ESSENTIAL MINERALS 

Boron:  Essential for the manufacture of some hormones; prevents loss of minerals from the bone; increases Vit. D formation; Improves calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus retention.  Boron is involved with methionine metabolism, has a positive effect on testosterone and estradiol, and raises levels of calcitonin.

Suggested daily intake:  3 mg.

Calcium:  Bodies contain about 1200 grams or  2 lbs.  99% is in our bones and teeth and 1% is in body fluids activating enzymes involved in fat and protein digestion and energy production, involved in blood clotting and transmission of nerve impulses, regulating contraction and relaxation of muscles, and helping transport nutrients through cell membranes.  It should be in a 1 to 2 ratio with magnesium.

Suggested daily intake:  RDA 800 to 1500 mg? Probably really closer to 400 to 600 mg. (according to the World Health Organization),  if all nutrients are in balance.

Cobalt:   Vit. B12 is actually chelated cobalt, B12 is involved in production of red blood cells, is necessary for production and maintenance of myelin sheaths, activates many enzymes, is necessary to produce DNA, reduces incidence of atheroscelerosis, and is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormone.

Suggested daily intake:  10 mcg.

Copper:  Body contains between 80 and 100mg.  Copper is a component of hemoglobin, which works to absorb and carry oxygen, as well as facilitating the absorption of iron into the blood stream.  Copper is involved in protein metabolism and general healing processes.  It exists in blood chelated to albumin or amino acids, is important for: energy release within the cells, pigmentation of hair and skin, formation of myelin sheaths, synthesis of elastin, and production of collagen.  Copper activates many enzymes and helps to produce hormones.  By the way "one 5-gram tablet of aspirin can tie up three times as much copper as our entire body contains." - Dewayne Ashmead, PhD.

Suggested daily intake:  2 mg.

Chromium:  Activates enzymes involved in glucose metabolism for energy, increases effectiveness of insulin, is involved in synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, and seems to reverse atherosclerosis according to Ashmead.  Deficiency causes symptoms indistinguishable from mild diabetes mellitus, according to Dr. Len Mervyn.  Chromium may inhibit formation of aortic plaques, may also be involved in protein synthesis,  especially RNA.  Inorganic chromium is absorbable at 1% or less.  Chromium is an active ingredient in Glucose Tolerance Factor along with amino acids and niacin.

Suggested daily intake:  400 mcg.

Iodine:  Converted into iodide in the body, which aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland.  Iodine is an integral part of thyroxin, a principle hormone produced by the thyroid.  It affects the body's production of energy, promotes growth and stimulates the rate of metabolism.  Iodine is involved in:  the conversion of beta-carotene into Vit. A, the synthesis of proteins in the ribosomes, absorption of carbohydrates and synthesis of cholesterol.  According to Nutrition Almanac deficiency may lead to: "hardening of the arteries, obesity, sluggish metabolism, slowed mental reactions, dry hair, rapid pulse, heart palpitation; tremor, nervousness, restlessness, & irritability.

Suggested daily intake:  200 mcg.

Iron:  The body contains 5 grams.  Iron is present in every living cell and is almost always supposed to be combined with protein in the body.  Most of the iron in the body is in the hemoglobin molecule of the red blood cells and allows each cell to carry four times as much oxygen.  A small portion is in the muscles and the rest is found activating tissue enzymes involved in cellular respiration and production of energy.  The World Health Organization suggests that iron deficiency is the most prevalent mineral deficiency in the world.  I think that may be true because you can be deficient in healthy bio-available iron and at the same time you can be toxic from non-bio-available elemental iron.  Iron toxicity occurs when metabolism is compromised by mineral  and vitamin imbalance, liver dysfunction and supplementation with non-proteinated (or non-chelated) iron.  Iron should never be taken alone.  Iron deficiency affects: anemia, immune system function, production of glycoprotein coatings on cells which shield against viruses.  In order to produce these glycoprotein coverings, we need sufficient amounts of lysine, proteinated iron and manganese, Vit. C, glucose, and galactose.  Iron activates many enzymes involved in:  conversion of beta-carotene to Vit A, synthesis of purines, collagen synthesis, clearance of blood lipids, antibody production, and detoxification of drugs and other toxins in the liver.

Suggested daily intake: 12 mg.

Lithium:  is best known for its function in helping psychiatric disorders.  Lithium may be involved in conversion of essential fatty acids into prostaglandins, stabilizing serotonin neurotransmission, facilitating increased uptake of sodium through cell membranes, increaseing lymphocyte  proliferation and inhibiting suppressor cell activity.  Elemental lithium can be very toxic causing nausea, vomiting, tremors, thirst, thyroid swelling, confusion, skin eruptions, seizures, coma & death.  Lithium should always be taken in food complexed, proteinated form.

