Vitamin A

"Adequate vitamin A is necessary for normal liver function, and its lack can
contribute to drug toxicity. Drugs such as phenylbarbitol,i1 thyroid meds,2
arsenicals,3 aspirin,4 and many others destroy vitamin A, thereby increasing
the need for it."5
"Deficiencies of vitamin A are far more widespread in America than we like
to believe.6
"A five-year study of 1,100 people revealed that individuals whose blood
was consistently low in vitamins A and C contracted by far the most
infections.7The blood vitamin A drops sharply during many infections,8910 is often
lost in the urine,11 and may disappear completely during measles and high
fever.12 Moreover, cortisone and a number of drugs rapidly deplete the body of its
vitamin A stores and tremendously increase the need for it."13
"Fingernails that split, break off, are extremely thin, or fail to grow indicate
a lack of protein or vitamin A14..."

Vitamin E

1
    Ditchburn, R.W., et al., Nature 147, 745, 1941
2
    Patek, A.J., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 46, 180, 1941
3
    Collins, E.N., et al., Cleveland Clin. Quart. 10, 105, 1943
4
    Shapiro, S., J. Am. Med. Assn. 125, 546, 1944
5
    Young, G., et al., Am. J. Physiol. 131, 210, 1940
6
    Lehman, E., et al., J. Am. Med. Assn. 114, 386, 1940
7
    Getz, H.R., et al., Am. Rev. Tubercul. 64, 381, 1951
8
    Spector, S., et al., Am J. Dis. Child. 66, 376, 1943
9
    Brenner, A., et al., Arch. Int. Med. 71, 482, 1943
10
    Popper, H., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 68, 676, 1948
11
    Jacobs, A.L., et al., J. Clin. Nut. 2, 155, 1954
12
    Josephs, H.W., Am. J. Dis. Child. 65, 712, 1943
13
    Clark, I., et al., Endocrinology 56, 232, 1955
14
    Babcock, M.J. J. Nut. 55, 323, 1955
 The results of a recent case-control study reinforce that low serum
vitamin E levels might be associated with cancer risk to a greater degree
than low concentrations of serum retinol or vitamin A.15
Processing has substantially reduced the vitamin E content of many foods
eaten by Americans.16 Furthermore, diets high in polyunsaturated fats, like those
of Americans, increase the body's requirement for vitamin E.17
Without it blood cells break down,18 several amino acids cannot be
utilized19 nor the pituitary, adrenal, and sex hormones be produced, 20 and severe
liver and kidney damage can occur.21
"Diabetic patients have improved remarkably and many have been taken
entirely off of insulin when 300 to 600 units of vitamin E have been given
daily.222324252627282930
"When vitamin E is undersupplied, not only are iron absorption and
hemoglobin formation impaired, but also the essential fatty acids forming part of
     LeGardeur, B., Lopez, S.A., Johnson, W. (1990). A case-control study
15

of serum vitamins A, E and C in lung cancer patients. Nutr. Cancer, 14, 133-
140.

16
     Hunter, B.T. (1973 August). The case of vitamin E. Consumers' Res., pp.
28.

17
     Witting, L.A., Lee, L. (1975). Recommended dietary allowance for
vitamin E: relation to dietary, erythrocyte and adipose tissue linoleate.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 28(6), 577.

18
    Nitowsky, H.M., et al., Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 98, 361, 1956
19
    Roderuck, D.H., et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 52, 156, 1949
20
    Moore, T., J. Nut. 65, 185, 1958
21
    Mattill, H.A., Nut. Rev. 10, 225, 1952
22
    Vogelsang, A., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 52, 406, 1949
23
    Butturini, U., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 52, 397, 1949
24
    Gray, D.E., et al., Canadian J. Biochem. Physiol. 32, 491, 1954
25
    Block, M.T., Clin. Med. 57, 112, 1950; 60, 1, 1953
26
    George, N., Summary 3, 74, 1951
27
    Day, R., South. Med. J. 44, 549, 1951
28
    Coatsworth, R.C., Summary 3, 25, 1951
29
    Tolgyes, S., et al., Canadian Med. Assn. J. 76, 730, 1957
30
    Lee, P., Summary 8, 85, 1957
the cell structure are so altered by oxidation that cells break
down,313233343536373839..."
"Because premature births are frequently the result of too little vitamin E
during pregnancy,40 such infants are born especially deficient in this vitamin and
are particularly susceptible to anemia."41424344
"During the menopause the need for vitamin E soars 10 to 50 times
over that previously required.45 Hot flashes and night sweats often disappear
when 50 to 500 units of vitamin E are taken daily, but they quickly recur should
the vitamin be stopped."4647
Nearsightedness and crossed eyes have both been corrected by large
amounts of vitamin E."4849

