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Vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the safest and most effective vitamins whose benefits are many.  It is absolutely vital in collagen production – collagen is a simple protein and an essential part of our connective tissue – the very framework of our body.  All of the components that hold our bodies together such as skin, bones, blood vessels, teeth and gums, tendons and cartilage rely upon collagen.  Vitamin C is directly responsible for influencing collagen synthesis and helps to shield us from the symptoms of collagen deletion – most famously scurvy! 

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals which are harmful by-products of digestion or foreign substances in the atmosphere.  Inside the body it changes form to a negatively charged compound called ascorbate which helps to protect nerve cells and improves psychological function.  It has been known as the antioxidant’s antioxidant because it functions to protect vitamin E from oxidation too, another vitamin that interacts with free radicals to prevent cell damage.  Vitamin C strongly enhances the absorption of iron - when they are consumed and digested together, vitamin C combines with the iron to form a compound that is more easily absorbed.  Crucial to the overall health of the body in its efforts to fight off infections – both bacterial and viral – white blood cells contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C than other cells and require constant replenishment to keep the immune system working to its optimum capacity, especially during and after intense physical exercise.    Whilst highly concentrated in citrus fruits, other rich sources of vitamin C are acerola cherries, leafy green vegetables, red peppers and potatoes.

Vitamin C contributes to:

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E

·         Vitamin C increases iron absorption

Derived from the Greek word for magic, manganese is a trace mineral that is present in tiny amounts in the body and is found mostly in the bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas.  It is essential for the proper and normal growth of the human bone structure and is a very effective mineral in aiding in the increase of the mineral density of spinal bone.  Manganese is also needed in the production and repair of connective tissue, its specific role is in the manufacture of mucopolysaccharides which are one of the main components of all connective tissues.  

Regulation of the body’s metabolism is another vital function of manganese with manganese activated enzymes helping in the metabolism of cholesterol, amino acids and carbohydrates.  Also a powerful contributor to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, manganese is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) which helps to fight free radicals.  Free radicals occur naturally in the body but can damage cell membranes and DNA, antioxidants such as SOD can help to neutralise free radicals.  Rich sources of manganese include; whole grains, nuts and nut butters and leafy vegetables.

Manganese contributes to:

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         the normal formation of connective tissue

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

An essential trace mineral in the body, copper has long been known to play a role in human health – its use dates back to 400 BC when Hippocrates is said to have employed it as a treatment for a variety of disorders.  Playing a beneficial role in immune function, you need copper for healthy white blood cells – the cell type tasked with seeking out, identifying and destroying pathogens.  Low copper levels lower your white blood count leaving you vulnerable to infection. 

Copper is a vital element of the dark pigment melanin which imparts colouration to the hair and skin, intake of copper is said to protect greying hair.  Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and releases it from its primary storage sites like the liver.  Also playing a significant role in the synthesis of haemoglobin, myelin and collagen, copper helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and is actively involved in the production of an element of connective tissue, elastin.  Functioning as a coenzyme for energy metabolism from the macronutrients in food we consume, copper enables a normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins.  Oxidative stress is a characteristic of copper deficiency, when obtained from dietary sources it acts as an antioxidant, getting rid of free radicals which can damage your cells and DNA.  For your body to use copper you need to have a balance of zinc and manganese which is why it is best to obtain your copper from dietary sources where it is already in bioavailable form.  Topping the chart as the best source of copper are oysters!  Closely followed by kale, shitake mushrooms, seeds, nuts and nut butters.

Copper Contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal connective tissues

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal hair pigmentation

·         normal iron transport in the body

·         normal skin pigmentation

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the safest and most effective vitamins whose benefits are many.  It is absolutely vital in collagen production – collagen is a simple protein and an essential part of our connective tissue – the very framework of our body.  All of the components that hold our bodies together such as skin, bones, blood vessels, teeth and gums, tendons and cartilage rely upon collagen.  Vitamin C is directly responsible for influencing collagen synthesis and helps to shield us from the symptoms of collagen deletion – most famously scurvy! 

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals which are harmful by-products of digestion or foreign substances in the atmosphere.  Inside the body it changes form to a negatively charged compound called ascorbate which helps to protect nerve cells and improves psychological function.  It has been known as the antioxidant’s antioxidant because it functions to protect vitamin E from oxidation too, another vitamin that interacts with free radicals to prevent cell damage.  Vitamin C strongly enhances the absorption of iron - when they are consumed and digested together, vitamin C combines with the iron to form a compound that is more easily absorbed.  Crucial to the overall health of the body in its efforts to fight off infections – both bacterial and viral – white blood cells contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C than other cells and require constant replenishment to keep the immune system working to its optimum capacity, especially during and after intense physical exercise.    Whilst highly concentrated in citrus fruits, other rich sources of vitamin C are acerola cherries, leafy green vegetables, red peppers and potatoes.

Vitamin C contributes to:

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin

·         normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E

·         Vitamin C increases iron absorption

Forming 2% of total body weight in adults, calcium’s best known role is in bone and tooth health.  It forms a part of hydroxyapatite, the mineral complex that makes your bones and teeth hard and maintains bone density.  It is especially important that children consume an adequate amount of calcium to maximise their bone mass prior to adult years.  Also an important part of the blood clotting process, calcium works together with vitamin K and a protein called fibrinogen in the clotting cascade, without adequate levels of calcium and vitamin K the blood will take longer to clot.  Calcium helps your muscles contract in response to nerve stimulation, it activates a protein called calmodulin that your muscle cells need to provide the fuel they need to function.  Assisting in the transmission of neural impulses, the calcium in your body also aids other types of cell communication – it acts as a “second messenger” in your cells which means it responds to chemical signals from outside your cells and then triggers a response inside your cell. 

Calcium helps to activate several digestive enzymes and there is considerable evidence that calcium and vitamin D intake are influential in modulating energy metabolism in humans.  Like all minerals, calcium doesn’t work alone but in tandem with other nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin D, for this reason, obtaining our calcium from whole foods – foods whose nutrient profiles have been optimised by nature for superior absorption – is the best way to remain healthy!  Excellent natural calcium sources include; chia seeds, sesame seeds, seaweed (such as kelp and Kombu), dark leafy greens and dairy products (such as yoghurt, cheese and kefir).

Calcium contributes to:

·         normal blood clotting

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal muscle function

·         normal neurotransmission

·         the normal function of digestive enzymes

·         Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation

·         Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones

·         Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth

·         Calcium is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children