Minerals ...

We often talk about our vitamins .. but talk on Minerals is sparce . I thought I would give you some food for the mind this morning on the subject . I am going to try and post daily some research I do for my support groups and share with you . Enjoy ! Minerals The minerals we need in our body are those found in rocks, metals, soil and water, though they may be in slightly different forms. While each mineral plays a unique role, collectively they support the body's enzyme systems and keep blood and other body fluids balanced and healthy. Minerals, the major components of bones, also help regulate blood pressure and heart muscle contraction, heal wounds and conduct nerve impulses. The minerals needed in relatively large amounts are: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Other minerals needed in smaller amounts, called "trace elements," consist of iron, copper, fluorine, iodine, selenium, zinc, chromium, cobalt, manganese and molybdenum. Although the body can't produce any minerals of its own, minerals are found in a large variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and grains. Calcium Needed for: Healthy bones, nails, muscle tissue; assists in blood clotting and heart and nerve functions. Chromium Needed for: Normal release of energy from glucose. Copper Needed for: Enzyme reactions, iron metabolism Fluoride Needed for: Healthy bones and teeth those are resistant to decay. Iodine Needed for: Regulation of body temperature, thyroid hormone synthesis, metabolic rate, reproduction, growth and nerve and muscle function. Iron Needed for: Formation of healthy red blood cells and prevention of anemia; helps carry oxygen to cells. The recommended iron intake is higher for women between the ages of 11 and 50 to compensate for iron loss during menstruation. Magnesium Needed for: Energy production, normal heart and nerve function and prevention of muscle cramps Phosphorus Needed for: Growth; maintain bone density; assists in energy production; and regulates blood chemistry Potassium Needed for: Regulation and balance of body fluids, promotes normal heart rhythm; prevents muscle cramping Selenium Needed for: Antioxidant properties protect vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats in the body Sodium Needed for: Regulation of body fluids and maintenance of acid-base balance; aids in nerve transmission and muscle contraction Zinc Needed for: Normal appetite and taste, wound healing, healthy skin and normal growth The Bottom Line: Vitamin and mineral supplementation is a life long commitment for gastric bypass patients. Knowledge is your best armor. Eating a balanced diet and taking your supplements provides the best route to fulfilling your nutritional requirements. Did you know that dietary supplements are taken by more than half of the USA adult population? Sales are going up but which supplements are best and more importantly, are they safe for us to take? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates the advertising of supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set up DSHA or Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act along with the National Institute of Health (NIH) a framework for supplement regulation and research. Additionally, there is an independently appointed commission who provides reports for the claims for the use of supplements (i.e. vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.). Dietary supplements have to meet certain criteria. Since March of 1999, manufacturers are required to provide an informative dietary supplement panel on the label, which indicates the following information. · A statement of identity (i.e. Vitamin C · Net quantity of contents (i.e. 90 tablets) · Structure-function claim like "Calcium builds strong bones" and the statement "This statement has been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." · Directions for use · Supplement fact panel (lists serving size, amount and active ingredients) · Other ingredients in order of predominance · Name and place of business of manufacturer, packer or distributor along with the address to write for more product information What are vitamins? Vitamins are nutrients that are essential for maintenance of normal metabolic functions. Vitamins are supplements both synthetic and natural and come in many forms. The water-soluble vitamins are Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Panethanic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin, Cobalamin (B12), Folic Acid, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K. The water-soluble vitamins are not significantly stored by the body and need to be replaced daily by food or supplement to maintain adequate levels. These vitamins can be rapidly depleted in conditions interfering with intake or absorption. The fat-soluble vitamins are better stored in the body, and if not excreted, toxic levels could occur. For the gastric bypass patient, who malabsorbs fat, fat-soluble vitamins cannot be digested properly, and are excreted without doing their job. Vitamins in dry form only are therefore suggested. If your vitamins are in an oil base, they are doing you no good.