Vitamin B2
31
    Marvin, H.N., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 105, 473, 1960
32
    Butturini, U., Inter. Congress Vit. E, 1955
33
    Prosperi, P., Inter. Congress Vit. E, 1955
34
    Gordon, H.H., et al., Am. Med. Assn. J. Dis. Child. 90, 669, 1955
35
    Nitowsky, H., et al., J. Pediat. 55, 315, 1959
36
    Bishop, E.H., et al., J. Am. Med. Assn. 178, 812, 1961
37
    Aitken, F.C., et al., Nut. Abst. Rev. 30, 341, 1960
38
    Horwitt, M.K., Fed. Proc. 18, 530, 1959
39
    Horwitt, M.K., et al., Fed. Proc. 17, 245, 1958
40
    Bishop, E.H., et al., J. Am. Med. Assn. 178, 812, 1961
41

    Marvin, H.N., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 105, 473, 1960
42
    Gordon, H.H., et al., Am. Med. Assn. J. Dis. Child. 90, 669, 1955
43
    Nitowsky, H., et al., J. Pediat. 55, 315, 1959
44
    Aitken, F.C., et al., Nut. Abst. Rev. 30, 341, 1960
45
    Fuhr, R., et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 52, 63, 1949
46
    McLaren, H. C., Brit. Med. J. 2, 1378, 1949
47
    Finkler, R.S., J. Clin. Endocrinol. 9, 89, 1949
48
    Desusclade, C., et al., Presse Med. 67, 855, 1959
49
    Vannas, S., et al., Acta Ophthal. 36, 601, 1958
 A deficiency of vitamin B2 is more prevalent in patients with cataracts. It is
unknown whether the vitamin deficiency contributes to the disorder or is a result
of a metabolic abnormality resulting from cataracts.50 Doctors recommend that
patients with cataracts take supplements with vitamin B2.51 Exercise has been
found to cause the body's B2 requirements to surpass RDA requirements.52
"...mildly lacking in vitamin B2, the first symptoms were whiteheads and
oily hair and skin."53
"Deficiencies of vitamin B2, result in a seborrheic dermatitis characterized
by extreme itching and the oozing of a waxlike substance which dries into a hard,
yellow crust."54
"Cancer cells have a much lower content of vitamin B2 and
pantothenic acid than do normal tissues, and giving these vitamins protects the
body without stimulating the growth of malignancies."5556

Vitamin B6

Because the intake of vitamin B6 is low, the general population's chance

of coronary heart disease is increased.57
"Lecithin cannot be synthesized in the body without enzymes containing
vitamin B6, or pyridoxin."5859

     Bhat,K. (1987. Nutritional status of thiamine, riboflavin,

50
and
pyridoxine in cataract patients. Nutr. Rep. In., 36, 685-692.

51
     Prchal, J.T., Conrad, M.E., Skalla, H.W. (1978). Association of
presenile cataracts with heterozygosity for galactosemic states and with
riboflavin deficiency. Lancet, i, 12.

52
     Belko, A.Z., Obarzanek, E., Kalkwarf, H.J., Rotter, M.A., Bogusz, S.,
Miller, D., Hass, J.D., Roe, D. (1983). Effects of exercise on riboflavin
requirements of young women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 37(4),
509.

53
    Sebrell, W.H., et al., Pub. Health Rep. 53, 2282, 1938; 54, 2121, 1939

    Bicknell, F., and Prescott, F., The Vitamins in Medicine, Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research,
54

Milwaukee, Wis., 1953

55
    Mascitelli-Coriandoli, E., Nut. Abst. Rev. 30, 451, 1960
56
    Pollock, M.A., et al., Cancer Res. 2, 739, 1942

     Kok, F., Schrijiver, J., Hofman, A., et al. (1989). Low vitamin B6
57

status in patients with acute myocardial infraction. American Journal Card.,

63, 514-516.

