every human body is absolutely required to EAT… in order to sustain life; whether through diet or supplementation, these are necessary:
• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats
• Water (hydration)
• Vitamins, and
• Minerals
Pure Nutrition consists of the right type of nutrients, which are actually getting INTO THE BODY, to the correct places, because they are focused on what the cells in that system require, want, and are looking for already. Quality nutrition allows the body to get the nutrients it already recognizes (from food stuff), and wants (by genetic design)… to optimize and improve your health in safe and efficient ways.
it SUPPLEMENTS what the diet lacks, supplying the missing - or lower than necessary - quantity of nutrients the body requires for optimum health.
While the most anal retentive, OCD, calorie counting health nuts get a great and mostly balanced diet through their food intake; the reality is:
They are GUESSING, generalizing, and hoping. Because,
WHERE foods are grown, HOW they are prepared, WHAT modifications and fortifications have taken place to those 'raw ingredients' MATTERS... and WILL CHANGE THE LEVELS of the certain nutrients supplied by 'that type of food' - depending on third party factors like SOIL, GEOGRAPHY, WATER SUPPLY, fertilizer, pollution, nutrient levels, as well as GROWING RESPONSIBILITY (land management), natural disasters (floods or fires, spills, which many change the soils chemical content).
All the dietary AWARENESS of RAW ingredients doesn't alter the fact they aren't in the cook's or eater's control; unless they are chemically testing the 'batch' - the 'lot' - the harvest - they are guessing, generalizing, and hoping.
The reality of 'getting EVERYTHING YOU NEED' from fast food, processed foods, cans, imported fruits & vegetables, and meats raised in less than great clean conditions or in other countries WE WOULDN'T DRINK THEIR WATER... is something most dietitians ignore. Forgetting that SOIL CONTENT MATTERS.
Certain nutrients MUST BE REPLENISHED, or they just won't exist in the future in that plot of land. Science has repeatedly proven the levels of OTHER INGREDIENTS and CONTAMINANTS are, in reality, suspect and limited at best.
There is also the reality of CONTAMINATION - floods, fires, spills... which we are often never told about. The land may, or more likely not, be cleaned up properly. Our fish supply, with high mercury content, and testing for lead, has repeatedly proven that.
Just how many times has tainted LETTUCE been recalled over the last twenty years? People getting sick or dying because of something that happened IN THE LAND, THE FIELD, THE HARVESTING... or packaging. Yet the seller's weren't aware, the buyer's didn't know any better, and the consumers... well, most believed they were eating healthy... not getting listeria, salmonella, e.coli, or some heavy metal poisoning from a pesticide or fertilizer.
Unless you, or someone you know and trust, is growing it... you're subject to BLIND TRUST! ALL THIS is why quality and tested supplementation is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.
• have certain health problems (particularly joint, digestion, diabetic, and general health issues)
• eat a vegetarian or vegan diet (key nutrients are usually missing from your diet)
• are dieting or flushing (actively trying to lose weight or detox), extra broad spectrum nutrients are recommended
13 vitamins that the body absolutely needs:
vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate).
11 Minerals mammals must have to live:
calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, selenium, potassium, iodine, manganese, and boron. (the bolded ones nearly always need to be supplemented for most human beings, with calcium added for most all children and women)
Minerals are naturally-occurring inorganic substances (i.e. they do not have a carbon atom).
The basic classification for minerals are:
• Carbonates. eg. Calcite, magnesite, dolomite.
• Chain silicates. eg. Pyroxenes, amphiboles.
• Framework silicates. eg. Quartz, feldspars, zeolites
• Halides. eg. Fluorite, halite (rock salt).
• Hydroxides. eg. Goethite, brucite.
• Native elements. eg. Gold, Silver, Mercury, graphite, diamond.
• Orthosilicates. eg. Garnet, olivine.
• Oxides. eg corundum (incl. sapphire), hematite, spinel, RUST.
• Phosphates. eg. Apatite, monazite.
