Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Functions of magnesium - Health benefits of magnesium

› › › › › Functions of magnesium and its health benefits
Magnesium is an important dietary mineral with multiple health benefits. Functions of magnesium in the human body include, providing structural support along with calcium and regulating multifarious biochemical reactions.
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Apart from being critical for cellular energy production, it is a cofactor in several enzyme systems. Magnesium mediates oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

The bones contain up to 50% of the magnesium present in the body. The remaining magnesium is found in the soft tissues. A very small quantity of magnesium is present in the blood serum. Dietary inadequacy and certain physiological as well as health conditions may cause its deficiency and depletion. Magnesium deficiency or depletion may cause loss of appetite, nausea and weakness. If the depletion worsens, hypomagnesemia with adverse neuromuscular, neuropsychological and cardiovascular symptoms may set in.

Functions of magnesium

  • Magnesium is an important component of bone.
  • Providing support to skeletal structural development is one of its important functions.
  • It benefits bone turnover and bone homeostasis.
  • It is important for the function of mineral homeostasis of the body.
  • It is a cofactor in several enzyme systems.
  • It has important function in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
  • The synthesis of glutathione and its endogenous antioxidant function is magnesium dependant.
  • It has a major function in the synthesis of cellular components like DNA and RNA.
  • For proper muscle and nerve functions, magnesium is required.
  • The functions like blood pressure regulation, protein synthesis and energy production depend on the sufficiency of this mineral.
  • It supports the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes.
  • It actively regulates heart rhythm.

Health benefits of magnesium

Studies and surveys conducted in the United States reveal that a majority of Americans of all ages consume less magnesium than the recommended dietary allowance developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, United States.
    • Improving the magnesium status is of high priority to ward off many disorders connected to deficiency.

    Osteoporosis and bone health

    The function of magnesium in bone formation by influencing the osteoblasts and osteoclasts is known. Its health benefits for bone include regulation of bone homeostasis and limiting osteoporosis or osteopenia. Its supplementation benefits bone health by increasing the bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

    Migraine headaches

    Clinical trials have proven the benefit of magnesium in the control and prevention of migraine headaches. Supplementation with 600 mg/day magnesium had improved the health of migraine patients and reduced the attacks. Its function in regulating neurotransmitter release and vasoconstriction seem to help.

    Metabolic syndrome

    The simultaneous presence of obesity, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance is generally known as metabolic syndrome.
    • The metabolic syndrome is a disease of modern life style, which is on the increase, in both developed and developing countries. It has been found that low serum levels of magnesium is associated with higher incidence of metabolic syndrome. Higher dietary intake and/or supplementation of the mineral appears to have the benefit of lowering the risk of developing the syndrome.

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus

    Hypomagnesaemia is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its severity. It had been found that higher magnesium status was inversely linked to the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Further, low levels of the mineral have been found to cause rapid decline in the renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The hampered status of enzymatic functions due to low serum levels of the mineral may be one of the causes for reduced pancreatic insulin secretion, defective insulin signalling and insulin resistance. Magnesium supplementation may benefit the diabetes mellitus patients and improve their health.

    Hypertension

    Magnesium supplementation has been found to benefit hypertensive adults by lowering both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the ARIC study on 15248 hypertensive participants, aged 45–64 years, it was found that the systolic blood pressure was inversely related to the blood serum levels of the mineral.

    Cardiovascular disease

    Atherosclerosis is one of the risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Though the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is complex, magnesium deficiency in the blood serum is found to be one of the risk factors. Similarly, hypomagnesaemia has been associated with coronary artery disease and carotid plaques. Adequate intake of the mineral is believed to reduce inflammatory processes, control arrhythmia, block the free radicals, inhibit platelet aggregation and improve endothelial function. Dietary intake as well as supplementation of magnesium have many benefits for the health of the heart and vascular system.

    Health benefits in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

    Pre-eclampsia is a condition with hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy. If unchecked it can progress into eclampsia and seizures. Administration of magnesium sulphate has an important function in decreasing the risk of development of pre-eclampsia as well as eclampsia disease. Regular supplementation can benefit women predisposed to eclampsia and improve their health during pregnancy.

    Health benefits in people prone to deficiency

    Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, like chronic diarrhea, enteritis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, have magnesium depleted from their body over time. Regular supplementation can benefit and improve their health.

    Elderly people generally have lower dietary intake of the mineral. As the nutrient absorption function of the intestines decreases with age, elderly persons have decreased absorption of the mineral. Further taking medications for other old age diseases can upset their magnesium status. Regular supplementation of the mineral can benefit and improve their health.

    In persons with insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes, higher concentrations of blood glucose lead to increased urine output by the kidneys. With increased urine output and reduced function of resorption of magnesium by the kidneys, depletion of the mineral occurs over time. Such diabetics may benefit and improve their health with regular intake of supplements.