58
    Pilgeram, L.O., Fed. Proc. 14, 728, 1955
 Therapeutic doses of vitamin B6 help in the treatment of carpal tunnel
and premenstrual syndromes, as well as a host of other disease states.60,61,62
Vitamin B6 has been successful in treating the depression that is often
associated with the use of oral contraceptives.63
"When too little vitamin B6 (pyridoxin) is obtained, an essential amino
acid from complete proteins, tryptophane, is not used normally; instead it is
changed into a substance known as xanthurenic acid.646566

"Investigators have stated that their studies give "conclusive evidence that
xanthurenic acid may cause human diabetes.""67

"Persons mildly deficient in vitamin B6 excrete xanthurenic acid long

before any other signs of the dietary insult appear. 68697071 In fact, the test for a

59
    Whittier, P.W., et al., Arch. Biochem. 41, 266, 1952

     Buist, R. (1984). A safe pharmacological dose for vitamin

60

B6. International Clinical Nutrition Review, 4(1), 1.

     Ellis, J.M., Azuma, J., Watanabe, T., Folkers, et al,.

61

(1977). Survey and new data on treatment with pyridoxine of

patients having clinical syndrome including the carpal tunnel and
other defects. Res. Comm. Chem. Path. Pharm., 17(1), 165.

     Folkers, K., Ellis, J., Watanabe, T., Saji, S., Kaji, M.
62

(1978). Biochemical evidence for a deficiency of vitamin B6 in

the carpal tunnel syndrome based on a crossover clinical study.
National Academy of Science, 75(7), 3410.

     Barber, G.W., Spaeth, G.L. (1969). The successful

63

treatment of homocystinuria with pyridoxine. J. Pediatric, 75,

463.
64
    Biehl, J.P., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 85, 389, 1954
65
    Olsen, N.R., et al., J. Nut. 53, 317, 329, 1954
66
    Porter, C.C.,et al., Arch. Biochem, 18, 339, 1948
67
    Kotake,Y., et al., J. Biochem. 40, 287, 291, 1953
68
    Biehl, J.P., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 85, 389, 1954
69
    Vilter, R.W., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 42, 335, 1953
70
    Faber, S.R., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 12, 406, 1963
71
    Price, J.M., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 30, 1600, 1957
vitamin-B6 deficiency is the determination of xanthurenic acid in the urine; 727374
none is found when vitamin B6 is adequate."7576777879
"In volunteers lacking pantothenic acid and vitamin B6, so few antibodies
and white blood cells could be produced that they had continuous infections,
particularly sore throats, or acute pharyngitis;808182..."

"Because high-protein and high-calorie diets increase the need for vitamin
B6, they accelerate the harm done to the pancreas if this vitamin is
inadequate."8384

Large amounts of B vitamins have stimulated human hair growth in

some cases.85 Persons lacking vitamin B6 lose their hair;86 and those made
deficient in folic acid often become completely bald, but the hair grows in
normally after the vitamin is given.87 Men who become bald early may have
unusually high requirements for several of these nutrients."
More recently a well known proprietary baby formula contained so little
vitamin B6 that more than 300 infants given it developed severe

72
    Vilter, R.W., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 42, 335, 1953
73
    Miller, E.C., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 159, 173, 1945
74
    Bessey, O.A., et al., Pediatrics 20, 33, 1957
75
    Biehl, J.P., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 85, 389, 1954
76
    Vilter, R.W., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 42, 335, 1953
77
    Faber, S.R., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 12, 406, 1963
78
    Miller, E.C., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 159, 173, 1945
79
    Schreimer, A.W., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 40, 121, 1952
80
    Hodges, R.E., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 9, 244, 1961
81
    Thornton, G.H., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 34, 1073, 1955
82
    Bean, W.B., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 86, 693, 1954
83
    Porter, C.C.,et al., Arch. Biochem, 18, 339, 1948
84
    Kotake, Y., et al., J. Vitaminol. 1, 73, 1955
85
    Kalz, F., Arch. Derm. 78, 740, 1958
86
    Kinny, T.D., et al., J. Exp. Med. 102, 151, 1955
87
    Gubner, R., Arch. Derm. Syph. 64, 688, 1951
convulsions,88..."