• Ring silicates. eg. Tourmaline, beryl.
• Sheet silicates. eg. Muscovite mica, biotite mica, clay minerals
• Silicates (most common)
• Sulfates. eg. Baryte, gypsum.
• Sulfides. eg. Pyrite, galena, sphalerite.
There are actually about 6,500 known (named) minerals in this world, as of January 2018, the Handbook of Mineralogy officially lists 4,507 different minerals. The IMA Database of Mineral Properties lists 5,312 valid ‘species’ of a total of 5,525 minerals, with 1,289 considered ‘Pre-IMA’ minerals. About 3,800 are sometimes found in foods or supplements, if only trace amounts.
Science has repeatedly shown that 21 are essential to the healthy functioning of the human body (and most mammals). Those essential minerals have huge roles, vital to the health, life, and longevity of all mammals, including healthy growth and development.
Some minerals, such as lead, mercury, asbestos, hydroxyapatite, erionite, phenacite, k-feldspar, fluorite, pyrite, galena, and cinnabar are extremely toxic to humans; most of them contain some variety of an ‘all-natural’ sulphide.
The first 10, in the list of 'must have' minerals above, are what are most often found to be DEFICIENT, thus requiring extra attention (to diet or supplementation, and in many cases demand supplementation, because certain ones just don’t exist in the foods from a given geography).
The ‘essential’ 21 are often described as the five major minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium); and 16 trace minerals (iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, iodine, selenium, sulfur, chloride, boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, arsenic, chromium).
It’s important to understand, as the name implies, “Trace minerals” are the same as the other minerals to earth, but to mammals, far smaller amounts (less than 100 mg/day, i.e. TRACE AMOUNTS) are required, so they were put into a separate category.
Each of the listed ‘essential Minerals’ have a specific biochemical function in the human body, but all of those minerals MUST BE ‘combined’ with something else for a body to use it from any supplement. (carbonate, oxide, sulphate, citrate, phosphate, amino acid, etc….. ‘the form’). There is no such thing as a ‘pure’ 100% _____ mineral in any supplement; and that last name absolutely matters! ANY 'nutritional company' that willfully ignores, or downplays, the vital importance of the LAST NAME (aka FORM) is a company one should NOT TRUST AT ALL, because it's clear they don't really understand 'nutrition' or how it actually works within a body.
The trace minerals are needed in such tiny amounts that the actual role of many of them in a mammals body were not really discovered until the last few years (the doctors involved with MD’s Choice knew about all that back in the 90’s, but much of that science was just coming out, still in studies, or speculation still into 2020 and beyond).
The actual ‘essentiality’ of some of the ‘essential nutrients;’ are still questioned, discussed, and actively debated by some of the non-nutritionists today, decades after the doctors that formulated the MD's Choice products realized their importance back in the early 90's.
Once in a mammals body, minerals are bound to molecules, either organic (having a carbon atom), or in their inorganic form (without such atom). They are found in the body in two different states:
1. Solid state: as crystals, such as bones and teeth; Or
2. Solution: in ionized or non-ionized form such as blood plasma.
They can even change from one state to another; example, calcium, in a case of hypocalcemia is removed from bones (a solid crystalline form) to plasma (ionic form). TOO MUCH VITAMIN D CAN CAUSE THIS PARTICULAR ACTION, unless a 'counter nutrient' like K2 is employed to off-set things, and maintain some balance within the body.
• The mineral concentration of any food will depend on the soil and water in which they are grown.
• To evaluate the essentiality or toxicity of a nutrient (vitamin or mineral), it is necessary to evaluate its bio-availability (the amount actually absorbed, and transported to the site of action).
There are many very good reasons to add responsible vitamin and mineral supplements to your daily routine, especially something like Complete Formula (that consists of 97 different vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, and enzymes). If you have digestive issues, the Intestaid (GI Support) is worth trying. Mag-cal Plus can help your bone density, or supply the body nutrients necessary to heal broken bones faster, better, more. It’s also wise to add a targeted supplement, such as Arthrosamine (for joints) if you are over 40, or have issues with your joints, or arthritis.
