Trace Minerals ConcenTrace Mineral Drops

Formulated by Nature to Support Bio Health and Body Mineral Balance. From Utah's Inland Sea Low sodium ConcenTrace Mineral Drops are our most powerful natural health mineral supplements. It's impossible to underestimate the importance of minerals and trace minerals for the human body. They are the catalysts for all the vitamins and other nutrients your body uses for developing and maintaining good health.

ConcenTrace captures the perfect balance of those minerals. Using ConcenTrace every day (mix with juice, food or remineralize purified water) will help conduct and support your body's entire electrical system.* You'll promote energy and general health.*

Why is ConcenTrace so powerful? Coming from the Great Salt Lake, ConcenTrace contains the full spectrum of all the minerals in a balance natural to the body. We use a completely natural process that removes the sodium and gives us a formula about 26 times more concentrated than any other liquid trace minerals on the market. ConcenTrace Mineral Drops or ConcenTrace Tablets.

Magnesium And Health

By Dr. Chris Meletis N. D.

Magnesium is one of the major mineral nutrients in the human body. Containing approximately 20 to 28 grams of magnesium, 60% is found in the bones and teeth, while the remaining 40% is found in muscle. Serum levels of magnesium range from 1.5 to 2.1 mEq/L; magnesium is the second-most plentiful positively charged ion found within the cells of the body, signifying its importance in the multitudes of physiologic cellular functions. One of the most important metabolic process, the synthesis and consumption of ATP, is directly linked to magnesium. Magnesium-linked ATP processes activate approximately 300 different enzymes which are involved in diverse functions such as DNA and RNA synthesis, glycolysis, intracellular mineral transport, nerve impulse generation, cell membrane electrical potential, muscle contraction, blood vessel tone, and the regeneration of ATP. ¹

The adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 350 mg per day for men and 280 milligrams for women. The typical American diet provides approximately 120 milligrams per 1,000 calories, meaning that a person that consumes fewer than 1,500 calories is likely to be deficient in magnesium. The absorption rate of magnesium ranges from 24 to nearly 85 percent, while magnesium derived from metallic sources is less absorbable, whereas magnesium derived from plant sources are more easily absorbed. Factors that increase the need for magnesium due to limited uptake or increased losses include excess phosphate consumption (soft drinks) and alcoholic beverages, high stress lifestyles, some diuretics, and strenuous exercise (high performance athletes lose a considerable amount of magnesium in sweat).²

Magnesium helps support general health.* Magnesium helps support gastric, intestine and colon health.* It promotes the release of gastrin and cholecystokinin, stimulating gastric motility.* ³

Support Healthy Blood Pressure Already in Normal Range*

Magnesium may help support healthy blood pressure already in normal range.* ⁴ The effect of various nutritional factors on healthy blood pressure was examined in over 30,000 U.S. male health professionals. After four years of follow-up, it was found that a greater magnesium intake was significantly associated with supporting healthy blood pressure levels already in normal range.* ⁸

Support A Healthy Heart*

Magnesium may play a role in supporting coronary health.* ¹²¹³

Support Bone Health*

Magnesium may help support healthy calcium metabolism and the hormone that regulates bone-calcium stores.* ¹⁴ Several studies have suggested that magnesium supplementation may promote healthy bones.*

Support Healthy Metabolism*

Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium may help support the release and activity of insulin already in normal range.* Insulin is the main hormone that exerts control of blood glucose levels.

The beneficial health effects of magnesium emphasize the importance of this commonly overlooked mineral. As the fields of nutrition and medicine continue to reveal the benefits of magnesium, it becomes more and more apparent that a healthy level of this mineral is vital to maintaining our health. Like all supplements, proper supplementation of magnesium must be emphasized by seeking the advice of a qualified, nutritionally oriented physician.

References

1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
2. Whitney E, Cataldo CB, Rolfes SR, eds. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1998.
3. Swain R, Kaplan-Machlis B. Magnesium for the next millennium. South Med J 1999;92: 1040-7
4. Yamori Y, Nara Y, Mizushima S, et al. Nutritional factors. Health Rep 1994; 6(1):22-7
5. Douban S, Brodsky MA, Whang DD, Whang R. Significance of magnesium. Am Heart J 1996;132(3):664-71
6. Altura BT, Memon ZI, Zhang A, et al. Low levels of serum ionized magnesium. Neurosci Lett 1997;230:37-40
7. Simopoulos AP. The nutritional aspects of magnesium. Compr Ther 1999;25:95-100.
8. Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Giovannucci EL, Colditz GA, Rosner B, Willett WC, Sacks FM, Stampfer MJ. A prospective study of nutritional factors among US men. Circulation 1992;86:1475-84.
9. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The sixth report of the Joint National Committee. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:2413-46.
10. Appel LJ. Nonpharmacologic therapies: A fresh perspective. Clin Cardiol 1999;22:1111-5.
11. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1999.
12. Ford ES. Serum magnesium: Findings from a national sample of US adults. Intl J of Epidem 1999;28:645-651.
13. Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Hernan MA, Giovannucci EL, Kawachi I, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber among US men. Circulation 1998;98:1198-204.
14. Rude RK and Olerich M. Magnesium deficiency. Osteoporos Int 1996;6:453-61.
15. Landon RA, Young EA. Role of magnesium in regulation of lung function. J Am Diet Assoc 1993 Jun;93(6):674-7
16. Fantidis P, Ruiz Cacho J, Marin M, Madero Jarabo R, Solera J, Herrero E. Intracellular (polymorphonuclear) magnesium. J R Soc Med 1995 Aug;88(8):441-5
17. Britton J, Pavord I, Richards K, Wisniewski A, Knox A, Lewis S, Tattersfield A, Weiss S. Dietary magnesium, lung function, in a random adult population sample. Lancet 1994 Aug 6; 344(8919): 357-62