Pantothenic Acid

"Even a slight lack of pantothenic acid causes a marked decrease in

the quantity of hormones released.8990 The pituitary, adrenal, and sex
hormones are all made from cholesterol, but without pantothenic acid, cholesterol
cannot be replace in the glands after once being used up."9192
"...the quantities of protein, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid required
are particularly large, but they vary with individuals and the severity of the
stress."9394
If pantothenic acid is undersupplied, fats burn at only half their normal
rate. 95

Natural insulin production has been increased by giving patients vitamin

B1, vitamin C,97 unusually large amounts of protein,98 pantothenic acid,99 and
96

small frequent meals each containing some carbohydrate."100

"Since pantothenic acid is essential for cortisone production, low
resistance to spontaneous infections is the first sign of an undersupply of
pantothenic acid.101 Infections appear long before other deficiency symptoms

88
    Coursin, D.B., J. Am. Med. Assn. 154, 406, 1954
89
    West, H.F., Lancet 2,877,1958
90
    Ershoff, B.H., et al., J. Nut. 50,299,1953
91
    Guggenheim, K., et al., J. Nut. 48,345, 1952
92
    Nut. Rev. 18,179,1960
93
    Guggenheim, K., et al., J. Nut. 48, 345, 1952
94
    Zucker, T.F., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 6, 65, 1958
95
    Cheldelin, V.H., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 43, 5004, 1951

    Bicknell, F., and Prescott, F., The Vitamins in Medicine, Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research,
96

Milwaukee, Wis., 1953

97
    Hjorth, P., Acta Med. Scand. 105, 67, 1940
98
    Emerson, K., Jr., Nut. Rev. 6, 257, 1948
99
    Nut. Rev. 13, 325, 1955
100
    Nut. Rev. 13, 115, 1955
101
    Seronde, J., et al., J. Inf. Dis. 97, 35, 1955
can be detected and more quickly than if any other nutrient were missing."102
"...vitiligo...common abnormality is another symptom of malnutrition, 103 and
has been corrected by giving 150 to 300 milligrams of pantothenic acid
daily104or 1,000 milligrams or more of PABA.105106
"An insufficiency of hydrochloric acid can result from a low intake of
protein, vitamins A,107 B1,108109 B2,110 B6,111 pantothenic acid,112113114 niacin
amide,115 cholin,116 and other B vitamins; and this lack is usually accompanied by
a decrease in digestive enzymes and stomach movements necessary to mix
food with the enzymes. Volunteers deficient in pantothenic acid showed a
simultaneous decrease in hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, total digestive
secretions, and motility;117118 and recovery required approximately three weeks
after tremendous quantities of pantothenic acid were given them."

FOLIC ACID

"A diet undersupplied with vitamins B1, B2, folic acid, biotin, or niacin
102
    Clark, I., et al., Endocrinology 56, 232, 1955
103
    Zaraponetis, C.J.D., J. Invest. Derm. 15, 399, 1950
104
    Field, H., et al., Am J. Dig. Dis. 12, 264, 1945
105
    Zaraponetis, C.J.D., J. Invest. Derm. 15, 399, 1950
106
    Sieve, B.F., Virg. Med. Month. 72, 6, 1945
107
    Foldes, F., et al., Brit. Med. J. 1, 317, 1941
108
    Egana, E., et al., Am. J. Physiol. 137, 731, 1942
109
    Williams, R.D., et al., Arch. Int. Med. 69, 721, 1942
110
    Smith, S.C., et al., J. Nut. 36, 405, 1948
111
    Hodges, R.E., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 11, 180, 187, 1962
112
    Bean, W. B., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 86, 693, 1954
113
    Nut. Rev. 14, 295, 1956
114
    Thornton, G.H.M., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 34, 1073, 1955

    Bicknell, F., and Prescott, F., The Vitamins in Medicine, Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research,
115

Milwaukee, Wis., 1953

116
    Watson, J., et al., J. Am. Med. Assn. 129, 802, 1945
117
    Bean, W. B., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 86, 693, 1954
118
    Thornton, G.H.M., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 34, 1073, 1955
inhibits the production of antibodies, white blood cells, and the
complement,119120121
"An undersupply of the B vitamin folic acid causes a 'large-cel' anemia
common among pregnant women, individuals lacking stomach acid, infants and
children following infections, and persons who have a high intake of refined
foods, especially alcohol."122123124125126

