ESSENTIAL VITAMINS

ESSENTIAL VITAMINS

Vitamins were discovered when it was observed that diets adequate in calories, protein and essential amino acids, fats and minerals failed to maintain health. The term vitamin has now come to refer to any organic dietary constituent necessary for life, health and growth, which does not function by supplying energy.
Early studies of the vitamins emphasized the more obvious pathological changes which occurred when animals were maintained on vitamin-deficient diets. Increased knowledge of the physiologic role of vitamin has enabled attention to be concentrated on the metabolic defects which occur when these substances are lacking, and we may therefore refer to the biochemical changes as well as the anatomic lesions which are characteristic of the various vitamin deficiency states.
Before the chemical structures of the vitamins were known it was customary to identify these substances by letters of the alphabet. This system gradually being replaced by a nomenclature based on the chemical nature of the compound or a description of its source or function.
The vitamins are generally divided into 2 major groups fat-soluble and water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins, which are usually found associated with the lipids of natural foods, include vitamins A, D, E, and K. The vitamins of the B complex and vitamin C comprise the water-soluble group.

THE LIST OF FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS by function, effects of deficiency, effects of excess, requirements and sources or nutrients as follows:

1. VITAMIN A [RETINOL].
Function: The maintenance of the integrity of epithelial tissues or membranes of respiratory, alimentary, genito-urinary tracts, and in the cornea and conjunctiva are an important function of vitamin A. The specific role of vitamin A in the physiologic normal mechanism of vision. Healthy skin, strong teeth and bones in children, maintaining resistance to infection. It was the identification of vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants that revolutionized the field and led to the realization of the importance of antioxidants in biochemistry of living organisms.
Effects of deficiency: Xerosis of conjunctiva: Thickening with loss of transparency, infrequently associated with small foam-like plaques called Bitot’s spots. Papular eruptions of pilo-sebaceous follicles: A grater-like feel, which in early stages resembles gooseflesh but, when more fully developed, presents the picture of keratosis pilaris. Xerosis of the skin: Dryness, scale-like and crinkling, In extreme cases resembling alligator skin. Follicular conjunctivitis: Hypertrophy of the follicles, particularly of the lower eyelids. Night blindness. Keratomalacia: Thickening with subsequent ulceration and necrosis of cornea, present only in most severe and advanced of deficiency. Since the lack of vitamin A interferes with the process of ovulation, an adequate dietary supply of vitamin A is necessary for normal process of ovulation and fertility. Treatment: Give vitamin A, 20 000 units twice daily.
Effects of excess: Hypervitaminosis A, this disorder is rare in adults. The minimal toxic adult dose is about 75 000 units daily for 6 months. Clinical findings: Anorexia, loss of weight, hair loss, hyperostosis and periostal elevation of bone, hepato-megaly [enlarged of liver], spleno-megaly [enlarged of spleen], anemia and skin rash. Treatment: Withdraw the medicinal source.
Requirements: The recommended daily allowances [RDA] for adults are 5000 I.U. [or U.S.P. units], during pregnancy and lactation, 6000-8000 I.U.
Sources: It is present in leafy green and yellow fruits and vegetables, whole milk, butter, eggs, fish, or liver oil.

VITAMIN D [CALCIFEROL].
Functions: The vitamins D are sterols formed in the skin by ultraviolet irradiation of plant sterol precursors. Aids in bone and tooth formation. Strong bones; regulation of the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive tract.
Effects of deficiency: Avitaminosis D is usually due to inadequate dietary intake, lack of sunlight, or absorption defect. Clinical findings: Lack of vitamin D leads to osteomalacia in children [rickets]. In adults: osteomalacia due to calcium loss from bones. Treatment of rickets in children is 3500 units daily are adequate. Adult osteomalacia treatment usual doses is 50 000-100 000 units daily, large doses are necessary to compensate renal loses of phosphate.
Effects of excess: This hypervitaminosis D is usually caused by prolonged ingestion of more than 100 000 units daily. Clinical findings: The manifestations of hyper-calcemia are present and may progress to renal damaged and metastatic calcification. Treatment: Withdraw the medicinal source. Complete recovery will occur if over-treatment is discontinued in time.
Requirements: For children and for women during pregnancy and lactation, 400 units are recommended. The daily allowances for adults are not known.
Sources: Cod liver oil, sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, milk and milk products, liver and eggs. The action of sunlight on the skin allows our body to manufacture vitamin D.

