Trace

elements(Microminerals)
Microminerals are micronutrients that are chemical
elements.
They include boron, chromium, cobalt, copper,
fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum,
selenium, silicon, tin, vanadium, and zinc.
They are dietary minerals needed by the human body
in very small quantities (generally less than 100mg per
day) as opposed to macro minerals which are
required in larger quantities. Trace elements are
required by man in amounts ranging from 50
micrograms to 18 milligrams per day
 Chromium
Chromium is an essential nutrient required for
normal sugar and fat metabolism and works
primarily by potentiating the action of insulin.
It is present in the entire body but with the
highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys,
spleen and bone.
Chromium is needed for energy, maintains
stable blood sugar levels. In cooperation with
other substances, it controls insulin as well as
certain enzymes. It works with GTF (Glucose
Tolerance Factor) when this hormone-affiliated
agent enters the bloodstream because of an
increase of insulin in the bloodstream.
 CHROMIUM
GTF (containing niacin, vitamin B3, glycine,
cysteine, glutamic acid etc.) enhances insulin,
which results in the sugars passing quicker
into the cells and in that way they are removed
from the bloodstream thus stabilizing the blood
sugar levels
It also assists in regulating the cholesterol in
the blood.
 Chromium
Natural chromium levels decline with age and
so with the action of the GTF.
Although chromium picolinate is readily
absorbed by the body, and is one of the best
types of chromium when it comes to
absorption, it will only be absorbed it if there is
a shortage of chromium.
Deficiency of chromium may lead to anxiety,
fatigue, glucose intolerance (particularly in
people with diabetes), inadequate metabolism
of amino acids, and an increased risk of
arteriosclerosis.
 Cobalt

Cobalt is part of the vitamin B 12 molecule.

Cobalt is required in hematopoiesis
Deficiency of cobalt:If a normal diet is followed
a deficiency is most unlikely.
 Copper
Copper and zinc absorption is closely related,
and although copper is also needed in relatively
small amounts, some discussions are under
way on the optimum need of this mineral.
If large amounts of copper are present, then
zinc and vitamin C is reduced in the body, and
vice versa.
 Copper
Copper is required in the formation of
hemoglobin, red blood cells as well as bones,
while it helps with the formation of elastin as
well as collagen - making it necessary for
wound healing.
A lack of copper may also lead to
hyperlipidemia. It is also necessary for the
synthesis neurotransmitter noradrenaline as
well as for the pigmentation of hair
 Deficiency of copper
.It can be stored in the body, and daily
presence in the diet is therefore not necessary.
Copper deficiencies have been reported in
people with HIV, and it is further reduced with
AZT treatment.
If copper is deficient in the body, iron is also
normally in short supply, leading to anemia as
well as the likelihood for infections,
osteoporosis, thinning of bones, thyroid gland
dysfunction, heart diseases as well as nervous
system malfunction
 Fluorine
Fluorine is a constituent of bones and teeth.
It is beneficial in most cases in preventing
dental caries.
 Iodine
The iodine in our food is dependant on the iodine
found in the ground where the food is grown.
Iodine is used in the production of hormones (such as
thyroxine, thyroxin) by the thyroid gland, which in turn
regulates the conversion of fat to energy, stabilizing
our body weight as well as controlling blood
cholesterol levels.
T3 and T4 hormones produced from the iodine are
also needed in bone metabolism, as well as in the
other connective tissues.(skin, nails, hair and teeth)on.
Some indication also exists that iodine is helpful in
preventing cancer of the breast and uterus
 Iodine deficiency

