People often want to know if it is good for them to take nutritional or dietary supplements. They ask what supplement they should use to prevent a certain situation. People often want to know if a particular supplement they have been taking will help them or not. These and many more questions I have had to deal with as I engage with people. With this situation, it dawned on me that I need to direct the people appropriately.

Researching credible nutritional supplements

To help people access credible sources of nutritional supplements, I decided to do some research and I found out Forever Living Products. I will be substantiating my recommendation of the use of Forever Living Products based on my personal experience and the credibility of the product. I will not want to bother you with the history of the company in this article; please read it up here.

My experience using Forever Living Products

I have shared a comprehensive account of how I used “Forever Lite Ultra”; one of the Forever Living Products to improve my skeletal muscle mass in my weight gain endeavour. When you are seeking to gain weight, a good amount of quality protein intake is very important to ensure the effective development of skeletal muscle mass instead of fat mass. Likewise, when you are working at losing weight, quality protein intake is also necessary to ensure you retain the good weight (skeletal muscle mass) while shedding the bad weight (the fat mass). The use of “Forever Lite Ultra” was very helpful in my case, as it helped me to gain the desired weight. Forever Lite Ultra comprises 17 grams of vegetarian-sourced protein without sugar, fat or carbs and the patented Aminotein that helps in ensuring proper digestion and optimal absorption of amino acids. Aminotein helps in the effective development of skeletal muscle mass.

“Forever vision” is another Forever Living Product that I used and the difference is so much. I normally use reading glasses and I spend a great deal of time working with the computer. Afterwards, away from the screen with my usual eyesight, my vision will become blurred for up to 2 hours before my normal vision is restored. With the use of Forever vision supplement, my vision improved greatly. After working on the computer or doing paperwork for long hours, when I return to my usual eyesight, I no more experience blurred vision.

Forever Living Products features amazing nutritional supplements ranging from daily vitamins to natural energy boosters and digestive aids. Forever Living Products’ range of supplements includes:

1. Forever move; that enriches the joint, support healthy tendon, decreases stiffness in joints and helps fast recovery from exercise.
2. Forever Supergreens; a blend of aloe and over 20 fruits and vegetables that deliver key nutrients and antioxidants power to maintain the body’s natural defences and keep the body at peak performance. It is vegan and vegetarian friendly and helps to support a healthy pH balance which is important for many functions in the body.
3. Forever Therm; which helps to naturally power your metabolism. It supports thermogenesis, promotes energy levels, it is vegan-friendly, vegetarian friendly, and gluten-free. It also includes raspberry ketones, which is effective in the metabolism of fat.
4. Forever ImmuBlend; an immune maintenance supplement with

   

   the combination of natural and tested ingredients. It helps to improve the digestive tract and build a strong immune system.

5. Forever Nature Min; which is formulated to provide essential and trace minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc. The minerals are sourced from the bottom of sea beds and marine plants. Forever Nature Min promotes proper muscle function and hydration. The zinc component makes it useful in the maintenance of normal hair, bones, nails and skin.
6. Forever Active Pro-B; a probiotic which stimulates healthy digestion, improves nutrient absorption and maintains immune function. It furnishes active and beneficial bacteria, like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus which helps to improve the digestive, immune and overall health.
7. Forever B12 Plus; which has a combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid that helps to produce red blood cells, and improves the way iron is used in the body.
8. Forever Calcium; which delivers calcium and vitamin D for the maintenance of bone health. It contains the patented di-calcium malate which allows for effective absorption of the mineral in the body.
9. Forever Arctic Sea; which is a blend of oils that provides the body with a balanced omega-3 supplement. It comprises oils from fish, calamari and high oleic olive oil all of which are essential for cardiovascular, digestive, immune, brain and eye health.
10. Forever Focus; which helps to maintain focus. It is a blend of natural and clinically tested ingredients which helps to promote mental clarity, attentiveness and ordered thought.
11. Forever Lean; which delivers two powerful ingredients that help in reducing the body’s absorption of calories.
12. Forever Fiber; an easy dissolving prebiotic which comprises 5 grams of fibre in one serving.
13. Forever Cardio Health with CoQ 10; which is packed with heart health-promoting ingredients. CoQ10 is a powerful co-enzyme which in combination with vitamin B helps in the functioning of cells of the cardiovascular system.