VITAMIN E [TOCOPHEROL]
Function: The most striking characteristic of the vitamin E is their antioxidant property. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are easily attacked by molecular oxygen, resulting in formation of peroxides, the tocopherols prevent this. Normal brain function, formation of red blood cells, maintaining some enzyme, normal cellular structure, protection against pollutants.
Effects of deficiency: Weak muscles and infertility. Heart muscle is affected like skeletal muscle by vitamin E deficiency. In male shows testicular atrophy and may failure of spermatogenesis. In female, ovarian function is normal, but there is partial failure of implantation, and the fertilized ova successfully implanted grow and develop only to a certain stage, at which time the fetuses show generalized hemorrhage, die, and are aborted or resolved. Administration of vitamin E during the first half of gestation permits normal fetal development and parturition. The normal resistance of red blood cells to rupture is reduced in vitamin E deficiency. The dietary liver necrosis is the result of simultaneous lack of selenium and of vitamin E. A lack of one or the other alone produces relatively mild chronic diseases. Treatment: Give vitamin E 100 mg twice daily.
Effects of excess: There is a slight risk of overdose, because vitamin E is fat soluble, and usually limited intake of fat.
Requirements: RDA 10 mg daily.
Sources: Eggs, vegetable oils, nuts, soy-beans, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, whole-wheat products.

VITAMIN K [PHYLLOQUINONE]
Function: The vitamins K are chemical compounds which are necessary for prothrombin synthesis by the liver and so are important in the blood coagulation mechanism.
Effects of deficiency: Avitaminosis K results from liver disease which interferes with synthesis of prothrombin, inadequate bile supply with poor absorption, or ingestion of drugs which depress prothrombin synthesis such as coumarins, salicylates. Bleeding disorders in new born infants and those on blood-thinning medication, Treatment: Give 2-5 mg daily is capable of correcting most deficiency.
Effects of excess: Hypervitaminosis K : Large doses of vitamin K to infants, particularly premature infants, may cause hemolytic anemia, hyper-bilirubinemia, hepatomegaly, and even death. Treatment: Withdraw the medication source.
Requirements: 1-2 mg daily.
Sources: Cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, soybeans, green leafy vegetables, dairy products.

CHECK LIST EFFECTS EXCESS OF MINERALS

TABLE: CHECK LIST EFFECTS EXCESS OF MINERALS FOR GROUP OF DISEASES.

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No NAME.... a b c d e f g h i j k

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1 Calcium......- - + + - - - - - - -

2 Magnesium.- - + + - - - - - - -

3 Potassium...+ - - + - - + - - - -

4 Sodium........- - - - - - - - - + +

5 Phosphorus..- - + + + - - - - - +

6 Sulfur...........- - - + + - - - - - -

7 Chlorine........- - - - - - - - - + +

8 Manganese...- - + + - + - - + - -

9 Iron..............- - + + - - - - - + -

10 Iodine..........- - + + - - - + - - -

Trace minerals..............................

11 Bismuth........- - - + - - + - - - -

12 Boron...........- - - - - - - - - - -

13 Cobalt..........+ - + - - - - + - + +

14 Chromium....- - + - + - - - - - +

15 Copper..........- - + + - - - - - - -

16 Fluorine........- - - - - + - + - - -

17 Germanium...- - - + + - - - - - +

18 Lithium.........- - + + + - + + - - -

19 Molybdenum. - - - - - - - - - - -

20 Nickle..........+ + + - - - - + - + +

21 Selenium......- - + + - + - + - - +

22 Silicon..........- - - - - - - - - - -

23 Tin...............+ - + - - - - - - - +

24 Vanadium....- - + + - - - - - - -

25 Zinc.............+ - + - - - - - + + -

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Footnote: Column variables are:

a=Cardiovascular diseases; b=Cancer;

c=Gastrointestinal; d=Central nervous system;

e=Kidney or renal; f=Bone and teeth;

g=Muscle and tendon; h=Endocrine; i=Reproductive;

j=Blood; k=Skin,hair and nail.

