Overview

Selenium belongs to the group of trace elements and must therefore be absorbed through food since the body cannot produce it itself. It is one of the vital trace elements. There are many stores of selenium in our body, including the liver, muscles, kidneys, blood plasma and other organs.  

Selenium as a component of many enzymes

Selenium's job is to be a component of many enzymes in our body and to enable their activity. It is therefore essential for many biological reactions in our body. Many enzymes that contain selenium have antioxidant effects and are therefore necessary to protect our cells from damage caused by radicals. Some selenium-containing enzymes are also involved in the balance of thyroid hormones and ensure healthy regulation. In men, one of the enzymes is involved in the formation of sperm and thus ensures properly regulated fertility . Other important roles are played in the immune system and brain function.  

Selenium – the most important tasks in brief  

The following selenium-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis 
• Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair 
• Selenium helps maintain normal nails 
• Selenium contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system 
• Selenium contributes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland 
• Selenium helps protect cells from oxidative stress 

Your daily need for selenium 

The German Nutrition Society recommends 70 µg selenium per day for men. Women and pregnant women should consume 60 µg of selenium per day, while breastfeeding women should consume 75 µg.  

Plant sources of selenium include cabbage (e.g. broccoli, white cabbage) and onion vegetables (e.g. garlic, onions) as well as mushrooms, asparagus and legumes such as lentils. Brazil nuts have a very high selenium content. However, since these also accumulate radioactive radium, they should only be consumed in small quantities. Because the selenium content in plants depends on the selenium content in the soil, the amount varies depending on the growing region. Compared to the USA, the soils in Europe are less rich in selenium.  

In the European Union, animal feed may be fortified with selenium. In Germany, animal foods such as meat and eggs as well as fish are the more reliable sources of selenium.  

Diet-related selenium deficiency only occurs in certain rural areas with low selenium content in the soil and predominantly consumption of regional products. This particularly affects regions at high altitudes in Central Africa and Asia. In Germany, this is generally not a danger and the risk of a selenium deficiency only exists in the case of diseases that lead to lower selenium utilization or increased selenium loss. Examples of this are chronic inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis or kidney failure and chronic dialysis.  

Be careful with too much selenium 

It is important to pay attention to your selenium intake, as too much selenium can be harmful. Consuming too much selenium can lead to selenosis, which manifests itself in neurological disorders, fatigue, joint pain, nausea and diarrhea. It is also accompanied by hair loss, impaired nail formation and a characteristic garlic-like smell in the air we breathe. Acute selenium poisoning caused by the intake of several grams of selenium can lead to heart failure.  

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an intake of 300 µg selenium per day is tolerable for adults without the risk of harmful side effects. Since most dietary supplements contain a maximum of 200 µg per day, it is unlikely that negative effects will occur from taking supplements in Europe if you follow the instructions when taking them.  

With our selenium-containing product DetoxAgil, the daily amount of selenium when taken as directed is 55 µg and therefore 5 times less than the maximum tolerable amount of selenium.  

How a selenium deficiency can manifest itself  

Since selenium is necessary as a building block in many different enzymes, a long-term lack of selenium intake can lead to numerous, diverse damages. Neurological disorders can occur, which can also manifest themselves in depressive or highly hostile behavior. A selenium deficiency impairs the immune system and muscle function and disrupts fertility in men. In addition, the thyroid hormone balance is impaired. The heart can also be at risk if there is a deficiency. In certain regions of China, deficiency diseases such as Keshan disease (heart muscle disease) or Kashin-Beck disease (joint changes, reduced bone growth) have occurred.  

Which AgilNature products contain selenium? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

Literature  

1. DGE (2018): Selected questions and answers about selenium. In: German Society for Nutrition e. V. (DGE). https://www.dge.de/index.php?id=356 (accessed on December 14, 2023) 
2. Zhang F, Li X, Wei Y. Selenium and Selenoproteins in Health. Biomolecules. 2023 May 8;13(5):799. 
3. Dou Q, Turanov AA, Mariotti M, Hwang JY, Wang H, Lee SG, Paulo JA, Yim SH, Gygi SP, Chung JJ, Gladyshev VN. Selenoprotein TXNRD3 supports male fertility via the redox regulation of spermatogenesis. J Biol Chem. 2022 Aug;298(8):102183. 
4. Shreenath AP, Hashmi MF, Dooley J. Selenium Deficiency. 2023 Oct 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 
5. Biesalski, Hans Konrad; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Pirlich, Matthias; Weimann, Arved (ed.) (2018): Nutritional medicine. According to the nutritional medicine curriculum of the German Medical Association. With the collaboration of Michael Adolph, Jann Arends, Ulrike Arens-Azevêdo and Christine von Arnim. 5th, completely revised and expanded edition. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag. 
6. Johnson, Larry E.: Selenium. In: MSD Manual patient edition. Available online at https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/profi/nutrition-related-disorders/mineralstofflack-und-intoxikation/selen. (accessed on February 22, 2022)  
7. Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 (Health Claims) 

Origin & History

Molybdenum belongs to the group of trace elements and must therefore be absorbed through food since the body cannot produce it itself. It is essential in almost all living organisms. By itself, molybdenum is biologically inactive until it is incorporated into the active site of 4 human enzymes, where it serves as a cofactor. The body stores approximately 2 mg to ensure a supply of molybdenum.  

