Trace Elements and Minerals

We hear much about the health promoting properties of trace elements and minerals, we have mentioned the effect on the health of animals and ourselves when there are deficiencies in the soils we grow and raise our food supply in. We may have issues growing crops and raising livestock in the event we have too much of some trace elements and minerals as well.

A good example of this is a Southland farmer who was experiencing problems raising lambs; he lost thousands of them before he understood what was happening. He had soils on his property that contained an excess amount of molybdenum (Mo), this affects the healthy development of cattle and sheep. An autopsy of his sheep showed significant liver damage, described as mushy rather than firm. Humans are dependent on small amounts of molybdenum in their diet as it functions as a catalyst for enzyme action to breakdown amino acids and the formation of other compounds like amino acids that incorporate sulphur.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another one of those essential minerals the body requires to promote energy and cell communication. It is involved in around 300 essential metabolic functions to maintain our health; involving muscles and the function of all of our organs, especially our heart and kidneys. Bone health is also dependent on an adequate supply of magnesium.

Conditions that have been linked to a magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, anxiety, depression, hyper-tension, type 2 diabetes and regulation of blood sugar levels, nerve and immune systems, osteoporosis and bone health generally.

An excess of magnesium may result in diarrhoea; unfortunately a blood test may not be a particularly accurate way of determining magnesium levels within our body as 60% is stored in our skeleton, 25% within our muscles and soft tissue and only 1% is present outside our cellular structure.

Rich sources of magnesium include bananas, avocados, fish, nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate and yoghurt. When considering supplements 200-400mg per day, which for Silberhorn magnesium would be approximately 1-2 capsules per day; if you are not receiving sufficient in your diet.