From the macro to the micro: Two fascinating facts about minerals found on our planet and within our bodies. First, these minerals were born billions of years ago from exploding stars from our then-nascent universe. Second, about a dozen or so are essential for human health. These essential minerals include the iron in our blood, the calcium in our bones, the iodine in our thyroid hormone, and the phosphorus in our DNA.

Unfortunately, minerals aren’t “sexy” and don’t get the respect they deserve.

But do you want an optimal immune system? Do you want your Collagen Elixir™ to help create brand-new collagen in your skin? (not only is vitamin C necessary for new collagen but so is iron). Do you want to enhance your chance for better health?

If so, here are a few ways minerals can support your health and ensure optimal intake through Isagenix foods and supplements.

Minerals To Keep Your Immune System Functional

When one thinks of minerals and a functioning (but not hyperactive) immune system, zinc comes to mind. Zinc deficiency was first systematically characterized in 1963 and was associated with a severely compromised immune system.

Indeed, zinc is required for optimal immune function. Two 2021 publications noted that zinc supplementation was associated with improvements in markers of a dysfunctional immune system and increased antioxidant activity (1,2). Another mineral, selenium, is a vital component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Like zinc, selenium is instrumental in a well-run immune system (3).

Working Out? Don’t Forget Mineral Intake

When exercising, many physiological processes and pathways engage: minerals are excreted via urine and sweat, increasing the need for replenishment. Blood flow increases to facilitate the transport of oxygen and critical nutrients to tissues and exerting muscles.

Because this nutrient transport is by blood, maintaining good iron status — particularly for females — is of particular importance (4,5). Additionally, magnesium requirements may be higher in athletes and individuals with higher metabolic needs (6,7). Finally, calcium supplementation may improve performance while preventing alterations in calcium homeostasis during exercise (8,9).

Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health Benefits of Minerals

Cardiovascular health requires healthy blood pressure, balanced glucose and insulin status, and proper endothelial function. Among dietary minerals supporting good cardiovascular health, adequate magnesium intake is associated with reduced arterial stiffness, a risk factor for cardiovascular events (10). Additionally, the trace element chromium has long been valued for its potential beneficial modulation of disturbed glucose and insulin status (11), and more recently, for its benefits toward antioxidant defenses (12). Finally, adequate intake of magnesium is associated with a healthy blood pressure range (13).

Isagenix Provides Minerals for Optimal Wellbeing

To achieve optimal wellbeing, consumption of a high-quality diet providing sufficient minerals is paramount. Isagenix foods, such as shakes and bars, combined with supplementation from Essentials for WomenTM or Essentials for MenTM, will help ensure you obtain all the necessary minerals.

References

  1. Hosseini R, Ferns GA, Sahebkar A, Mirshekar MA, Jalali M. Zinc supplementation is associated with a reduction in serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2021 Feb;138:155396. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155396. Epub 2020 Dec 14. PMID: 33333394.
  2. Faghfouri AH, Baradaran B, Khabbazi A, Khaje Bishak Y, Zarezadeh M, Tavakoli-Rouzbehani OM, Faghfuri E, Payahoo L, Alipour M, Alipour B. Profiling Inflammatory Cytokines Following Zinc Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Br J Nutr. 2021 Jan 20:1-28. doi: 10.1017/S0007114521000192. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33468279.
  3. Bentley-Hewitt KL, Chen RK, Lill RE, Hedderley DI, Herath TD, Matich AJ, McKenzie MJ. Consumption of selenium-enriched broccoli increases cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated ex vivo, a preliminary human intervention study. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014 Dec;58(12):2350-7. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201400438. Epub 2014 Oct 13. PMID: 25176606.
  4. Pasricha SR, Low M, Thompson J, Farrell A, De-Regil LM. Iron supplementation benefits physical performance in women of reproductive age: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr. 2014 Jun;144(6):906-14. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.189589. Epub 2014 Apr 9. PMID: 24717371.
  5. Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, Perija B, Rimmer E, Rabbani R, Bernstein CN, Turgeon AF, Fergusson DA, Houston DS, Abou-Setta AM, Zarychanski R. Efficacy of iron supplementation on fatigue and physical capacity in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 5;8(4):e019240. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019240. PMID: 29626044; PMCID: PMC5892776.
  6. Zhang Y, Xun P, Wang R, Mao L, He K. Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance? Nutrients. 2017 Aug 28;9(9):946. doi: 10.3390/nu9090946. PMID: 28846654; PMCID: PMC5622706.
  7. Santos DA, Matias CN, Monteiro CP, Silva AM, Rocha PM, Minderico CS, Bettencourt Sardinha L, Laires MJ. Magnesium intake is associated with strength performance in elite basketball, handball and volleyball players. Magnes Res. 2011 Dec;24(4):215-9. doi: 10.1684/mrh.2011.0290. PMID: 21983266.
  8. Barry DW, Hansen KC, van Pelt RE, Witten M, Wolfe P, Kohrt WM. Acute calcium ingestion attenuates exercise-induced disruption of calcium homeostasis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Apr;43(4):617-23. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181f79fa8. PMID: 20798655; PMCID: PMC3145631.
  9. Haakonssen EC, Ross ML, Knight EJ, Cato LE, Nana A, Wluka AE, Cicuttini FM, Wang BH, Jenkins DG, Burke LM. The effects of a calcium-rich pre-exercise meal on biomarkers of calcium homeostasis in competitive female cyclists: a randomised crossover trial. PLoS One. 2015 May 13;10(5):e0123302. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123302. PMID: 25970439; PMCID: PMC4430171.
  10. Joris PJ, Plat J, Bakker SJ, Mensink RP. Long-term magnesium supplementation improves arterial stiffness in overweight and obese adults: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 May;103(5):1260-6. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.131466. Epub 2016 Apr 6. PMID: 27053384.
  11. Riales R, Albrink MJ. Effect of chromium chloride supplementation on glucose tolerance and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein of adult men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Dec;34(12):2670-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/34.12.2670. PMID: 7032273.
  12. Kooshki F, Tutunchi H, Vajdi M, Karimi A, Niazkar HR, Shoorei H, Pourghassem Gargari B. A Comprehensive insight into the effect of chromium supplementation on oxidative stress indices in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2021 Mar;48(3):291-309. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.13462. Epub 2021 Jan 18. PMID: 33462845.
  13. Kass L, Weekes J, Carpenter L. Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012 Apr;66(4):411-8. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2012.4. Epub 2012 Feb 8. PMID: 22318649.