Sales of vitamins and mineral supplements fall as we choose healthy food and ... - Daily Mail

• Only 35 per cent of us pop a daily vitamin, compared with 41 per cent four years ago
• Cautious consumers are cutting back on expensive supplements and opting for healthy food instead
• But supplements still very popular amongst the elderly
  

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 13:42 EST, 5 November 2012 | UPDATED: 13:42 EST, 5 November 2012

Sales of vitamins and health supplements have fallen as health conscious Britons opt for fruit and vegetables, new industry figures reveal.

Thirty-five per cent of us regularly pop a supplement of some kind - down from 41 per cent on 2008, according to market analyst Mintel.

It believes that products ranging from multivitamin pills to cod liver oil capsules have come to be seen as an unnecessary luxury to those cutting their budgets.

No longer a nation of pill poppers? Consumption of vitamins and other health supplements has fallen over the past four years

Furthermore, many food and drink products now claim to contain the same kind of health-giving ingredients, from omega-3 to various vitamins.

The latest report found the UK market for vitamins and supplements will be worth £385 million this year, up just 2.7 per cent on last year.

This is due to price rises rather than volume, as Mintel’s figures show the number of supplement takers is gradually falling. It also predicts the amount spent will also start to fall over the next few years.

The exception is amongst the elderly - 89 per cent take a daily supplement, often for bone or heart health.

And with Britain’s population continuing to get older, it could help keep the industry buoyant for years to come, said Mintel.

THE BEST-SELLERS

Multivitamins are the most popular product on the market and supplements containing omega-3 are also popular due to much positive publicity about the health benefits.

Iron tablets - particularly popular with women - are the biggest selling supplements of all, followed by calcium and zinc.

The company's senior consumer analyst Alexandra Richmond listed several factors the fall in overall popularity for vitamins and supplements.

She said: 'Cautious consumer spending, lower consumption, competition from functional foods, lack of ground-breaking launch activity and new European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requirements have all hampered elevated growth rates.

'The outlook for the market is lacklustre, with value sales falling in the short term.'

Seven in ten Britons who take vitamins and supplements do so to boost health in general, with 40 per cent believing they ward off illness and 35 per cent feeling an energy boost.

Ten per cent of people tak a supplement or vitamin pill because they think it will help prevent cancer.

Just last month it was reported that taking a daily multivitamin pill can lower the risk of cancer.

The researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, and Harvard Medical School found that regular use for more than a decade cuts the risk of developing the disease by 8 per cent.

However, some studies of high-dose vitamins have shown they may do more harm than good.

 

