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Explore the Effects and Benefits of Micronutrients – Minerals

What are Micronutrients?

Apart from the three macronutrients of carbohydrates, protein and fat, our body also needs micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals. Compared to macronutrients, however, our body needs less micronutrients which only amounts to less than 0.01%.

Since our bodies are unable to produce vitamins and minerals on their own, they must be taken from our daily diet. Vitamins are essential nutrients synthesised by many plants and animals including bacteria, while minerals are inorganic substances that exist in soil or water. Plants can absorb minerals from soil and water. Thus, eating fresh grains, fruits, and vegetables grown in mineral-rich soil can provide the body with sufficient minerals.

Each vitamin and mineral has a specific effect on the body. For example, vitamins play an important role in maintaining the growth, development and physiological functions of the human body. They can promote the activity of enzymes or act as regulators of coenzymes, while the functions of minerals include the main components that constitute bones and enzymes, while maintaining the normal physiological functions of nerves and muscles as well as the acid-base balance in the body.

Certain micronutrients can also prevent and fight diseases, so a proper intake of all micronutrients is extremely vital for maintaining optimal health. Since the micronutrient content of each food is different, experts recommend that you eat a variety of foods in your daily diet to get enough vitamins and minerals.

Types of Micronutrients

Vitamins can be divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble according to their solubility properties, while minerals can be divided into macro-elements and micro-elements according to their content in the human body. Regardless of type, there are two similar ways in which they can be absorbed, and they act synergistically in many body mechanisms.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that can be stored in the body. However, excessive intake of these vitamins can cause poisoning. Vitamins B and C are two kinds of water-soluble vitamins which can be metabolised quickly and will not be stored in the body; hence, they will not cause poisoning. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and chlorine belong to our body’s 6 macro-element minerals. They are contained in the body and require a large amount. The other 8 minerals are called trace elements because they are less contained in the human body. They include iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and cobalt.

The Function of Macro-Element Minerals

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant essential mineral in our bodies. 99% of it is stored in our bones and teeth while the remaining 1% is concentrated in the extracellular fluid, blood and soft tissues in the form of protein-bound or ionised calcium. The stored calcium not only give colour and structure to our bones but it is also part of the bone matrix, which plays an important role in maintaining bone density and strength. The remaining 1% of this essential mineral is also crucial for cardiovascular health, helping to maintain normal blood pressure. The function of ionised calcium in the blood includes assisting cell signal transmission, supporting blood coagulation, maintaining nerve and muscle stress, as well as activating ATPase, lipase, amylase, and protease. When the concentration of calcium in the blood is lower than normal, the parathyroid will activate vitamin D and extract calcium from the kidney filtrate and bones to restore a healthy calcium concentration. If there is a calcium deficiency in our bodies, the calcium from the bones will be continuously extracted. In the long term, bone health will be affected. People with calcium deficiency can also suffer from nervousness and irritability as a result of their inability to relax their nerves, leading to muscle cramps and insomnia.

Therefore, it is important to consume enough calcium to maintain bone health and normal blood concentration. Dairy products are the most common source of calcium. Tofu, beans, oranges, broccoli, cabbage, and kale also contain considerable amounts of calcium. In menopausal women, the decrease in oestrogen secretion will lead to severe calcium deficiency in the body, so a large amount of calcium must be added to restore it. People who have a sweet tooth and are heavy coffee drinkers should take more calcium as the amount of sugar and caffeine can stimulate the secretion of alkaline digestive juices and reduce the body’s absorption of calcium.

Magnesium

The body contains approximately 19-25 grams of magnesium where 60% of it is stored in the bones. To maintain bone density, apart from calcium, your body also needs magnesium, which is another essential mineral. A healthy amount of magnesium can promote normal serum calcium concentration as well as enhance the parathyroid hormone responsible for regulating the concentration of free calcium and vitamin D in the blood. Magnesium is also a natural sedative and has a neuroprotective effect. Energy generation is also one of the main functions of magnesium. There are more than 300 kinds of enzymes in the body, especially those that produce energy. Every cell in the human body, including the brain cells, needs magnesium to convert the food we eat into energy in the cell. Magnesium is a catalyst for lowering blood cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and maintain normal and healthy insulin function.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include shaking, muscle weakness or cramps, insomnia, epilepsy, nephritis, and kidney stones. If the body lacks magnesium, a large amount of calcium will also be lost in the urine. Therefore, magnesium has an indirect effect on skeletal dysplasia, osteoporosis, slow fracture recovery, and prevention of tooth decay. The ideal ratio of calcium to magnesium is approximately 2:1. The magnesium requirement is directly proportional to the calcium intake. The higher the calcium content in food, the more magnesium is needed to interact.

