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How TraceSmart can benefit you
Trace and essential elements are vital for your
well being. Without optimal amounts, the consequences may be chronic
disease, acute illness and, in some severe cases, death. For instance,
we all realise how important stable, optimal iron, zinc and copper
levels are for well being. But you may not be aware of more obscure
elements such as selenium, nickel, silver and even the impact
of trace amounts of gold are important to your well being.
A balanced diet should be sufficient to provide
you with the optimal amounts of these essential nutrients. However,
in today's world with compromised eating habits, environmental
stresses and nutrient depleted fresh and processed foods, a balanced
diet is not guaranteed.
Since the 1940s over 10,000 man-made chemicals have
entered our daily lives via manufactured foods, vegetables and
fruits sprayed with pesticides, detergents, and antibiotic and
hormonal residues in foods such as meats and grains. Many of these
chemicals are anti- nutrients, reducing the absorption and utilisation
of nutrients, or promoting nutrient excretion from the body.
The onslaught of man made chemicals and pollutants
is having, and will have, an enormous repercussion on your health
and the environment. Many diseases have now been linked to an
excess of harmful chemicals, as well as an excess of antinutrients,
and a lack of nutrients in food.
No matter how much care or attention you pay to
your diet and health, until now only complex, expensive and elaborate
pathology tests can determine whether your body has the correct
balance and optimal levels of essential and trace elements.
Diakyne's TraceSmart now offers a simple, comprehensive
and relatively inexpensive way to profile your health, telling
you whether you have optimal levels of elements essential for
your health.
What are trace and essential elements?
Essential elements are derived from minerals. Minerals
are classified according to their requirements in the human body.
Macrominerals are required daily by humans in amounts greater
than 100mg. Trace elements (micro minerals) are required daily
in amounts of 1-100mg. Some occur at such low levels (< 1mg daily)
they are labelled as ultra trace elements.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found
in the earth, which form the basis of soil. Some of these minerals
are important nutritionally as they are necessary for human life
- they are known as essential elements.
Essential elements are constituents of bones, teeth,
soft tissue, muscle, blood and nerve cells. They have many diverse
functions in the body -eg they are necessary for growth, muscle
response, health of the nervous system, production of hormones,
and metabolism of nutrients.
Other elements are known to cause pathological conditions
and are referred to as toxic elements or heavy metals.
We all need trace elements in the right amounts and
in the right ratios
The function of each mineral or element is optimal
when the body's concentration of that nutrient falls within a
specific range, known as the therapeutic range.
When there is insufficient concentration (deficiency)
or excessive concentration (overload or toxicity) of a nutrient,
the functionality of that nutrient can be compromised, leading
to physical disorders or symptoms of ill health.
Generally, elements are found in specific ratios
to each other. When these ratios become unbalanced, a chain reaction
leading to illness may develop.
To some extent all minerals compete for absorption.
Studies have shown that excesses of particular minerals can result
in deficiencies in others; likewise, deficiencies of some minerals
promote excesses of others. This mutual dependence means not only
are minerals required in optimal amounts but also in relative
amounts.
Trace element aberrations are directly causative
or associative with disease and ill health. Eg: anaemia, cardiac
conditions, depression, digestive problems, high blood pressure,
hormone imbalance, impaired growth, infertility, insomnia, learning
and behavioural problems, osteoporosis, tumour proliferation and
toxic/heavy metal poisoning
The following table shows the importance of some
key trace elements and your health.