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    References:
    1.Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
    http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
    2.Helmut Geiger, Christoph Wanner. Magnesium in disease. Clin Kidney J (2012) 5 (Suppl 1): i25-i38. doi: 10.1093/ndtplus/sfr165
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    Functions of calcium - Health benefits of calcium

    May 2014   › › › › › Functions of calcium and its health benefits
    Calcium supports the structure and function of bones and teeth. Multiple health benefits of calcium include regulation of vasoconstriction and vasodilation, neuromotor transmission and several critical cell metabolic functions.
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    It is the most abundant mineral in the human body. The bones and teeth contain 99% of the calcium present in the human body. The remaining 1% is found in the blood serum, soft tissues and interstitial fluids of the tissues. One of the health benefits of the mineral is the alkalizing effect.

    Calcium presence in the blood serum is tightly regulated and the normal levels of its ionized form is 4.65 to 5.25 mg/dL (1.16 to 1.31 mmol/L). Irrespective of the quantity in diet, the levels are maintained by sourcing the mineral from the bones by demineralization. Mineral deficiency diseases like hypocalcemia occur when the concentration of free calcium ions in the blood serum falls below 4.0 mg/dL. Certain adverse health conditions may result in higher concentration of calcium ions in the blood serum and lead to diseases like hypercalcemia or milk-alkali syndrome.

    Functions of calcium

    Calcium has many functions in the human body. Apart from being the structural component of the bone tissue it has several physiological and biochemical functions. Some functions of calcium are listed below.
    functions as a primary structural component of bones and teeth.
    It functions as an universal intracellular messenger, activating or inhibiting several cellular processes.
    Its another function is in signalling cellular secretions and hormone releases.
    It is necessary for production and transmission of electrical signals within the nervous system.
    It has major function in neuronal signal reception, neuronal signal transmission and the regulation of neuronal excitability.
    It functions in bringing about cellular changes that underlie learning, cognisance, perception, creativity and memory.
    Critical for the function of endothelial cell junctions (adherens and tight junctions) of the blood–brain barrier (BBB).
    Calcium signaling pathways function as regulators of gene transcription and gene expression.
    It functions as the necessary ion in the formation of the mitotic spindle for cell division and cell proliferation.
    Required for coagulation factors to bind to phospholipid for coagulation cascade and blood clotting.
    It has mediatory function in excitation and contraction of muscle fibres.
    Regulating heartbeat is its major function.

    Health benefits of calcium

    Health benefits of calcium include protection from osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, amenorrhea, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stress fractures, weight gain and certain cancers.

    Benefits of calcium in bone health and function

    Bone mass keeps increasing in childhood and adolescence.
    • The increase in bone size and mass reaches its peak by about 30 years of age. Greater bone mass delays serious bone loss in old age. If calcium intake is low or if there is poor absorption during childhood and teenage, sufficient bone mass is not attained. Such individuals are at high risk of developing osteoporosis. They become highly vulnerable to fractures of the hip, vertebrae, pelvis, ribs and other bones. Supplementation can benefits such persons and improve their health.

    Postmenopausal women health benefits

    With the onset of menopause, the estrogen production decreases causing many physiological changes in postmenopausal women. Decrease in estrogen production leads to increased bone resorption and decreased resulting in bone loss. Women affected by low estrogen levels are at the increased risk of hypocalcemia, osteoporosis and stress fractures. Taking calcium supplements and undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may benefit and improve their health by improving the bone function.

    Amenorrhea and health benefits of calcium

    Amenorrheic women and many female athletes tend to have decreased estrogen levels.
    • The condition primarily arises due low fat and high protein diet. The decrease in estrogen production, apart from causing amenorrhea can upset the calcium balance. There is increased excretion of the mineral in the urine and decreased rate of bone formation. Diet rich in calcium or intake of supplements may benefit such women and add to their bone health.

    Cancers

    Several observational and experimental studies have established the link between higher calcium intake and prevention of colon cancer. High levels of intake even reduced the risk of adenoma, a nonmalignant tumor, which sometimes become malignant. A.Galas et al in their study "Does dietary calcium interact with dietary fiber against colorectal cancer? A case-control study in Central Europe" published in Nutrition Journal, 2013 Oct 4;12:134, concluded that the study confirmed the effect of high doses of dietary calcium against the risk of colon cancer development.

    Cardiovascular health benefits

    The benefits of the mineral in cardiovascular health is still being debated. Chronic overdoses of the mineral had been found to cause cardiovascular disease. Some studies claim that moderate levels of supplementation can prevent cardiovascular disease.

    Hypertensive patients health

    It is well established that calcium supplementation, reduces the systolic blood pressure by 2–4 mmHg in hypertensive patients. However in normotensive individuals, supplementation does not appear to have any function and does not affect systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

    Calcium benefits for weight loss?

    The benefits of the mineral in weight loss is still being debated. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials had reported lack of significant effect on weight reduction. However the following studies show that supplementation with the mineral may help in weight loss.

    Genevieve C Major et al published their study "Supplementation with calcium + vitamin D enhances the beneficial effect of weight loss on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations" in American Society for Clinical Nutrition (2007). They have concluded that regular intake of calcium and vitamin D during a weight-loss intervention in overweight women with low daily intake of the mineral, had beneficial effect on body weight loss.