Suggested daily intake:  2 mg.

Magnesium:  Is known to activate over 300 or about 10% of the metabolic enzymes identified thus far.  It may be the most prevalent mineral deficiency in the modern Westernized world.  It is the second most predominant cation (positively charged ion) in cells.  Magnesium is involved in: energy production, energy(ATP) release via activating ATPase, maintaining electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes, controls many cellular functions, production and function of DNA, relaxation of muscles and stimulating production of calcitonin for rebuilding strong bones.  It helps to utilize the B complex, C and E vitamins, is associated with regulating body temperature, and regulating the acid-alkaline balance in the body.  Deficiency occurs easily and can cause just about any symptom you can imagine because it is so involved in the energy production and utilization processes.  The ratio of magnesium to calcium should be at least 2 to 1 and sometimes higher.

Suggested daily intake:  800 to 1200 mg.  if all other nutrients are in balance. 

Manganese :  Activates many enzymes and is involved in utilization of choline, biotin, thiamin, and Vit.C.  It is necessary for: the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, carbohydrate and protein; normal development of skeletal and connective tissue, proper utilization of glucose, prevention of sterility, proper function of islet cells in the pancreas, production of milk and urea, helps maintain sex hormone production, nourishing the nerves and brain, and formation of thyroxin.  Deficiency affects glucose tolerance and diabetes, development of atherosclerosis, seizures, neuromuscular disease, paralysis, convulsion blindness, dizziness, ear noises, and loss of hearing.  Since manganese is necessary for production of those important glycoprotein cell coverings, it affects one's resistance to viruses and development of cancer.  Cancer patients have an average of 50% lesser manganese levels than healthy persons and their cells do not have the same glycoprotein coating as normal cells, according to Dr. Dewayne Ashmead.  By the way interferon is also a glycoprotein dependent upon manganese, iron and the other nutrients already mentioned.

Suggested daily intake:  30 mg.

Molybdenum:  Activates human xanthine oxidase which aids in the mobilization of iron from the liver, and activates aldehyde oxidase which is necessary for the oxidation of fats, the detoxification of aldehyde into a safely disposable organic acid, and activation of sulfite oxidase and sulfo transferases which help metabolize sulfur containing amino acids.  Molybdenum contributes to the metabolism of some steroids, hormones, and neurotransmitters, and metabolizes sulfurous acid gases which cause lung diseases (and dissolve the stone faces of historic monuments, statues, and buildings).  Finally it helps handle the sulfites in beer, urine, french fries, salad bars, shrimp, etc.  Deficiency may result in cancer of the esophagus, anemia, tooth decay, and male impotence.

Suggested daily intake: 100 mcg.

Nickel:  Activates some enzymes involved in hormone, lipid, membrane, and glucose metabolism.  Nickel is found in our DNA and RNA.  It has an antidotal effect on the hypertensive action of adrenalin.  Elemental nickel is toxic especially when combined with carbon monoxide which results in nickel carbonyl which can be lethal. 

Suggested daily intake:  50 mcg.

Phosphorus:  The average body contains about 800 grams of phosphorus.  It may have more functions than any other essential mineral in the body.  Is a major constituent of bones and teeth.  Phosphorus is part of ATP and thus involved in all energy production and utilization.  Is an integral part of the structures of nucleoproteins responsible for cell division, reproduction, and the transmission of our hereditary characteristics.  All cells contain phospholipids which are the major form of lipids in cells.  Phosphorus stimulates muscle contractions and is vital for the utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for the growth, maintanence and repair of cells.  Phospholipids, such as lecithin, aid in the emulsification and transportation of fats and fatty acids, assist in the transport of other substance through the cell walls, promote the secretion of glandular hormones, and are necessary for healthy nerves and mental activity.  Phosphorus cannot be chelated but is protein complexed in another way for intestinal transport.  Excess phosphorus upsets calcium & magnesium metabolism and can cause osteoporosis.

Suggested daily intake:  RDA says 800 mg.

Potassium:  Is found primarily in intracellular fluid.  Together with sodium it helps regulate water balance in the cells.  Potassium is necessary for normal growth, stimulating nerve impulses for muscle contractions, and neutralizing acids to maintain proper pH in the body fluids.  It is involved in converting glucose to glycogen, activates many enzymes, helps synthesize muscle protein from amino acids in the blood, and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous metabolic wastes.  Excess sodium causes potassium deficiency as does insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables.  Potassium deficiency can cause angina, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, colitis, diarrhea, insomnia, slow and irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

Suggested daily intake:  2500 mg. predominately from food.