The credibility of Forever Living Products

Forever Living Products have been around for over 40 years and many people have testified to the benefits they derived from using the nutritional supplements. According to a statement from the company; quality tests are conducted at every stage of the development and production to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Call to Action

Should you want to consider any of the Forever Living Products, please visit the following links and input  270003474912 if prompted for a Distributor ID at the checkout.

• South Africa: https://bit.ly/2YGi0E0
• USA: https://bit.ly/3hz4ryV
• United Kingdom: https://bit.ly/30SItAU
• Nigeria: https://bit.ly/2CjYMMY
• Canada: https://bit.ly/2UXauU9
• Australia: https://bit.ly/3egzr4s
• Italy: https://bit.ly/3hEoAn0
• Other countries: Enter FLP site from any of the above links and select your region and country from the dropdown to the left

From the nutritionist point of view, obtaining your nutrients from the intake of a variety of food is advisable and best. However, a situation may arise when it becomes necessary to use nutritional/dietary supplements. If your food intake is inadequate to supply all the essential nutrients that your body needs, it may be necessary for you to augment with nutritional supplements. In older adults and during illness when food intake has reduced to the extent that food intake is insufficient to provide the necessary nutrient in the body.

Strategies to address nutrient inadequacy

There are many approaches to addressing nutrient inadequacy in dietary intakes. Some ways are through nutrition education on healthy food choices, food fortification and enrichment whereby nutrients are added to staple foods. Also, genetic engineering that increases the nutrient content of a commodity, bio-fortification including conventional breeding, and the use of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements provide concentrated sources of nutrients that are low or lacking in individuals’ usual dietary intakes. As indicated previously, nutritional supplements can be used by people whose diets are inadequate in the essential nutrients. However, supplements have disadvantages.

Advantages of using nutritional supplements

A study assessed the benefits of the use of the oral nutritional supplement in a community and found that it produces an overall net cost saving. These benefits include

• Improved quality of life
• Reduced infections
• Reduced minor post-operative complications
• Reduced falls and functional limitations.

Disadvantages of using nutritional supplements

• Since they provide concentrated sources of nutrients at relatively high levels, there is the possibility of ingesting excessive quantities leading to health risk
• Nutritional supplements may contain ingredients with unknown safe level for its use; meaning that their long-term health effects may be unknown.

Quality concerns of nutritional supplements

There are increasing concerns about the quality of supplements that continues to flood the market daily. The need for improving the quality continues. There are hundreds of thousands of various kinds and brands of supplements in the marketplace, however, the concerns about safety issues and quality assurance continue to be of importance for the industry and the public. Though manufacturers are not allowed by law to market nutritional supplements that are unsafe or contain harmful ingredients, however, ensuring that the specifications are adhered to is a problem. This quality control includes assuring that safe upper levels of intake for nutrients are not exceeded as well as ensuring that toxic contaminants are absent.

Conclusion

If you are considering the use of any nutritional supplement for yourself or family as a strategy to improve dietary intakes, ensure, they are from credible sources. If you have any question concerning the use of Forever Living nutritional supplements, please leave it at the comment section, and I will be glad to answer your question. Perhaps, you have used any of the Forever Living Products, you may want your share your experience to contribute to this discussion.

The post Forever Living Products – the nutritional supplements appeared first on Beulah Wide Family Nutrition.