    Zhu W et al of Department of Nutrition, Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences, have published their study "Calcium plus vitamin D3 supplementation facilitated fat loss in overweight and obese college students with very-low calcium consumption: a randomized controlled trial." in Nutrition Journal 2013, 12:8. They had reaffirmed the health benefits of the mineral by reporting that supplementation of the mineral plus vitamin D3 for 12 weeks facilitated body fat and visceral fat loss during energy restriction in overweight or obese very-low calcium consumers.
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    References:
    1.Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
    http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
    2.Reinwald S, Weaver CM, Kester JJ. The health benefits of calcium citrate malate: a review of the supporting science. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2008;54:219-346. doi: 10.1016/S1043-4526(07)00006-X.
    3.Bootman MD, Rietdorf K, Hardy H, Dautova Y, Corps E, Pierro C, Stapleton E, Kang E, Proudfoot D. 2012. Calcium Signalling and Regulation of Cell Function. eLS.
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    DHA and health - Benefits of DHA

    Mar 2014   › › Health benefits of DHA
    Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important omega-3 fat. Recent research studies have associated an array of health benefits with dietary intake of DHA.
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    To some extent it can be synthesized by our body from alpha-linolenic acid. Pre-formed docosahexaenoic acid is available in marine sources like fish, krill, microalgae and shellfish.

    Health benefits

    DHA is a major structural fat component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, testicles and retina. Obviously it is very important for the healthy function of these organs and tissues. The brain and the retinal tissues are highly dependent on it for membrane fluidity and signal transduction. DHA has a positive effect on disorders such as hypertension, arthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, atherosclerosis, depression, ADHD and some cancers.

    Mental health

    DHA supplementation has been found to delay the onset and also reduce the effects of mental disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression.

    Alzheimer's Disease and cognitive decline
    Docosahexaenoic acid deficiency is associated with cognitive decline. In the brain of persons affected by Alzheimer disease (AD), DHA concentration in membrane phospholipids at synapses and in retinal photoreceptors decreases.

    IN AD, the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, promotes proinflammatory responses, activates neurotoxic pathways and leads to brain cell dysfunction and death. Dietary supplements counteract Aβ production and accumulation and promote survival in stressed human brain cells. (Walter J. Lukiw et all).

    Another health benefit of DHA is in increase in the quality of life of the elderly. Apart from reducing the decline in cognitive performance, it slows the aging process. It slows the telomere shortening, a genetic sign of aging.

    Health benefits in depression
    DHA deficiency is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicide. In patients with MDD, there is deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid in the orbitofrontal cortex region.

    Health benefits in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have reduced DHA levels and the intake of docosahexaenoic acid improves the symptoms of ADHD. Insufficient sensorimotor gating is one of the causes for ADHD. Increase in the brain levels of this fatty acid helps in improving sensorimotor gating.

    Cardiovascular health benefits

    DHA supplementation has been found to improve cardiovascular health. Inflammatory processes are important contributors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerotic lesions and their rupture. The DHA benefits include reduction in the concentration of inflammatory biomarker of cardiovascular disease, C-reactive protein (CRP). Docosahexaenoic acid decreases the fasting and postprandial triglycerides. The concentration of small dense LDL particles is decreased whereas large LDL particles is increased. By altering the blood lipid, DHA lessens the inflammatory response. (Darshan S. Kelley et all). Maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides is a health benefit of dietary DHA.

    Health benefits during fetal and neonatal development

    The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially DHA, are very important for fetal and neonatal development. The development and function of the brain and the retinal tissues are highly dependent on docosahexaenoic acid for membrane fluidity and signal transduction. It may be the contributing factor in cognitive development, bone turnover and adipogenesis. Its health benefits include proper development of optimal visual acuity and neural development.

    Breast milk is found to be rich in DHA and breast-fed children show improved cognitive skills. Similarly the infants given formula feed with the supplement showed better cognitive performance. In children of mothers who often ate fish during pregnancy, there was marked increase in I.Q. for their age.

    Visual development and function
    Docosahexaenoic acid is a major structural component of brain and eye and is vital for their development and function. Docosahexaenoic acid, prevents photoreceptor apoptosis during early development.

    Tumor inhibition benefits

    DHA supplements have been found to inhibit growth of human colon carcinoma cells. According to a study by Kato T. et all, dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplements, especially docosahexaenoic acid, have significant tumor inhibiting properties. In populations who eat more fish, there is low risk of developing prostate cancer.

    Related topics on nutritional deficiency diseases:
    Polyunsaturated fat structure.
    Monounsaturated fat examples.
    Definition of trans fats.
    Examples of unsaturated fats.
    Protein energy malnutrition in children.
    Vitamin deficiency diseases.
    Two essential fatty acids.
    Nutritional deficiency diseases.
    Deficiency diseases of fats.
    DHA supplements.


    References:
    1.Carlo Agostoni et all. EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1734 [27 pp.]. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1734
    2.Sarah J. Carlson, Erica M. Fallon, Brian T. Kalish, Kathleen M. Gura, Mark Puder. The Role of the ω-3 Fatty Acid DHA in the Human Life Cycle. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr January 2013 vol. 37 no. 1 15-22.
    3.Darshan S. Kelley, David Siegel, Dawn M. Fedor, Yuriko Adkins and Bruce E. Mackey. DHA Supplementation Decreases Serum C-Reactive Protein and Other Markers of Inflammation in Hypertriglyceridemic Men.  J Nutr. 2009 March; 139(3): 495–501.

