Most people are now familiar with the idea that vitamin C may help protect against and mitigate the symptoms of the common cold, although this theory is by no means universally accepted by orthodox medical opinion But there’s now evidence that supplements of vitamin E may also play a role in reducing the incidence of infection; leading some commentators to propose that combined supplements of vitamins C and E may be highly effective both as prevention and treatment

The term osteoporosis refers to the unfortunately very common condition by which bones become de-mineralised and reduced in strength Also sometimes known as ”brittle bones”, it is particularly common in the elderly population and a well established contributory factor in the fractures, especially following falls, which are a tragically frequent occurrence during this time of life

The trace mineral iodine is well known for its crucial role in enabling the body’s manufacture of vital thyroid hormones, but it is also important for the health of the immune system and for optimal brain function It is widely believed by many authorities that iodine deficiency should never be seen in the affluent West, although this problem affects millions throughout the developed world

Vanadium is a curious trace element and somewhat difficult to write about It is a little known trace mineral which seems to be required by the body in relatively tiny amounts, and it is not even clear that it is absolutely necessary at all

In common with choline, inositol is often regarded as a member of the B-complex of vitamins, although this is not strictly accurate Both choline and inositol, however, work in similar fashion to the B vitamins

Potassium is one of the most important minerals for human health, playing an essential role in maintaining the correct electro-chemical balance in cells and the proper functioning of cell membranes This role makes potassium vital for muscle contraction (including the heart muscle), the transmission of nerve impulses, the regulation of blood sugar levels and the synthesis of vital proteins and acids

Iron is probably the best known of all the essential minerals found in the human body; and this is not surprising since it is vital for the formation of hundreds of the proteins and enzymes on which health depends But iron deficiency is nevertheless one of the commonest nutritional problems seen worldwide and is surprisingly prevalent even in the affluent West, particularly amongst vegetarians and those who consume little or no red meat

The human body contains more copper than any other mineral, except iron and zinc, and has been known to be essential for both human and animal health since the earliest days of Western medicine Yet even now the full range of copper’s many functions is believed to be imperfectly understood, and researchers are still learning more

Although dietary zinc has been known since the 1960s to play an important role in human health, it was not until as recently as 1990 that its role as an important ant-oxidant was identified Perhaps not surprisingly, early attention focussed on zinc’s role as an essential mineral for sexual and reproductive health, particularly in the male; but it is now known that its functions are much more numerous

Para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, is a relatively little known, but nevertheless important nutrient; commonly, though not strictly accurately, classified as one of the B-complex vitamins The confusion is perhaps understandable because PABA plays an important role in the manufacture in the body of one of the most important B–complex vitamins, folic acid