What’s going on inside our bodies?
A guide to metabolism and essential minerals.

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Metabolism keeps the body’s cells in a living and active state.

Metabolism – the sum total of the biochemical processes of living organisms, which result in growth, the production of energy and the maintenance of the vital functions, and in which the waste products of these processes are rendered harmless. (New Webster’s Dictionary)

Most biochemical processes and reactions in our body are controlled and catalyzed by enzymes and coenzymes that enhance or accelerate the processes. In turn, enzymes and coenzymes rely on essential nutrients (also referred to as cofactors or catalysts) to work at their optimal levels.

Enzymes function as the body’s catalysts

Enzyme - one of a large class of complex proteinaceous substances of high molecular weight formed in and produced by living matter, which are responsible for promoting biochemical reactions upon which life depends (e.g. digestion, respiration, reproduction). They accomplish this by acting like catalysts. ... Their action is often specific and reversible and may depend upon temperature, pH, and the presence of various coenzymes and activators ( metallic salts, vitamins, etc.). (Webster’s)

Coenzyme – a non-protein organic substance that can unite with a protein to form an enzyme or holoenzyme. (Webster’s)

If an enzyme lacks an essential vitamin or mineral, or is deactivated by sedentary lifestyle and/or environmental factors, the biochemical reactions may slow down – or may not commence at all. This can result in increased insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, changes in fatty acid metabolism, and alterations in other hormonal and enzymatic processes and cell physiology.

"Every disease is directly linked to a mineral deficiency.
Two thirds of our intake daily must be minerals."
  Dr. Linus Pauling, twice Nobel Prize winner

Some minerals are classed as Essential Nutrients

“Essential” because they enhance the activity of several enzymes to improve the biochemical reactions in the cell and help maintain proper energy levels and cell physiology.

It is theoretically possible for most individuals to receive all essential nutrients, in proper proportion, from good foods. Possible, but for most of us not practical. For example, numerous independent and government-mandated studies have demonstrated that most North Americans’ diets are inadequate or low in nutritional value. It is has also been demonstrated that environmental and lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on the quantity and quality of essential nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis.

Vitamins and minerals have a regulatory role – so only relatively small amounts are required by the body. A key concept in nutritional medicine is learning how to best supply these essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals) to compliment and enhance our overall metabolic process. With foods an uncertain and difficult full source to achieve and maintain optimal health, many individuals elect to supplement their diet with essential vitamins and minerals in the form of a nutritional supplement. (High-purity coral calcium is often chosen, since it contains all essential minerals in the same proportion as the human body.)

Calcium – the most abundant mineral in our bodies

Calcium supplementation has been shown to help stabilize bone density and inhibit skeletal fracture, particularly when given with Vitamin D, magnesium and important cofactors. However, to be clinical useful at the recommended preventative or therapeutic dose, supplements that contain these components must exhibit optimal absorption and bioavailability.

Commercially available calcium-magnesium-vitamin D formulations may not be equally bioavailable due to a number of factors, including the oral dosage format, form of the mineral salts, and potential food-drug interactions.

Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activation.

It helps regulate proper calcium metabolism through its actions on several hormones, including parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. It assists in the uptake of both calcium and potassium. Magnesium has been shown to exhibit optimal synergy with calcium at a ratio of 2:1 (2 calcium molecules per molecule of magnesium).

Magnesium plays an important role in prevention of muscle weakness and spasm and the formation of calcium deposits in soft tissues. Magnesium is also involved in energy production. In addition, through its regulatory role with calcium, it can help reduce vascular resistance, lower blood pressure, and lead to more efficient heart function. Evidence suggests that magnesium in the form of citrate, lactate, succinate and gluconate (i.e. chelated to Krebs cycle intermediates) is better absorbed, utilized and tolerated than inorganic or relatively insoluble mineral salts such as magnesium chloride, oxide or carbonate.

Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D is best known for its ability to stimulate absorption of calcium.

The beneficial effects of zinc are extensive

Zinc functions in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral in the body. It has a pronounced effect on wound healing, sensory functions (vision, taste and smell), sexual function (including male sex hormone), prostate function and skin health. Zinc plays an important role in collagen formation and it is known to assist in bone formation. Zinc is also necessary for proper action of many body hormones, including growth hormone.

Levels of zinc are typically reduced in patients suffering from degenerative diseases or anti-inflammatory conditions.

Deficiency in copper affects several body tissues

Copper is the metal component of the respiratory enzyme cytochrome oxidase, and is involved in metabolic and enzymatic activities as diverse as hemoglobin synthesis, bone and elastic tissue development, and normal function of CNS.

Copper-depleted persons lose the ability to utilize stored iron due to the loss of activity of the enzyme ferroxidase, which controls the conversion of iron from the ferrous to ferric form. Thus a deficiency in copper results in iron deficiency anemia.

Copper is also necessary for the proper function of the enzyme associated with the integrity of collagen. A loss in the integrity of collagen can be manifested as osteoporosis, bone/joint abnormalities, and other conditions. Other symptoms associated with a deficiency in copper include elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), decreased levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and impaired immune function.

Manganese is implicated in many enzyme systems

Blood sugar control, energy metabolism and the function of the thyroid hormone are all part of the role of manganese. It also functions with superoxide dismutase, the enzyme that prevents destruction of cellular components by specific free radicals.

The beneficial effects of chromium

Chromium’s benefits can be identified primarily through its role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Chromium activates “glucose tolerance factor” (GTF) which, with insulin, influences glucose entry into cell, and affects the metabolism of cholesterol and the triglycerides. Thus, it can be effectively used in cases of elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also can be helpful in weight loss and acne.

Vanadium occurs in a few rare minerals

Deficiency in vanadium can cause an abnormality in lipid metabolism (increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations), impaired reproduction, and epiphyseal distortion.

Selenium – growth, muscle function and integrity of the liver

In addition to influencing these key functions, Selenium is known to have beneficial effects as an antioxidant. Low levels of selenium have been linked to a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and other conditions associated with increased free-radical damage, including premature aging and cataract formation.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a cofactor of xanthine, sulphite, and aldehyde oxidase and it is also a copper antagonist. It is known to have an important role as a holoenzyme in uric acid formation and alcohol detoxification.

Iodine – thyroid hormones, cell oxidation, estrogen modulation

Iodine’s principle role is in manufacture of inactive and active thyroid hormones. Through its presence in the thyroid hormone, it controls the rate of cellular oxidation. It also seems to modulate the effect of estrogen on breast tissue, and therefore may be effective in fibrocystic breast disease.