Nuts, soybeans and green vegetables (spinach, beets, and cabbage) are the best sources of dietary magnesium. Patients with diabetes, impaired renal function, or mental confusion have low levels of magnesium in their cells, so it must be supplemented to relieve the symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

Sodium

Sodium is one of the main electrolytes in our bodies and an important mineral controlled by the kidneys. Sodium helps to regulate the body’s fluid balance, including the fluid between plasma and cells, blood volume, and blood pressure. It also helps to maintain healthy nerve and muscle function. Table salt, dairy products, shellfish, meat, and vegetables are all major sources of dietary sodium.

According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, we only need a less than 2,400 mg of sodium (salt) or equivalent to one teaspoon (6 grams) to maintain normal body fluid balance. Long-term excessive salt intake will increase the burden on the kidneys and affect renal excretion function. When the kidney function deteriorates, it will cause the body to retain water and sodium. This can lead to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure. Sodium is not only found in table salt. Many sauces, seasonings and processed foods also contain a lot of sodium.

However, consuming little to no salt at all can also be harmful to your health as table salt is mostly extracted from the sea which is rich in iodine. A long-term shortage of iodine can cause an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as goitre, and other thyroid problems. Table salt is also alkaline which promotes gastric digestion and participates in the formation of gastric acid, it also allows the protease in the stomach to maintain a neutral pH while it is working.

Potassium

Potassium is the third most abundant macro-element mineral and indispensable nutrient for the body. Potassium is also the main electrolyte of intracellular fluid which controls body fluid balance and muscle contraction. Potassium is a charged ion and as a conductor of electricity, it plays a role in the electrical activity of the heart. This is vital in maintaining a normal heartbeat. When combined with minerals such as calcium and magnesium, a diet rich in potassium can prevent fluid from accumulating in the cells and help to regulate blood pressure. This has a protective effect on heart health and further reduces the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.

Potassium can activate many enzymes which is important for regulating muscle contraction, preventing muscle cramps and pain, and allowing the body’s nervous system to perform its role under healthy muscle function. Potassium can also promote kidney health, help reduce the calcium content in urine, prevent kidney stones, and avoid calcification of the bladder and kidneys. Potassium can help to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis and bone density problems. It also has vital function in regulating the use of carbohydrates and building muscle and protein. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include fatigue, insomnia, muscle cramps, depression, and arrhythmia. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, spinach, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Some fruits and vegetables are also rich in potassium, as well as certain nuts, whole grains, meat, and fish. Thus, it is always advisable to eat these foods and less of the refined and processed foods that contain too much sugar and salt.

Chlorine

Chlorine is one of the essential minerals for our bodies, and it often exists in the form of a chemical compound. Also known as chloride, it is a compound formed by trace minerals like sodium and potassium, which help to maintain the pH balance of the fluids in your body. It also assists in maintaining the body’s immunity and the detoxification process by the liver. Chlorine is the main ingredient in the formation of the stomach acid, which is a digestive juice needed to decompose food. Another important role for chlorine is the maintenance of our body’s flexibility and keeping our muscles flexible at all times.

A lack of chlorine can cause abdominal distension, insufficient muscle contraction, stiffness in the body, decreased flexibility, numbness of the limbs, slow breathing, as well as hair loss. It can also affect the absorption of various trace substances such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Salt, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery are all rich in chlorine. Since chlorine is also a part of table salt, most people can get enough chloride from their diet.

Phosphorus

After calcium, phosphorus is the second most abundant essential mineral in the body. About 85% of phosphorus exists in bones and teeth like calcium, with a ratio of 2:1 calcium to phosphorus to maintain bone health. Phosphorus can also be found in every cell of the body as it is part of the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which helps cells to produce energy. It is responsible for the construction of cell membranes and genetic material, protein synthesis, and the transmission of cellular signals. It also cooperates with B vitamins to maintain healthy nerves, heart health, kidney and muscle function.

Sources of phosphorus are found in dairy products, fish, meat, eggs, and poultry. Nuts, beans, and cereals are also good sources of phosphorus. As a whole, the human body is generally not deficient in phosphorus but can often have too high levels of it. Too much can lead to calcium loss, so it is very important to balance the intake of phosphorus and calcium. If there are high levels of phosphorus in the body, it will lead to a long-term damage of calcium absorption, leaving an adverse effect on bone health, and cause osteoporosis, dental caries, and hand and foot cramps. Phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D are interdependent, so it is necessary to supplement calcium and vitamin D in the daily diet.

