Proteins are a group of biological compounds which are present in every live cell, organ and tissue of the body.  Meaning “first” or “of prime importance” in Greek, proteins participate in every cellular process occurring in the body.  Proteins are made up of structures called amino acids, there are a total of 21 amino acids, 9 are essential, the rest are nonessential – you must consume the essential amino acids in your diet because your body cannot make them. 

Dietary protein supports bone health in three main ways: by supplying the raw material required to construct soft bone matrix, by increasing plasma IGF1 and by promoting muscle growth and retention.  IGF1 is a growth hormone that stimulates and increases the activity of osteoblasts (cells which secrete the substance of bone).  It is especially important to ensure that children get enough protein since they are still developing and it is necessary to ensure their growth is unimpaired.  Proteins play an important role in muscle contraction and coordination, they are present in the muscle tissues in the form of many microfilaments and provide muscle structure.  Muscle growth depends on the adequacy of proteins in the body.  Proteins function as building blocks for muscles, bones and cartilage, opt for a variety of whole foods to meet your protein needs including; grass fed meat and poultry, eggs, dairy, seeds, beans and nuts.

Protein contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         a growth in muscle mass

·         the maintenance of muscle mass

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

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

The importance of magnesium ions for all life itself, as well as for overall vibrant health, is hard to overstate.  Frequently referred to as the “miracle mineral”, magnesium is required to give the “spark of life” to metabolic functions involving the creation of energy and its transport, the creation and synthesis of proteins and is involved in literally hundreds of enzymatic reactions - it activates the enzymes that make copies of DNA and RNA making it essential in the process of cell division. 

Roughly half of your body’s magnesium is stored in your bones and acts as a cofactor with calcium and vitamin D to maintain and strengthen the bone structure and teeth (your teeth can only form hard enamel from calcium if magnesium is available).  It also works, again in concert with calcium, to regulate electrical impulses in the cells.  Cellular calcium channels allow the mineral to enter the cell only as long as needed to conduct an impulse, it is ushered out immediately by magnesium once its task is fulfilled, operating as a natural calcium channel blocker and responsible for relaxation, magnesium is pivotally important to the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system.  Both magnesium and calcium are intimately involved with muscle function (magnesium relaxes, calcium contracts) with frequent muscle cramps being a symptom of a deficiency in magnesium.  If magnesium is severely deficient, the brain is particularly affected as magnesium is crucial to the production of neurotransmitters and the integrity of the blood brain barrier and therefore is needed to maintain normal psychological function.  The best food sources of magnesium include; avocados, chia and hemp seeds, sesame seeds, raw cacao and raw chocolate, sprouted nuts/seeds, sea vegetables (such as kelp and nori), raw green vegetables and grass fed dairy products.

Magnesium contributes to:

·         a reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         electrolyte balance

·         normal energy yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal muscle function

·         normal protein synthesis

·         normal psychological function

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         the maintenance of normal teeth

·         Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division

Iron is needed for a number of highly complex processes that continuously take place in the body on a molecular level and that are indispensable to human life.  Formation of haemoglobin is the chief function of this mineral – this is the primary protein found in red blood cells and represents about two thirds of the body’s iron.  Haemoglobin binds to the oxygen molecules that you breathe in from the air and releases them into your tissues.  The brain receives around 20% of the blood oxygen and a proper flow of blood to the brain can stimulate cognitive activity and help to create new neural pathways, it is especially important that children consume enough iron in their diet – iron deficiency in the first two years of a child’s life is associated with delayed cognitive and psychomotor development.  

Ribonucleic reductase is an iron dependant enzyme that is required for DNA synthesis (cell division), thus iron is required for a number of functions including healing and immune function - red blood cells are necessary for providing oxygen to damaged tissues, organs and cells.  Iron is also involved in food metabolism and is a cofactor and activator for some enzymes which play key roles in energy production and metabolism.  If iron stores are low symptoms can include tiredness, fatigue and dizziness.  Dietary iron has two forms, heme (animal based) and non-heme (plant based), important sources are; grass fed beef, oysters, spinach, lentils and beans.