Amino acids are natural and normal to the body, and basic building blocks of all protein essential to the health and longevity of a body. When ingested, the body breaks down any proteins eaten, then uses the amino acids it gets to rebuild damaged cells everywhere within that body.
Amino acids are also vital to the creation of neurotransmitters in the brain, which ultimately help regulate the body (and the function of all internal systems).
A healthy human body is capable of producing up to 12 amino acids on its own, but the remaining 8 can only come from external sources (either diet or supplementation).
The brain ‘feeling’ a lacking of ANY nutrient (vitamin or mineral) it believes it needs, CAUSES CRAVINGS.. for foods, right or wrong, it ‘remembers’ (thinking) it ‘got’ those needed nutrients from in the past. Therefore, nutrition IS an involuntary addiction, much like air (oxygen) and water… necessary components of life, the brain knows vital to living.
Minerals, like magnesium, are metal ions which like to attach to other compounds. The compounds to which they are attached will impact how they work (or not) within a body, as well as if they are absorbed into the blood stream or cells. An amino acid chelated mineral is one in which a mineral has been chemically attached to an amino acid, making it form “complexes” that are significantly more readily absorbable.
These supplements from MD’s Choice do NOT contain herbs… and are:
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises that nutrient needs be met primarily through consuming foods, with supplementation suggested for certain sensitive populations, and targeting specific needs. Sadly, these days, MOST PEOPLE (and pets) fail to get a good consistent broad spectrum diet.
The basic guidelines are published by the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to help provide some science-based advice for minimum requirements. They hope to promote the overall health, and to reduce risk for chronic diseases, through diet and physical activity. (Interestingly, goals the doctors involved with MD’s Choice established back in the 90’s).
The American government has formed a basis for federal food, nutrition education, and information programs. And is finally seeing the importance of educating people about which vitamins (and minerals) you’re normally getting in your daily diet, and which you should add in your supplementation. Their recommendations aren’t perfect, but they are a start… and are improving.
It’s also important to understand that those ‘one’ pill (or capsule) a day type stuff is only ‘better than nothing’ (assuming there aren’t herbs involved, or any contaminants from countries we couldn’t safely drink their water); and, generally they a large waste of money, because they are highly compressed, listed in combined (not elemental) amounts, and in the wrong forms (usually a carbonate or oxide, or whatever was cheapest at the time and densely packed). The ‘one’ pill (tablet, capsule, or drops) a day doesn’t usually care about nutrition, ignoring elemental amounts and actual absorption potential.
Consumers that become aware, can quickly learn which brands to avoid, based on the ingredients used in their products, and methods of advertising.
Educated consumers build a list of what to avoid, and what to use… and understand that ‘last names’ matter (especially for minerals). They will achieve adequate vitamin intake, and optimize their own health and wellbeing with products using nutrients that are safe, effective, and efficient.
Barbara Schneeman, Ph.D., Director of FDA’s Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, says, “The Guidelines emphasize that supplements may be useful when they fill a specific identified nutrient gap that cannot or is not otherwise being met by the individual’s intake of food.” She adds, “An important point made in the guidelines is that nutrient supplements are not a substitute for a healthful diet.” Wow, that only took 25 years to get them to admit.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many people consume more calories than they need without taking in recommended amounts of a number of nutrients. The Guidelines warn that there are numerous nutrients—including vitamins and minerals—for which low dietary intake may be a cause of concern.
For Adults ~ calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A (as carotenoids), C, and E
For Children and Adolescents ~ calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E
For specific groups (or health problems) ~ vitamin B-12, iron, folic acid, vitamins E and D ... and the proper type of glucosamine, and biological sulpher.