Positive + sign=there is effect; negative - sign=no effect

Comment on the list of Excess of minerals on group of diseases:
There are a few excess minerals effect on cardiovascular diseases as follows:
a. Potassium: Abnormal heart beat
b. Cobalt: It may damage the heart muscle.
c. Nickel: Lower pulse rate, heart failure if very high intake [from
50 000 to 100 000 times daily intake].
d. Tin: Palpitations.
e. Zinc: May produce atherosclerosis.

There is only one minerals excess effects for cancer that is
Nickel: Cancer of the sinuses, throat and lung when insoluble nickel compounds are inhaled for long period of time.

The main effects of excess or toxic of minerals are on the gastrointestinal, they are: Calcium, potassium, phosphor, sulfur, manganese, iron, iodine, cobalt, chromium, copper, lithium, nickel, selenium, tin, vanadium and zinc.
The second main effects of excess or toxic of minerals are on the central nervous system, they are: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, iron, iodine, bismuth, copper, germanium, lithium, selenium, and vanadium.

CHECK LIST DEFICIENCY MINERALS ON GROUP OF DISEASES

CHECK LIST EFFECTS DEFICIENCY OF MINERALS ON GROUP OF DISEASES.
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No Name.........A B C D E F G H I J K
_________________________
I. Macro-minerals.........................
1. Calcium........- - - + - + + - - + -
2. Magnesium..+ - - + + - + + - + -
3. Potassium....+ - + + - - + - - + -
4. Sodium.........- - + + + + + - - + -
5. Phosphorus...- - + + - + + - - - -
6. Sulfur...........+ - - + + - - + + + -
7. Chlorine........- - + - - - + - - - +
8. Manganese....- - - + - + + + - - +
9. Iron...............- - - - - - - - - + -
10. Iodine..........+ - - + - - - + - - +
II. Trace-minerals...................
11. Bismuth........+ - + - - + - - - - -
12. Boron............- - - - - + - + ++ -
13. Cobalt...........- - + + - - + - - + -
14. Chromium....- - - + - - - + - + -
15. Copper..........- - - - - - - - - + -
16. Fluorine........- - - - - + - - - - -
17. Germanium..+ + - - - + - - - + -
18. Lithium........+ - + ++ - - + - - -
19. Molybdenum+ - + - - - - - + - -
20. Nickel..........+ - + + - - - + + ++
21. Selenium......+ + - - - - + - + - -
22. Silicon..........- - - - - + - - - - +
23. Tin...............+ - - + - - - + - - -
24. Vanadium.....- - - - + - - + + - -
25 . Zinc..............- - - - - - - - - - +
=========================
Footnote: The name group of diseases by column variable
and label: A=Cardiovascular; B=Cancer; C=Gastrointestinal;
D=Central nervous system; E=Renal or kidney; F=skeleton
Or bone and teeth; G=muscle; H= Endocrine; I=Reproductive ;
J=Blood; K=Skin, hair and nail.
Sign + =there is effect; - sign= no effect

APPLICATION OF THIS TABLE:
1. To day the ranking of prevalence of diseases are: First is cardiovascular diseases; second is cancer.
2. There are few minerals deficiency effect the cardiovascular diseases: Magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iodine, bismuth, germanium, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and tin.
3. There are 2 minerals deficiency positive effect increase risk of the cancer: Germanium and selenium.
4. These information as inputs for preventive and treatment of the cardiovascular and cancer diseases.
5. The other diseases which are effected by minerals deficiency look at the above table.
6. The effects deficiency of minerals for cardiovascular diseases as follows:
I Macro-minerals:
a. Magnesium: coronary heart disease, formation of clots in the heart.
b. Potassium: cardiac irregularities, slow irregular heart beat.
c. Sulfur: lowering heart beat and power.
II Trace minerals:
d. Bismuth: heartburn.
e. Germanium: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases.
f. Lithium: heartburn
g. Nickel: specifically affects the left coronary artery, resulting in vasodilatation with low level and vasoconstriction with high level
h. Selenium: Heart attack.
i. Tin: low cardiac output [left].

