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Minerals

Function
Helps with Blood coagulation, Bone and teeth formation, Constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, Hormone secretion, Muscle contraction and Nervous system functions
 
Benefits
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones & keeping them healthy, it enables blood coagulation, muscles contracttion & supports heartbeat function. About 99% of the Calcium in a human body is in bones & teeth
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
A long-term Calcium deficiency can lead to dental changes, cataracts, alterations in the brain.
A lack of calcium could lead to a condition called rickets in children, and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in later life.
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Sources of calcium include:
  • milk, cheese and other dairy foods
  • green leafy vegetables – such as curly kale, okra but not spinach (spinach does contain high levels of calcium but the body cannot digest it all)
  • soya drinks with added calcium
  • bread and anything made with fortified flour
  • fish where you eat the bones – such as sardines and pilchards

 

Daily Dose- Know Yours
Adults aged 19 to 64 and over need 700mg of calcium a day.
You should be able to get all the calcium you need from your daily diet.
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 
Too much calcium can weaken bones, create kidney stones & interfere with heart & brain 
Functions
Taking high doses of calcium (more than 1,500mg a day) could lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea.
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the calcium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take calcium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 1,500mg or less a day is unlikely to cause any harm.
Function
Helps with ph balance in body, conversion of food into energy, digestion, fluid balance and nervous system functions
 
Benefits
Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside & outside of cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of body fluids
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Hypochloremia occurs when there's a low level of Chloride in the body. It can be caused by fluid loss through nausea, vomiting or other health conditions, diseases or medications. In mild cases replenishing the Chloride with edible electrolytic solutions can treat Hypochloremia
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Olives, Rye, Seaweeds, Table salt / sea salt, Vegetables
 
Daily Dose- Know Yours
2,300 mg
 
Overdose Effects - Know your Daily Limit
Dehydration, Cushing syndrome or kidney disease

Function
Supports Insulin function, protein, carbohydrate & fat metabolism

Benefits
Some studies show that Chromium supplements may be helpful for people with Type-2 Diabetes & Insulin resistance. Chromium might lower Glucose levels & improve Insulin sensitivity

Deficiency- Get Tested!
Chromium deficiency is described as the consequence of an insufficient dietary intake.

Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Broccoli, Fruits, Juices, Meat, Spices, Turkey, Whole grains

Daily Dose- Know Yours
Around 25 micrograms of chromium a day should be enough for adults. 
You should be able to get all the chromium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
There's not enough evidence to know what the effects might be of taking high doses of chromium each day.
Excessive Chromium supplements can lead to stomach problems & low blood sugar, and may result in damage to the liver, kidneys & nerves

What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the chromium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take chromium supplements, do not take too much as this might be harmful.
Having 10mg or less a day of chromium from food and supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

 

Function
Well known antioxidant, supports bone formation, collagen and connective tissue formation, energy production, Iron metabolism & nervous system function
Copper helps:
  • produce red and white blood cells
  • trigger the release of iron to form haemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen around the body
  • it's also thought to be important for infant growth, brain development, the immune system and strong bones.

 

Benefits
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with Iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves & immune function. It contributes to Iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease & Osteoporosis
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Copper deficiency is defined either as insufficient Copper to meet the needs of the body, or as a serum Copper level below the normal range. Copper deficiency can manifest in parallel with Vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Chocolate / Cocoa, Crustaceans / shellfish, Lentils, nuts, seeds, organ meats, whole grain
 
Daily Dose- Know Yours
Adults aged 19 to 64 need 1.2mg of copper a day.
You should be able to get all the copper you need from your daily diet.
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
Damage to the liver and kidneys (if taken for a long time)
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the copper you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take copper supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Having 10mg or less a day of copper is unlikely to cause any harm. This includes copper from food, water and supplements.

Here's the information about fluoride:

Function: 
Fluoride plays a crucial role in dental health by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria that can cause tooth decay (cavities). 
It helps to remineralize enamel and prevent the demineralization process, thus reducing the risk of cavities.

Benefits:
Dental Health: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
Overall Health: Some studies suggest that fluoride may have systemic benefits for bone health, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Deficiency- Get Tested!
Fluoride deficiency can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities, as the enamel becomes more susceptible to acid erosion.

Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Fluoride is naturally present in varying amounts in water sources, soil, air, and certain foods and beverages.
 It can also be added to drinking water and dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

Dose- Know Yours
The optimal fluoride intake varies depending on factors such as age, dental health, and the fluoride content of the water supply. 
In areas with fluoridated water, the recommended level is typically around 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). 
The recommended fluoride intake from all sources for adults is generally between 1.5 and 4 milligrams per day.