New Content from Liquid Health

http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/node/156 Tips for Keeping off Extra Pounds
During the Holidays Weight gain during the holidays is not uncommon, but it
can be troubling. A study performed by the National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that even small amounts of weight
gained during the holidays wasn’t lost later in the year. Liquid Health,
Inc. has compiled a list of suggestions to do away with holiday weight gain,
including some weight management [1] supplements to consider. With an
increase in social gatherings and a decrease in time devoted to exercise,
it’s no wonder people gain an average of 1 pound in the six weeks between
Thanksgiving and New Years. While 1 pound may seem harmless, the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that
most people did not lose this extra weight as the year went on. Over time
this can lead to significant weight gain. The holidays can be a busy time for
most people, so seeing time devoted to exercise decrease is not unusual.
Liquid Health, Inc. suggests finding ways to add small bits of exercise into
a hectic schedule, such as parking further from the store entrance when
shopping or take a brisk walk during a lunch break. Finding ways to fit in
physical activity can help minimize weight gain during the holiday seasons.
Liquid Health, Inc also suggests another way to avoid needless weight gain.
With an increase in the number of parties and social functions during the
holidays, people can consume a large number of unnecessary calories. One way
to cut down on one’s caloric intake is to aim for a plate that is at least
half filled with fruits or vegetables. By focusing on the more nutritious
food options, there will be less room for the high calorie alternatives. In
addition to changes to physical activity and eating habits, Liquid Health,
Inc suggests a couple of supplements that my help a person keep off added
weight around the holidays. Recently, Liquid Health, Inc has added a couple
of weight management supplements to their catalog of products. One of these
products, called African Mango XD, is aimed at suppressing a person’s
appetite, which may be especially helpful during the holidays. This
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– 18 mg Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) – 120 mcg African Mango
(Irvingia Gabonensis) – 150 mg SuperCitrimax (Garcinia Cambogia) – 85 mg
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) – 50 mg The other of Liquid Health, Inc.’s
weight loss supplements is called Raspberry Ketone and is marketed as a fat
burner. This Liquid Raspberry Ketone Supplement [3] contains: L-Carnitine USP
1000 mg Raspberry Ketones 200 mg Green tea leaf extract (50% ECGC)
(Decaffeinated) 10 mg Stevia leaf 18 mg According to Brett Peterson, the
Director of Business Development for Liquid Health, Inc., “There are lots
of things we can do to avoid weight gain during the holidays. The obvious
things are exercise and cutting down on calories, but sometimes that’s just
not realistic with all the parties and other things that are going on.
Sometimes taking a weight loss aid, like one of our weight management
supplements, can help to get you through a tough couple of months.” About
Liquid Health, Inc.: Liquid Health, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing
liquid vitamin supplements since 1991. All Liquid Health products, including
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in the U.S.A. See the official press release here [4]

[1] http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/weight-management
[2] http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/content/african-mango-xd
[3] http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/content/raspberry-ketone
[4] http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10013597.htmhttp://liquidhealth.posterous.com/new-content-from-liquid-health-79280 http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/node/156 Tips for Keeping off Extra Pounds During the Holidays Weight gain during the holidays is not uncommon, but it can be troubling. A study performed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Diabetes and ... http://liquidhealth.posterous.com

Vitamins and nutritional supplements may contain unexpected hazards - Washington Post

More than 6,300 reports â€" describing more than 10,300 serious outcomes, including 115 deaths and more than 2,100 hospitalizations, 1,000 serious injuries or illnesses, 900 emergency room visits, and 4,000 other important medical events â€" streamed into the FDA from supplement companies, consumers, health-care providers and others between 2007 and mid-April 2012. Consumer Reports notes that these incidents by themselves don’t prove that supplements caused the problems, but the raw numbers are cause for concern. Current laws make it difficult for the FDA to order a problem product off the market. In fact, to date, the FDA has banned only one ingredient, ephedrine alkaloids.

To protect yourself, search the FDA’s Web site (www.fda.gov) for warnings, alerts and voluntary recalls involving a supplement you are thinking of taking. If you suspect you’re having a bad reaction to a supplement, tell your doctor. You can also report your problem to the FDA at 800-332-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Some supplements are really prescription drugs

According to Daniel Fabricant, director of the FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, dietary supplements spiked with prescription drugs are the “largest threat” to consumer safety. Many recalled products have the same or similar active ingredients as prescription drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and sibutramine (Meridia, a weight-loss drug that was removed from the market in 2010 because of evidence that it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes). Others contained synthetic steroids. “As a result, adulterated products can cause some of the same side effects and interactions that a consumer may be trying to avoid by opting for supplements instead of prescription drugs,” says Jose Luis Mosquera, an internist who specializes in integrative health and medicine and serves as a medical adviser to Consumer Reports.

To protect yourself, consult your doctor if you are having trouble in the bedroom. And try to slim down with diet and exercise. Build muscle by weight training.

You can overdose on vitamins and minerals

Unless your health-care provider tells you that you need more than 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of a particular nutrient, you probably don’t. Megadoses of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can cause problems, and even some standard doses may interfere with certain prescription medicines. “Surprisingly, some people may experience adverse effects from even normal doses of a vitamin or mineral supplement, especially patients with digestive issues or those who take blood thinners,” Mosquera says.

