a zinc supplement separately from other minerals, especially iron, copper, manganese and calcium as they may interfere with zinc absorption. Some people take it at night, but some individuals may react by having an upset stomach if taken on an empty stomach. In a multi-vitamin situation, make sure that the zinc and iron is nearly in the same amounts.
Large intakes of zinc can cause nausea and diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, fever and chills, electrolyte imbalances, dizziness, abdominal pain, lethargy and a disruption of coordination.
A good combination in nutrition would be adequate levels of copper, calcium, phosphorous, selenium, vitamin A, B6 and E.
Men should always ensure enough zinc in their diets, since the health of their prostate gland is linked to zinc. Zinc is needed to manufacture testosterone and a shortage may induce a low sperm count, loss of libido and other emotional problems. Zinc may also be helpful in fighting infection and inflammation of the prostate gland in older men. It is lost on ejaculation, since sperm needs this mineral to swim towards the egg.
If a women is taking a birth control pill, or receiving hormone replacement therapy, extra zinc may be indicated, and all vegans and vegetarians should also consider their zinc intake, as well as people suffering from psoriasis and women while pregnant or lactating.
People consuming large amounts of alcohol may also be at risk of lowered zinc levels.
Meat is a better source of zinc as certain whole grains contain phytic acid, which binds to zinc, making it un-absorbable and zinc is also lost through excessive sweating.
Sucking zinc tablets may help with fighting a cold, although some people experience nausea from sucking these tablets.
Great sources are found in muscle meat, poultry, fish and seafood, while grains, nuts, eggs, seeds and brewer’s yeast also supply good quality zinc.
Source: www.anyvitamins.com
Mineral – Silicon
Silicon is not present in the body in large amounts, yet is found in virtually every type of tissue in the body.
Silicon is also called silica and is a natural substance while silicone is a man-made industrial polymer used in breast enlargement operations.
Silicon is used to keep bones, cartilage, tendons and artery walls healthy and may be beneficial in the treatment of allergies, heartburn and gum disease, as well as assisting the immune system.
It is also required by the nails, hair and skin to stay in good condition and is useful in counteracting the effects of aluminum.
Silicon levels drop as we age, and it might therefore be beneficial as an anti-aging component in our diets.
Although it can yet not be known for sure, it is thought that a deficiency may result in problems with teeth and bones as well as hardening of the arteries.
The dosage is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Unknown.
Boron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium are indicated as the best nutritional partners for this mineral.
Silicon is present in onions, wheat, oats, millet, barley, rice, beetroot, alfalfa as well as leafy green vegetables and whole grains.
Source: www.anyvitamins.com
Mineral – Selenium
Selenium used to be treated as a very toxic substance, but modern science now regards it as essential – but in small quantities. An overdose or deficiency of selenium is equally bad, and good steady amounts should be available – but in small quantities.
One of the main activities of this mineral is its anti-aging properties and its ability to help rid the body of free radicals, as well as toxic minerals such as mercury, lead and cadmium.
It is helpful in fighting infections since it stimulates increased antibody response to infections, promotes more energy in the body, and while it helps with alleviating menopausal symptoms in women, it assists the male in producing healthy sperm.
In certain cases selenium has also proven effective in helping to fight cold sores and shingles, which are both caused by the herpes virus.
Some researchers have shown that in selenium-deficient animals a harmless virus can mutate into a virulent form capable of causing damage and death – this has also been followed up with other studies, which seem to indicate that selenium helps to keep the spread and multiplying of viruses in check.
Selenium is also used against arthritis and multiple sclerosis and if provided in adequate amounts it is thought to help prevent cancer as well. Tissue elasticity and pancreatic function is also dependant on this mineral.
In a study it was shown that selenium could be useful in treating certain cancers, and is also helpful in making the blood less “sticky”, which is helpful in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
The dosage is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the case of microelements, such as trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important and 70 micrograms per day is taken as the required dosage.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
As mentioned earlier – selenium is toxic and too large quantities may result in hair loss, tooth decay, brittle nails, white spots, poor appetite, sour taste in the mouth, loss of feeling in the hands and feet, change in skin pigmentation and the breath may have a garlic smell.
Selenium should always be taken with vitamins E, A and beta-carotene, and it is preferable when taking a supplement to take selenium in the form of selenocysteine or selenomethionine, which are both organic.
People with yeast intolerance should check the source of the selenium used in the supplement, as certain manufacturers obtain selenium from yeast.
Men need more selenium than women as it is lost in the seminal fluid, and people staying in areas where the soil is poor in selenium, should also pay attention to their selenium intake.
Brazil nuts are excellent sources of selenium, but are also found in whole grains, shellfish.
Source: www.anyvitamins.com
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