What are Micronutrients?
Micronutrients and Antioxidants
Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are vital to healthy development, disease prevention, and wellbeing. With the exception of vitamin D, micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from the diet. Micronutrient deficiencies can have devastating consequences. More specifically, the following micronutrients are also noted to be powerful antioxidants necessary for reducing and fighting oxidative stress amongst other toxins:
- Selenium
- Iron
- Vitamin C
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Glutathione
- Riboflavin
Detailed List of BioHealth
Micronutrients & Antioxidants
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
- Universal antioxidant – attacks and removes free radicals from the body
- Critical for energy production
- When combined with vitamin C, ALA can reverse tissue damage and reduce inflammation
- Research shows that ALA helps reverse insulin resistance when combined with appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes
- Aides in improving glycemic controls and slowing the progression of type II DM
- Aides in weight loss, increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol)
- May aid in recovery after traumatic brain injury, stoke and/or concussions
- Powerful amino acids
- Aides in increasing body fat metabolism, supporting new muscle growth, improving blood flow, increasing sexual drive, & increasing vitality
- Promotes calcium absorption which contributes to collagen production
- Can help with lowering cholesterol
- May improve immune system
- Helps with athletic performance and faster recovery
- Can be given both IV or as an injection
- Reduces oxidative damage caused by stress
- Can be utilized as an antihistamine to help with seasonal allergies
- Useful in boosting the immune system; aides in mold and heavy metal detoxing
- Aides in increasing the absorption of iron
- May help with managing autoimmune disorder symptoms/flares
- Can increase collagen production
- Improves keratin production – hair, skin, & nails
- Can help with blood glucose regulation
- Can aid in treating acne & eczema
- Increases metabolism to help with weight loss
- Can be given both IV or as an injection
- Provides energy needed for cellular functions
- Helpful in patients with malabsorption issues (chrons, celiac, GI disorders)
- Helpful for hangover recovery
- Most women who also take birth control, are also deficient in B vitamins
- Can aid in reducing stress, cholesterol, increasing energy & metabolism
- Can be given both IV or as an injection
- Vital amino acid for the intestines and immune system that helps protect against microbes
- Helps in maintaining the integrity of the GI tract
- Reduces acid build up in muscles after exercise
- For patients who participate in extremely strenuous exercises
- Master antioxidant
- Helps with detoxing the liver and reducing oxidative damage on cells
- Studies show that people who have higher levels of glutathione, live longer
- May help with anti-aging
- Helps decrease muscular damage, and increase muscle production
- Has the ability to attract toxins and heavy metals to itself to be excreted in bile or urine due to its high concentrations of sulfur – what makes it a “potent antioxidant”
- Important in maintaining the function of our nerves, cells, bones, muscles, and heart. Used in over 300 cellular exchanges!
- Helps with increasing muscular relaxation & reducing stress
- Reduces fatigue & may help with insomnia
- Decrease pains associated with migraines/headaches
- May help improve immune function
- May aid in slowing the progression of: osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, & high blood pressure
- Aides in production of red blood cells
- Important for maintaining healthy nerve cells
- People with low stomach acid can be mildly deficient in B12
- Vegans/vegetarians also can present with symptoms of low B12
- People with problems absorbing nutrients due to Crohn’s disease, pancreatic disease, weight loss surgery, or certain medications
- Fatigue is the most common complaint with B12 deficiency
- Can be given both IV or as an injection
- Aids with reversing dehydration & supporting antioxidants
- Helps with removing toxins
- Can help support thyroid and brain function
- Research shows minerals help with fertility in both men and women
- Copper is essential in maintaining vascular integrity & hair color!
- Helps in maintaining healthy nerve function, skin and eye health
- Supports brain function
- Improves mood, may increase intensity of dreams
- Amino acid found in the heart, brain, eyes, and blood cells
- Helps improve athletic performance & reduce muscle soreness
- Helps move ions to correct places in the body/cells (i.e. sodium, calcium, magnesium, & chloride)
- When combined with B vitamins can increase attention, mental clarity & decrease sleepiness
- Some research shows taurine helps with decreasing tinnitus and protecting the eyes
- In other countries, taurine is used to treat heart disease
- An NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain in the body
- Used for short term, moderate to severe pain
- Not for chronic or long-term pains
- Can reduce pain associated with: acute sport injuries, migraines, headaches, & hangovers
- Can be given both IV or as an injection
- Can help boost immune system
- May help prevent or treat symptoms of the common cold and other infections including viral illnesses
- Contains powerful antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative stress
- A nausea medication, can last up to 6 hours
- Decreases sensation of nausea and episodes of vomiting
- Useful for nausea associated with: migraines, hangovers, PMS
- Not for long-term/chronic vomiting or pregnancy
- Can be given both IV or as an injection