You can’t rely on warning labels â€" if they’re even there

For one thing, the FDA doesn’t require them on supplements, with one important exception, iron. In a market basket study of 233 products purchased online and in the New York metropolitan area, Consumer Reports found wide variations and inconsistencies in labeling.

To protect yourself, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows what supplements and prescription drugs you are taking or thinking of taking. You can also check for interactions by using Consumer Reports’ “Guide: 100+ Commonly Used Supplements.” To access the free guide, go to www.ConsumerReports.org/health and click on “Natural Health.”

Heart and cancer protection: not proven

Omega-3 pills and antioxidants are widely thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, respectively, and millions of women take calcium to protect their bones. But recent evidence casts doubt on whether those supplements are as safe or effective as assumed. The widely held view that fish-oil pills help prevent cardiovascular disease hit a snag with the results of a study of 12,500 people with diabetes or prediabetes and a high risk of heart attack or stroke. This study, published online by the New England Journal of Medicine on June 11, found no difference in the death rate from cardiovascular disease or other outcomes between those given a one-gram fish-oil pill every day and those given a placebo.

Consumer Reports also notes a recent blow against calcium supplements by German and Swiss researchers who followed almost 24,000 adults for an average of 11 years. They found that regular users of calcium supplements had an 86 percent increased risk of heart attacks compared with those who didn’t use supplements, as reported in the June issue of the Journal Heart.

To protect yourself, lay off the antioxidant supplements and reduce your cancer risk safely by quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol and eating a healthful diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains.

Copyright 2012. Consumers Union of United States Inc.

Alternatively Speaking: Striving for immunity - Jerusalem Post

Q. Dear Natalie, are there any specific vitamins or minerals I should be taking now that winter is approaching?

A. Yes indeed, winter months can require some special attention to specific vitamins and nutrients. We need to make sure we consume enough vitamins to support a healthy immune system that can fight off the germs in the cold and flu season.

The best way to ensure you are taking enough vitamins during the winter is to eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. We are usually more inclined to want heavier carbohydrates during the winter rather than salads. Make sure to add plenty of vegetables to soups and casseroles.

Perhaps the most important vitamin in winter is Vitamin D. Although Vitamin D is found in some foods, the more beneficial type of Vitamin D is made in the body with the help of sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency can be particularly widespread in countries where the sun shines less in the w inter. Our bodies require Vitamin D for building healthy bones and teeth.

When spending time in the sunlight is not an option, Vitamin D is found in salmon and tuna, eggs and cheese.

Vitamin C is an excellent water-soluble vitamin that works to protect our bodies against infections and viruses. Making sure we get enough Vitamin C can shorten the symptoms of the common cold. Orange juice, Kiwis and broccoli are all high in Vitamin C.

Zinc is also an important mineral that helps boost the immune system. Women are required to have 8 mg of zinc each day and men approximately 11 mg. Keep the immune system strong during the winter by consuming a daily zinc supplement. If you suffer from the flu, zinc lozenges will help reduce symptoms and help you recover quickly.

Our immune systems use Vitamin E to help protect it from infections. The ideal amount is 15 mg per day. During winter carrying around a packet of almonds or sunflower seeds to snack on can help bo ost Vitamin E levels. I usually always recommend to my clients to begin taking a multivitamin during the winter months. Make sure that selenium (trace mineral) is included in your multivitamin mix. Selenium is a trace mineral which works as an anti-oxidant to fight off chronic diseases.

Q. Dear Natalie, are there any herbs that can help prevent me from getting the flu this winter?

A. There are plenty of herbs which can help prevent getting the flu and provide relief from symptoms.

One of the more popular herbs I use as a preventative for flu is slippery elm. It produces a soothing film along the lining of the digestive tract, which protects and heals damaged tissue. It protects the throat, esophagus and the lining of the intestines, providing excellent nutrition to boost the immune system. It can also be taken at the first signs the flu to prevent it from developing. You can find it available in a throat loz enge or in dried form.