Chloride: The Forgotten Essential Mineral

By Dr. Chris Meletis N. D.

Chloride is an "essential" mineral for humans. It is abundant in ionic trace mineral preparations. It is a major mineral nutrient that occurs primarily in body fluids. Chloride is a prominent negatively charged ion of the blood, where it represents 70% of the body's total negative ion content. On average, an adult human body contains approximately 115 grams of chloride, making up about 0.15% of total body weight. ¹ The suggested amount of chloride intake ranges from 750 to 900 milligrams per day, based on the fact that total obligatory loss of chloride in the average person is close to 530 milligrams per day. As the principle negatively charged ion in the body, chloride serves as one of the main electrolytes of the body. Chloride, in addition to potassium and sodium, assist in the conduction of electrical impulses when dissolved in bodily water. Potassium and sodium become positive ions as they lose an electron when dissolved and chloride becomes a negative ion as it gains an electron when dissolved. A positive ion is always accompanied by a negative ion, hence the close relationship between sodium, potassium and chloride. The electrolytes are distributed throughout all body fluids including the blood, lymph, and the fluid inside and outside cells. ² The negative charge of chloride balances against the positive charges of sodium and potassium ions in order to maintain serum osmolarity.

Pivotal Roles of Chloride in the Body

In addition to its functions as an electrolyte, chloride combines with hydrogen in the stomach to make hydrochloric acid, a powerful digestive enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of proteins, absorption of other metallic minerals, and activation of intrinsic factor, which in turn absorbs vitamin B12. Chloride is specially transported into the gastric lumen, in exchange for another negatively charged electrolyte (bicarbonate), in order to maintain electrical neutrality across the stomach membrane. After utilization in hydrochloric acid, some chloride is reabsorbed by the intestine, back into the blood stream where it is required for maintenance of extracellular fluid volume.* Chloride is both actively and passively absorbed by the body, depending on the current metabolic demands. A constant exchange of chloride and bicarbonate, between red blood cells and the plasma helps to govern the pH balance and transport of carbon dioxide, a waste product of respiration, from the body. With sodium and potassium, chloride works in the nervous system to aid in the transport of electrical impulses throughout the body, as movement of negatively charged chloride into the cell propagates the nervous electrical potential.*

Deficiency of Chloride

Deficiency of chloride is rare.³

Excess Intake?

Excessive intakes of dietary chloride only occur with the ingestion of large amounts of salt and potassium chloride. The toxic effects of such diets, such as fluid retention, are attributed to the high sodium and potassium levels. ⁴ Chloride toxicity has not been observed in humans except in the special case of impaired sodium chloride metabolism. ⁵ Healthy individuals can tolerate the intake of large quantities of chloride provided that there is a concomitant intake of fresh water. Excess chloride is normally excreted in the urine, sweat, and bowels. In fact, excess urinary excretion of chloride occurs in high salt diets. Excessive intakes of chloride can occur in a person with compromised health in addition to an unhealthy diet. However, those that follow a healthy diet and lead an active lifestyle may need to consider supplementing their diet with this important mineral.

Chloride vs. Chlorine

The mineral supplement chloride is very different from the gas chlorine. While elemental chlorine is a dangerous gas that does not exist in the free elemental state in nature because of its reactivity, although it is widely distributed in combination with other elements. Chloride is related to chlorine however, as one of the most common chlorine compounds is common salt, NaCl. Chloride is a by-product of the reaction between chlorine and an electrolyte, such as potassium, magnesium, or sodium, which are essential for human metabolism. Chloride salts are essential for sustaining human metabolism and have none of the effects of isolated chlorine gas.*

Sources of Chloride

Chloride occurs naturally in foods at levels normally less than 0.36 milligrams per gram of food. The average intake of chloride during a salt-free diet is approximately 100 milligrams per day. Unfortunately, chloride is found commonly combined with undesirable dietary sources. The most common of these negative sources is table salt. Table salt is made from a combination of sodium and chloride ions. Other unhealthful sources include yeast extracts, processed lunchmeats, and cheeses. Healthier sources of chloride include kelp (seaweed), ionic trace minerals, olives, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery, although not in large enough amounts to supply the needs of an active adult. ⁶ In its original form, however, chloride is leached from various rocks into soil and water by years of weathering processes. The chloride ion is highly mobile and is transported to closed basins, such as the Great Salt Lake, or oceans. ⁷