Function of Trace Element Minerals

Iron

Red blood cells are made from bone marrow, and iron is the key mineral involved in the formation and maturation of red blood cells. A healthy adult can produce about 1 billion red blood cells per minute. Healthy red blood cells must contain enough haemoglobin combined with oxidation and transported to all cells in the body. Iron also has an effect on immune regulation where a lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, resulting in pale complexion, pale lips, dull hair, weakness in the limbs, and insomnia. An insufficient iron in the body will also lead to a decrease in T lymphocytes, a weakened anti-bactericidal ability and a decline in immunity.

However, excessive iron can be harmful to one’s health and can lead to stem cell fibrosis and even liver cirrhosis. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid an excessive intake of iron. The best sources of dietary iron are animal blood and liver, followed by the heart and kidneys, meat, poultry, and fish.

Certain ingredients in food including phytic acid in cereals, tannic acid in tea, and caffeine in coffee, can reduce iron absorption. Studies have found that vitamin C can promote iron absorption. A 100 mg dose of vitamin C with meals can increase iron absorption by 67%. Thus, eating vitamin C foods with iron can greatly promote iron absorption and prevent iron deficiency in the body.

Iodine

Iodine is mainly found in the thyroid gland and participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and regulates the body’s metabolism. Iodine can promote physical and intellectual development and affect muscle and nerve tissue activities through the regulation of energy metabolism, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. If there is an iodine deficiency in the body, it can lead to dwarfism, while an excess of iodine can cause goitre. Seafood, such as dried kelp, dried seaweed, fish and shrimp, are rich in iodine; while the iodine content in fruits and vegetables varies depending on the soil in which they are grown. Iodine is also found in table salt as a supplement so under normal circumstances, the body will not be lacking in iodine.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that is widely distributed in all tissues and organs of the human body, mainly in the liver, kidney, muscles, retina, and prostate. It is vital for the healthy function of the eyes, kidneys, muscles, skin, and bones. Zinc can catalyse more than 300 kinds of enzymes and affect the activity of enzymes attached to the cell membranes. Zinc also helps to regulate gene expression, participates in the formation and repair of genetic material including DNA, and provides the structure for proteins that affect gene expression. It also plays an important role in growth and development, immune function, reproductive function, and material metabolism. If there is a zinc deficiency in the body, symptoms such as slow growth, dysgeusia, and difficulty in skin wound healing will appear. Meat, liver, eggs, and seafood are good sources of dietary zinc. However, it is worth noting that long-term intake of zinc in high doses can affect the absorption of copper, and also cause side effects such as anaemia and reduced immune function.

Selenium

Selenium has the highest concentration in liver and kidney but it is also widely distributed in the nails, hair, and heart. It is a trace element that is involved in the work of important antioxidant molecules, helping to protect cells from free radical damage. Our bodies also need proteins that contain selenium to make DNA. Selenium plays an important role in immunity, thyroid and reproductive functions. It promotes the production of immunoglobulin and enhances the phagocytosis of macrophages. It can also antagonise the toxicity of heavy metals and reduce the toxins of harmful elements in the body. Selenium has the effect of protecting myocardium and cardiovascular health and at the same time, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Selenium can be found in abundance in seeds, grains, seafood, animal liver, and other meats. A selenium deficiency can lead to growth retardation and neurological visual impairment. Additionally, it can also cause Keshan disease and sarcoidosis characterised by myocardial damage. In severe cases, it can also cause myocardial fibre necrosis, myocardial arterioles, and capillary damage. On the flip side, an excessive intake of selenium can cause adverse effects as well, especially on the nails, hair, skin and teeth, resulting in hair loss and nail deformation.

Copper

As a trace element, copper can accept and release electrons and plays a crucial role in many enzymatic systems, especially in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme types with an antioxidant function. It can also help to maintain the health of the brain and nervous system through other copper-dependent enzymes. Copper plays a vital role in the production of ribonucleic acid (RNA). It affects the immune system and maintains the connective tissue, physical fitness, cellular respiration and cardiovascular health. Copper also has a certain effect on blood sugar and blood lipid regulation through the maintenance of normal hematopoietic function by combining with iron to assist in the production of red blood cells. Therefore, when the body is lacking in copper, the absorption of iron is also reduced, thus shortening the life of red blood cells and ultimately leading to anaemia. Copper can easily be absorbed by the body and can be found in beans, cereals, wholegrain foods, offal and green vegetables.