Overdose- Know your Daily Limit 
Excessive fluoride intake, known as fluorosis, can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition characterized by white spots or streaks on the teeth. In severe cases, it can cause enamel pitting and discoloration. 
Fluorosis is more common in areas with high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the water supply or from excessive use of fluoride-containing dental products.

Recommendations:
Optimal Fluoride Intake: Ensure that you and your family receive the recommended level of fluoride for dental health, either through fluoridated water, dental products, or professional fluoride treatments.
Monitor Fluoride Intake: Be mindful of the fluoride content in drinking water and dental products, especially for children who may be more susceptible to fluorosis.Regular 
Dental Care: Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.Consult a Dentist: If you have concerns about fluoride intake or dental health, consult a dentist or healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
Public Health Measures: Support community water fluoridation programs where appropriate to help improve dental health at the population level.

Function
Iodine helps make thyroid hormones, which help keep cells and the metabolic rate (the speed at which chemical reactions take place in the body) healthy.
Supports growth, development, metabolism, reproduction & thyroid hormone functions
 
Benefits
lodine is a mineral found in a few foods. Body needs lodine to make Thyroid. These hormones control the body's metabolism, and also to support proper bone & brain development during pregnancy and infancy
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
lodine deficiency is a lack of the trace element lodine in the diet. It may result in metabolic problems such as Goiter and/or Hypothyroidism. In children this can cause developmental delays & other health problems
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Good food sources of iodine include:
  • cows' milk and dairy products
  • eggs
  • sea fish
  • shellfish
Iodine can also be found in plant foods, such as cereals and grains, but the levels vary depending on the amount of iodine in the soil where the plants are grown.
 
Daily Dose- Know Yours
Adults need 140 micrograms (μg) of iodine a day. Most people should be able to get all the iodine they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you are following a strict vegan diet and do not eat any fish, eggs, cows' milk or other dairy products, then you may want to consider foods fortified with iodine or consider taking an iodine supplement.
Some types of plant-based drinks (such as soya or oat) are also fortified with iodine. Check the label to see if it includes iodine.
If you are considering taking a supplement seek advice from a healthcare professional.
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Taking high doses of iodine for long periods of time could change the way your thyroid gland works. This can lead to a wide range of different symptoms, such as weight gain.
If you take iodine supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 0.5mg or less a day of iodine supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the iodine you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take iodine supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 0.5mg or less a day of iodine supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.
Function
Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Supports the energy production, growth, development, immune function, red blood cell formation, reproduction & wound healing
 
Benefits
Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth & development. Body uses Iron to make Haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries Oxygen from the Lungs to all parts of the body. Iron also boosts presence of Myoglobin, a protein that provides Oxygen to muscles
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Iron deficiency or Sideropenia is the state in which a body lacks enough iron to supply its needs. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions, such as carrying Oxygen to the tissues from the lungs as a key component of the Hemoglobin protein. Too little Iron can interfere with these vital functions and lead to morbidity and death. Low Iron can also cause Anemia
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Good sources of iron include:
  • liver (but avoid this during pregnancy)
  • red meat
  • beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas
  • nuts
  • dried fruit – such as dried apricots
  • fortified breakfast cereals
  • soy bean flour

 

Daily Dose- Know Yours
The amount of iron you need is:
  • 8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over
  • 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49
  • 8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over
Women having periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49.
You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.
Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
May damage gastrointestinal system and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea & stomach pain
Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:
  • constipation
  • feeling sick
  • being sick
  • stomach pain
Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.
 
What does  literature show ?
Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.

Function

Supports the blood pressure regulation, blood sugar regulation, bone formation, energy production, hormone secretion, immune function, muscle contraction, nervous system functions, normal heart rhythm & protein synthesis and processing.

 

Benefits

Magnesium is a nutrient that is needed to stay healthy. It is important for many processes in the body, such as regulating muscle & nerve function, blood sugar levels & blood pressure, making proteins, bone, and DNA.

 

Deficiency- Get Tested

Magnesium deficiency can result in multiple symptoms which may include tremor, poor coordination, muscle spasms, loss of appetite & personality changes. Complications may include seizures or cardiac arrest. Those with low magnesium often have low potassium.

 

Natural Sources- Explore Further!

A Magnesium is found in a wide variety of foods, including:

Avocados, beans, peas, dairy products, fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and pumpkin seeds, potatoes, whole grains.

 

Daily Dose- Know Yours

The amount of magnesium you need is:

  • 300mg a day for men (19 to 64 years)
  • 270mg a day for women (19 to 64 years)

 

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 

Signs of overdose (more than 400mg) can include Nausea, Diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness & fatigue. At very high doses Magnesium can be fatal.

