Trace metals supplementation

There are two types of trace metal supplements the pharmaceutical prepared formulation and the non-pharmaceutical formulation. The metals present in pharmaceutical preparations are chelated or bonded to organic compounds to achieve maximum beneficial effects to the body. Manufacturers claim that supplements are needed to augment the deficiencies caused by our modem agricultural methods and that healthy people also need them. 

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can produce trace metal deficiency associated with different clinical symptoms. Therefore trace metal supplementation (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, Mo, Mn) in TPN solutions is necessary to disclose complications [59]. In addition, hemodialysis treatment influences trace metal metabolism and may derange trace metal balance (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mg). Complications in hemodialysis caused by aluminum treatment to prevent hyperphosphatemia include dialysis encephalopathy, osteomalacia, and anemia. Aluminum determination in blood serum is one of most important tests in therapy monitoring [60]. 

Medical Uses. Citric acid and citrate salts are used to buffer a wide range of pharmaceuticals at their optimum pH for stabiUty and effectiveness (65—74). Effervescent formulations use citric acid and bicarbonate to provide rapid dissolution of active ingredients and improve palatabiUty. Citrates are used to chelate trace metal ions, preventing degradation of ingredients. Citrates are used to prevent the coagulation of both human and animal blood in plasma and blood fractionation. Calcium and ferric ammonium citrates are used in mineral supplements. 

It may also be necessary during treatment to supplement the diet with those trace metals which are also chelated by EDTA. Computer simulation models of the selectivity for lead(ii) ions revealed, later to be verified by urine monitoring, that some manganese and zinc ions are co-excreted. Once having been established it is easy to rectify such phenomena by orally topping up with the appropriate salts. 

Chromium is a trace metal that helps maintain normal glucose metabolism and peripheral nerve function. It is used as a supplement to IV solutions given for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to prevent depletion of endogenous stores and subsequent deficiency symptoms. 

Correlations between well-known diseases and changes in trace metal concentrations in serum, cells, or tissue have been detected to an increasing extent. Therefore trace metal determinations may be useful in different diseases, even in the prodromal stage, to prevent trace metal deficiency. In Crohn s disease the serum concentration of zinc and possibly of copper and iron is diminished, metabolic pathways are affected, and partial dermatitis occurs. Zinc supplementation removes skin lesions [52]. In acute and chronic liver diseases serum zinc is reduced and in consequence of biliary hypoexcretion the serum concentrations of manganese and copper are high. 

Supplementation in genetically determined trace metal deficiency [48], e.g., hypo- or atransferrinemia (Fe), acrodermatitis enteropathica (Zn), or Menkes disease (Cu). 

Supplementation in normal physiological conditions with increased requirement for trace metals like pregnancy, stress, high physical effort, or normal growth (Zn, Se, Mg) [27,43,48,62]. 

Allen HE (1993) The significance of trace metal speciation for water, sediment and soil quality criteria and standards. The Science of the Total Environment, Supplement 1993, Elsevier, 23-45... 

Method 1669—Sampling ambient waters for the determination of trace metals in EPA quality criteria levels and quality control supplement—EPA 821-R-95-034, April 1995. SW-846 Method 6020 (RCRA Programs) January 13, 1995, Federal Register—Vol. 60, 009 p. 3089—Update 11 of third edition. 

Method 1669—Samphng Ambient Waters for the Determination of Trace Metals in EPA Quahty Criteria Levels and Quality Control Supplement—EPA 821-R-95-034, April 1995. 

Modified milks with low protein content, especially those based on demineralised whey, may not contain sufficient zinc, copper and other trace metals, since many trace elements are bound to the protein and are also removed during whey demineralisation, whose purpose is to reduce the excess of sodium and potassium. Supplements of trace elements are frequently poorly absorbed Trace mineral deficiencies may result from otherwise desirable modifications to milk for infant formulae. Pre-term infants are at greatest risk of deficiency, as they have inadequate stores laid down at the time of birth. Human milk provides the safest utilisable source of trace minerals, though preterm infants may require additional supplies. 

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