Symptoms of coronavirus infection

These illnesses are usually respiratory-related and often present with similar symptoms. The symptoms could range from mild such as a sore throat, cough and fever to a more severe situation such as severe pneumonia, respiratory or kidney failure, and death. The severity of the disease seems to be influenced by the state of a person’s health as well as the existence of medical conditions including diabetes and heart diseases. Also, people living with HIV/AIDS and the associating Tuberculosis may be at a higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 due to already compromised immune system. This explains why people respond differently to infection. A person with a stronger immune system is more likely to resist infection and a greater chance of minimizing the severity of disease if infected.

COVID-19 has by far recorded the highest number of people infected with the highest cases of deaths compared with SARS-CoV of 2002 and MERS-CoV of 2010. The treatment for COVID-19 comprises medical care similar to those given for influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The medical care treats the symptoms, which in the case of COVID-19 includes fever, cough and shortness of breath.

CDC’s recommendations to prevent infection and spread of coronavirus

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, after using the toilet, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer where water is not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissue properly and wash your hands.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Maintain social distance in public places
• Do not come in close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick

Nutritional approach to enhance your immunity

As new cases of COVID-19 continues to emerge in countries around the world, it becomes necessary to take further measures towards preventing infection at a time of the global epidemic. As previously indicated if your immune system is strong, you can decrease your chances of infection as well as minimize disease severity if you get infected. The nutritional strategy is to improve your immune system, by ensuring you have an adequate intake of vital nutrients. Nutrients from varied food sources remain the best and advisable. However, food supplements may become necessary at times of increased need, impaired nutrient absorption, and reduced appetite.

It has been well-documented how supplementation with multiple micronutrients that have immune-supporting roles help to improve immune function and reduce the risk of infection. The micronutrients with the strongest evidence for immune support include vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium (1,2). These nutrients have been used with great success in improving the body immune system and they may be of great benefit in assisting you to prevent infection.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and it is one of the ways to enhance your immune system. However, the doses should be regulated from a low supplemental dosage such as 200mg/day to a high dosage such as 3000mg/day (3). Vitamin C supplementation can be very helpful for people of low economic background. It is less costly and very effective. Research outcome shows how 200 mg/day vitamin C that was given to elderly patients resulted in improvement in respiratory symptoms (4). Vitamin C strengthens the immune system by directly denaturing the viruses. It can be taken in the form of ascorbic acid capsule or crystal dissolved in water. Vitamin C can also be taken in its non-acidic form; sodium ascorbate (3). A group of researcher suggested that to ensure efficient absorption, a combination of oral and inhalation routes of vitamin C be administered. This will deliver higher concentrations of vitamin C at the respiratory lining; the site of influenza virus infection, thereby imparting anti-influenza immunity against the infection caused by new or old virus strains (5).

Some vitamin C supplements offer 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per serving and may also contain other nutrients such as vitamins A and E, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese and Magnesium. Vitamin C supplements may be in the form of chewable tablets which are nice-tasting and easy-to-use.

Magnesium supplement as one of the ways to enhance your immune system

Magnesium is an important nutrient with roles in many enzyme reactions in the human body including muscle and nerve function, supporting the immune system and regulating blood pressure.

Supplemental magnesium can serve as a very cost-effective supplement for any acute viral infection. A dosage of 400 mg/day in the form of citrate, malate, chelate, or chloride is suggested. A long-term deficiency of magnesium can build up in the body that may require several months to replenish (6).

Magnesium supplement in the form of magnesium glycinate may be more beneficial. It offers the chelated delivery form of magnesium which helps to optimize the bio-availability.

Zinc supplement to enhance your immunity

Zinc is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for several biochemical pathways. Documented evidence has shown zinc to be effective in helping the body fight infections (7), with a recommended dosage of 20-40 mg/day for adults. Some zinc supplement may include other beneficial substances such as probiotics, enzyme blend and vegetable blend for additional nutritional support.