 

What does literature show?

You should be able to get all the magnesium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take magnesium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

Having 400mg or less a day of magnesium from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Function

Manganese helps make and activate some of the enzymes in the body. Enzymes are proteins that help the body carry out chemical reactions, such as breaking down food.

Supports the body functions for carbohydrate, protein, cholesterol metabolism, cartilage / bone formation & wound healing.

 

Benefits

Manganese is a trace mineral. It is vital for the human body but only needed it in very small amounts. Manganese contributes to many bodily functions, including metabolism of Amino acids, managing Cholesterol, Glucose, and Carbohydrates. It also plays a role in bone formation, blood coagulation &reducing inflammation.

 

Deficiency- Get Tested

Manganese deficiency in humans results in a number of medical problems. Manganese is a vital element of nutrition in very small quantities.

 

Natural Sources- Explore Further!

Beans, nuts, pineapple, spinach, sweet potato, whole grains

 

Daily Dose- Know Yours

You should be able to get all the manganese you need from your daily diet.

 

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 

Manganese toxicity can result in a permanent neurological disorder known as Manganism with symptoms that include tremors, difficulty walking & facial muscle spasms.

Taking high doses of manganese for long periods of time might cause muscle pain, nerve damage and other symptoms, such as fatigue and depression.

 

What does literature show ?

You should be able to get all the manganese you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take manganese supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

For most people, taking 4mg or less of manganese supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

For older people, who may be more sensitive to manganese, taking 0.5mg or less of manganese supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

Function
Supports in production of enzymes
Molybdenum helps make and activate some of the proteins involved in chemical reactions (enzymes) that help with repairing and making genetic material.

Benefits
It is used to process proteins & genetic material. Molybdenum also helps break down drugs and toxic substances that enter the body

Deficiency- Get Tested!
Molybdenum deficiency may cause intellectual disability, seizures, Opisthotonus & lens dislocation

Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Molybdenum is found in a wide variety of foods. Foods that grow above ground tend to be higher in molybdenum than foods that grow below the ground, such as potatoes or carrots.
Particularly Beans, peas, nuts, whole grains

Daily Dose- Know Yours
45 mcg. You should be able to get all the molybdenum you need from your daily diet.

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
Too much molybdenum can cause a gout- like syndrome
There's some evidence to suggest taking molybdenum supplements might cause joint  pain.

What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the molybdenum you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. The molybdenum we get from food is not likely to be harmful.

 

Function
Supports in defining many functions such as acid-base balance, bone formation, energy production / storage & hormone activation

Benefits 
Body uses phosphorus to keep the bones strong & healthy. It also helps remove waste & repair damaged tissues

Deficiency- Get Tested!
Symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency include loss of appetite, anxiety, bone pain, fragile bones, stiff joints, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, weakness, and weight change. In children this could result in decreased growth & poor bone/tooth development

Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Phosphorus is found in many foods.
Good sources include: Beans, peas, dairy products, meat, nuts, seeds, poultry, seafood, whole grain

Daily Dose- Know Yours
Adults need 550mg of phosphorus a day.
You should be able to get all the phosphorus you need from your daily diet.

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 
Too much phosphate can be toxic. An excess can cause Diarrhea, hardening of organs and soft tissue, and affect body's ability to effectively use other minerals, such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc. 
Example: Taking high doses for a long time can reduce the amount of calcium in the body, which means bones are more likely to fracture.

What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the phosphorus you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take phosphorus supplements, it's important not to take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 250mg or less a day of phosphorus supplements on top of the phosphorous you get from your diet is unlikely to cause any harm.

 

Function
Supports the blood pressure regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, fluid balance, growth/development, heart muscle & nervous system functions & protein formation
 
Benefits
Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions & nerve signals. It also helps to reduce blood pressure, water retention, protect against stroke & prevent Osteoporosis and Kidney stones
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Hypokalemia is a low level of Potassium (K+) in the blood. Mild low Potassium does not typically cause issues which may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. Low potassium could also increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Potassium is found in most types of food. Good sources of potassium include:
  • bananas
  • some vegetables – such as broccoli, parsnips and brussels sprouts
  • beans and pulses
  • nuts and seeds
  • fish
  • beef
  • chicken
  • turkey

 

Daily Dose- Know Yours
Adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day. You should be able to get all the potassium you need from your daily diet
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
Too much potassium can cause Hyperkalemia. This is rare in people who eat balanced diet.
Taking too much potassium can cause stomach pain, feeling sick and diarrhoea.
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take potassium supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Taking 3,700mg or less of potassium supplements a day is unlikely to have obvious harmful effects.
But older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood.
Older people should not take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor.
Function
Well known antioxidant, supports the immune function, reproduction & thyroid function
 