Manganese

Manganese is a trace mineral that is vital for metabolism and cell function. It can activate metabolic enzymes and protect the mitochondria, where energy is produced in cells and are free from radical damage. It also helps to increase collagen strength, promote bone growth and development, and maintain normal sugar and fat metabolism. Animal foods contain relatively low manganese while plant foods contain more manganese. For example, pineapples, nuts, wholegrains, beans, spinach, and tea are good sources of dietary manganese.

Chromium is not as well-known as iron, calcium and magnesium but the importance of chromium cannot be ignored. Chromium is very important for blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart health. Chromium promotes insulin production which helps to regulate the secretion of insulin and control the blood sugar level in the body. It also helps to promote the metabolism of cholesterol and lipids in the body, increase good cholesterol while reducing the bad, lower blood pressure to prevent coronary artery hardening, and cardiovascular disease. Chromium also plays a role in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids, promoting the synthesis of red blood cells. At the same time, it assists in the conversion of proteins into muscles and reducing fat accumulation so people can maintain their physical fitness. As we age, the chromium levels in our body will gradually be lost, so we need to replenish it. However, an excessive intake of chromium may cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, stomach pain, skin sensitivity, mood changes, and hypoglycaemia. The safety of long-term use of chromium is still unknown, thus it is recommended to consult a doctor if there is a need for chromium supplements.

Cobalt

Cobalt is a trace mineral that constitutes one of the components of vitamin B12. It is needed for thyroid synthesis and the formation of red blood cells. If there is a cobalt deficiency, it can lead to anaemia and abnormal thyroid function, especially for those who follow a vegan diet. Kelp, seaweed, mushrooms, walnuts, buckwheat, beets, onions, sweet potatoes, animal liver, kidneys, milk, oysters, clams, and fermented soy products are rich in cobalt.
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Why Choose Elken Kington Minerale?

Vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining body function. However, as mentioned before, the vitamins and minerals needed by our bodies cannot be synthesised on its own. They can only come from our daily food intake, and 80% of the food comes from the soil. In addition to aquatic products, these micronutrients can only rely on the nutrients in the soil. However, with the gradual loss of minerals in the soil, the soil itself has become barren and the soil pollution problem is becoming more serious, and the nutrients of today’s vegetables and fruits are far lower than before.

In addition, most people’s daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is insufficient and not diversified, while staple foods are eaten in large amounts like white rice, white noodles or processed foods. These factors, along with the overuse of drugs and antibiotics, will cause a poor absorption of minerals in our bodies. In the long term, our bodies will lack the vitamins and minerals needed which will eventually lead to various diseases.

The ocean is yet another source of abundant resources. According to René Quinton, a French scientist, biologist, and physiologist, the body fluids of animals and humans are similar to the constituent elements of seawater. In other words, the minerals in seawater can achieve an absolute balance in the body fluids, thereby assisting the normal operation of various functions in the body. René Quinton’s hypothesis was then confirmed by many rigorous experiments and supported by extensive clinical literature a century later.

The formation of marine minerals takes millions of years to complete. Rainwater washes the nutrients in the soil into the ocean, turning the ocean into the richest source of nutrients. A vortex would appear in the ocean and stirs the rich nutrients accumulated. This nutrient-rich ocean vortex also contributes to the unique phenomenon of plankton blooms. Millions of species of plankton convert the inorganic nutrients of sunlight and the deep sea into organic crystal trace elements, which is then known as the essence of the ocean.

Elken Kington Minerale contains essences derived from 78 natural minerals and essential elements from the ocean. Elken Kington Minerale is taken from the marine mineral essence that is specially processed after being collected from a specific depth in the sea.

As humans, we need at least 70 different kinds of minerals to maintain good health. Elken Kington Minerale contains 78 kinds of natural minerals and essential elements and has a complete mineral composition that are necessary for ideal health. Its composition is consistent with blood and extracellular fluid, so it can effectively help to supplement the trace elements in the blood.

On the market, most of the minerals that are present come in a colloidal state and need to be degraded into a bio-effective crystal state before they can be effectively absorbed by cells. Furthermore, the colloidal state is 50,000 times larger than the crystalline state. This means that the body needs the extra energy and work to transport the minerals into our cells. Elken Kington Minerale is rich in these 78 kinds of organic mineral elements that come in tiny crystals. Its high concentration enables minerals to be directly absorbed into the cells without consuming energy. When the minerals are pushed into the cells, the cells can continue to rebuild the mineral balance to support the necessary functions in the body.

Elken Kington Minerale is 100% natural and chemical-free. This product is refined in a certified pharmaceutical facility environment involving a rigorous process that does not contain any chemical, heating, ultraviolet or radiation, and freeze sterilisation. Therefore, the quality of Elken Kington Minerale is beyond doubt.