Those with joint issues, should be using “glucosamine sulphate 2KCl” (kcL)… which is a potassium form, with over 50 years of positive science demonstrating it is absorbed and used, unlike the glucosamine HCl (hcL) the GAIT Study proved failed years and thousands of bodies.
One of the problems is that they often state ‘a’ nutrient, like calcium, but ignore the ‘co-factors’ (co-operative nutrients, and things to optimize it’s absorption and use within the body). Hence, why it’s important to work with companies that actually deal with the reality of NUTRITION, care about bio-availability and absorption, and are aware of safety issues. MDsChoice.com can help with all that, and have been since 1995.
Consider the following tips before buying a dietary supplement:
• Think twice about chasing the latest headline.
• Sound health advice is generally based on THIRD PARTY unbiased research, repeated over time. Not a single study touted by the media… or a poorly crafted study involving too few bodies, or failing to support the numbers.
• Be wary of results claiming a “quick fix,” especially one that departs from scientific research and established dietary guidance.
• Avoid companies that use any nutrients in their oral supplements containing anything with ‘carbonate’ or ‘oxide’ or ‘glucosamine HCl’ in it… because they either don’t know about nutrition, or don’t really care about bio-availability and effectiveness.
• Some products can be harmful when consumed in high amounts, especially those with drug activity; especially for a long time, or in combination with certain other substances.
• Learn to spot false claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Examples of false claims on product labels include:
• Quick fixes (only possible with DRUG ACTIVITY)
• Some claims of “cure-all”
• Celebrity Endorsements (should be avoided, especially when paid)
• If they claim to 'cure' any disease (especially things like RA, MD, HIV)
• Terms like “Totally safe,” ‘Holistic,” “GMO,” “all natural,” and has “definitely no side effects” are far too common, and should be avoided.
Other red flags include:
• claims about limited availability
• offers “free trial offer” but requires ANY for advance payment or 'credit card on file' before the 'free' is sent.
• offers “no-risk, no-question asked, money-back guarantees” (but fails to provide that to those asking)
Also ask yourself,
• “Is the product worth the money?'”
• Resist the pressure to buy on the spot, too much pressure is often not a good sign.
Some supplements may seem expensive.
• Look at INGREDIENTS used in the company’s OTHER PRODUCTS (especially bone, joint, and general supplements).
• If they have more than two versions of a product intended for a given purpose, WHY? What is their reasoning for that? What are the differences?? In-house competition is interesting, especially when a company claims to have a product with many millions spend on the development, and legal hoop jumping, why create COMPETING to what they claim works, and already have millions invested in… if it really worked)? "Color Choices" make sense in clothing, and "flavors" make since in candy, soda, and ice cream... 'choices' and 'options' in formulas have little to no place in QUALITY NUTRITION!
• Google their company name and basic history…
• How long have they been in business? WHO do they sell to/through? If they are 'on big box SHELVES' then they are relying on PRICE or ADVERTISING to push their product. Not efficacy, or necessarily quality...
• Are actual practicing doctors (human or animal) actually BUYING their products – outside those getting free product, or a salary from the company??
• Are there any complaints about the company listed with the BBB or Chamber of Commerce?
• Has their company or products been reviewed on Consumer Reports, Rip-off Reports, and the other sources available over the internet these days?
• Look toward ACTUAL CUSTOMERS, not smoke and mirrors (or paid endorsements).
More vital things to consider:
• WHO is behind the development and formulation of the product? Do they have a NUTRITION or Pharmacology background?
• what ingredients are being used (remember what to avoid, the flags)
• where the ingredients are being blended and bottled (you really don’t want products from countries that lack any regulations, and have water you can’t safely drink),
• where are the products being sold? (mainstream big box stores, and joe’s vitamin shop with some high school kid or non-nutritional person is pushing the latest ingredient of the month buzz word miracle, or they have a bunch of products containing carbonates or oxides, or glucosamine HCl in the supplements they sell… should tell you they do NOT understand nutrition, safety, or efficacy.
~ To be continued…
Please feel free to call, or message us, if there are questions.