Benefits
It plays a critical role in metabolism and Thyroid function and helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium may also help boost the immune system, slow down age-related mental decline, and even reduce the risk of heart disease
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Selenium is a critical micro-nutrient. Deficiency although relatively rare, can affect health of the heart & nervous system, cause depression, anxiety & dementia and could interfere with reproduction & gestation
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Eggs, enriched pasta / rice, meat, nuts, seeds, poultry, seafood, whole grains
 
Daily Dose- Know Yours
The amount of selenium you need is:
  • 75μg a day for men (19 to 64 years)
  • 60μg a day for women (19 to 64 years)
If you eat meat, fish or nuts, you should be able to get all the selenium you need from your daily diet.
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 
An overdose of Selenium may cause bad breath, fever & nausea, as well as Liver, Kidney & heart problems Too much selenium causes selenosis, a condition that, in its mildest form, can lead to loss of hair and nails.
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the selenium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet that includes meat, fish or nuts. If you take selenium supplements, it's important not to take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 350μg or less a day of selenium supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Function
Helps with Acid-base balance, blood pressure regulation, fluid balance, muscle contraction & nervous system functions.

Benefits
Small amount of sodium is needed by the body o work properly.

Deficiency- Get Tested!
Low sodium concentration in the blood could cause a decreased ability to think, headaches, nausea & poor balance. Severe symptoms include tiredness, confusion, seizures and coma.

Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Breads/rolls / burritos/tacos, cheese, chicken, cold cuts / cured meats, eggs, pizza, sandwiches, snack foods, soups.

Daily Dose- Know Yours
2,300 mg.

Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit 
Too much sodium is poisonous which can cause seizures, coma & possibly death

 

Commonly known as salt.
Sodium and chloride are minerals needed by the body in small amounts to help keep the level of fluids in the body balanced. Chloride also helps the body digest food.
 
Sources of salt- Explore Further!
Salt is found naturally at low levels in all foods, but some salt is added to many processed foods, such as:
  • ready meals
  • meat products – such as bacon
  • some breakfast cereals
  • cheese
  • tinned vegetables with added salt
  • some bread
  • savoury snacks

 

Daily Dose:
You should have no more than 6g of salt (2.4g of sodium) a day. A few practical tips for cutting down on salt include:
  • check food labels and choose foods with less salt – where colour-coded labels are used, try to pick products with more greens and ambers, and fewer reds, for a healthier choice
  • choose tinned vegetables and pulses with no added salt
  • choose tinned fish in spring water rather than brine
  • only use sauces like soy sauce, brown sauce, ketchup and mayonnaise sparingly, as these are often high in salt
  • eat fewer salty snacks, such as crisps, salted nuts, and salty foods such as bacon, cheese, pickles and smoked fish
  • add less or no salt when cooking – use herbs and spices for flavour instead
  • choose low-salt stock cubes, or make your own stock without added salt
  • taste your food first, and do not automatically add extra salt

Deficiency- Get Tested!

Overdose
Having too much salt is linked to high blood pressure, which raises your risk of serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.
 
What does literature show?
Adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day – that's around 1 teaspoon. On average, we eat 2.1g more salt than we should each day.
People should cut down on salt and sodium chloride should not be used in supplements.
Function
Helps with growth and development, proper functioning of immune system, nervous system, protein formation, reproduction, taste / smell and wound healing
 
Benefits
Zinc helps with the immune system, metabolism & wound healing, and the sense of taste and smell
 
Deficiency- Get Tested!
Zinc deficiency can result in symptoms including increased rates of diarrhea, effects on the skin, gastrointestinal tract, brain / central nervous system, immune, skeletal & reproductive systems
 
Natural Sources- Explore Further!
Beans, peas, beef, dairy prod ucts, fortified cereals, poultry, shellfish, nuts, whole grains
 
Daily Dose- Know Yours
The amount of zinc you need is about:
  • 9.5mg a day for men (aged 19 to 64 years)
  • 7mg a day for women
You should be able to get all the zinc you need from your daily diet.
 
Overdose Effects- Know your Daily Limit
High doses of Zinc may cause flu- like symptoms.
Taking high doses of zinc reduces the amount of copper the body can absorb. This can lead to anaemia and weakening of the bones.
 
What does literature show ?
You should be able to get all the zinc you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
If you take zinc supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
Do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless advised to by a doctor.