Another, more commonly known wonderful remedy to have at home during the winter is Echinacea. Echinacea is the perfect treatment for flu and other viral illnesses due to its immune boosting properties. If you begin to suffer from symptoms of the flu, it can reduce inflammation and pain also speeding up your recovery.

Elderberry extract is another herb that can protect the respiratory tract in particular. Elderberry extract is an immune system booster and can be consumed as a tea all through the winter months. It can also reduce pain in the muscles, lower temperature and sooth sore throats. If you start to feel signs of the flu, I suggest taking elderberry extract  purchased in a liquid tonic to prevent or even lessen the severity of the flu.

The Chinese herb Chrysanthemum is a fantastic immune system builder. It is used primarily to clean toxins from the blood and by drinking chrysanthemum tea regularly it can help resist an acute ou tbreak of flu. By keeping our system clear of waste materials it enables our immune system to become stronger. To make chrysanthemum tea, place the dried herb in water and boil for five minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.

Last but certainly not least, every home during the winter should have Garlic. Garlic is nature’s magical way to enhance the immune system and fight both viral and bacterial infections. Garlic can be used in many ways, however I suggest taking powdered garlic supplements throughout the winter.

Q. Dear Natalie, can Yoga strengthen the immune system? If so, can you suggest any particular yoga postures I can practice to boost my immunity?

A. Nearly all forms of exercise decrease the levels of stress hormones released by the body, thereby boosting immune system activity. Practicing yoga also decreases feelings of anxiety, depression and even reduces the risk of catching a cold by boosting the immune system.

Regular yoga practice will improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body. It is this improved circulation which helps the cells of the immune system travel throughout the body to areas where they are most needed. This circulation allows antibodies and white blood cells the ability to respond faster to viruses and bacteria that can cause illnesses.

Yoga focuses particularly on the importance of correct breathing. This increased rate of respiration helps the lungs remove airborne bacteria and viruses that can cause infection and increases activity in our immune system. By increased sweating through a yoga practice, our bodies excrete viruses more quickly and Yoga can therefore reduce the duration and severity of the winter flu.

Despite the number of different styles and varieties of Yoga, the single most commonly practiced posture, one that you will find in all schools of Yoga, is the Downward Fa cing Dog Pose. The downward-facing dog pose improves immunity by stimulating the circulatory system. By increasing blood flow to the sinuses, it can help us recover faster from the common cold. Begin on your hands and knees. Press your hands, and feet into the floor to lift your buttocks towards the sky, making an inverted V-shape with your body. If you are flexible enough to do so, press your heels into the floor, otherwise you can bend your knees slightly. Remain in this posture for five deep breaths.

Most inversion postures in Yoga help to improve the circulation of the lymphatic system, helping to defend the body against infection.  Lie down next to a wall and roll onto your back, swinging your legs around and resting your heels on the wall with bent knees. For support, place a bolster under your lower back. Slowly straighten your legs to the ceiling and relax your arms on the floor. Keep your buttocks close to the base of the wall. Remain here for ten deep breath s. Yoga's relaxation benefits as a physical meditation can reduce ones stress levels thereby supporting your immunity.

This column is brought to you as general information only and unless stated otherwise is not medical advice nor is it based on medical experiments. This column is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. For more information about specific problems, please contact a doctor.

Natalie runs a clinic both in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offering a wide range of natural treatment, including a women’s clinic every Wednesday. To make an appointment please email nateopath@gmail.com.

Ask Natalie: If you have a health query and would like an alternative answer, email Natalie with your question at nateopath@gmail.com

Someone Once Said: "The physician should not treat the disease but t he patient who is suffering from it." - Maimonides

2.7 pct of GDP lost due to consuming non fortified foods - IPPmedia

Tanzania could save 815bn/- in revenue which is lost annually due to lack of vitamins and minerals among its people, Obey Assery, the director of coordination of government business in the Prime Minister’s Office has said.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday at the opening of a seminar on food fortification to journalists, Assery said the money lost is equivalent to 2.65 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The seminar was organised by the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) and supported by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) through Hellen Keller International.