Selenium supplement as one of the ways to enhance your immune system

Selenium is an essential micronutrient with a crucial role in a wide range of physiological processes including immune responses. It is an important antioxidant that can help to fight infections. People who are deficient in selenium have a high risk of a respiratory infection such as common cases of flu and SARS. The oxidative stress that causes inflammation makes the viruses to mutate rapidly to survive. On administration of selenium supplement to an individual with a viral infection, the rate at which the virus transforms diminishes and immune-competence improves. A daily dose of 100 mcg is recommended (3,8).

Some selenium supplements provide selenium in an amino acid chelate form, thereby enhancing their capacity to form selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes.

If you intend to take any supplement, ensure your dosage is safe by consulting with your doctor or pharmacist. You need to ascertain that the supplements will not interfere with any medications you are currently taking.

Conclusion

While the spread of COVID-19 persists, you and your family can stay safe. Adhere to the recommendations of the CDC for prevention. Also, ensure a sound immune system by engaging the nutritional ways to enhance your immune system.

NOTE: The information contained herewith is not meant to be a therapy on its own but serve as a guide for you to make an informed decision. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Also, note that if you purchase any products promoted on this site, a little commission may be earned by the site.

References

1. Gombart AF, Pierre A, Maggini SA. 2020. Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients. 16;12(1). pii: E236.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/1/236.9.
2. Case HS. 2017 Orthomolecular Nutrition for Everyone: Megavitamins and Your Best Health Ever. Basic Health Pubs. ISBN-13: 978-1681626581
3. Andrew WS. 2020. Nutritional Treatment of Coronavirus. http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html, http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml
4. Hunt C, Chakravorty NK, Annan G, Habibzadeh N, Schorah CJ. 1994. The clinical effects of vitamin C supplementation in elderly hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections. Int J Vitamin Nutr Res.64:212-219. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7814237.
5. Dibyajyoti Banerjee, Deepak Kaul. 2010. Combined inhalational and oral supplementation of ascorbic acid may prevent influenza pandemic emergency: A hypothesis. Nutrition. 26:1(128-132).
6. Levy TE. 2019. Magnesium: Reversing Disease. Medfox Pub. ISBN-13: 978-0998312408
7. Maria Maares, Hajo Haase. 2016. Zinc and immunity: An essential interrelation, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Volume 611, Pages 58-65. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2016.03.022.
8. Avery, JC, Hoffmann, PR. 2018. Selenium, Selenoproteins, and Immunity. Nutrients, 10, 1203.

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This article provides a detailed overview of micronutrients, their functions and the implication of their deficiencies.

Why Are Micronutrients Important?

As the saying goes, the good things in life come in small packages. Micronutrient, though needed in small amount, plays a crucial role in ascertaining the human health. All you need to know about micronutrients particularly the crucial roles they play in our body are;

• Disease prevention
• Supporting a strong metabolism
• Hormone production
• Breaking down macro-nutrient for energy
• Supporting tissue repair
• Brain development
• Produces digestive enzymes.

All you need to know about micronutrients – Types and functions

Vitamins and minerals are divided into four different categories; water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macro-minerals and micro-minerals (trace mineral).

Water-soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are soluble in water and are transported in the body through the body fluids, but are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin B group and vitamin C.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine aids the metabolism of amino acid and carbohydrate as well as in the conversion of food into energy. It is also important in the Nervous system function.

• Sources: Beef, liver, nuts, peas, orange, egg, legumes, whole grains.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Riboflavin is essential for maintaining a healthy liver, Keeping the eyes, nerves, muscles and skin healthy and it assists in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Also, it is important in growth and development and the formation of red blood cells.

· Sources: milk, bread, fortified cereals, almonds, oyster, chicken, mushrooms, nuts, spinach.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Niacin assists in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins, regulating the nervous system and DNA replication and repair.

• Sources: Liver, chicken, beef, pork, avocado, seafood, whole grains.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

Pantothenic acid assists in fatty acid synthesis, conversion of food into glucose, synthesizing cholesterol, nervous system function, and formation of red blood cells.