    Current topic in nutritional deficiency diseases:
    DHA - Health benefits
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    Nutrition for premature babies health

    Premature babies require special nutrition and health care, as they are born with physical handicaps due to incomplete development and complicating medical and health conditions.
    However, the advances made in health care and nutrition of premature babies have greatly reduced their mortality rate and increased the survival rate of smaller babies.

    The handicaps of premature babies

    Babies born before 37 weeks in womb or those whose birth weight is less than 2500 grams are termed premature. Babies born before 34 weeks have trouble coordinating suckling, swallowing and breathing reflexes. In premature and low birth weight (LBW) babies, their metabolic and gastrointestinal immaturity jeopardize achieving proper growth. The handicaps affecting nutrition and health of these babies include general weakness, lack of sucking and swallowing reflexes, poor digestion and absorption, greater nutrition requirements (which are deficient in mother's milk), compromised immune function and lack of coughing reflex.

    Health and nutrition requirements of premature babies

    These babies have greater health risks and require to be kept in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In NICU warmth and humidity are controlled to protect from environmental vagaries, to reduce energy expenditure, to maintain body temperature and to avoid body fluid loss. Constantly their nutrition and fluid status is monitored and regulated by parenteral and tube feeding till their bodies are mature enough for breast-feeding. In babies needing respiratory ventilation, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is resorted to.
    After required weight gain and growth, individualized feeding plan is given to be followed up at home.

    Nutrition for premature babies

    The intrauterine growth of fetus is the fastest in third trimester of pregnancy. Hence these babies, to catch up with growth, have greater requirements of nutrients when compared to full-term babies.
    Considering the danger of regurgitation and inhaling fluids, nutrition as enteral feeding may have to be delayed or deferred for sometime.
    These babies have poor digestion and absorption and moreover their antenatal storage is also poor.
    Enteral nutrition is normally initiated by 48 hours after birth, feeding 1 ml/hr or less of mother's milk or formula feed by tube feeding. Enteral nutrition at this low rate enhances the development of the gastrointestinal tract.
    The increment of the quantity of enteral feeding has to assessed considering various factors like lung development, cough reflex and weight stabilization and gain during TPN.
    The feeds should be given slowly and in small quantities to reduce distension of stomach and also protect from developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious inflammatory bowel disease of babies.
    When the babies have developed coordination between sucking, swallowing, coughing and breathing reflexes, to improve their health oral feeding can be started.
    The milk produced by the mothers of the premature babies is frozen at -200C and stored till the need arises.
    Though mother's milk is the best nutrition for the health of normal full term babies, milk of mothers of premature babies is found to be inadequate and require fortification with commercial fortifiers.
    Even the milk from full-term mother also shows insufficiency for these special needs.
    Infant formula is modeled after the mature breast milk; it is found to be unsuitable for the special  needs of the premature babies as it shows insufficiency in proteins, calcium and other minerals.
    If the mother's milk is inadequate or cannot be used for specific reasons, special formula feeds made for premature babies are to be used.
    Considering their special nutrition requirements minimum and maximum of components are arrived at.

    Energy requirement for health

    It is estimated that energy intakes in the range of 110 - 135 kcl/kg/day will be needed for the health of these babies.
    Hence it is recommended that feed giving energy intake of 120 kcl/kg/day may be fed. Further it is recommended that the minimum and maximum energy density may be 67 kcl/100 ml and 94 kcl/100 ml.

    Proteins for health and nutrition

    The recommended minimum concentration of protein in the feed formulation is 2.5 g/100 kcl and the maximum allowable concentration of protein in infant formula is 3.6 g/100 kcl.
    To arrive at the required proportions of amino acids, the amino acid concentrations of cord blood, plasma amino acid levels of rapidly growing premature babies and plasma levels of breast-fed normal babies were taken into consideration.
    There is higher rate of protein turnover in premature babies when compared to neonates of normal health.
    Babies fed above the higher limit of protein concentration do not show corresponding gains and actually show lower IQ. In instances of still higher concentrations mortality has occurred.

    Carbohydrates for babies health

    The minimum requirement of carbohydrate content in nutrition for health of premature babies is 9.6 g/100 kcl and the maximum requirement is 12.5 g/100 kcl.
    The lactose component of the carbohydrate must be at least 40% to keep good health.

    Fats for premature babies health

    The requirement of fats in nutrition for premature babies is limited to optimal fatty acid composition necessary for function of growing tissues. Further there are essential fatty acids which human body cannot synthesize.
    For good health, the minimum recommended fat nutrition in feed is 4.4 g/ 100 kcl and the maximum is 5.7 g/100 kcl.
    Among the essential fatty acids the requirement of all-cis Linoleic Acid is 8% of the total fatty acids and the maximum content should not exceed 25% of total fatty acids.
    For good health of tissues, α-Linolenic acid is required at a minimum of 1.75% and a maximum of 4% of the total fatty acids.
    Cholesterol and trans-fatty acids should not be added in the feed formulations of premature babies, as they can affect their nutrition status.

