Iron: The Life Element

Iron is an essential trace mineral required for life. Iron is necessary for the production of haemoglobin. Only a little percentage of the total iron intake is absorbed into the blood stream. Haemoglobin which accounts for most of the iron, is recycled and reutilised as blood formation and destruction takes place every day.

Iron basically is lost during normal daily activities. Women lose almost twice as much iron as men i.e more blood especially during menstruation and breastfeeding. In food, iron is present in the organic haem form(found in meat and can be absorbed unaided) and the inorganic haem form which requires vitamin C for efficient absorption. Iron exists in two basic forms namely, the ferric form which destroys vitamin E and the ferrous form which is compatible with vitamins.

Iron aids growth, prevents fatigue and promotes resistance to disease. Defficiency of iron causes anaemia in adults and itching in aged. Major souces of iron include, liver, meat, eggs, leafy vegetables and iron suplements.

Zinc, The Essential Mineral.

Zinc is one of the most critical micro nutrients which plays crucial role in maintenance of a healthy system. Natural sources of zinc include, dark poultry meets, oyster, lean meat, pumpkin, eggs and brewers' yeast.

Zinc, magnesium and vitamin E protect an individual against hypertension and stress. Zinc functions as enzyme cofactors in many biochemical reactions. Zinc stimulates the production of gamma interferon, a cancer and disease fighting substance essential for healthy living. It is required for protein and DNA synthesis. Zinc plays essential role in the development of skeletal muscles and brain of the foetus in pregnancy.

Zinc suplements have been used for prevention of hormonal imbalance, delayed menstruation, hair loss and poor sexual function.