There are 3 essential minerals deficiency most dangerous to cardiovascular diseases as follows:
1.Magnesium: Coronary heart diseases, formation of clots in the heart.
2.Germanium: Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases.
3.Selenium: Heart attack

LIST OF MINERALS: REQUIREMENT AND EXCES IN MG/DAY

TABLE: THE LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERALS BY REQUIREMENTS AND EXCESS IN MG/DAY.
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No Minerals….Requirements Excess
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I Macro-min... ………………. ……….......
1 Calcium ….. ..…1000.00..... 2000.00
2 Magnesium.. ... 400.00...... 1000.00
3 Potassium…. ..2000.00..... 5000.00
4 Sodium……. … 1100.00..... 6000.00
5 Phosphorus... …800.00..... 1500.00
6 Sulfur……... … 1000.00 .……….
7 Chlorine…... …3000.00 .……….
8 Copper……. ….......2.00 …......15.00
9 Manganese...….....5.00 .........30.00
10 Iron……….. …….10.00 .......300.00
11 Iodine……... ….… 0.20 ...........2.00
II Trace min…. ………………... .……….
12 Bismuth…… …....0.03 …....525.00
13 Boron……... ..….20.00 .……….
14 Cobalt…….. ……..0.004 .…....0.025
15 Chromium… ……0.20 .….......1.00
16 Fluorine…… …….4.00 ......500.00
17 Germanium.. …..2.00.... 1000.00
18 Lithium…… …….0.10 ......1500.00
19 Molybdenum …..0.05 …......10.00
20 Nickel…….. ……..0.70 ….....50.00
21 Selenium….. …….0.07 ….......0.75
22 Silicon…….. ……..5.00 …...350.00
23 Tin………… …....20.00 …...250.00
24 Vanadium…. .....0.10 …....100.00
25 Zinc……….. …...20.00 ….....75.00

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Foot note: Macro-min= Macro-minerals;
Trace-min= Trace-minerals
Excess of sulfur, Chlorine and Boron are not available.

LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERALS BY FUNCTION...CONTINUED 4

LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERALS BY FUNCTION... CONTINUED 4

Selenium
Function: A mineral associated with antioxidant properties and fat metabolism. It is an antioxidant that works closely with vitamin E in actions like production of antibodies, binding of toxic metals like mercury, amino acid metabolism and promotion of normal body growth and fertility. Selenium protects the cell “machinery” that generates energy. It is also necessary for the production of prostaglandins, substances which affect blood pressure and platelet aggregation. It protects membranes, reduce risk of cancer, enhances immune system, protects against heart disease.
Effects of deficiency: It is associated with premature aging, heart attack, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, infertility and increased risk of cancer.
Effects of excess: More than 750 micrograms; Diabetes, garlic breath odor, immune impairment, loss of hair and nails, irritability, skin lesions, tooth decay, nausea, weakness, yellowish skin.
Requirements: 0.07 mg [70 micrograms]/day.
Sources: Sea-foods and organ meats

Silicon
Function: It is needed for the bone and connective tissues of the body such as tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, nails, skin and hair. It works with calcium to make strong bones so it is an important factor in osteoporosis and can help with faster mending of broken bones. It has been found helpful for preventing cardiovascular disease. It is probably best known as the “beauty mineral” for helping maintain strong, healthy nails, hair and skin.
Effects of deficiency: Silicon deficiency first shows as brittle or easily broken nails and dry, and can finally lead to structural abnormality of the long bones and the skull.
Effects of excess: No case have been reported.
Requirements: 2-5 mg/day
Sources: Unrefined grains of high fiber contents and cereal products.

