Cal Mag Zinc (w/Vit D)

FORM: 90 Tablets

The depletion and non-replacementof essential nutrients like minerals can cause a whole host of problems ranging from osteoporosis to depression and even colon cancer. Not getting enough minerals in the system is only part of the problem for some folks, for some it is taking enough, but not being able to get it all into the system. In some studies where subjects took as much as 4000 mg of calcium a day, their blood levels still only barely showed up with normal levels. Some of this can be contributed to genetics, but it has now been noted that there are external forces at work preventing the proper utilization of nutrient intake. The forces we are discussing here; are factors such as those found in the environmental and the use of prescribed medications e.g. tranquilizers and sedatives, just to name a couple. Tranquilizers are a group of drugs that is being utilized now more than any other drug class in the history of prescribed medication. However, drugs in general can be a double edged sword, they ‘may’ benefit you in one respect, but may cause secondary idiopathic pathological states that doctors find hard to diagnose and deal with.

Many drugs can affect the body's ability to utilize calcium and/or magnesium properly, but what makes it worse is that in many cases the mineral levels in the users were already extremely low even prior to taking any medications…causing insomnia, anxieties, or other symptoms to appear. Unfortunately, this type of symptomatic drug therapy continues to be a trademark of modern medicine. Even the most unassuming drugs like aspirin and other NSAIDs can increase magnesium (and sometimes calcium) requirements. The extra requirements for magnesium, calcium and other minerals that are caused by any number of reasons should be added back on to what many consider to be an already low Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDI). What is really sad is that in most cases the RDI doesn’t take into account the above additional need cause by the afore mentioned environmental and other external factors. For example, there are also many dietary factors can reduce calcium uptake. Foods that can cause deficits are ones that are high in oxalic acid (found in spinach, rhubarb and chocolate), which can interfere with calcium absorption by forming insoluble salts in the gut. Phytic acid found in whole grain products and those foods rich in fiber also has this affect, as does excess caffeine from coffee, soda and tea…all affect mineral absorption and utilization, and will even leach calcium from the body. Normal intake of protein, fats, and acidic foods may help calcium absorption, however high levels of these same sources can also increase calcium loss (such as that found in the popular high protein dietetic regimen fad). Chronic calcium and magnesium deficiency is associated with some forms of prostate and colorectal cancer, miscarriage, hypertension, some types of kidney stones, birth (heart) defects in new-borns, menstrual and pre-menstrual problems, various bone and joint diseases, cardiovascular, and periodontal diseases, sleep disturbances, mental health / depressive disorders and others.

There are approximately 20 grams of magnesium in the average 150 pound adult body, most of which is found in bone and teeth, the rest is distributed throughout the body and other tissue. Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of protein, and it is an important co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions throughout the body, many of which contribute to the production of energy. While calcium affects muscular contractions, magnesium balances this effect and relaxes the muscles. Although the process of absorption for magnesium is similar to that of calcium, some people absorb or retain much more magnesium than calcium and vice versa depending on the person. Low levels of magnesium (just like calcium) can again be contributing, or aggravating factors in pathologies such as kidney stones, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, coronary artery spasm, mitral valve prolapse (and several other types of heart problems), premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menstrual cramps, tetany (contractive convulsions) and (pre)eclampsia. And when too much iron and not enough folic acid is taken during pregnancy, insomnia, anxieties, chronic constipation, and hyperactivity can occur. As you can see, it is all a balancing act.

Zinc, taken alone or in combination with calcium and magnesium is also very important. Zinc is a valuable mineral because it is required for protein synthesis and collagen formation. It has a beneficial affect on the immune system. It aids in maintaining blood sugar levels, resisting viral infections, digesting food and also helps wounds to heal. Even the most prevalent eye disease seems to be getting some relief, this is shown in studies that prove that supplementation with zinc prolongs the lives of patients with cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). And according to recent data from the ongoing longitudinal Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, the results look promising. Zinc is also considered an antioxidant and is a natural antibacterial and anti-viral mineral. Zinc can stop the replication process of the virus’s or bacteria, that is if it there is enough in the body to function in this capacity. Zinc is involved in many systemic enzymatic and physiological functions including those that make digestion, metabolism, and reproduction possible. Without zinc in the diet at optimal levels the proper assimilation of vitamins and other nutrients will not occur in a manner that is productive and beneficial. Normal growth and development of ‘everyone’ (especially youngsters) is dependent upon minerals like zinc. The normal maintenance of body tissue, sexual functions, and chemical detoxification are all closely tied to the amount of zinc found in the body. Zinc is also very important in the workings of the immune system and the synthesis of DNA in our cells. Recovery time after a major surgery is greatly decreased when the body contains the proper amount of zinc. Every system in the body works at peak efficiency when supplied with the nutrients it needs in balance…balance is the key. †

REFERENCES:

1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Calcium. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press; 1997:71-145.
2. Spencer H, Norris C, Williams D. Inhibitory effects of zinc on magnesium balance and magnesium absorption in man. J Am Coll Nutr. 1994; 13(5):479-484.
3. McKenna AA, Ilich JZ, Andon MB, Wang C, Matkovic V. Zinc balance in adolescent females consuming a low- or high-calcium diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997; 65(5):1460-1464.