Vitamin C

"Although adrenal hormones can be produced without vitamin C, the need

for this nutrient is tremendously increased by stress; and if undersupplied,
the glands quickly hemorrhage and the output of hormones is markedly
decreased.127
Apparently because large amounts of vitamin C are used to detoxify
harmful substances formed in the body during stress, greater than normal
quantities are lost in the urine at this time."128129

If generously supplied, it nullifies the toxicity of fluorine, 130 saccharine and

other artificial sweeteners,131 lead,132 benzene,133134 carbon tetrachloride,135136 and

119
    Ludovici, P.P., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 77, 526, 1951
120
    Axelrod, A.E., Nut. Rev. 10, 353, 1952
121
    Axelrod, A.E., et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 63, 202, 1955
122
    Cooper, B.A., et al., Canadian Med. Assn. J. 85, 987, 1961
123
    Vilter, R.W., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 32, 1426, 1948
124
    Thompson, R.B., et al., Quart. J. Med. 20, 187, 1951
125
    Herbert, V., Arch. Int. Med. 110, 649, 1962
126
    Gough, K.R., et al., Quart. J. Med. 32, 243, 1963
127
    Willis, G.C., Canadian Med. Assn. J. 76, 1044, 1957
128
    Dugal, L.P., et al., Endocrinology 44,420, 1945
129
    Eisenstein, A.B., et al., Fed. Proc 11, 207, 1952
130
    Gabovich, R.D., et al., Fed. Proc. 23, T450, 1964
131
    Thompson, M.M., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 7, 80, 1959
132
    Holmes, H. N., et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 24, 1119, 1939
133
    Ekman, B., Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 3, 261, 1947
excessive vitamins A and D,137 as well as drugs."

"Such drugs as barbiturates, adrenaline, stilbestrol, estrogen,

sulfonamides, 138139140
ammonium chloride, 141
aspirin, 142143
the antihistamines,144
thiouracil, thyroid meds, and atropine cause a continuous destruction and
145 146 147

high urinary loss of the vitamin as long as the drug is taken and sometimes for
six weeks after it has been discontinued."
"An under supply of vitamin C, therefore, is a major cause of heart
attacks and strokes initiated by clots."148149150
In a single year no-less than 45 research projects reported that vitamin C
rendered harmless a wide variety of bacterial toxins, and inhibited the growth of
whatever bacteria it failed to destroy;151152153 that its action was non-specific in
134
    Forssman, S., et al., Acta Med. Scand. 128, 256, 1947
135
    Hove, E.L., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 77, 502, 1951
136
    Hove, E.L., J. Nut. 50, 361, 609, 1953
137
    Veddis, E.B., et al., J. Nut. 16, 57, 1938
138
    Kinnunen, O., Acta Physiol. Scand. 17, 261, 1949
139
    Keith, J.D., et al., Arch. Dis. Childh. 74, 125, 1938
140
    Holmes, H.N., South. Med. Surg. 105, 393, 1943
141
    Hawthorne, B.E., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 67, 447, 1948
142
    Holmes, H.N., South. Med. Surg. 105, 393, 1943
143
    Spitzer, J. M., et al., Am. J. Dig. Dis. 15, 80, 1948
144
    West, E.S., et al., J. Allergy 20, 344, 1949
145
    Kinnunen, O., Acta Physiol. Scand. 17, 261, 1949
146
    Gosh, B., Ann. Biochem. Exp. Med. 2, 229, 1942
147
    Beyer, K.N., et al., Surg. Gynec. Obst. 79, 49, 1944
148
    Hellerstein, H.K., et al., Am. Heart J. 42, 271, 1951
149
    Gale, E.T., et al., Geriatrics 8, 80, 1953
150
    Willis, G.C., Canadian Med. Assn. J. 72, 500, 1955
151
    Kligler, I.J., et al., J. Path. Bact. 46, 619, 1938
152
    Jungeblut, C.W., et al., J. Immunol. 33, 203, 1937
153
    Jungeblut, C.W., J. Exp. Med. 70, 315, 1939
that it was deadly to all types of viruses154155156157158159 and bacteria;160161 and that
while small amounts could bring some immunity,162163 huge doses were much
more effective."
individuals become particularly susceptible to allergens when vitamin C is
undersupplied.164
Bone repair or development is halted by an inadequacy of protein or of
any nutrient required to utilize protein;165 and/or by too little vitamin C,
essential to connective-tissue formation.166167 When such deficiencies exist, so
many cells die that areas become decalcified; the bones are left weak and brittle,
and the minerals are freed into the blood.168169
Thyroxin itself is inactivated by oxygen if vitamin C is undersupplied or
destroyed.170171