    Minerals for health

    There are special mineral requirements for the premature babies for their well being  and nutrition and these mineral components and their ratios are given below.
    Calcium: More than 99% of calcium present in the body is bound to bone. The minimum Calcium required in nutrition of these babies is 123 g/ 100kcl and the maximum is 185 mg/100 kcl. The recommended minimum calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1.7:1 and the maximum is 2:1.
    Phosphorus: The recommended minimum phosphorus in nutrition for the health of premature babies is 82 mg/ 100kcl and the maximum allowable is 109 mg/100 kcl.
    MineralsMinimumMaximum
    Sodium39 mg/ 100 kcl63 mg/100 kcl
    Potassium60 mg/100 kcl160 mg/100 kcl
    Chloride60 mg/100 kcl160 mg/100 kcl
    Iron1.7 mg/100 kcl3 mg/100 kcl
    Zinc1.1 mg/100 kcl1.5 mg/100 kcl
    Copper100 µg/100 kcal250 µg/100 kcal
    Magnesium6.8 mg/100 kcal17 mg/100 kcal
    Selenium1.8 µg/100 kcal5.0 µg/100 kcal
    Iodine6 µg/100 kcal35 µg/100 kcal
    Manganese6.3 µg/ 100 kcal25 µg/ 100 kcal

    Vitamin Requirements for health and nutrition of premature babies

    VitaminsMinimumMaximum
    vitamin A204 µg RE (700 IU)/100 kcal380 µg RE (1254 IU)/100 kcal
    vitamin D75 IU/100 kcal270 IU/100 kcl
    vitamin E2 mg α-TE/100 kcal8 mg α-TE/100 kcal
    vitamin K4 µg/100 kcal25 µg/100 kcal
    vitamin C8.3 mg/100 kcal37 mg/100 kcal
    Folic acid30 µg/100 kcal45 µg/100 kcal
    vitamin B630 µg/100 kcal250 µg/100 kcal
    Riboflavin80 µg/100 kcal620 µg/100 kcal
    • Mother's milk is the best and preferred nutrition for normal babies.
    • Fortified milk of mother is the best in cases of premature birth.
    • Normal milk formula is insufficient in nutrition for these premature babies.
    • In case of non-availability (or inability as the case of HIV mother) of mother's milk, feed with special feed formulations catering to the needs of premature babies are required.

    Related topics:
    Nutrition for health.
    Zinc health benefits.
    Current topic: Premature babies - nutrition and health.
    premature neonate in a incubator
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    Zinc in nutrition - Zinc health benefits

    Zinc is an essential micronutrient with extraordinary requirements in human nutrition with many health benefits.

    Zinc nutrition and health benefits

    Zinc metalloenzymes are an important and predominant group of cellular and intracellular enzyme systems.
    This trace mineral is an essential component is gene transcription process with many uses in regulation of cellular growth, gene expression and cellular differentiation.
    The metabolism of fatty acids, sugars and amino acids requires enzymes dependant on this micronutrient.
    Many studies have revealed that its adequate nutrition is an important factor in growth promotion (both mental and physical) in young children and teenagers.
    Its contributes to many body functions like tissue growth, maintenance and healing, cognitive function, function of senses, immune system function, function of glands and hormones production,especially hormones connected with reproductive system.
    Hence its nutrition supplements have become very potent therapeutic tools for containing, managing and treating a number of diseases and health conditions.

    Zinc health benefits in boosting immunity

    This micronutrient is necessary for the function of thymus gland and is a component of thymic hormone.
    T-lymphocytes (T cells)  undergo maturation and different T-cells are designated for different antigen protein with the help of thymic hormones.
    T-cells attacking body's own proteins are eliminated by thymus.
    It extends benefits in the proper functional performance of neutrophils and macrophages.
    Being an astringent and antiviral agent, it extends health benefits in control of cold symptoms in the form of lozenges.
    Substantial reduction in incidence and prevalence of pneumonia and malaria was observed in studies conducted in developing nations with its supplementation in nutrition.

    Zinc health benefits in healing of wounds

    Serum zinc is found to get diverted to injured and healing tissue.
    It stimulates the activities like tissue debris removal, new cell growth and connective tissue formation.
    In topical applications, its astringent and biostatic properties are useful in control and healing of minor skin ailments.
    Zinc is important for memory and cognition improvement
    It is found that adequate zinc nutrition improves brain development, especially in young children.
    In adults and children neuropsychological performance improves with supplementation with this trace mineral.

    Zinc nutrition in diarrhea control

    In acute and chronic diarrhea, the addition of zinc in the conventional oral rehydration solution (ORS) has been found to reduce the severity of illness.
    In diarrhea, loss of this micronutrient in the intestinal fluids contributes to its deficiency.
    Further in this illness the requirement of zinc is increased due responses for boosting immune and tissue repair functions.
    Supplements of this trace mineral in this state applies brakes to this vicious cycle of diarrhea.

    Zinc health benefits on senses

    It is required for inducing appetite as it is involved in the activities of taste buds and their development and growth.
    The senses of vision, taste and smell are dependent on its adequate serum levels in the body.
    It is found in many research studies that most of the people suffering anorexia or Bulimia nervosa were deficient in this trace mineral.

    Zinc health benefits in testosterone production in men

    Adequate zinc serum levels are necessary for inducing pituitary glands to release luteinizing hormone, which stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone.
    This micronutrient, being a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor, inhibits the production of aromatase. Aromatase is responsible for conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
    The higher amount of estrogen in men can lead to heart ailments, obesity and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men).
    Another dangerous aspect of increased levels of estrogen in men is in getting predisposed to prostate gland enlargement and cancer.