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Article - "The Role of Essential Minerals in Fertility"
(Read article) November 15 2007
Article - "Magnesium in cardiovascular health: Focus on high blood pressure"
(Read article) October 17 2007
Article - "Essential Trace Elements and the Immune System"
(Read article) August 31 2007
Article - "Alzheimer's Disease and Trace Elements"
(Read article) July 16 2007
Article - "Essential Elements and mood disorders"
(Read article) June 29 2007
Article - "Pharmaceutical Induced Depletion Of Minerals And Trace Elements"
(Read article) June 04 2007
Article - "Inherent Risks In Self Prescription"
(Read article) June 04 2007
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| Elements |
Sources |
Interactions |
Mechanisms in the body |
Conditions associated with deficiency |
Conditions associated with toxicity |
Calcium (Ca) RDI:
1,000-1,300mg* |
Dairy products, egg yolk, dark green leafy vegetables
such as kale and bok choy, broccoli, fish with bones- especially
salmon and sardines, nuts, seaweeds, black strap molasses, tahini. |
Synergists: Phosphorous, Fluoride, Sodium,
Magnesium, Boron; Vitamins A, C, D, K, Adequate phosphorous, potassium,
magnesium and boron conserve urinary calcium excretion.
Antagonists: Lead, cadmium and other toxic metals displace
calcium. Calcium is used therapeutically for lead overload/toxicity.
Excess sodium and phosphorus intake promotes urinary loss of calcium.
Inadequate vitamin D leads to low calcium status. High calcium intake
interferes with absorption of other minerals - eg magnesium, iron,
zinc, manganese phosphorous and copper. |
Cofactor for Vitamin D and parathyroid gland function;
calcitonin, thyroid hormone and insulin release; formation of fibrin
for blood clotting; tooth and bone formation; maintains electrolyte
and acid/alkali balance of blood; muscle contraction; regulates
heart beat; nerve conduction; alters cell membrane permeability
to regulate passage of substances in and out of cells |
Cognitive impairment, hypertension, insomnia, irritability,
palpitations, hyperactivity,limb numbness, lower back pain, muscle
cramps/pain/spasm, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, parathyroid hyperplasia,
tooth decay/infection, rickets, sciatica, stunted growth, tetany,
parasthesia; increased risk of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, increased
risk of colon cancer, dysmenorrhea with heavy and long periods |
(Doesn't occur from ingestion of natural food sources.)
Anorexia, GIT problems, asthma, ataxia, depression, diminished memory,
muscle weakness, lethargy. Prolonged hypercalcaemia can result in
calcification of soft tissue especially kidneys (kidney stones). |
Chromium (Cr)
AI:
24-35 mcg* |
Organ meats, shellfish, whole grains, eggs,
nuts, cheese, mushrooms, prunes, legumes, asparagus, brewers yeast,
beer, molasses. |
Synergists: Works synergistically
with vanadium to help stabilise blood glucose and reduce cholesterol
synthesis; other synergists include magnesium, zinc, amino acids
and vitamins B3, B5 and B6.
Antagonists: Competes with iron binding on transferrin; phosphates
bind with chromium and reduce absorption. |
Regulates insulin function and glucose
metabolisms as a component of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF); reduces
total serum cholesterol, increases HDL and decreases LDL cholesterol;
reduces serum triglycerides and apoprotein (b); corneal clarity. |
Insulin resistance - hyperglycaemia,
hypoglycaemia, obesity; Diabetes mellitus Type II; atherosclerosis;
elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides; fatigue; heart disease,
hypertension; infertility; neuropathy; corneal opacity. |
Cr 3+ (most common Chromium in foods) is not acutely
toxic; chronic intake can result in GIT disturbance, renal and hepatic
damage. Cr6+ (air, water and cigarette pollutant) causes CNS symptoms,
gut ulceration, liver and renal damage and is carcinogenic. |
Copper (Cu)
AI:
1.1 - 1.7mg* |
Oysters, liver, kidney, meat, nuts, whole grains,
legumes. Dried fruits, shellfish, water from copper pipes. |
Synergists: iron, manganese, zinc. Calcium,