In a speech read on his behalf by the TFNC acting Director General Benedict Kyeje, Assery said that such amount of money is lost due to treatment which is avoidable.

“If all people were consuming vitamin and mineral as prescribed by nutrition officials, such problem would be minimised or alleviated,” he observed.

 As a result, he said, lac k of vitamins and minerals have contributed to increased death among children and reduce economic growth.

According to Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS) 2012,  among women of child bearing age, micronutrient malnutrition is a dominant feature, with 40 percent of them anemic, 36 percent iodine deficient, 30 percent iron deficient and 37 percent Vitamin A deficient.

He encouraged Tanzanians to consume fortified food products as stipulated by the government for their health benefits.

He noted that fortification efforts in Tanzania started in 1998 with an assessment mission supported by the American government with a focus on vitamin A.

A series of fortification related initiatives has been going on since then and among key milestones realised include formation of the National Fortification Alliance (NFFA) development of national fortification action plan, selection of three staples to be fortified namely wheat flour, maize flour and edible oil.< /p>

He said the government also gazetted regulations that make fortification mandatory in Tanzania, including fortification standards.

“We are committed to ensure food security in the country and to upscale nutrition through various decisive measures,” he said.
In this regard, he said the government signed the Global Scaling Up Nutrition Movement in June last year and has taken necessary critical steps for curbing malnutrition.

Speaking earlier, Community Health and Nutrition Specialist Dr Sabas Kimboka, said they would continue to educate public on the importance of consuming fortified foods for development.

He encouraged Tanzanians to eat balanced diet, drink water and avoid drinking alcohol which is a threat to their health.
However he revealed that the health status of many people in the country has improved as compared to few years ago due to various government initiatives.

Vitamin D: essentials of absorption - Examiner.com

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin when it comes to health and wellness. Until recently, doctors haven’t been able to recognize the symptoms of being deficient in vitamin D. There are a few foods that you can acquire it from such as Shiitake & Button mushrooms, mackerel, sockeye salmon, herring, sardines, catfish, tuna fish, cod liver oil, and eggs. Foods that deplete your body of vitamin D include Mineral oil, over the counter weight management drugs, antacids and several prescription medications.

The best way to replenish your body’s store of vitamin D is to let your skin be exposed to direct sunlight. The sunlight you’re exposed to can’t pass through any type of glass, so you must actually go outside on a sunny day and expose your skin to the light. The variation of exposure is widespread, since your location on the grid determines how much sunlight exposure you need. The closer you are to the equator, the less exposure you’ll need. You can never have too much vitamin D from natural food or sunlight sources. It regulates in your body and is redistributed into the production of other key nutrients. It’s important to be mindful though of how long you spend out in the sun, so you don’t over-expose yourself.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which means it dissolves in fat within your digestive tract. Digestive enzymes produced and secreted by your liver help to break down molecules of fat in the foods you eat. This digestion process also helps to release Vitamin D from your food so it can be absorbed along with the fatty acids. Decreased absorption of vitamin D can pose a health risk. Your body needs vitamin D to help control calcium metabolism. If you’re taking vitamin D supplements, but test results are not showing higher levels of vitamin D on tests, you may be experiencing trouble with absorption.

If you think you are experiencing a deficiency in vitamin D absorption, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at healthcoach@balancedmindandbody.biz. I specialized in a wide range of health concerns including but not limited to vitamin D deficiency, and the inability to absorb the vitamins you’re supplementing. Typically there is an underlying digestion issue that we can get to the bottom of fairly quickly, and we can do everything over the web. Find out how by reaching out and sending an e-mail. The first consultation is free, easy to schedule and we get to the bottom of all your health concerns and goals.

The essential supplements - the important vitamins and minerals to help you ... - IrishCentral

Dietary supplements cannot erase the sins of an unhealthy lifestyle. They can however be a very important component of any wellness program we wish to pursue.