    Zinc health benefits in athletic performance

    In athletes there is increased dietary demand of this micronutrient due to sweat loss.
    Adequate zinc in nutrition is necessary for endurance athletes to maintain health and to ward off anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, decrease in endurance and loss of bone tissue and calcium nutrition.
    Zinc nutrition and health benefits (current topic)


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    Selenium health benefits

    Home > Health benefits of selenium

    Antioxidant activity is one of the primary health benefits of selenium.

    Numerous health benefits are being found and attributed to selenium, an essential trace mineral, including protection from cardiovascular diseases, protection from cancers (especially prostate cancer), enhancement of immunity, slowing down of progress of HIV/AIDS, promotion of thyroid activity and protection from goiter and neutralization of toxic substances.

    Selenium: antioxidant activity

    In human body selenium forms selenoproteins like Glutathione peroxidases (GPx).
    Although each GPx is a separate distinct selenoprotein, all of them are antioxidant enzymes seeking out and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
    Reactive oxygen species like lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and hydrogen peroxide derivatives (hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals and oxyl radicals) potentially have damaging effect on the cell membranes, DNA and other cell structures containing lipids.
    GPx antioxidant enzymes react with these free radicals and reduce them into harmless alcohols and water.

    Selenium protection from heart diseases

    Low serum level of trace mineral selenium is associated with cardiomyopathy (Keshan disease) and selenium supplements are found to cure this disorder.
    One of its health benefits is in making the blood 'thin' with decrease in clotting of blood in the blood vessels; thus lowering the possibility of stroke and heart attacks.
    This trace mineral contributes to cardiovascular function by increasing the HDL cholesterol and decreasing the LDL cholesterol and also by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation.

    Selenium health : protection from cancer

    There are well documented initial results of health benefits of selenium in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
    There is clear evidence associating low serum levels of this mineral with increased risk of occurrence of prostate cancer.
    Some positive results are seen in preventing cancer of cervix, colorectal region, ovaries, liver and lungs.
    Studies also have shown the health benefits like reduced cancer mortality in regions where more selenium is found in food.

    Selenium immunity boosting effects

    Its health benefits in boosting the immunity are immense and it protects the body from attacks by viruses and bacteria.
    The incidences of occurrence of herpes (shingles) and cold sores in persons with low serum levels are greatly reduced when its supplements are administered.
    By increasing the immunity, this mineral helps in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and arthritis.

    Selenium use in HIV treatment

    In person affected by HIV, deficiency of this trace mineral is observed due to malabsorption. The serum selenium levels go down as HIV progresses.
    When the supplements of this essential trace mineral are given to the HIV infected the progress of this disease slows down.
    Low levels in serum are associated with risks of progress of AIDS and mortality.
    This may be due to suppression of replication in HIV by reduction of oxidative stress in the infected host cells by this essential trace mineral.

    Benefits of selenium: role in thyroid gland function

    Human thyroid glands release large quantities of inactive form of hormone (also known as T4 or thyroxine) and very small quantities of biologically active hormone (known as T3 or triiodothyronine) into the bloodstream.
    Iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes, which are selenium dependent deactivate or activate both T3 and T4 hormones for the normal growth.
    Many health benefits in conditions like dandruff, asthma, diabetes, burns, intracranial pressure symptoms, macular degeneration, Cataracts, cystic fibrosis and Chemotherapy are observed and are attributed to this essential trace mineral.
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    Trace minerals in nutrition

    Home > Trace minerals in nutrition

    Trace minerals in nutrition, by acting synergically, help in the maintenance of dynamic equilibrium of our health by altering the physiological variables.

    What are trace minerals?

    We are aware of essential elements like calcium and sodium required in nutrition in greater quantities for our body's health and maintenance.
    But there are a number of essential elements required by our body in very minute doses for its health function, and these elements are categorized as trace minerals.
    Like macro-elements, these minerals are also equally important in nutrition for the proper functioning of our body and have various functions in osmoregulation, mineralization of bones and excretion.

    Nutrition benefits of trace minerals for health

    The presence of these elements in our nutrition is very important for the cellular function.
    They are required in minute quantities and excess of them can create health problems and toxicity.
    These elements boost our immune system and make it strong.
    Magnesium is important for the proper absorption of calcium by our body.
    Minerals like selenium are potent antioxidants getting rid off the free radicals.
    Along with calcium, boron, nickel, selenium, vanadium, manganese and zinc are required for the bone mineralization and growth.
    Many micro-elements stimulate the endocrine system and help in the proper function of our glands.
    Iodine is very important as it is required for functioning of the thyroid gland.

    Trace minerals in nutrition

    Our food, especially food from plant origin, provides us, minerals requirement for our health.
    However our present farming practices are depleting the soil of these elements and there is a great drop in their availability from soil.
    Essential element nutrition deficiencies have become widespread, especially in cereal producing soils.
    This situation in turn has lead to reduction in the minerals content of the produce.
    Use of micronutrient fertilizers, organic manure, change of crops and cropping patterns only can invigorate the soil; then only we can get back to optimum levels of  minerals from our food for our health.
    Plant food sources of marine environment are relatively unaffected by human activity and are rich sources of these elements.
    In trace minerals deficiency related health disorders, specific supplements are given to correct the deficiency.