cobalt, selenium, sodium and iron favour copper absorption;
Antagonists: Excess intake of zinc, iron, Vitamin C and molybdenum
reduce copper absorption and/or utilisation- supplements of these
increase copper requirements; potassium deficiency increases demand. |
Elastin and collagen synthesis; promotes haemoglobin
and red blood cell formation; regulates iron metabolism; antioxidant;
component of SOD; wound healing; immunity; synthesis of dopamine
and catecholamine; maintains bone, cardiovascular and nervous system
integrity and function; synthesis of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). |
Anaemia, skin and hair depigmentation; bone disease,
demyelination of CNS neurons, depression, increased susceptibility
to candida and viral infections; infertility, Menkes disease, aneurism,
weak blood vessels, tachycardia. |
Depression, irritability, fatigue, nervousness, digestive
disorders, joint/muscle and bone pain; jaundice, nervousness, Wilsons
Disease (genetic), premature aging, peripheral oedema, dizziness,
general debility. |
Magnesium (Mg)
RDI:
360 - 420mg* |
Nuts, seeds, whole grains, kelp, cocoa, brewers yeast,
mineral water, molasses, soy beans, green leafy vegetable |
Synergists: Potassium, boron, calcium, Vitamins
B1, B6, C, D. Magnesium deficiency is often associated with hypocalcaemia
(similar signs and symptoms occur)
Antagonists: calcium and iron supplements interfere with
absoprtion; calcium deficiency is often associated with hypomagnesia
High intake can suppress calcium and phosphorous. |
Cellular energy production; cofactor/activator of
many enzymes; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; glutathione synthesis;
storage and release of neurotransmitters; homeostasis of calcium;
maintenance of normal heart muscle; inhibition of platelet aggregation;
muscle contraction and relaxation, vasodilatation of blood vessels;
potassium metabolism; normal nerve conduction; increases the body's
resistance to disease. |
Mild to moderate magnesium depletion is common. Fatigue,
weakness; muscle spasm /cramp; heart disturbances eg arrhythmia,
racing pulse, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension; apathy,
poor concentration and recall, confusion, irritability, insomnia,
nervousness; poor growth, GIT symptoms; diabetes; kidney stones;
PMT; dysmenorrhoea; problems from calcium metabolism; convulsions
and epileptic seizures (often with B6 deficiency). |
Chronic: dry mouth , mental changes, flushing, hypotension,
muscle weakness, kidney disease Acute: ECG changes, nausea, vomiting,
respiratory distress *rare, as rapidly excreted by kidneys, may
occur in renal insufficiency or excess intake of medications containing
magnesium: anti-hypertensives/antacids/purgatives |
Manganese(Mn)
AI:
3 - 5.5 mg/day* |
Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains,
legumes, pineapples, avocado, seaweed |
Synergists: Copper iron, zinc, glucosamine,
Vitamins: B1, C, K, biotin, choline - may be replaced by copper
or magnesium in some instances.
Antagonists: suppresses iron, phosphorous, potassium and
magnesium. Manganese therapy can reduce copper levels. Excess iron
or zinc ingestion (combined with hypochlorhydria) can disturb manganese
levels. Elevated calcium and/or phosphorous intake decreases manganese
absorption. |
Carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid metabolism;
energy production; component of SOD and other antioxidant enzymes;
bone and connective tissue formation; synthesis of RNA, neurotransmitters,
prothrombin, thyroxine, and insulin; otolith formation; pancreatic
function; influences copper and iron metabolism |
Poor bone formation, impaired growth, weak tendons
and ligaments, reduced fertility, behavioural problems, hearing
and balance problems, dermatitis, convulsions, epilepsy, atherosclerosis,
glucose intolerance, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, hypertension,
atherosclerosis, cancer, rheumatic conditions, jaundice. |
Anaemia, hypertension, insomnia, cognition and memory
problems, Parkinsons disease,dementia, schizophrenia, psychiatric
illness, tremors, cirrhosis, iron deficiency, kidney failure *Unlikely.