Tin [Sn]
Function: Tin is associated with iodine; tin supports the adrenals, and iodine supports the thyroid, with both subsequently affecting cardiac output: Tin + adrenals control the left side, and iodine + thyroid control the right side.
Positive health effects were numerous and included improvements with some forms of depression and fatigue, and a general increase in energy, well-being and mood. There were also benefits with certain types of headaches, insomnia, asthma, or improvements with digestion, skin, or various aches and pains.
Effects of deficiency: Fatigue, depression, low cardiac output [left], low adrenals, shortness of breath, asthma, headaches, insomnia. In animals, low tin results in poor growth, alopecia/bilateral hair loss, hearing loss and reduced feeding efficiency.
Effects of excess: Skin rash, stomach complaints, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, palpitations.
Requirements: Daily requirement intake [DRI] : none, suggested 10-20 mg daily. Therapeutic Range: 25-250 mg..
Sources: Tin / canned foods, cereal grains, dairy, meat, vegetables, seaweed, licorice, some toothpastes.

Vanadium [V]
Function: Vanadium is required for glucose tolerance factor, for proper development of bones, cartilage and teeth and for cellular metabolism.
In human studies, daily insulin requirements in Type I diabetes decreased by as much as 14 % , and in Type II diabetics, there was an increase in insulin sensitivity observed following vanadium treatments using either vanadyl sulfate or sodium metavanadate. According to some sources, supplementing vanadium has the potential to improve athletic performance because of the anabolic effect of vanadyl sulfate being similar to insulin[supposedly resulting in higher liver and muscle glycogen stores], however the validity of that claim is not universally accepted.
Effects of deficiency: It may be linked to reproductive problems and kidney disease; supplementation with vanadium may assist with diabetes.
Effects of excess: It may include anything from various aches and pains and flu-like symptoms , to eventually it causing all kinds of bizarre, chemical imbalance. It can also cause a very noticeable green discoloration of the tongue.
Requirements: Recommended dietary allowance [RDA]: none.
Suggested 100 micrograms. Therapeutic Range : 1-100 mg.
Sources: Vegetable oils, fats, black pepper, seafood.

Zinc [Zn]
Function: Presence in enzymes, carbonic anhydrase and insulin substantiates its essentialness
Effects of deficiency: Unknown in human; rat show evidence of deficiency by impaired growth with definite changes in the skin and fur.
Effects of excess: Unknown from diet; zinc stearate powder: A severe irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes is produced by aspiration with resulting congestion, hyperemia, edema, and obstruction of bronchioles with mucous. Powder containing zinc stearate should never be used for infants and small children.
If intake 75 mg/day: Gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, nausea, bleeding in stomach, abdominal pain fever and anemia; premature birth and stillbirth. May produce atherosclerosis.
Requirement: 12-20 mg daily.
Sources: Similar to iron: liver, red meat, egg yolk, legumes, whole grains and dark green vegetables; but more abundant in milk.

LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERAL BY FUNCTION...[CONTINUED 3]

LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERAL FY FUNCTION...[CONTINUED 3]

Lithium [Li]
Function: Li is biologically associated on a gastrointestinal and mental health level. Li is better known for its therapeutic properties with manic-depressive/bipolar disorder; Li in regard to potassium/sodium balance.
Effects of deficiency: Gastrointestinal disorders, low stomach acid [lower part of stomach], heartburn, bloating, bipolar/manic-depressive disorder.
Effects of excess: Nausea, vomiting, weight gain, staggering gait, hypothyroidism/goiter, tremors, liver disease, kidney disease, frequent urination, lethargy, diarrhea, slurring speech, edema, death.
Requirements: Estimated daily intake: 30-100 micrograms. Therapeutic range: 50 micro g – 1500 mg
Sources: Some mineral waters, seaweed, sugarcane.

Manganese [Mn]
Function: It is needed for bone development and maintenance of strong bones. It is also important in the utilization of thiamine, helps to activate enzymes that are necessary for the body’s proper use of vitamin B1, C and biotin. It is important in the formation of thyroxine, the principal hormone of the thyroid gland. Helps in the formation of substances that combat infection, for protein build up such as nucleic acid.
Effects of deficiency: Poor bone growth, slowed growth of hair and nails, diabetes, loss of weight, poor muscle coordination, ear noises, memory loss.
Effects of excess: Causes of excess is exposure and inhalation of ore dust. Poor appetite, apathy, depression, weakness, impotence, disturbed sleep, dementia, violence. Parkinsonism [muscular rigidity, tremor, monotone voice, “frozen” mask-like face] .
Requirements: 5 mg /day.
Sources: Green leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains [unpolished], nuts, coffee, tea, egg yolk.