• Sources: Milk, soybeans, corn, salmon, poultry, whole grains, broccoli, avocados, eggs, yogurt.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

It assists in protein and glucose metabolism, manufacturing of haemoglobin, and boosting brain performance.

• Sources: Meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts, milk, banana, tuna, liver.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Folate assists in proper cell division and growth thereby playing crucial roles in the prevention of birth defect. Also, it aids in enhancing the brain health and production of red blood cells.

• Sources: Spinach, beans, liver, whole grains, fortified cereals, beans, asparagus, orange juice, avocado.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Cobalamin assists in the formation of red blood cell enhances brain function and the health of the nerve tissues.

• Sources: Meats, cheese, poultry, eggs, fish, beans.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin plays a role in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrate and proteins. Also, it helps in energy storage.

• Sources: Eggs, whole grains, spinach, cauliflower, avocados, salmon.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and enhances iron absorption, collagen synthesis, helps immune function and wound healing.

• Sources: Citrus fruits, brussels sprouts, kiwifruits, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues and are transported by fat in the body. They include vitamins A, D, E and K.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports growth and development as well as the immune system. Also, it aids proper eyesight and healthy skin.

• Food sources: Carrots, liver, sweet potato, green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, dairy products, eggs, fortified cereals.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption and supports bone health. Also, it aids blood pressure regulation, immune function, and nervous system function.

• Sources: Fish, fish liver oil, fortified margarine, fortified dairy products, fortified breakfast cereals sunlight.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage, helps in the formation of blood vessels and assists immune function.

• Sources: Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, fortified cereal, green vegetables, peanut butter.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps in blood clotting and the development of strong bones.

• Sources: Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lake, broccoli, Swiss chard, collards.

Macro-minerals

Macro-minerals are minerals needed in large amount and they include:

Sodium

Sodium assists in proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle contraction and nervous system function

• Sources: Table salt, bread, savoury snacks, processed foods, soups.

Potassium

Potassium assists in fluid balance, blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, nerve system function, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

• Sources: Fresh fruits such as bananas, prunes, oranges, bananas, vegetables such as tomatoes, beetroots, spinach, legumes, yoghurt.

Calcium

Calcium plays important roles in bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, blood vessels constriction and nerve transmission.

• Sources: Milk products, canned fish with bones (such as sardines), broccoli, tofu, green vegetables, fortified cereals.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps in the regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, hormone secretion, nervous system function and supports cell activities.

• Sources: Nuts and seeds, legumes, avocados, banana, raisins, chocolate, whole grains, potatoes.

Chloride

Chloride helps in the maintenance of fluid balance, acid-base balance, stomach acid and digestion.

• Sources: Seaweed, salt, celery, lettuce, tomatoes bread, olives.

All you need to know about micronutrients – Micro-minerals

Iron

Iron helps in oxygen transportation, red blood cell formation, brain
development, reproduction and wound healing. It is important for young
children, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age.

• Sources: Meats, poultry, legumes, dark green vegetables, fortified cereals, fish, eggs, dried fruits, whole grains

Zinc

Zinc plays vital roles in growth and development, nervous system function, reproduction, healing of wound, taste and smell.

• Sources: Meats, legumes, seafood (oysters, crab and lobsters), poultry, nuts, whole grains fortified cereals.

Iodine

Iodine helps to regulate thyroid hormone production, growth and development, and metabolism.

• Sources: Seaweed, iodized salt, dairy products, bread, cereals.

Copper

Copper acts as an antioxidant helps in bone formation, connective tissue, and in iron metabolism.

• Sources: Chocolate, cocoa, nuts and seeds, lentils, shellfish, liver, whole grains.

Selenium

Selenium acts as an antioxidant helps in immune function, thyroid function, and reproduction.

Sources: Meats, eggs, sardines, poultry, seafood, whole grains.