unless through inhalation/mining |
Molybdenum (Mo)
RDI:
43- 45 mcg/day* |
Organ meats, milk, legumes, whole grains,
buckwheat, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, meats, oysters |
Synergists: iron, fluoride, Vitamins
B1, B2, Involved in copper and iron metabolism; copper competes
and interacts with common enzymes; Increases copper excretion; high
intakes inhibits copper absorption/utilisation;
Antagonists: Tungsten antagonises molybdenum metabolism;
high copper and sulphate intake increases requirements |
Anticarcinogenic; xenobiotic drug and foreign
compound detoxification; co-factor for redox enzymes; involved in
production of uric acid and inorganic sulphate; fat metabolism |
Asthma susceptibility; defect in sulfation
detoxification pathways and increased risk of sulphite toxicity ;
gout; infertility; impotency; mental disturbances; oesophageal cancer;
dental cavities |
Chronic: Anaemia - due to copper insufficiency;
copper deficiency signs & symptoms; depression; elevated uric acid;
gout; Acute: Severe diarrhoea |
Selenium (Se)
RDI:
60- 70 mcg/day* |
organ meats, eggs, garlic, shellfish, brazil
nuts, whole grains, Brewers yeast |
Synergists: iodine, iron, zinc,
methionine, Vitamins B3, C, E, CoQ10
Antagonists: Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic reduce
tissue selenium concentration. Protective against mercury, cadmium,
silver, lead, aluminium and arsenic by forming inert complexes. |
Antioxidant - cofactor in glutathione peroxidase;
protects against free radicals and peroxides; anti-tumourigenic;
iodine metabolism and deiodination of thyroid hormone thyroxine
to T3 (active form); detoxification of chemicals and heavy metals |
Increased risk of certain cancers (bowel)
and cardiomyopathy; hypothyroidism reduced male fertility; poor
resistance to infections; depression; hostility; impaired cognition
and growth; liver damage; rheumatoid arthritis; cataracts; hypercholesterolemia |
Arthritis, birth defects, hair/nail loss, skin problems,
fatigue, GIT disorders, mottled teeth, nausea, peripheral neuropathy, impaired sulphur
metabolism, garlicky breath/body odour, metallic taste |
Zinc (Zn)
RDI:
8-14 mg/day* |
Meat, liver, eggs, oysters, nuts, seeds,
legumes, whole grains, miso, brewers yeast, mushrooms |
Synergists: magnesium, manganese,
Vitamins A, B6, D, E, cysteine
Antagonists: Zinc competes with calcium and iron for absorption.
Excessive copper intake impairs zinc absorption Copper and lead
toxicity increase requirements Zinc suppresses iron, copper, phosphorous
and cadmium |
Brain and sexual development; synthesis
of DNA, RNA, enzymes, neurotransmitters and insulin; involved in
over 80 different enzyme systems, maintains sensory and immune system
functions, antioxidant, wound and burn healing, synergism with growth
hormone and insulin, metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and alcohol,
prostate function |
Acne, alopecia, anorexia nervosa, low testosterone
and sperm count, infections, poor wound healing, dermatitis, impaired
growth, elevated blood cholesterol, hypogonadism, impotence, prostatitis,
stretch marks, menstrual problems, learning and developmental disorders,
moodiness, poor concentration and memory, depression, night blindness |
Anaemia, electrolyte imbalance, lethargy,
symptoms of copper and iron deficiency, weak immune system alcohol
tolerance, skeletal problems > 150mg /day:
 nausea and
vomiting
interferes
with copper metabolism; can cause hypocupremia, red blood cell microcytosis
and neutropenia. |
| Elements |
Sources |
Risk of overload and toxicity increased in: |
Interactions |
Mechanisms in the body |
Conditions associated with overload and toxicity |
| Aluminium (Al) |
Food additives, antacids, deodorants/ antiperspirants,
baking powder, caking and leavening agents used for cooking, processed
cheese, aluminium cans and cookware, cigarette filters, anti-diarrhoeal
meds, soft water, toothpaste, acid rain in water supply. |
Babies, low birth weight infants children, phosphate
deficiency. Blood levels are higher in older individuals. |
Aluminium alters iron, zinc and copper metabolism.
Antagonists: all minerals including calcium, iron, zinc,
silica, fluoride, magnesium, selenium and phosphorous; deficiencies
of these can lead to increased absorption of aluminium.
