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CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM & ZINC
Magnesium and calcium have a special relationship. Sometimes their
roles oppose each other, sometimes they complement each other and it
is their balance that influences many processes. The skeleton acts
as a reservoir of calcium and inadequate calcium uptake
results in a reduction of bone mass. Calcium uptake depends on the
amount in the diet and on factors influencing its absorption.
Because increased levels of calcium can cause the loss of magnesium
it is beneficial to supplement both together. The lion's share of
zinc in the human adult is found in skeletal muscle and bone. It is
also required for many biological processes including growth and
development, tissue renewal, healthy skin, sexual maturation and
reproduction.
The Benefits of Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc
Osteoporosis
- is a loss of bone mass resulting in an increased risk of
fractures. Post-menopausal woman have a higher risk ofosteoporosis.
Calcium and Magnesium are vital for the formation of bone.
Pre-menstrual Syndrome
- Clinical trials have shown that calcium and magnesium both relieve
symptoms including fluid retention, breast tenderness, mood changes,
headache and cramps.
Arthritis -
due to the support calcium and magnesium give to bone structure they
are important in osteoarthritis where the joints are affected by
wear and tear. Zinc can help alleviate pain and swelling in
rheumatoid arthritis.
Wound healing
- zinc is required for protein synthesis and tissue growth and
development. It is often used in creams to aid healing of nappy
rash, bums and after surgery.
Immune system
- zinc works with the antioxidant vitamins to protect the body from
free radicals.
Heart Health -
calcium helps to keep the heartbeat regular and magnesium helps to
promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
Insomnia -
calcium has been shown to help promote normal sleep.
Nervous System -
both calcium and magnesium are important in the normal functioning
of nerves and nerve impulses.
Acne
- zinc has been shown to be effective but, like many acne therapies,
may take three months before improvements are noticed.
Prostate enlargement
- zinc can reduce enlargement and alleviate adverse symptoms.
Properties
Calcium
- is vital for healthy bones, and teeth, blood clotting and
glandular secretion and for efficient functioning of the muscles,
nerves, heart, and immune system.
Magnesium - is needed in over 300 metabolic reactions,
including those involved in the management of energy, the formation
of bones, proteins and cell replication. It is needed for enzyme
function and the tissues with the highest levels are those with the
highest metabolic activity (brain, liver, kidneys and heart).
Magnesium blocks the entry of calcium into smooth muscle cells (as
found in blood vessels, gut and uterus) and heart muscle cells
regulating their contraction.
Zinc
- is needed in cell division for the synthesis ofDNA (the cell's
blueprint), RNA (the template for protein production) and hence
proteins. It is essential for reproductive health and is important
for the removal of toxic elements such as lead. Zinc helps maintain
taste, smell and vision and is involved in the release of insulin.
It is involved in absorption and metabolism of Vitamin A and is
found in the oil glands in the skin where about one fifth of the
body's zinc can be found. Zinc competes with copper for absorption,
so to avoid
copper deficiency, zinc should be given with copper.
Contra-indications / Precautions
People with high blood calcium (hypercalcaemia), over active
thyroid (hyperparathyroidism), kidney disease and ulcers should
avoid this supplement unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
Magnesium should be avoided by those with kidney (renal) failure
and high-grade atrioventricular blocks (unless corrected with a
pacemaker).
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