Selenium:  Its major function is that of an antioxidant in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.  Selenium increases the effectiveness of Vit. E in the promotion of normal body growth and fertility.  It also appears to preserve the elasticity of tissue.  Selenium is necessary for the production of prostaglandins (from gamma linolenic acid) that affect blood pressure and platelet aggregation.  It protects against the toxic effects of cadmium and mercury, and  also prevents chromosome breakage.  Damaged chromosomes can cause birth defects and cancer.  According to Dr. Carl Pfeiffer "in communities where selenium intake is low, the cancer rate is high."

Suggested daily intake:  200 mcg.

Silicon:  (or silica) is present in the connective tissues of the body such as tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels, in the form of collagen.  Collagen is the "glue" that holds us together and is our "soft body skeleton".  Calcium and silicon are necessary together to produce healthy bones.  Studies have shown that "wherever atherosclerotic plaque is found in human arteries, there is a considerable decrease in silicon in that artery in comparison to arteries without plaque," according to Dr. Pfeiffer.  Silicon may determine the viscosity of the synovial fluid which lubricates our joints.  It has been shown that sclerotic (hardening) areas tend to disappear while decalcified areas tend to decalcify when adequate silica is consumed.  It is well known to promote healthier hair, skin, and nails. 

Suggested  daily intake:  at least 1 gram.

Sodium:  The body contains about 100 grams.  It is found predominately in the extracellular fluids at about 60%.  About 30% is found in the bones and only 10% is found inside the cells.  It is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone, and nutrient transport, all in concert with potassium.  Natural foods tend to be low in sodium and high in potassium, processed foods are low in potassium and high in sodium.  Too much sodium creates potassium deficiency.  Sodium is necessary to create sodium bicarbonate vital to the alkalinization of the bile and pancreatic secretions.  When sodium is deficient, calcium(from the bones)will be used to buffer excess acid in the body.  In view of all of this, it must be noted that we are speaking of organic covalently bonded sodium found in living systems, not the inorganic sodium found in table salt which the body can not use efficiently.

Suggested daily intake : ?

Strontium:  Has long been known to be associated with strong teeth and bones, and is similar to calcium in chemical structure.  Some scientists suggest that improved resistance to dental decay claimed for certain high mineral waters was due more to strontium, molybdenum, and phosphorus than fluoride.  Dr. Stanley Skoryna, director of medical research at St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal, Canada, reports studies that "strontium may be protective of certain energy producing structures within the cell."  Strontium is stable and one of the least toxic of trace minerals.

Suggested daily intake :  500 mcg.

Sulfur:  Body contains 140 grams.  It activates many enzymes, especially those involved with detoxification.  It is a macro mineral that keeps skin and hair healthy and beautiful.  Sulfur is contained in the amino acids methionine, taurine, cysteine, and cystine; and is necessary for production of collagen.  It is in keratin, heparin, and insulin.  Sulfur is necessary for tissue respiration and thus involved in the productiion of energy.  Elemental sulfur will allow the tissues of the body to build taurine, cysteine and cystine.  Methionine is an essential amino acid and we must obtain it from our diet.  Sulfur is a stabilizer of membrane excitability and may help control seizures.  It can also help control factors involved in the ageing process.  Melanin pigment requires sulfur as do prevention of arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis.  Sulfur also helps to normalize good intestinal flora and create an unwelcome environment for problem yeasts or fungi.

Suggested daily intake :  850 mg.

Tin:   Was discovered to be essential in 1960.  Its specific functions are not yet known.  "Animal experiments have shown that a deficiency results in poor growth and diminished hemoglobin synthesis," according to the Nutrition Almanac.

Suggested daily intake : 0.5mg. to 1 mg.

Vanadium:  Is present in most body tissues and is necessary for proper development of bones, cartilage and teeth.  It has also been shown to be necessary for iron metabolism and red blood cell growth, and responsible for decreased reproductive rates and increased mortality of the young. 

Suggested daily intake :  500 mcg.

Zinc:   Is second to iron as the most plentiful trace mineral in the body.  The body contains 1.8 grams of zinc.  It activates more than 120 enzymes and is a component of insulin.  Zinc is necessary for the normal absorption of several vitamins and especially the B complex.  It is especially important in its activation of  alcohol dehydrogenase which detoxifies and metabolizes alcohol.  Zinc is important in carbohydrate digestion and phosphorus metabolism.  It is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acid, general growth, proper development of reproductive organs, and healing of wounds and burns.  It may also be vital to the synthesis of DNA.  Zinc also prevents stretch marks and is necessary for proper growth of hair, nails & white blood cells.

Suggested daily intake :  30 mg.