CALCIUM is a mineral which is necessary for healthy, strong bones and teeth.

• Other functions of the calcium ion include its influence in blood coagulation, neuromuscular excitability, cellular adhesiveness, transmission of nerve impulses, maintenance and function of cell membranes, and activation of enzyme reactions and hormone secretion.
• When calcium levels in the blood are abnormally low, hypocalcemia can occur. Some symptoms of hypocalcemia are tetany, increased neuromuscular irritability, seizures and cardiac cramps.
• Low levels of calcium can also lead to reduced skeletal mass.
• Calcium absorption is dependent on the amount of exposure a person has to ultraviolet light, vitamin D intake, the sex and age of the individual and the bio-availability of calcium.
• Excessive stress, limited exercise and anticonvulsant medications work against calcium.

CHROMIUM is involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleic acid metabolism.

• It functions in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as a potentiator of insulin action.
• In nucleic acid metabolism, it is postulated to be involved in maintaining the structural integrity of the nuclear strands and regulation of gene expression.
• One of the first signs of a chromium deficiency is glucose intolerance.
• Others include elevated circulating insulin, glycosuria, fasting hyperglycemia, elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides, neuropathy and encephalopathy.

IODINE is an essential part of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

• These hormones are required for normal growth and development and for maintenance of a normal metabolic state. Iodine is also needed for the prevention of goiter.
• Deficiency symptoms include endemic goiter, endemic cretinism, endemic deaf-mutism and endemic neuropsychic retardation.
• Iodine’s only function in the body is as a component of the thyroid hormones.
• There are no substances or outside events which will effect the body’s ability to absorb and utilize this nutrient.

MAGNESIUM is essential for the normal metabolism of potassium and calcium.

• It is also required for the mobilization of calcium from bone.
• When it is absorbed and retained, it is used for tissue growth, which includes bone growth, and for turnover replacement.
• Magnesium plays a key role as an essential prosthetic group in at least 300 enzymatic reactions in intermediary metabolism.
• Magnesium deficiency symptoms include Trousseau’s and Chvostek’s signs, muscle fasciculation, tremor, muscle spasm, personality changes, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
• There are no substances or outside events which will effect the body’s ability to absorb and utilize this mineral.

MANGANESE promotes enzyme activation.

• High levels of this nutrient can be found in the bones, liver and pituitary gland.
• Manganese deficiency has never been reported in free-living humans.
• An excessive iron deficiency will lead to increased manganese absorption in humans. Therefore, iron deficiency could make an individual more vulnerable to manganese toxicity.
• At the same time, manganese over-exposure might induce anemia by blocking iron absorption.

POTASSIUM is stored almost entirely within the lean tissues, where it serves as the dominant intracellular cation.

• Potassium deficiency causes urinary ammonium wasting. Decreased total body potassium can lead to hypokalemia.
• This may cause impaired glucose tolerance with impaired insulin secretion, cardiac effects, impaired protein synthesis, respiratory and vocal cord muscle weakness.
• Diuretics, fasting, alcohol, diarrhea and vomiting can decrease the absorption and utilization of this mineral.

SELENIUM preserves tissue elasticity, and works with Vitamin E. Like vitamin A, C, and E it is an anti-oxidant.

ZINC aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus and protein.

• It is a component of insulin and of male reproductive fluid.
• It is necessary for the healing processes involved with burns and wounds, and it is involved with prostate gland functions and carbohydrate digestion.
• Sterility, delayed sexual maturity, loss of taste, poor appetite, fatigue and retarded growth are all symptoms of a zinc deficiency. High intakes of calcium and alcohol, and a lack of phosphorus can diminish zinc levels.

References
1. Seal CJ, Heaton FW. Effect of dietary picolinic acid on the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous zinc in the rat. J Nutr. 1985 Aug;115(8):986-93.
2. Vincent JB. The potential value and toxicity of chromium picolinate as a nutritional supplement, weight loss agent and muscle development agent. Sports Med. 2003;33(3):213-30.
3. Torre M, Rodriguez AR, Saura-Calixto F. Effects of dietary fiber and phytic acid on mineral availability. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1991;30(1):1-22.
4. Seal CJ. Influence of dietary picolinic acid on mineral metabolism in the rat. Ann Nutr Metab. 1988;32(4):186-91.
5. Bagchi D, Stohs SJ, Downs BW, Bagchi M, Preuss HG. Cytotoxicity and oxidative mechanisms of different forms of chromium. Toxicology. 2002 Oct 30;180(1):5-22.