Summary

Chloride is a highly important, vital mineral required for both human and animal life. Without chloride, the human body would be unable to maintain fluids in blood vessels, conduct nerve transmissions, move muscles, or maintain proper kidney function. As a major electrolyte mineral of the body, chloride performs many roles, and is rapidly excreted from the body. Active adults that eat a healthy diet devoid of salt may warrant the supplementation of additional chloride. Replacement of chloride is essential on a daily basis to maintain regular metabolic function. Chloride is safely utilized by the body, without negative health effects. Of the negative health effects that have been associated with diets high in chloride, these are mainly attributable to the accompanying sodium and potassium, two other electrolyte minerals to which chloride is often attached.

References

1. Wesson LG. Physiology of the human kidney. New York, NY, Grune and Stratton, 1969: 591
2. Weast RC, ed. CRC handbook of chemistry and physics, 67th ed. Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 1986.
3. Kaleita TA. Neurologic/behavioral associated with ingestion of chloride-deficient infant formula. Pediatrics 1986 Oct;78(4):714-5
4. Beard TC. A salt hypothesis. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1990;16 Suppl 7:S35-8
5. Seelig M. Cardiovascular consequences of magnesium deficiency and loss: pathogenesis, prevalence and manifestations—magnesium and chloride loss in refractory potassium repletion. Am J Cardiol 1989 Apr 18;63(14):4G-21G
6. Altschul AM, Grommet JK. Food choices for lowering sodium intake. Hypertension 1982 Sep-Oct;4(5 Pt 2):III116-20
7. Gelb SB, Anderson MP. Sources of chloride and sulfate in ground water beneath an urbanized area in Southeastern Wisconsin (Report WIS01 NTIS). Chemical abstracts, 1981, 96(2):11366g.

Dehydration - An Imbalance of Water & Minerals
100% Preventable - If you know what to do!

By Dr. Chris Meletis N. D.

Dehydration results from the loss of water and important electrolytes from the body, including potassium, sodium, chloride and many other minerals often overlooked. The very functioning of essential organs like the brain, kidney, heart and nervous system depends on sufficient water and minerals. Many people suffer unnecessarily from mild dehydration and even when people aren't actually ill from dehydration, it can really affect quality of life and athletic performance.

Noteworthy is that water makes up 70 percent of our muscles and about 75 percent of our brains. Thus it is not surprising that as minerals and water become deplete that muscle aches and cramps, fatigue and thinking can be affected. Research shows that mild dehydration can diminish thought processes and memory, thus adversely affecting global quality of life. This should not be surprising considering that an imbalance in just one mineral can actually lead to substantial biochemical imbalances, thus maintaining and replacing the full array of minerals and trace minerals in one’s diet daily is important, let along during times of strain on your body's systems such as times that can cause dehydration.

There are many causes of dehydration, indeed every day we lose about 2 cups of water from just breathing, so if it is not replaced a fluid and electrolyte imbalance will occur.

Common Causes of Potential Dehydration †

Sweating - Fever, Exercise, Excess exposure to heat

Insufficient Intake - This can arise from not consuming adequate quantities of water and minerals or a relative deficiency due to excess loss.

† It is essential that the cause of the dehydration is addressed.

I routinely coach my patients to focus on prevention when it comes to dehydration.

The reality is that mild dehydration happens more frequently than most of us realize. How many of you have suffered from dry lips and mouth, skin that is flaky, a swimmy sensation in your head when you have forgotten to drink sufficient water? Well one or more of these symptoms are very prevalent for tens of thousands of people in the North America alone.

In fact, on a hot humid day, an active person can become dehydrated in just 15 minutes.

So, how do you avoid getting dehydrations, well here are two specific clues:

1. Get enough water
2. Consume your minerals sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium

Minerals - The Spice of Life and an Essential Consideration

If you are athletically inclined, avoiding dehydration takes on an additional significance.

Not only are you at a higher risk, dehydration can really decrease your performance and endurance, thus dulling your performance edge.

• Drink plenty of fluids~Consume 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water daily
• Sports drinks can provide carbohydrates, fluid and minerals
• Limit or avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. They both increase dehydration
• Outside clothing on warm days should be light, absorbable and loose fitting
• Avoid carbonated beverages that can bloat and give sense of fullness limiting fluid intake
• Use sun block, stay cool and seek the protection of shade whenever possible

Consuming your water and replacing your minerals is important. Yet the best bet is to get your daily dose of minerals and water daily, so you will be better prepared for potential dehydration risks. Researchers suggest that pre-loading, treating during and after are the best way to maintain proper hydration.

References

1. Clap AJ et al., A review of fluid replacement for workers in hot jobs. AIHAJ 63(2):190-8, 2002.
2. Burker LM., Nutritional needs for exercise in the heat. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 128(4):735-48, 2001.
3. No Listed Authors, Position of dietitians of Canada, the American Dietetic Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Can J Diet Pract Res 61(4):176-192, 2000.