MINERALS

• CALCIUM (CA) - Calcium deficiency in the blood and tissues can cause sensations of tingling and numbness and muscle twitches (hypocalcaemia). Vitamin D (see above) is required in order for the body to utilize Calcium. 
  
  
• IRON (FE) - Iron deficiency can result in low levels of hemoglobin in the blood with associated symptoms of tiredness, lack of stamina, headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite. All of these symptoms are associated with decreased oxygen supply to tissues and organs. Iron deficiency has been found to be associated with impaired brain function.
  
  
• MAGNESIUM (MG) - Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions. The metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to produce energy requires numerous magnesium-dependent chemical reactions. Glutathione, an important Amino Acid antioxidant, requires magnesium for its synthesis.
  
  
• POTASSIUM (K) - Potassium works with sodium to maintain the body's water balance.
  
  
• SODIUM (NA) - Sodium is the primary electrolyte that regulates the extra cellular fluid levels in the body. Sodium is essential for hydration because this mineral draws water into the cell. In turn, potassium draws the by-products of cellular processes out of the cell, eventually eliminating these "wastes" from the body. In addition to maintaining water balance, sodium is necessary for osmotic equilibrium, acid-base balance and regulation of plasma volume, nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
  
  
• ZINC (ZN) - Zinc serves as a cofactor for over 100 enzymes in the body, including those specifically involved with the metabolism of alcohol. Zinc deficiency is associated with loss of appetite (anorexia) and feeling of fatigue. 
  
  
• COPPER (CU) - The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to those of iron deficiency (tiredness, lack of stamina, headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite). Copper is utilized by most cells as a component of enzymes involved in energy production (cytochrome oxidase) and in the protection of cells from free radical damage (superoxide dismutase). Copper is also involved in brain neurotransmitters (dopamine hydroxylase and peptidyl alpha amidating monoxygenase).
  
  
• MANGANESE (MN) - Manganese is needed to produce energy. Manganese is an important constituent of activated arginase, an important enzyme found in the liver. Manganese is a constituent of the enzyme, pyruvate carboxylase, which plays an important role in gluconeogenesis: the conversion of various non-carbohydrate substances into glucose for subsequent use as energy. Manganese is also involved in the transfer of high-energy phosphate groups by phosphotransferase enzymes. These enzymes are found in various metabolic pathways, including several steps of glycolysis. Manganese tends to activate the lipid metabolizing enzyme lipoprotein lipase, otherwise called the "clearing factor."  
  
  
• SELENIUM (SE) - Selenium acts as an antioxidant. A selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) acts with tocopherol (vitamin E) to prevent membrane damage by peroxides, superoxide radicals and other toxic by-products of oxidative metabolism.