Manganese

Manganese assists in carbohydrate, protein and cholesterol metabolism. Also, it aids in wound healing and bone formation.

• Sources: Beans, whole grains, nuts, sweet potatoes, pineapples.

All you need to know about micronutrients deficiency

Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in the world, affecting mostly children and women. Over the years, micronutrient deficiencies have been recognized as a crucial public health concern.

Micronutrient deficiency occurs when the body lacks the essential vitamin and minerals required for proper growth development and functioning of the body. Micronutrients are required in a certain quantity to perform the desired functions in the body. Some common micronutrient deficiencies are:

• Iodine deficiency: This deficiency is common in underdeveloped countries. Some symptoms include fatigue and weakness, trouble learning and remembering, swelling in the neck (goitre), hair loss and others. Fortunately, iodine deficiency can be easily prevented by using iodinated salt in your cooking.
• Iron deficiency: This is caused by lack or inadequate iron in the blood and could manifest in anaemia. Symptoms include poor appetite, dizziness, extreme fatigue, brittle nails, pale skin, inflammation of the tongue, weakness etc. To prevent iron deficiency eat food rich in iron and vitamin C which aids iron absorption.
• Vitamin A deficiency. Symptoms include night blindness, dry skin, poor resistance to infection (especially infection that affects the chest and throat), delayed growth in children etc. To prevent this deficiency, ensure to have an adequate and regular intake of foods rich in Vitamin A. In areas where vitamin A deficiency is a public health concern, vitamin A supplementation is administered to children.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: This deficiency arises as a result of insufficient intake of foods rich in vitamin D and lack of exposure to the sunlight. Vitamin D is important because of the role it plays in helping the body to use calcium. Symptoms of this deficiency include fatigue and tiredness, poor wound healing, bone and back pain, depression, hair loss etc. Fortunately, vitamin D deficiency is easy to prevent. You can do this by ensuring your intake has an adequate supply of foods rich in vitamin D and also, adequate exposure to sunlight.
• Calcium deficiency: calcium is important to every cell in the human body. It is essential for the maintenance of the bone, without calcium the muscle, heart, and nerves would not function effectively. Calcium deficiency occurs when the calcium level in the blood is low. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, a dental problem, osteoporosis, depression, muscle ache etc. The Easiest way to prevent and manage calcium deficiency is to ensure adequate intake of foods rich in calcium. A calcium supplement may be helpful when the need becomes severe.

Conclusion

Micronutrients function as the basis for your optimal health. Through the information provided here, you have appreciable insight into all you need to know about micronutrients. Your knowledge could assist you in preventing the common micronutrient deficiencies. To get a satisfactory amount of micronutrients, aim for a variety of food. Each micronutrient has essential roles that they play. A deficiency or surplus of the micronutrient could affect the efficient functioning of your body system.

The post All You Need to Know About Micronutrients appeared first on Beulah Wide Family Nutrition.

Zinc offers amazing health benefits such as immune system boost, regulated metabolic function, wound healing etc. It also helps the body to build up its resistance against common cold and diarrhoea. Adequate zinc intake is especially vital for kids to prevent deficiency diseases which are likely to impede growth, increase risk of respiratory disease, increase risk of infection, and increase risk of diarrhoea.