Uptake/concentration increased by:Calcium and zinc deficiencies;
combined with low magnesium intake may contribute to aluminium-induced
neuron disease. |
Binds to DNA, displacing magnesium; interferes with
bone integrity by reducing matrix formation; causes aluminium osteodystrophy
by interacting with calcium in bone and kidneys; interferes with
choline transport which can cause acetylcholine deficiency; accumulates
in neuronal plaques - low magnesium status, especially with zinc
deficiency, hastens aluminium accumulation in the brain; increases
free radical production and disrupts neuronal function in the brain
leading to death of neurons; immunosuppressive. |
Alzheimer's disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis),
anorexia, ataxia, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, bone factures,
dementia, memory loss, psychosis, gastroenteritis, colic, musculoskeletal
pain, anaemia (microcytic hypochromic), nephritis, Parkinson's disease,
generalised weakness, low birth weight babies (correlated with low
zinc status). |
| Arsenic (As) |
Cereals, breads, drinking water, fish,
meat, pesticides, fungicides, wood preservatives, rat poison, airborne
around smelters and waste-chemical disposal sites, contaminated
soil, tobacco smoke, paints. |
Occupational exposure: lead smelting,
wood treating, pesticide application. Arsenic trioxide and derivatives
are the principal causes of occupational and environmental poisoning. |
Antagonists: Suppresses iodine
and selenium - adequate amounts of each are needed to suppress arsenic;
Excess arsenic depletes body's stores of phosphate.
Uptake/concentration increased: Interacts with lead to diminish
cognitive function. |
Carcinogenic, inactivates sulfhydryl
groups in enzymes leading to cell death, increases bleeding time,
reduces thyroid hormone production by interfering with iodine metabolism,
depresses bone marrow, involved in methionine metabolism. Low serum
arsenic is correlated with central nervous system disorders, vascular
disease and cancer. (Therapeutically used in haemodialysis, altered
methionine metabolism and promyelocytic leukaemia). |
Dermatosis, fatigue, gastroenteritis, liver and kidney
damage, anorexia, cancer - especially lung and skin cancer, decreased
production of red and white blood cells, anaemia, blood vessel damage,
impaired nerve function, loss of pain sensation, impaired reading
and writing skills, neurological symptoms, peripheral neuropathy,
polyneuritis, vitiligo. |
| Cadmium (Cd) |
Pollution, cigarette smoke, soft water, seafood, pesticides,
phosphate fertilisers, rubber tyres, car exhaust, urban sewerage
sludge galvanised pipes. |
Multiple pregnancies, post-menopausal women, Occupational
exposure: mines, smelters, welders, working with certain pigments
and paints. |
Antagonists: Calcium, iron, selenium , zinc,
vitamin C, lipoic acid, quercetin, methionone, pectin. Eggs, garlic,
onion, high protein diet.
Uptake/concentration increased: deficiencies of copper, iron,
calcium, zinc, Vitamin D. |
Carcinogenic, displaces calcium in skeletal system
to produce osteodystrophies, replaces zinc on metallothionein proteins
(which metabolise and regulate metals), disturbs calcium and phosphorous
balance in the body, competes with zinc in enzyme systems and on
protein binding sites. |
Learning disability, mental retardation, hyperactivity,
reduced growth, osteoporosis osteomalacia, cancer, prostatic hyperplasia,
Alopecia, anaemia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, hypertension,
liver and kidney disorders, lower back pain, yellow teeth, impaired
adrenal function. |
| Lead (Pb) |
General diet: 60-90mcg/day, atmospheric pollution,
canned tuna, fish, house dust, leaded paint and plumbing, vegetation
along roadsides, bone meal, cigarette smoke . Industrial pollution
leads to widespread lead contamination. |
Children, nursing mothers, Occupational exposure:
battery plants, canners, plumbers, pottery manufacturers, smelters,
typesetters. |
Antagonists: calcium, chromium, copper, iron,
selenium, phosphorous, sulphur; Vitamins: E, B complex; fibre, cysteine,
lipoic acid, lysine, methionone, quercetin; citrus fruits, eggs,
garlic, onion, wheat germ.
