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Solgar
Quality
is a keyword with Solgar. All their suppliers of nutrition products must provide
a certificate of analysis with every delivery and Solgar ensure that their own
team of chemists and microbiologists checks each batch of raw materials prior to
manufacture of health and nutrition products to ensure potency, purity and
authenticity.
Solgar
employ a rigorous system of quality control to ensure that their Gold Standard
for purity and potency is met at every stage. Solgar's VM75 is the no.1
multivitamin and mineral formula in America.
Minerals
Minerals are the inorganic elements which comprise part of the body. They
contribute from 60% to 80% of all the inorganic material in the human body. The
trace elements make up the remainder. Minerals and trace elements serve as vital
catalysts for the biological reactions that take place within the body. They are
found, for example, in bones, teeth and soft tissues. They are needed for the
production of blood, hormones and enzymes, thus serving a life sustaining
function.
The
absorption of minerals and trace elements (excluding electrolytes) is generally
less efficient than that of other nutrients. The term “bioavailability”
refers to the degree to which a particular nutrient is available for use in the
body. There are many factors which influence bioavailability including the
compound form of the mineral or trace element.
Boron
helps influence the metabolism of nutrients that help maintain bone health and
may play a role in hormone regulation.
Calcium
is the most abundant mineral in the body. Its primary function – in
cooperation with phosphorus – is to help build and maintain bones and teeth.
Calcium aids the blood-clotting process and helps control the passage of fluids
through cells. Calcium is also is related to proper functioning of the heart and
neuromuscular system.
Chromium,
when complexed as the Glucose Tolerance Factor, plays a role in the
effectiveness of insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar metabolism.
Copper
aids iron absorption, helping to form haemoglobin of red blood cells.
Copper
also helps convert amino acids into pigment, thereby adding colour to hair and
skin.
Iodine
is an essential component of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, which is the master
regulator of metabolism.
Iron
acts with protein and copper to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component
of red blood cells.
Magnesium
is involved in muscle contraction and nerve function. At least half of the
magnesium in the body is combined with calcium and phosphorus in bones. The
remainder is in soft tissues including red blood cells and muscles.
Manganese
is an important activator of enzyme systems. It is involved in protein synthesis
and fatty acid metabolism. Manganese is also necessary for normal skeletal
development and pituitary gland activity.
Molybdenum
is a trace element that serves as a cofactor in many enzyme systems. It is also
involved in the physiological roles of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Phosphorus
is the second most abundant mineral in the body and is found in every living
cell. It is involved in helping the proper function of muscles and nerves and
often works in conjunction with calcium.
Selenium
is an essential trace mineral that works synergistically with vitamin E. As a
constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, selenium helps
neutralize the effects of free radicals within body tissue.
Sodium
and potassium are involved in the process of
balancing fluid within the body. Sodium is found predominantly in fluids outside
the cells, while potassium is found inside the cells. The balance of these two
electrolytes – along with calcium and magnesium – plays a vital role in
helping to maintain cardiovascular function.
Zinc
is an essential trace mineral, important to help support the immune system. It
is also a component of insulin, body fluids, and many enzyme systems.
Important
Notice Regarding Supplementation
For
many people, nutritional supplementation can be an important and useful adjunct
to a healthy diet. However, by no means should supplementation be a substitute
for food and it should also be recognised that certain nutrients should be used
within the recommended guidelines so as to reduce the possibility of toxicity or
side effects.
This
list is only offered as a general guide and is not to be viewed as a definitive
statement on the subject of drug-nutrient interactions or toxicity.
Caution
should always be used with individuals who are taking any form of drug therapy.
Ongoing
research will no doubt turn up additional information on the relationship
between optimum nutrient intake and overdose. If in doubt consult either an
authoritative text such as Martindale, Merck Index or the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society.
The
following may serve as a useful guide to some of the more common
contra-indications.
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Iron
-
Iron
can accumulate in the system and long-term use should be monitored.
Contra-indicated in cases of Addisons Disease.
-
Inorganic
iron supplements can cause diarrhoea alternating with constipation and
stomach cramps.
-
Inorganic
iron supplements can cause dark brown to black bowel motions.
Magnesium
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Contra-indicated
in kidney disease.
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Can
cause diarrhoea, nausea and sometimes headaches when taken in large doses.
Manganese
Molybdenum
Potassium
Selenium
Zinc
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