BioCare Bio-Magnesium (645mg) BioCare Calcidophilus - Milk-free, food-form calcium with probiotic BioCare Calcium EAP2 (740mg) (100mg elemental calcium) BioCare Calcium Plus (powder) BioCare Iron Complex BioCare Iron EAP2 (100mg) (providing 15mg elemental iron) BioCare Mag 2:1 Cal (Magnesium & Calcium Succinate) BioCare Magnesium EAP2 (692mg) BioCare Magnesium Malate (250mg) BioCare Magnesium Taurate (915mg) (90mg elemental magnesium) BioCare Mineral Complex (EAP Minerals) BioCare Nutrisorb Liquid Trace Minerals - suitable for children and adults BioCare OptiZinc (Zinc methionine) 75mg BioCare Organic Selenium (100mcg) (yeast-free) BioCare Potassium Citrate (280mg) BioCare Quercetin Plus Bromelain Biocare Zinc Citrate Cellfood Concentrate and Cellfood Slimmers Formula Health Supplements - BioCare Nutrisorb Chromium Polynicotinate Higher Nature CALMA-C Higher Nature Chromium Polynicotinate Higher Nature MSM (Organic sulphur) Higher Nature Ocean Kelp Higher Nature Osteofood Bone Minerals Higher Nature True Food Calcium & Magnesium Higher Nature True Food Easy Iron Higher Nature True Food GTF Chromium Lamberts Chewable Calcium (with vitamin D) Lamberts GTF Chromium 200mcg (blood sugar control) Lamberts Iodine 150mcg (for thyroid, metabolism) Lamberts Iron 14mg (as citrate) Lamberts MagAsorb 150mg (superior absorption magnesium) Lamberts Mega Mineral Complex Lamberts Selenium 200mcg (as Seleno-L-Methionine) Lamberts Selenium 200mcg plus Vitamins A+C+E Lamberts Zinc 30mg (as Gluconate) - high potency Lamberts Zinc 50mg (as Citrate) - high potency zinc Lamberts Zincatest (use as test for zinc status, or as supplement) Nutri - Magnesium Glycinate Plus - High Strength Magnesium Formula Nutri Ultra Muscleze - Magnesium Resuscitation Nutri-West - Calac - Assimilable Calcium and Magnesium Nutri-West - Hemo-Lyph - Iron with synergistic factors Nutri-West - Magnesium Chelate - Chelated Magnesium with Raw Tissue Concentrates Nutri-West - Penta-Cal-Plus - Phosphorous-free Chelated Calcium Complex Nutri-West - Re-Cal-B - Calcium plus nutrients for Bones Nutriscene Magnesium 100mg (citrate) Nutriscene Magnesium Supreme 100mg Elemental Nutriscene Selenium 200mcg (methionine) Nutriscene Zinc 15mg (analytical-grade) PharmaGuard Potassium Magnesium Ascorbate Solgar Boron Solgar Chelated Calcium Magnesium 1:1 Tablets Solgar Chromium Picolinate 200mcg Solgar Chromium Picolinate 500mcg Solgar Flavo-Zinc Solgar Magnesium Citrate (200mg) Solgar Molybdenum (chelated)
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
Contra-indicated in kidney disease.
Can cause diarrhoea, nausea and sometimes headaches when taken in large doses.
Manganese
Molybdenum
Potassium
Selenium
Zinc
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