Iodine is not stored in the body, but various

items in our diet do supply iodine, so a
shortage does not happen overnight.
When iodine is deficient the thyroid gland
enlarges (goiter) to maximize the amount of
iodine to be extracted from the blood.
Hypotyroidism leads to decreased BMR
constipation,obesity,weakness,mental slowness
as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms
 Iron
Iron is an essential element carrying oxygen, forming
part of the oxygen-carrying proteins - hemoglobin in
red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles.
It is also a component of various enzymes and is
concentrated in bone marrow, liver, and spleen
cytochromes and sulphur-iron clusters in the electron
transport chain
Deficiency of iron:Severe iron deficiency results in
iron deficiency anemia(microcytic hypochromic
anemia)
Anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of having a
premature baby or a baby with low birth weight
 Manganese
It enables the body to utilize vitamin C, B1, biotin as
well as choline.
It is used in the synthesis of lipids, sex hormones and
breast milk..
It is thought to also help neutralize free radicals as well
as being of assistance in preventing diabetes and
needed for normal nerve function.
Manganese is also indicated in stimulating growth of
the connective tissue and it is important in CNS
functioning.
Deficiency is rare but would include poor bone growth,
problems with the disks between the vertebrae, birth
defects, and problems with blood glucose levels and
reduced fertility. Serious deficiency in children can
result in paralysis, deafness and blindness.
 Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a component of three different
enzymes, which is involved in the metabolism
of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
iron as well as conversion food into energy.
These three enzymes are sulfite oxidase,
xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase.
Sulfite toxins in the body.Thus,this
micronutrient has antioxidant properties. It
assists the elimination of nitrosamines which
are potential carcinogens.It is needed for
normal cell function and nitrogen metabolism.
 Molybdenum deficiencies
In males has been linked to impotence.
Molybdenum is part of sulfite oxidase, an
enzyme that breaks down sulfites. Sulfites are
found in protein food as well as chemical
preservatives in certain foods and drugs.
A failure to break down these sulfites leads to
toxic build-up and may lead to allergic reaction.
These allergic reactions can be respiratory
problems such as asthma and others.
Molybdenum is also part of xanthine oxidase
and aldehyde oxidase.Xanthine oxidase is
involved in the breakdown of purines.
 Molybdenum deficiencies
The deficiency of this element and the
metabolic disorders are accompanied by
abnormal excretion of sulfur metabolites, low
uric acid concentrations, and elevated
hypoxanthine and xanthine excretion.
The absences of sulfite oxidase in metabolic
disorder can lead to death at an early age.
High rates of esophageal cancer have been
reported in regions where the soil levels of
molybdenum are low.
 Selenium
Is found in selenoproteins.
One of its main activities is its anti-aging
properties because of its ability to help rid the
body of free radicals, as well as toxic minerals
such as mercury, lead and cadmium.
It participates in the body immune system. It is
helpful in fighting infections since it stimulates
increased antibody response to infections,
promotes more energy in the body.
It helps with alleviating menopausal symptoms
in women, and it has been shown to facilitate
spermatogenesis.
 Deficiency of selenium

In selenium-deficient animals a harmless virus

can mutate into a virulent form capable of
causing cellular damage and death
Selenium helps to keep the spread and
multiplying of viruses.
Selenium is depleted in both the tissues and
the blood of people with AIDS, suggesting a
deficiency of long standing.
 Deficiency of selenium
Eighteen percent of the men in one HIV study,
all asymptomatic, were found to be selenium
deficient. Levels go down as the disease
progresses. Selenium levels correlate with
albumin levels, with lean body mass, and
with total lymphocyte count-all markers
of immune function
Selenium is also used against arthritis and
multiple sclerosis.
Tissue elasticity and pancreatic function is also
dependant on this mineral.
 Silicon
Silicon participate in the metabolism of
extacellular matrix.
It is therefore valuable in metabolism in bones,
cartilage, tendons and artery walls
Deficiency may result in problems with teeth
and bones as well as hardening of the arteries
 Zinc
It is necessary in the immune system.
It is further needed for cell division ref. zinc
zipper proteins and DNA
Zinc is further used in the growth and
maintenance of muscles because active insulin
is complexed with zinc.
For normal growth and sexual development
children require zinc.
Is involved in the synthesis of proteins and
collagen, which is good for wound healing.
 Deficiency of zinc
Zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is
also lost in cooking.
A deficiency will result in an under-performing
immune system, open to infections, allergies,
night blindness, loss of smell (anosmia), falling
hair,skin problems, insomnia etc.
Zinc deficient men may lower fertility, while
women may experience irregular menstrual
periods.
Children with too little zinc may have stunted
growth and slow sexual maturity