The following supplements represent the basics of well rounded nutrition:

A good quality multi-vitamin/mineral - A good multi supports the minimum requirements of all the essentials. It fills in the gaps with respect to our daily food and beverage intake. Taking a daily multi can foster better health when coupled with good nutrition. Some research shows that several of the nutrients found in high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplements can play an important role in preventing many chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. A daily multivitamin supplement ensures an adequate intake of several micronutrients that are not always present in the diet in optimal amounts.

As with all supplements, it is essential to use only high-quality, bio-available multivitamins which are lab-tested and independently certified. In the US, supplements are not under the direct control of the FDA and many of the cheaper OTC brands fall far short of their dosage claims. Also, as a result of their processing, many vitamins are never fully digested, and therefore pass through the body unutilized. There are pharmaceutical grade supplements which are usually available through a doctor’s office. Such supplements are superior. 

Magnesium â€" Magnesium is a mineral required by each and every cell in your body. Magnesium has a role in maintaining normal muscle and nerve function. It keeps the heart rhythm steady, and promotes strong bones. It is also involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Recent studies have shown that magnesium may be the most important dietary mineral. Most Americans and Europeans are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies are associated with increased mortality from all causes. Magnesium is essential for calcium ut ilization as well as 300 essential bodily functions. 

Vitamin D3 â€" Science now recognizes the importance of vitamin D (D3 is the most usable form). Humans make vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. The problem is that people spend far too much time sheltered from the sun. Therefore, people tend to be markedly deficient in vitamin D. Research shows that this vitamin is protective against all cancers. It is essential for calcium utilization which strengthens bones. It helps prevent diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also raise immunity and improve mood.

Omega 3 Fish Oil - Omega-3 fish oils can have many health benefits. Its active constituents EPA and DHA protects against heart disease and diabetes. Fish oil is highly anti-inflammatory. Fish oils help to heal blood vessel walls, preventing hardening of the arteries. It thins the blood minimizing the chances for clotting. It lowers blood pressure, and stabilizes blood suga r. It also can improve mood.

Probiotics â€" Probiotics are live, naturally-occurring microorganisms (usually bacteria) which function in the digestive tract to maintain normal digestion. These beneficial bacteria boost the immune system, and contribute to general health. Probiotics can also be helpful in maintaining urogenital health.

While the body needs an adequate amount of good bacteria for normal function, such bacteria is either made inadequate by today’s lifestyle or destroyed by antibiotic use. When there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria the digestion system suffers. The immune system then becomes distressed making the body more vulnerable to infection, odor, bad skin, exhaustion and numerous other adverse conditions including Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowl syndrome, gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

Co-enzyme Q 10 (CoQ-10, also known as ubiquinol) â€" CoQ-10 is a naturally-occurring compound fo und in every cell in the body. It boosts cellular energy and ATP production. It is also a powerful antioxidant. CoQ-10 also helps your body burn fat, improves cholesterol ratios, and can raise your overall physical energy level. Coenzyme Q10 benefits the heart, brain, and kidneys. It also improves thyroid and pancreas functions. It also helps limit the damage caused by cholesterol lowering drugs. Some diabetes drug, antidepressants, female hormone replacement therapy and blood pressure medications can lower natural levels of CoQ-10.

Zinc - Zinc is found in every tissue in the body and is directly involved in cell health and reproduction. It is a powerful antioxidant. Zinc can help prevent certain forms of prevent cancer and is involved in endocrine function and the maintenance of proper hormone levels. Zinc activates white blood cells to fight ``infections and can protect against viral infections. Zinc deficiency is linked to infertility, prostate prob lems and decreased libido. Insufficient levels of zinc can increase the negative effects of stress and accelerate the aging process.  Zinc is necessary for optimal energy and proper body composition. Zinc also plays a role in protein synthesis and is required for proper function of red and white blood cells. It is highly concentrated in our bones, the pancreas, kidneys, liver, and retina. Zinc helps the pancreas make insulin in order to maintain normal sugar levels. Zinc is also important for maintaining a normal sense of taste and smell and maintaining a good memory.

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