Iron contributes to:

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin

·         normal oxygen transport in the body

·         normal function of the immune system

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         normal cognitive development of children

·         Iron has a role in the process of cell division

Zinc is a metal that functions as an essential nutrient in the body, it is found in every cell and has been used since ancient times, with Ayurvedic texts dating as far back as the 14^th century recommending its application in various forms.  Although only required in limited amounts, zinc supports important bodily processes like strengthening the immune system – your body needs zinc to make T-cells, a type of white blood cell that fights off foreign invaders in your bloodstream.  With antioxidant properties, zinc helps to protect the cells in the body from damage by free radicals and supports the catalytic activity of various enzymes essential in DNA synthesis and cell division.  In males, zinc assists in spermatogenesis (the production of mature spermatozoa) and is a critical mineral for robust testosterone levels, in females it aids in all the reproductive phases including the birth and lactation stages. 

Zinc is an essential component of over 300 enzymes participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins and other macronutrients and has a regulatory role in vitamin A transport mediated through protein synthesis.  The intake of zinc has a positive influence on bone mass, it is an important cofactor in the stimulation of bone building osteoblasts (cells that synthesize bone), it accelerates the renewal of skin cells and it is essential for healthy nails and shiny hair.  Zinc is vital for vision with high concentrations found in the retina and may also protect from night blindness and prevent the development of cataracts.  This super nutrient also plays a crucial role in memory formation and cognitive stability, ensuring a proper intake of zinc is an important step towards optimal brain function.  Topping the list of zinc rich foods are oysters, however seeds such as chia, sunflower, hemp and pumpkin are also rich sources of this important mineral.

Zinc contributes to:

·         normal DNA synthesis

·         normal acid-base metabolism

·         normal carbohydrate metabolism

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal fertility and reproduction

·         normal macronutrient metabolism

·         normal metabolism of fatty acids

·         normal metabolism of Vitamin A

·         normal protein synthesis

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         the maintenance of normal hair

·         the maintenance of normal nails

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

Selenium is an essential trace element that plays an important role in a number of physiological processes in humans.  It is a key element in spermatogenesis (the production or development of mature spermatozoa) and male fertility.  Selenium has also been shown to support the immune system by promoting the production of killer T-cells (a type of white blood cell), which engulf and destroy harmful foreign substances that enter the body and could otherwise cause disease and infection.  Selenium works in close conjunction with vitamin E as an antioxidant to prevent the formation of free radicals which can weaken and damage cells in every organ system. 

In addition, research has shown that selenium is an essential component of the thyroid gland’s functions, helping to regulate the amount of the thyroid hormone T3 that is produced within the body – without selenium the T3 hormone cannot be produced which can be catastrophic to a wide variety of your body’s systems.  It is believed that good selenium intake can help to prevent hair loss and promote shiny hair and healthy nail growth.  Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium discovered so far, also found in mushrooms, shellfish, garlic, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, selenium is destroyed when foods are refined or processed so eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods is the best way to get selenium into your diet.

Selenium contributes to:

·         normal spermatogenesis

·         the maintenance of normal hair

·         the maintenance of normal nails

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         normal thyroid function

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Molybdenum is an essential trace element for virtually all life forms.  It functions as a cofactor for a number of enzymes that catalyse important chemical transformations in the global carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles.  Molybdenum dependant enzymes are not only required for human health but the health of our eco-system! 

In humans, molybdenum helps to jumpstart a number of the body’s important enzymes, one being sulphite oxidase which catalyses the transformation of sulphite to sulphate – a reaction that is necessary for the metabolism of sulphur containing amino acids - it also helps the body detoxify sulphites which are found in protein rich foods.  Dietary concentration of molybdenum may vary according to the status of the soil in which vegetables and grains are raised but is usually found in dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Molybdenum contributes to:

·      normal sulphur amino acid metabolism

Iodine is a trace mineral and an essential component of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and is therefore vital for normal thyroid function.  These hormones are directly responsible for controlling the body’s “base metabolic rate” which affects the efficiency and efficacy of many of the body’s organ systems and regular processes including absorption of food and the biosynthesis of food into usable energy.  In addition, thyroid hormones are important for myelination – the formation of the myelin sheath around nerve fibre – of the central nervous system shortly after birth. 

Iodine is especially crucial to brain development in children and a deficiency of this mineral during critical periods such as during foetal development or early childhood can have deleterious effects on cognition, a deficiency in adults can lead to intellectual impairment.  A cause and effect relationship has also been established between the intake of iodine and the normal growth of children and adolescents.  With the formation of healthy skin also being related to normal iodine levels, important sources of this essential mineral are; seaweed (such as kelp), coconut products, shellfish and dark leafy greens.

Iodine contributes to:

·         the normal growth of children

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the normal function of the nervous system

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function