Molybdenum
Function: A mineral involved in many enzyme processes, nerve function and protein metabolism. It plays an essential role in several enzymes including xanthine oxidase which is aids in mobilizing iron from liver reserves; aldehyde oxidase which is necessary for oxidation of fats and sulfite oxidase.
Effects of deficiency: Deficiencies can result from excess sulfites [common preservative of foods and drugs] or from refining of foods. Symptoms of deficiency include retarded weight gain, poor appetite, impaired reproduction fast heartbeat, increased rate of breathing, visual problems and shortened life expectancy.
Effects of excess: No case have been reported.
Requirements: Requirement daily intakes [RDI] 45 micro g/day
Sources: milk, beans, breads and cereals.

Nickel
Function: Nickel is trace mineral that may be thought of in connection to skin allergies or dermatitis from costume jewelry, eyeglass frames or dental material, however of the approximately 10 mg in the body, significant concentrations of nickel are found in RNA [Ribonucleic acid] and DNA [Deoxyribonucleic acid] where interacts with these nucleic acids. Most of plasma nickel is a constituent of the proteins nickeloplasmin and albumin, and it is also thought to be a factor in hormone, lipid and cell membrane metabolism. Insulin response is increased after ingesting nickel, which may be related to its activation of enzymes associated with the breakdown or utilization of glucose.
Effects of deficiency: Ni deficiency results in decreased growth, impaired liver function, changes in skin color and reproductive problems. Hyperglycemia [high blood sugar], depression, liver disease, anemia, low stomach acid, sinus congestion, fatigue, low adrenals.
Nickel and cobalt, both elements share left/right sided cell receptors and are considered essential to human health. Cobalt specifically affects the right coronary artery, resulting in vasodilatation with low level, and vasoconstriction with high levels, while nickel exerts the same effect on the left coronary artery.
The association of Nickel [Ni] to vitamin C deficiency symptoms, for instance, iron deficiency anemia is often found in the presence of low nickel, and it is a well-known fact that vitamin C assist in iron absorption. Both vitamin C and Ni can also be effective with cirrhosis of the liver, hypo-adrenalism, or to improve insulin production. Likewise, pernicious anemia can result from cobalt deficiency, for which vitamin B12 is a well-known treatment, being organically complex with cobalt.
Effects of excess: Ni excess or toxicity is usually not a problem unless several grams are ingested from non-dietary sources, or unless there is a natural tendency to retain too much Ni, which could lead to asthma, angina , skin rush, hypoglycemia [low blood sugar], shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, lowered pulse, increased red blood cells, heart failure [from 50 000-100 000 times the daily intake].However, Ni is quite toxic in its gaseous form of nickel carbonyl, and it has the potential to cause cancer of the sinuses, throat and lungs when insoluble Ni compounds are inhaled for long periods of time, which does not apply to soluble Ni compounds such as chloride, nitrate or sulfate.
Skin reactions such as itching, burning, redness or other rushes are the most symptoms with nickel sensitivity.
Requirements: Dietary Reference Intake [DRI]: 300-700 microgram
Therapeutic Range: 500 micro g-50 mg.
Sources: Unrefined whole grains, nuts, oysters, tea, herring, buckwheat seed, peas, beans, soybeans, lentils.