    Trace minerals requirements for our health

    Minerals RDA/AIDeficiencyExcess
    Cobalt- B12 deficiencycobalt poisoning
    Copper900 µgcopper deficiencycopper toxicity
    Chromium- chromium deficiencychromium poisoning
    Fluoride- dental cavitiesfluoride poisoning
    Iodine150 µgiodine deficiency-
    Iron8 mganaemiairon overload disorder
    Molybdenum45 µgmolybdenum deficiency-
    Manganese2.3 mgmanganese deficiencymanganism
    Nickel- enzyme disordernickel poisoning
    Selenium55 µgselenium deficiencyselenosis
    Zinc11 mgzinc deficiency-
    Vanadium- vanadium deficiencyvanadium toxicity
    Boron2.1 mgboron deficiencyboron toxicity
    A balanced nutrition comprising lots of vegetables and fruits gives required trace minerals for our health.
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    What is malnutrition?

    › What is malnutrition?

    The provision of nutrients for the health and growth of a living organism is called nourishment or nutrition. Imbalanced, excessive or insufficient intake of nutrients is malnutrition.

    What is malnutrition and nutrition?

    All living beings, including humans rely on external inputs as nutrition for their life process, health, growth and survival.
    Major requirements for metabolism and life processes are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
    These nutrition requirements, depending upon the quantity required for human health, are also categorized as macro nutrients and micronutrients.
    Macronutrients: Macronutrients are required in greater quantities for health and life process. They include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber and water.
    Micronutrients: Micronutrients are required in smaller quantities for health and function of life processes.
    Minerals and vitamins are the micronutrient nutrition requirements for health, the lack of which leads to malnutrition.
    Though oxygen in the air is the very basis of health and life process in humans, it is not listed as nutrient due its abundant availability in nature.
    The nutrition requirements of the higher animals are mostly similar regarding macronutrients and micronutrients.
    However there are differences in the requirements of some of the essential nutrients.
    The nutrition requirements can again be categorized as essential nutrients and nonessential nutrients.
    Many organisms synthesize certain nutrient requirements in biological processes in their body in sufficient quantities.
    Hence outsourcing these nutrients from diet is not essential for that particular organism for that specific nutrient (eg.vitamin C in the case of goat).
    Essential nutrients: Essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and dietary minerals are some of the nutrients which are essential for the human nutrition, health and life process. The lack of these in food causes malnutrition.
    These essential nutrients are to obtained from diet as either they are not synthesized by the human body or cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities (eg. vitamin C).
    my food pyramid
    MyPyramid (enlarge)

    Malnutrition and health

    The imbalanced, excessive or insufficient consumption of nutrients is referred as malnutrition.
    Malnutrition due to insufficient availability: Malnutrition due to insufficiency in nutrition can be due to many reasons. Most important being poverty, high food prices, famine due to drought or blight of major food crop, chronic illness, antinutrients in the food, regional non availability, lack of breastfeeding in early infancy etc..
    starved girl
    Starvation (enlarge)
    Malnutrition due to unbalanced consumption of nutrients: Though food as such is available in sufficient quantities, it may be having excess of one or more nutrients when compared to others, affecting health.
    Inversely the food may be lacking sufficient quantities of certain nutrients. This is termed as unbalanced nutrition.
    Dependence of single source of food is a classic example of this.
    Malnutrition due to excessive consumption of nutrients: With affluence or plenty of cheap food supply, food may be consumed in excess of body's nutrition requirement. Lifestyles encouraging consumption of non-nutritious food, sugar and fat loaded foods affect health and leads to malnutrition.
    Overeating is also a type of malnutrition. This can lead to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases etc.

    What are the dangers of malnutrition?

    It is estimated that nearly 60% mortality in the world is due to hunger or hunger induced malnutrition related deficiencies and diseases.
    Malnutrition decreases the immunity and increases risk of diseases like tuberculosis.
    Deficiency in the availability of certain critical nutrients like vitamins and minerals lead to poor health and deficiency diseases like, pellagra, scurvy, beriberi, rickets, goiters, cretinism, anemia and mental impairments.
    Food habits encouraging the use of 'junk food' have increased the risks of cancer, type 2 diabetes, poor immunity and heart diseases.

    What is to be done to fight malnutrition?

    The whole world is producing more food than the nutrition requirement of the world population. Malnutrition can be overcome by food aid to under-developed countries, supply of fortified food to populations in risk nutrition and publicity and campaign efforts at all levels for promoting balanced nutrition for good health.

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    Vitamin C - ascorbic acid - health benefits - uses

    › › Health benefits and uses of ascorbic acid

    The benefits and uses of vitamin C in the maintenance of the healthy body are numerous.
    One of the very important uses and health benefits of vitamin C is its function as a potent antioxidant.

    Vitamin C health benefits and uses as antioxidant
    Our body's metabolic reactions and energy production causes free radicals to be produced.
    These free radicals, though have their requirement for our health, in excess, cause oxidative damages to our body cells and their death.
    Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant and it neutralizes the free radicals and saves our body and health from these damages.