Interesting facts about Zinc

1. Zinc is an essential mineral for human health and the importance can be seen in immune function, white blood cell formation, egg fertilization, cell division, and a host of other enzymatic reactions. The deficiency may be linked with age-related vision deterioration.
2. Zinc has been associated with the management of the common cold. The use of zinc lozenges or spray within 24 hours of the manifestation of symptoms reduces the severity and the duration of cold infection. However, this application should be with caution as no optimal dosing has been established.
3. Zinc helps control infection risks in the body by boosting the body’s immune system. It does this by suppressing inflammations and free radicals within the body. Since proteins are a good source of zinc, they redirect zinc into important cells that are responsible for infection prevention in the body.
4. Zinc performs wonders beyond the immune system, it helps protect against infections as well as play a vital role in the healing of wounds. Zinc deficiency can slow down wound healing processes on the skin.
5. Brain health has increasingly become a matter of concern as dementia cases are getting more rampant. Zinc supplement is one of the many nutrient supplements that help boost brainpower. Magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids supplements are also useful nutrients in this range. Research has shown that zinc deficiency can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, especially in older people. A regular intake of zinc supplements may help lower the risks of dementia. Zinc also plays a major role in the way brain neutrons interact with themselves which in turn affects how memories are formed in the brain.
6. Low-sperm count which may result in infertility has been linked to zinc deficiency in men. Therefore, at an early age of 9-13 years old, males need about 10 mg of zinc per day. From the age of 14 to adulthood, the amount increases to 15 mg per day. An adequate intake of zinc from an early age could help reduce the risks of low-sperm count and infertility in men.
7. While it is important to get enough zinc, too much can cause problems. Excessive zinc can suppress the body’s absorption of iron and copper. The inhalation of too much zinc from nasal gels or sprays has been linked to permanent loss of the sense of smell.

Sources of zinc

Foods rich in zinc include lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood (such as crab, oysters and lobster. Also, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals contain ample amounts of zinc.

Zinc supplements have been made available to readily supply the necessary amount of zinc in the body.

Conclusion

The micronutrient zinc does not appear to be of much significance as the more familiar micronutrients such as iron, and calcium. However, the deficiency carries grave consequences and this contributes to the interesting facts about zinc you cannot continue to ignore. The strategy for adequate intake towards preventing the deficiency is to ensure you have a variety of foods every day. If it becomes necessary to supplement your intake by using a zinc supplement, ensure you access credible sources.

The post Seven Interesting Facts about Zinc appeared first on Beulah Wide Family Nutrition.

There is a long controversy concerning its optimal intake, and whether its shortage contributes to bone density loss or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in literal terms means porous spongy bone. It is a disease in which the concentration of bone is reduced. As bones become more porous and brittle, the risk of crack increases. Bone loss usually occurs subtly and progressively without symptoms until the first crack occurs.

The nutritional supplement is a big market these days; the question is when does it become necessary for you to supplement your calcium needs and how do you go about it? In this article, I am going to be increasing your understanding by answering your question “Do I need calcium supplement”, and how to go about it if needed.

Functions of calcium in the body

• Skeletal structure: Calcium is associated with the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. Ability to move rapidly and with accurate control is the function of the rigid skeleton. Calcium is the predominant component of bones. Inadequate bone generalization will increase the risk of bone loss and fracture.
• Blood clotting: Calcium is essential for the clotting of blood and transmission of nerve impulses. The blood clotting function is through a web of fibrin combinations and platelets forming around the injured blood vessel.
• Cell growth: Calcium is involved in the regulation of cell division and differentiation.
• Muscle contraction: Calcium helps the muscle to contract effectively through muscles’ response to nerve impulses.
• Protein cofactor: Some enzymes’ activities in the body rely on the presence of adequate calcium concentrations.

Dietary sources of calcium

Dietary sources are by far the best sources of calcium for the body. Important calcium sources include milk and milk products, tofu, calcium-fortified foods and sardine. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, mustard greens, chard, kale, lettuce and spinach are also rich in calcium; however, the high oxalate content decreases its absorption. Many people use dietary supplements in addition to food sources.

Depletion of calcium store in the body

The body repeatedly replaces the calcium components of the bones. However, when losses occur too rapidly and are not replaced rapidly enough, demineralisation leading to osteoporosis occurs. Osteoporosis affects many people, but women aged 50 and above are at higher risk for the ailment

It is estimated that about half of women population and a quarter of men population will develop bone fracture as a result of osteoporosis.

