The Importance of Micronutrients for Energy (Part 2)
Micronutrients, though required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients, play a pivotal role in maintaining our overall health and energy levels. These essential vitamins and minerals act as catalysts in numerous biochemical reactions that control our body’s energy production processes. Understanding their importance can help us appreciate the profound impact they have on our vitality and well-being. This column looks at the role of specific minerals need to make the energy our bodies need.
Note: There are 4 general levels of nutrients:
Inadequate levels: Intake is so low that they cause specific diseases.
Sub-optimum levels: At this level, there are no initial health problems but over time they will cause diseases
Optimum: The intake needed for the body to perform at its best.
Toxic levels: The levels are so high that they can cause disease.
Fairly obviously, we want optimum levels for optimum health. Taking a broad-spectrum multi-nutritional supplement like Cell eXtra will help maintain micronutrients at optimum levels.
Minerals: The Energy Sustainers
Note: We are only looking at minerals with a direct impact on energy. Other minerals (in Cell eXtra) are needed for many other functions including acting as antioxidants. Minerals are equally important as vitamins in energy production. They act as cofactors in various enzymatic reactions and are involved in the structural components of cells and tissues.
Iron
Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. It is also a part of myoglobin, which supplies oxygen to muscles. Without adequate iron, the body’s ability to produce energy is compromised. I deliberately omit Iron from Cell eXtra because many do not need extra iron, while those who do, should have a tailored iron supplement programme.
Magnesium
Magnesium is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a key role in energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Magnesium is also involved in the synthesis of ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells. The amount in Cell eXtra will be more than sufficient for these purposes. Additional Magnesium is only needed for specific problems such as to help with cramp, restless legs, sleep and for those with heart rhythm issues.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, which are critical for energy production.
Iodine
Iodine is necessary to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolic rate and energy production in the body. Adequate iodine levels are crucial for maintaining energy balance and overall metabolic health. Expect in pregnancy, I recommend getting the iodine needed for food, such as Kelp, rather than supplements as these can easily result in too much iodine.
Chromium
Chromium enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical for the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and ensure a steady supply of energy to cells.
Conclusion
Minerals and vitamins are indispensable for the production and maintenance of energy in the body. Inadequate levels can have a devastating impact on energy and general health. By acting as cofactors and coenzymes in various metabolic pathways, vitamins and minerals ensure that our bodies can efficiently convert the food we eat into the energy we need to sustain life and perform daily activities. Ensuring an adequate intake of these essential nutrients is vital for maintaining optimal health and energy levels.
Diet of course is critical. However, adding a well-formulated supplement like Cell eXtra adds an extra ‘insurance’ layer giving peace of mind that your body has the nutrients it needs for optimum function.
Please contact me if you need personalised advice or if you have questions.
As always, feel free to contact me for personalised advice.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med)
Abundant Health
john@abundant.co.nz
0800 423559
Int’l +64 7 5722343
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.