ESSENTIAL MINERALS BY FUNCTION...[CONTINUED 2]

THE LIST OF ESSENTIAL MINERALS BY FUNCTION...[CONTINUED 2]

Bismuth [ Bi]
Function: Bismuth is biologically associated on a gastrointestinal and mental health level; bismuth in regard to zinc/phosphorus balance. Bismuth, through its antimicrobial action, is more appropriate for peptic involvement to inhibit helicobacter pylori activity, where it supports an increase in upper stomach acid levels. It is always low in that with an active infection of the helicobacter pylori bacterium, which is responsible for some gastric ulcers.
Effects of deficiency: Gastrointestinal disorders, low stomach acid [upper part of stomach], heartburn, bloating, calcification, warts, diarrhea, gastric ulcers.
Effects of excess: Mental confusion, memory problems, tremors, staggering gait, muscle twitching, slurring speech, joint problems, hearing and visual disturbances, hallucinations, coma.
Requirements: Estimated daily intake: 2-30 micrograms.
Therapeutic Range: 50 micrograms – 525 mg.
Sources: water, foods, cosmetics, stomach remedies.

Boron [B]
Function: Boron plays a role in cell membrane functions that influence response to hormone action, trans-membrane signaling and trans-membrane movement of regulatory ions. Although the biochemical mechanism of boron is not yet known, it does increase steroid hormones such as the sex hormone and vitamin D. Boron also has a role as a metabolic regulator in several enzyme systems. It is involved in reactive oxygen species mechanisms as well as synthesis of RNA [Ribonucleic acid]. Boron indirectly influences calcium homeostasis, probably through vitamin D metabolism.
Effects of deficiency : Some signs of boron deficiency noted are depressed growth and reduction in steroid hormone concentrations.
Because boron plays a role in bone metabolism, it may be associated with an increased risk for bone loss. An inadequate intake of boron leads to increased excretion of calcium and magnesium, and lower serum concentrations of estrogen and testosterone .
Effects of excess: There have been no reports of adverse reactions in adults taking up to 18 mg of boron daily over prolonged periods. No adverse effects have been observed in pre-menopausal or post-menopausal women using boron supplements.
Requirements: Dietary reference intake: 20 mg/day.
Sources: Fruits and vegetables are the main dietary sources of boron. Other sources are legumes, pulses and nuts

Chromium [Cr]
Function: A mineral important in regulating blood glucose. Although chromium works with insulin to help your body use blood sugar, preliminary studies assessing the effect of chromium in the treatment of diabetes are controversial, and there is no proof chromium can prevent the disease. There’s also no proof of popular claims that taking chromium supplements can increase your muscle mass, help you lose weight, reduce cholesterol and prevent osteoporosis.
Effects of deficiency: Hyperactivity, immune system weakness, low blood sugar [hypoglycemia]
Effects of excess: More than 50 mg/day; dermatitis, intestinal ulcers, kidney and liver impairment.
Requirements: 0.2 mg/day
Sources: Brewer’s yeast, whole grains and meats

Cobalt [Co]
Function: It is required in the production of red blood cells and preventing anemia. Since cobalt is part of the vitamin B12 molecule, the function of cobalt is interwoven with that of vitamin B12.
Effects of deficiency: Pernicious anemia, weakness, fatigue, anorexia and diarrhea.
Effects of excess: Tolerable upper limit 1-2 micrograms; toxic level more than 30 micrograms with symptoms nausea, vomiting diarrhea, skin rushes, hot flushes. It may damage the heart muscle, over production of red blood cells and may damage the thyroid gland. High dose of cobalt interfere with iodine uptake and therefore result in goiter and hypothyroidism.
Requirements: Recommended daily intake [RDI] 0.12 micro gram.
Sources: Liver, red meat, fish, milk, nuts , oysters and leafy green vegetables.

Germanium [Ge]
Function: The organo-germanium form, bis-carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide [Ge-132], developed by Kazuhiko Asaia of Japan in 1967, is a safe and effective compound that can be used for a variety of medical problems ranging form viral infections to cancer, which require improved oxygenation and immune support.Ge-132 is further known to enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of natural killer cells, interferon, macrophages and T-suppressor cells.
Effects of deficiency: Cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, higher risk for several cancers, osteoporosis, arthritis, weakened immune system, decreased oxygen.
Effects of excess: Bruising, kidney damage, liver damage, skin rush, neuron-toxicity.
Requirements: Estimated daily intake of germanium: 1-2 mg.
Sources: Ginseng, garlic, aloe vera, sushi, watercress, shitake mushroom.