Children and teenagers also need adequate Calcium in their diets for adequate calcium storage in their bones. Adequate calcium at this stage will help to prevent problems in later years. This is particularly important because the peak for bone mass occurs during the teen years. The calcium content of the bones begins to decrease in young adulthood, and progressive loss continues with an increase in age, particularly in women. Therefore, adequate dietary calcium is necessary to minimize this loss.

Benefits of calcium supplementation

• The use of a calcium supplement can bring about increases in circulating calcium concentrations producing a benefit of up to 7% to bone density, especially in the hip and backbone. The beneficial effect is more pronounced in individuals with very low calcium intakes.
• The use of calcium supplement with vitamin D in population studies has been shown to produce up to 43% decrease in hip fractures. This establishes the fact that calcium and vitamin D are a vital part of the management of osteoporosis.

Concerns with calcium supplementation

Over the past decades, the use of nutritional supplements has become increasingly popular with a corresponding expansion in the market for supplements. This trend is connected with the increase in the incidence of bone demineralisation manifesting in bone fracture, backache, and many bone-related ailments. Recent research findings have highlighted concerns on the use of calcium supplement which may warrant a reconsideration of the use of calcium supplements in the management of bone demineralisation.

• Calcium supplements may produce side effects such as constipation and flatulence of minor intensity.
• The use of calcium supplements may increase urine calcium excretion which is thought to be associated with kidney stone.
• Of greater concern is the deposition of calcium into arterial walls linking calcium supplementation with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Evidence point to the fact that calcium supplements without coadministered vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Since calcium supplements are commonly used, it is thought that the speculated risk of cardiovascular disease might transform into a large burden of disease among users.

The evidence of the connection between calcium intake and bone health in population studies is conflicting. Nevertheless, evidence from other studies shows that there was no adverse effect of calcium plus vitamin D on cardiovascular health. However, the fact remains that a significant component of the osteoporosis which affects so many postmenopausal women is attributable to the inadequacy of calcium intake which is easily preventable. It is clear from studies that calcium supplements without vitamin D administration may present little or no benefit. Therefore, in the use of calcium supplementation, consideration needs to be given to vitamin D administration as well as the form.

Recommended daily requirements for calcium

The recommendation for calcium intake is 1,000 mg per day for men and women between 19-50 years. Postmenopausal and lactating women, need slightly more (1200md/day) to make room for the increased need at this period and to ensure bone health. Given the new concerns that calcium supplements may raise the risk for cardiovascular disease and kidney stones, it is advised that women should aim to meet this recommendation primarily by ensuring they consume a diet rich in calcium. Calcium supplements should only be taken if needed to meet the recommended daily goal. In this wise, approximately 500 mg per day in supplements will be sufficient.

When may calcium supplements be necessary?

• Some people are lactose intolerant, i.e. cannot digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and milk products. As a result, such people may not be having enough milk products to supply a substantial amount of their daily calcium requirement. For individuals who are either lactose intolerant or do not like milk and milk products, Calcium supplements may be an alternative.
• Calcium supplementation may become necessary in individuals with problems of calcium absorption or major anomalies in calcium metabolism.

What form of calcium supplement is helpful?

Calcium is absorbed in the small intestine and the efficiency of absorption depends on vitamin D status, age, the calcium content of the meal, phosphate concentration and inhibiting substances in the meal. At low calcium doses, inhibition of absorption tends to be highest. Phosphate and oxalates tend to form poorly soluble complexes with calcium and thereby decrease its absorption. The most effective form is calcium citrate, which is efficiently absorbed in the intestine. A good example is Forever Calcium; the calcium citrate plus vitamin D formulated to supply the body with 100% of the daily recommended dietary intake of Calcium.

Conclusion

It is a fact that calcium contributes largely to bone density and hence bone mineralisation. In response to the question “do I need calcium supplement”, dietary sources remain the best option to replenish the calcium pool in the body. However, when the need arises for calcium supplementation especially when the fracture risk is sufficient to require medical intervention, safe and effective measures should be engaged.

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