Minerals are essential for the normal function of the body and are most bioeffective in their natural nutrient form. Cytoplan prioritise bio-efficacy by providing minerals in either Wholefood or Food State form, meaning they are utilised by the body in the same way as food and come complexed with naturally-occurring amino acids and other food components. This makes them bioeffective as well as safe, gentle, and well tolerated, even by those who are ill or sensitive.
The level of minerals in our food is intrinsically dependant on the quantity in soil. In modern day living, due to farming methods, soil depletion as well as food transport and processing, most of our food is depleted in minerals, when compared to the same food 70 years ago, therefore it is a good ideal to consider a mineral supplement.
Calcium and magnesium are macro minerals, meaning that they are required in relatively large amounts by the body. Magnesium and calcium work synergistically and are essential for normal bone density, nerve, and muscle function and the balance of these two minerals is important. Magnesium is also an essential cofactor for many processes within the body including the production of neurotransmitters and can therefore have an influence on mood and sleep. Magnesium is quickly depleted in the body by exercise, stress, and certain medications.
Trace minerals are minerals that are required in smaller amounts (milligram or microgram doses) than the macro minerals. Although they are needed in lower doses they are essential for so many functions in the body, particularly as constituents of hormones and enzymes. Trace mineral supplements include zinc, iron, selenium, and copper.
Cytoplan provides zinc in a number of different forms, Wholefood zinc, zinc citrate and also as Food State™ zinc complexed with copper. The ratio of zinc and copper is important as they both compete for absorption therefore it is useful to supplement both in this optimal ratio when taking long term.
Iron is essential as a constituent of haemoglobin within red blood cells, therefore a deficiency of iron can contribute to anaemia. Cytoplan provide iron as Wholefood Iron or Food State Iron™ with vitamin C and molybdenum. These forms, which are recognised by the body as food, are very gentle, better tolerated and more effective at lower doses than synthetic iron tablets.
Selenium is a mineral that is particularly difficult to obtain from the diet due to soil depletion, therefore additional selenium is often indicated, particularly for immune and thyroid function.
Mineral deficiencies can be common and therefore choosing a mineral or multi mineral supplement can be supportive for optimal health and individual mineral capsules can also offer more specific support.
What are minerals?
Minerals are metals when they are in their elemental form and are derived in our diets from soil. Minerals are taken up by plants, metabolised by plants and taken up into plant tissue as a food complex which allows them to be bio-available to us and animals who eat the plants. When minerals are dissolved in water, they are in ionic or electrolyte form, existing as charged particles. This is how they function within the body. However, when we consume them in the diet they are bound to another molecule either as a salt or complexed within an organic food based molecule as this ensures they enter into food metabolic pathways before the mineral is released into circulation.
We must obtain minerals from the diet, and we have evolved to utilise them within bodily functions. Minerals function in multiple aspects of health especially as cofactors or constituents of enzymes, production of hormones and neurotransmitters as well as stimulating nerve and muscle function. They are the building blocks of our tissues, organs and systems.
How do I know if I have a mineral deficiency?
All minerals have different functions within the body, and, unlike vitamins, a deficiency does not necessarily manifest as a specific disease, perhaps with the exception of iron deficiency anaemia. However, as they are responsible for multiple processes within the body suboptimal health or the presence of certain conditions can indicate the need for, or a deficiency of, certain minerals. For example, zinc is essential for immune function and also the production of thyroid hormone, in individuals who have low thyroid function and poor resistance to infections a zinc supplement may be indicated.
More obvious symptoms may arise such as thinning hair, brittle or soft nails and poor skin which can indicate a need for nutrients including zinc, iron and selenium.
As magnesium aids muscle relaxation, low levels of magnesium are associated with muscle cramps or spasms.
Reduced bone density can indicate a need for additional calcium and magnesium, although vitamin D3 and K2 are also important.
I've heard of multi vitamins, but can you buy multi mineral supplements?
Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, and therefore plays an essential role in maintaining a variety of areas of health. It is required for effective energy production, detoxification and supporting cardiovascular and bone health, amongst others. It also works synergistically with calcium to allow muscles to relax – which has given it the title of “nature’s tranquiliser” – and can support refreshing sleep.
Firstly, please let me assure you that postpartum hair loss is completely normal. During pregnancy, higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone prevent normal hair loss and promote growth – and many expectant mums find their hair to be thicker and healthier than ever. After the birth, these hormone levels drop and you may experience more hair loss than usual, which can last 6-12 months in some women.