    Health benefits and uses in the treatment and prevention of scurvy disease
    Scurvy is a debilitating and life threatening disease caused by the deficiency of ascorbic acid.
    100-120 mg of ascorbic acid is the daily requirement to ward off scurvy and improve health.
    Daily consumption of citrus fruits keeps this disease at bay.

    Vitamin C health benefits and uses in collagen production and wound healing
    Collagen is a body connective tissue and fiber found in various parts of the body.
    As connective tissue beneath the skin, it gives the skin elasticity.
    Vitamin C forms the matrix for the calcium and phosphate deposition and the formation of bone tissue.
    It is also required for connecting bones, cartilages and the tendons.
    Collagen has important role in wound healing. For the formation of collagen ascorbic acid is very essential.

    Health benefits and uses in cellular immune functions and in enhancing immunity
    Vitamin c influences the immune system and helps in its fight against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
    It is shown to stimulate production and function of white blood corpuscles (leukocytes).
    It is also found to increase the production of antibodies.
    It can also control the production of histamine and allergy.

    Vitamin C health benefits and uses during the treatment of diseases and in their prevention
    Coronary heart disease: regular dietary intake has been proved to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.

    Cardiovascular disease: as ascorbic acid is vasodilatory in function the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has been greatly reduced with the regular vitamin C intake.

    Hypertension: regular supplementation with ascorbic acid reduces hypertension.

    Stroke: it has been found that in persons with higher levels of serum vitamin C the risk of stroke is greatly reduced.

    Cancer: there is marked improvement in the health of cancer patients with higher vitamin C intake and also protection to the users from cancer of gastrointestinal system and respiratory system.

    Cataracts: The levels of vitamin C in the eye lens is found to decrease with age. Regular consumption of vitamin C reduces the risk of cataract.

    Gout: Studies have shown that higher serum levels of uric acid causes gout. With regular consumption of vitamin C the serum levels of uric acid gets reduced.

    Diabetes: regular intake of vitamin C, reduces the cardiovascular disease in the diabetes patients.

    Vitamin C benefits and uses in medication and side effects
    There is an increase in the requirement of vitamin C during the medication with antibiotics.

    Benefits and uses in hormone production and body metabolism
    Vitamin C helps in the production of hormones like thyroid.
    Vitamin C regulates the adrenal glands and the production of stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
    One of the health benefits and uses is in the metabolism of tryptophan, tyrosine and folates.

    Benefits and uses for smokers, alcoholics, obese persons and workers in toxic environment
    The body systems of alcoholics, smokers and persons living in toxic environment are always under stress. Their bodies utilizes more ascorbic acid to counter the stress.
    Regular supplementation improves the health and benefits and protects them from faster deterioration of their conditions.

    Uses in skin care, wrinkles and ageing
    Skin aging and wrinkle formation are associated with oxidative activities due to exposure to elements (especially sun) and food habits.
    It has been clinically proved that ascorbic acid slows the aging process.

    Vitamin C health benefits and uses in the absorption of essential minerals and protection from harmful elements
    For the absorption and use of iron in the human body ascorbic acid is very essential.
    To tide over the ill effects of toxins like DDT and the heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and lead higher quantities of vitamin C is required.
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    Boron

    Recent research has shown many important properties of boron useful in health care nutrition.
    It is a trace mineral unique in showing both the properties of metals and non metals.
    Boron forms many complex organic compounds useful in many biological functions.
    It is observed that born interacting with other nutrients regulates the utilization of other minerals like calcium and magnesium.
    Found in high concentration in bones, it is believed to co-ordinate the function of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and vitamin D in the upkeep of the health of the bones and in their protection from osteoporosis.
    Though in healthy persons additional intake has no extra benefit on the density of bones, in persons with osteoporosis its intake lessens the loss of calcium and magnesium in urine thereby lessening the the effect of deficiencies of estrogen or vitamin D.
    Boron is found to enhance memory and learning.
    It boosts up immune system and reduce the effects of autoimmune diseases like arthritis.
    It is found to increase the concentration of testosterone like steroid hormones.
    Though boron is available in many vegetables and fruits, the quantity available depends upon the water and soil wherein they are grown.
    Avocados, apples, dried beans, coffee and drinking water (if from a boron rich sub-soil) are good food sources of boron.
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    Sulfur

    Sulfur is one of the essential minerals for health and nutrition.
    It is one of the important components in the body proteins.
    It makes up nearly 1% of the proteins and occurs in the amino acids methionine and cysteine.
    Sulfur is also present in vitamins biotin and thiamine.
    It helps the liver in bile secretion.
    It plays an important role in metabolism by being present in some enzymes.
    It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates.
    Proteins like keratin and collagen contain cysteine.
    For healthy nails, skin, hair, bones, cartilage and tendons, cysteine is essential.
    Sulfur helps in the removal of toxic chemicals from our body.
    All protein sources are good sources of this mineral in the food.
    Leafy vegetables, red gram and green gram are good sources.
    Sulphates are used as food preservatives and additives.
    Skin creams containing sulfur are found to be useful in treating skin problems.
    Sulfur deficiency occurs when protein deficiency occurs. This may cause general health problems.
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