THE ESSENTIAL MINERALS

CALCIUM
154
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. July 1954
155
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. Sept. 1956
156
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. June 1957
157
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. Oct. 1958
158
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. Feb. 1959
159
    Klenner, F.R., Tri-State Med. J. Feb. 1960
160
    Kligler, I.J., et al., J. Path. Bact. 46, 619, 1938
161
    Knight, C.A., et al., J. Exp. Med. 79, 29, 1944
162
    Burkhaug, K.E., Acta Tubercul. Scand. 13, 45, 1939
163
    Steinbach, M.M., et al., Am. Rev. Tubercul. 43, 401, 414, 1941
164
    Nut. Rev. 4, 259, 1946
165
    Vinther-Paulsen, N., Geriatrics 8, 76, 1953
166
    21Grusin, H., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 5, 644, 1957
167
    Grusin, H., et al., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 2, 323, 1954
168
    Murray, P.D.E., et al., J. Anat. 83, 158, 205, 1949
169
    Whedon, G.D., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 36, 966, 1957
170
    Gasmami, M.N.D., et al., J. Chron. Dis. 16, 363, 1963
171
    Nut. Rev. 4, 259, 1946
 Observations show that calcium supplementation is effective in lowering
blood pressure, but also must be taken in combination with higher levels of
magnesium to prevent similar side-effects.172
The RDA requirements of calcium for non-pregnant, non-lactating adults
of 800 mg assumes an absorption rate of 30 percent even though normal
absorption may be as low as 20 percent in some individuals.173
Many factors can contribute to depletion of calcium.174 Caffeine ingestion
lowers calcium levels in the body. In some studies, high protein diets seem to
have a negative effect on calcium balance,175,176 but not in all177 studies.
Sugar appears to increase urinary calcium excretion.178 Inactivity
associated with hospitalization also lowers the calcium balance in the body. In
short, the American lifestyle is not conducive to good calcium levels.179
Because of careful analysis of literature on calcium, leading experts have
recently advised an increase of the RDA's requirements from 800 mg to 1200-

     Evans, G., Weaver, C., Harrinton, D., et al. (1990).

172

Association of magnesium deficiency with the blood pressure-

lowering effects of calucium. J. Hypetens., 8, 327-3370.

     Allen, Lindsay. (1982). Calcium bioavailability and

173

absorption: a review. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,

35(4), 783.

    
174

     Rekha, Anand C., Linkswiler, H.M. (1974). Effect of

175

protein intake on calcium balance of young men given 500 mg

calcium daily. Journal of Nutrition, 104, 695.

     Johnson, N.E., Alcantara, E.N., Linkwiler, H.M. (1970).

176

Effect of level of protein intake on urinary and fecal calcium

and retention of young males. Journal of Nutrition, 100, 1425.

     Spencer, H., Kramer, L., Osis, D., Norris, C. (1978).

177

Effect of a high protein(meat) intake on calcium, metabolism in

man. American Journal of Clincal Nutrition, 31, 2167.

     Thom, J.A., Morris, J.E., Bishop, A., Blacklock, N.J.

178

(1978). The influence of refined carbohydrate on urinary calcium

excretion. British Journal of Urology, 50, 459.

     Stewart, A.F., Adler, M., Byers, C.M., Segre, G.V.

179

Broadus, A.E. (1982). Calcium homeostasis in immobilization: an

example of resorptive hypercalciuria. New England Journal of
Medicine, 306(19), 1136.
1500 mg each day.180 Considering that the average American already fails to
meet the current RDA for calcium, it is fair to assume that a daily supplement is
necessary.
Another, is the fact that lowered levels of calcium are associated with
toxemia of pregnancy.181
"...much calcium is lost in the urine when magnesium is undersupplied;
and the magnesium deposited in bones is given up reluctantly even during a
severe deficiency.182183184185186 These facts indicate that magnesium, which is
usually deficient,187 is important in correcting bone abnormalities."

