Quantity and trace elements

Quantitative and trace elements are vital inorganic nutrients that the organism cannot produce itself and must be supplied with food. Some of these minerals are in the human body in a functional control loop and influence each other (such as sodium and potassium, which act as antagonists in the nerve signal conduction). Others are components of hormones, such as iodine in the thyroid hormone.

Quantitative elements include chlorine, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, sulphur and magnesium. Trace elements are iron, iodine, fluorine, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Who fears a lack of minerals should not indiscriminately take food supplements, because certain minerals can be harmful to health if a certain amount is exceeded (e.g.B. Selenium). Thus, consultation with the family doctor is recommended in any case before, for example, magnesium, iron, iodine or calcium is taken in the form of dietary supplements.

Fatty acids and phospholipids

Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids provide a lot of energy, support the immune system and have a positive effect on many metabolic processes in the body. Omega-6-fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid) and the omega-3-fatty acids are essential fatty acids, as they cannot be produced by the human body itself and must be supplied with food. The essential fatty acids lower blood fat and cholesterol levels and are involved in the formation of cell membranes.

Phospholipids (like glycerin) also play an important role in the formation of cell membranes. Basically, healthy people do not need an additional supply of fatty acids or phospholipids in a complete and balanced diet, even if no or only little fish is eaten. Overdoses of fatty acids can lead to prolonged blood clotting, nausea and vomiting, so food supplements containing fatty acids or phospholipids should not be taken without consulting your family doctor.

Omega-3 fatty acids perform various functions in the body and are indispensable for humans. Among other things, they are an important component of cell membranes, which give all body cells their shape and have an important function in signal transmission. Antioxidants inactivate reactive oxygen radicals in the organism, the excessive presence of which leads to so-called oxidative stress, which is considered to be partly responsible for aging processes and is associated with a number of diseases.

For the human organism, some antioxidative substances are essential, cannot be produced by the body to cover its needs and must be supplied with food. These antioxidants include vitamins C and E, carotenoids, trace elements (such as selenium, copper, manganese, zinc) and some secondary plant substances (e.g. carotenoids, flavonoids). Dietary supplements containing antioxidants are offered on the market as “anti-aging” preparations, for example.

As a rule, however, there is no lack of antioxidants, as they occur naturally in the diet and are added to many foods. There is no scientific evidence of a health benefit from taking antioxidants. In certain cases, antioxidative food supplements even seem to have a negative effect.

For example, interactions with chemotherapy drugs have been described in cancer patients and a counterproductive influence of vitamins C and E on the training effect in athletes. For some ingredients of dietary supplements, the need or benefit of a dietary supplement could not be scientifically proven so far. Although some of the substances fulfil important functions in the human metabolism, they are produced in sufficient quantities in the body, unlike real vitamins. This means that they are similar to vitamins and are called vitaminoids or pseudovitamins. Coenzyme Q10, carnitine, inositol and choline belong to this group.