Uptake/concentration increased: deficiencies of calcium,
iron, zinc and Vit D. Lead interacts with calcium in the nervous
system, which is detrimental to cognitive development. |
Inhibits sulfhydryl groups; interferes with haemoglobin
synthesis; replaces zinc on heme enzyme aminolevulinic acid, causing
the haematological damage associated with lead poisoning. Lead binds
to calcium binding proteins with greater affinity than calcium itself
does - lead deposits in bone, displacing calcium from the matrix. |
Behavioural and cognition problems, (retardation in
advanced stages), fatigue, anaemia, anorexia, mental disturbances,
ataxia, dizziness, vertigo, hypertension depression, headaches,
renal damage, peripheral neuropathy, GIT problems, musculoskeletal
pain, restlessness, tremors, premature births, spontaneous abortion.
Acute intoxication: colic, weakness, paresthesia, neuropathy/encephalopathy. |
| Mercury (Hg) |
Accumulated in large fish such as tuna, shark, swordfish
(they contain 1000x the mercury than algae they feed off), water
supply (from industrial activity) Cosmetics, talc, dental amalgams,
pesticides, fungicides, fabric softener, wood preservatives, chlorine
bleach. |
Babies, foetuses, pregnant women, Occupational exposure:
Battery makers, boilers, dentists/assistants, mirror/paint/thermometer
makers, seed handlers. |
Antagonists: selenium binds to mercury and
supports general tissue detoxification, protecting against toxicity.
Others: Vitamin C, B5,B6, glutathione, lipoic acid, pectin, sulphur
amino acids such as methionone, cysteine, lysine; asparagus, brussels
sprouts, eggs, garlic, legumes retention.
Uptake/concentration increased by: cadmium overload and zinc
deficiency. |
Mercury and methyl mercury:
inhibit enzymes
with sulfhydryl (SH) groups by binding to them and altering protein
structure.
activate
the production of free radicals and suppress antioxidant defence
systems in the body such as synthesis of glutathione.
Destroy
red blood cells, cause chromosomal damage, diminish immune system
function by changing structure of white blood cells. |
Neurological and behavioural problems: psychotic behaviour,
impaired cognitive, motor and sensory faculties, depression, insomnia,
brain damage, psychosis, dizziness. Anaemia, birth defects, loss
of libido, nausea hypertension, kidney damage/failure, metallic
taste, tremors, paralysis, anorexia and weight loss, inflamed gums
and loose teeth, increased sensations of pain, skin irritations,
allergies, asthma. |
| Nickel (Ni) |
Oatmeal, dried legumes, nuts, chocolate,
dental or orthopaedic implants, jewellery, cigarette smoke, nickel/cadmium
batteries. |
Occupational exposure: mining, production
of coins, valves, stainless steel, rubber, ceramics, batteries;
oil/coal burning power plants, garbage incinerators. |
Antagonists: calcium, iron, magnesium,
zinc and phytates reduce GIT absorption of nickel. Nickel toxicity
can lead to magnesium deficiency or excess concentration of iron
or zinc.
Uptake/concentration increased by: low intake of calcium,
iron, magnesium and zinc. |
Activates several enzyme systems, possible
role in stabilising nucleic acids (high concentrations in DNA/RNA),
antagonistic to adrenaline and noradrenaline, causes tissue oxidation,
binds to chromosome and ion channels, alters enzyme function, influence
on production/function of prolactin, aldosterone, alters lipid metabolism. |
Myocardial infarction, angina, stokes,
cancer (nasopharyngeal, lung), dermatitis, eczema, headaches, vitiligo,
GIT problems, dyspnea, fever, insomnia, blood vessel injury, vertigo,
poor immunity, poor growth rates, altered blood pressure, asthma. |
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Disclaimer: : this information is for educational
purposes only and is not meant for use a diagnostic tool. References
available on request. *RDIs (Recommended Dietary Intakes) and AIs
(Adequate Intakes) are Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and
New Zealand sourced from Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing: National Health and Medical Research Council, 2006
(http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications). Doses provided are for adults
only (14 years and over). They are average figures, and do not include
variations in requirements for individual genetic or physiological states.
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