MAGNESIUM

Metabolic balance studies cited by Seeling in the Journal of the Medical

Society of New Jersey, Vol-79-No. 11, Oct. 82, indicate that modern stress
conditions cause the body to require almost double the amount of
magnesium contained in the normal diet in order to activate certain enzyme
systems.
It has been suggested that the relative amount of magnesium compared
with calcium should be substantially increased.188
A lack of magnesium prevents lecithin from being formed and thus inhibits
the utilization of fats and cholesterol."189
     Heaney, R.P., Gallagher, J.C., Johnston, C.C., Neer, R.,
180

Parfitt, A.M., Chir, B., Whedon, G.D. (1982). Calcium nutrition

and bone health in the elderly. American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition, 36, 986. {5 suppl}

     Melby, C.L. (1983). The relationship between deficient

181

dietary calcium intake during pregnancy and the occurrence of

pre-eclampsia: a review. Journal of Applied Nutrition, 35(2), 80.
182
    MacIntyre, I., J. Chron. Dis. 16, 201, 1963
183
    Barker, E.S., J. Chron. Dis. 11, 27, 1960
184
    Wacker, W.E.C., et al., Med. Clin. No. Am. 44, 1357, 1960
185
    Booth, C.C., et al., Brit. Med. J. 2, 141, 1963
186
    MacIntyre, I., et al., Clin. Sci. 20, 297, 1961
187
    Seelig, M.S., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 14, 342, 1964

     Abraham, G.E. (1982). The calcium controversy. Journal of Applied

188

Nutrition, 34(2), 69.

189
    Steiner, A., J. Applied Nut. 16, 125, 1963
 "The American diet is now extremely low in magnesium; 190191 this mineral is
readily lost in the urine;192 and, because of the high intake of saturated fats, the
magnesium requirement is apparently much greater than has been
realized."193
"Diuretics frequently cause deficiencies of magnesium, potassium, the
B vitamins, and many other nutrients.194195196197"Saturated fats increase the need
for magnesium and vitamin B6;198199200..."
MANGANESE
Women with osteoporosis have been found to have decreased
plasma levels of manganese and an enhanced plasma response to an oral dose
of manganese,201 suggesting they may have lower manganese status than
women without osteoporosis. A study in healthy postmenopausal women found
that a supplement containing manganese (5 mg/day), copper (2.5 mg/day), and
zinc (15 mg/day) in combination with a calcium supplement (1,000 mg/day) was
more effective than the calcium supplement alone in preventing spinal bone loss
over a period of 2 years.202

190
    Seelig, M.S., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 14, 342, 1964
191
    Garcia, L.R., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 9, 315, 1961
192
    McCollister, R.J., Am. J. Clin. Nut. 12, 415, 1963
193
    Vitale, J.J., J. Biol. Chem. 228, 573, 1957
194
    Smith, W.O., et al., J. Am. Med. Assn. 174, 77, 1960
195
    Martin, H.E., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 26, 217, 1947
196
    Wohl, M.G., et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 83, 323, 1953
197
    Nut. Rev. 13, 291, 1955
198
    Kotake, Y., et al., J. Vitaminol. 1, 73, 1955
199
    Nut. Rev. 10, 21, 1952
200
    Carter, C.W., et al., Biochem. J. 49, 227, 1951

201
Freeland-Graves J, Llanes C. Models to study manganese deficiency. In: Klimis-Tavantzis DL, ed.
Manganese in health and disease. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Inc; 1994.

Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, Bracker M, Andon MB. Spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women
202

supplemented with calcium and trace minerals. J Nutr. 1994;124(7):1060-1064.

 CHROMIUM

The current trend toward exercise appears to increase chromium

excretion.203
Many nutritional scientists believe that optimum chromium intake could
prevent or at least retard the onset of the major form of diabetes. Chromium
has been used for many years to help treat diabetes. 204

The zinc in whole-grain products and plant proteins is less bioavailable due to
their relatively high content of phytic acid, a compound that inhibits zinc
absorption.205 

     Anderson, R.A., et al. (1982). Effect of exercise (running) on serum

203

glucose, insulin, glucagon and chromium excretion. Diabetes, 31, 212.

     Herepath, W.B. (1954, April 28). Journal of Provincial

204

Medical Surgeon's Society, I, 374.

King JC, Cousins RJ. Zinc. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds.
205

Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;
2006:271-285.
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