Got Energy? Rev Up with the Right Nutrients

Despite the fact that most people consume plenty of calories, low energy is a common complaint. The problem of low energy could be a lack of certain nutrients, which are necessary for energy production and use. This release discusses the minerals and vitamins that fight fatigue.

Has your got up and go" got up and went? Most people consume plenty of what dietitians call energy, a.k.a.. calories, yet why is low energy such a common complaint?

Our bodys ability to use calories for energy can be the difference between having momentum and stamina for activities or having calories stored as fat. The real problem could be an imbalance or lack of certain nutrients which are essential for energy production and utilization within the body.

In spite of the fact that we as a nation are getting fat on calories, most of us feel like we dont have enough energy to go to the gym and sometimes not even enough energy just to get through the day," said Val Anderson of Mineral Resources International. Nutrition targeted at supporting metabolic processes can make all the difference."

Being able to effectively turn calories consumed into active mental or physical energy is very much dependent on sufficient quantities of certain minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. Vitamins and minerals play key roles in generating and maintaining energy. Unfortunately, most people dont get adequate amounts from their diet. Consider dietary supplements, but remember, vitamins and minerals work best when taken in balance with each other rather than as single nutrients, so look for supplements that contain a combination of nutrients.

Calories might be the gas in our bodys engine, but the average persons problem with energy is that we have flooded the engine rather than having run out of gas," added Anderson. An engine that runs more efficiently could solve that problem."

Vitamins and minerals may not provide as dramatic an energy boost as caffeine, but it will replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to make the most of the energy you consume from foods. Here are some important nutrients helpful for fighting fatigue:

Minerals
•   Magnesium is an essential mineral thats required for more than 300 metabolic reactions. Its used by our bodys cells to produce and maintain energy. In addition, magnesium is needed to form bone and protein, to transmit nerve signals, and contract our muscles. Our body uses magnesium to produce adenosine triphosphate or ATP, which is the energy source our muscles use. Studies also show that magnesium can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes).          
•   Zinc is important for growth and development, especially protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc helps insulin function. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose enter the bodys cells where its used for energy. Zinc helps the pancreas produce insulin and it protects cells insulin receptors helping insulin work more effectively.             
•   Chromium is an essential trace mineral (meaning required in trace amounts) that is important for glucose and insulin function. It, too, seems to help improve the bodys sensitivity to insulin. Chromium is essential for the pancreas to produce insulin. Other studies show that chromium can lower elevated cholesterol levels.

Vitamins
•   B-vitamins include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid, cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid, and biotin. Pyridoxine or B6 is the most well known. It helps carry oxygen in the blood to cells and tissues, increases the function of the energy cycle, and helps the body use nutrients from fats and proteins found in foods.
•   Vitamins C and E assist energy because they are crucial co-factors for other nutrients. For example, vitamin C works with L-carnitine, which transports fat into the mitochondria of our cells where its burned for energy. The true benefit, though, of vitamins C and E is their value as powerful antioxidants. They scavenge free radicals that cause premature aging, protect the immune system, and reduce the risk of several chronic, degenerative conditions.

Nutrients
•   Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound that is vital for numerous energy-producing reactions in the body. Studies show it improves insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes. Its also an antioxidant and can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
                  
For more information about minerals and vitamins, visit www.mineralresourcesint.com.

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About Mineral Resources International
Family owned and operated since 1969, Mineral Resources International (MRI) is a leading manufacturer of quality liquid, tablet, and bulk nutritional dietary supplements using minerals and trace minerals harvested from Utahs Great Salt Lake. MRIs products are distributed worldwide through a variety of distribution channels including health food stores, salons and estheticians, natural health care practitioners, network marketing and mail order. For more information about Mineral Resources International, call (800) 731-7866 or visit www.mineralresourcesint.com