Enzymes

There are many molybdenum-dependent enzymes in the body that require the trace element complexed in their active center to function. One of these enzymes is responsible for converting sulfite to sulfate in order to keep sulfite concentrations low in our body and to allow excretion. This conversion is also required for the breakdown of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine, which is a component of many proteins.  

More research is needed and the exact mechanism is not yet known, but studies suggest that molybdenum supplementation may help with iron deficiency and joint pain associated with arthritis.  

Molybdenum – the most important tasks in brief  

The following molybdenum-related health claims have been evaluated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through scientific studies:  

• Molybdenum contributes to the normal metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids 

Your daily need for molybdenum 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 50-100 µg molybdenum per day for adults.  

Molybdenum is found primarily in legumes (e.g. peas, lentils, beans) and grains.  

Diet-related molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare and is not usually the cause of a deficiency. The cause of a deficiency is a rare, hereditary gene mutation.  

The tolerable upper limit for non-pregnant and breastfeeding adults, which does not result in any health effects, is 2 mg per day.  

How a molybdenum deficiency can manifest itself  

Without molybdenum, the conversion of sulfite to sulfate cannot take place in our body, causing the sulfite to rise to toxic concentrations. If a gene mutation is present in newborns, a fatal outcome is to be expected. A late-onset deficiency may manifest as acute neurological decompensation during infection. The episodes vary in nature but usually consist of altered mental status, movement disorders and uncontrollable muscle contractions, and more. These features may improve after the triggering infection resolves or may progress over the course of life.  

Which AgilNature products contain molybdenum? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

literature  

1. Copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum. DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/kupfer-mangan-chrom-molybdaen/ (accessed on December 16, 2023) 
2. Mendel R.R. The molybdenum cofactor. J Biol Chem. 2013 May 10;288(19):13165-72. 
3. Mendel R.R. Molybdenum: biological activity and metabolism. Dalton Trans. 2005 Nov 7;(21):3404-9. 
4. Johannes L, Fu CY, Schwarz G. Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency in Humans. Molecules. 2022 Oct 14;27(20):6896. 
5. Mayr SJ, Mendel RR, Schwarz G. Molybdenum cofactor biology, evolution and deficiency. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res. 2021 Jan;1868(1):118883 
6. Grech BJ. Mechanistic insights into the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia and arthritis in humans with dietary molybdenum. Your J Clin Nutr. 2021 Aug;75(8):1170-1175. 

Overview: 

Chromium belongs to the group of trace elements and must therefore be absorbed through food since the body cannot produce it itself. The human body contains approximately 20-30 µg of chromium per kilogram in storage tissues /organs ( 1 ). The main stores for chromium are in our body Liver, spleen, bones , kidneys and lungs ( 1 ) .  

Chromium – Control for sugar and fat 

Chromium plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. The trace element helps maintain blood sugar levels by increasing insulin action in the body, thus enabling better blood sugar control and reduction (2). Maintaining blood sugar levels is particularly important for diabetics. Studies have found evidence that chromium supplementation could have positive effects on blood sugar levels in diabetics (3). Chromium also plays a role in regulating blood lipid levels. A sufficient amount of chromium ensures a reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol (4). 

Your daily need for chromium 

The German Nutrition Society recommends an intake of 30-100 µg chromium per day for adults (5). 

Chromium is found in the following foods: meat, eggs, oatmeal and tomatoes, as well as in dairy products and whole grain products (5,6). 

How a chromium deficiency can manifest itself  

Not much is known about chromium deficiency in healthy people. It is much more likely that we are talking about lower chromium levels than recommended. Known symptoms of a deficiency have so far only been examined in malnourished or metabolically impaired patients.  

Since chromium plays a role in insulin activity, a chromium deficiency can increase insulin resistance and thus negatively affect blood sugar levels. The increased insulin resistance can manifest as weight gain, fatigue and weakness. Overall, it also increases the risk of diabetes. Studies have also found a connection between low chromium levels and increased blood fat levels.  

Risk groups for chromium deficiency  

The risk group for deficiency includes older people and people with dietary restrictions, such as vegans. 

Even people who eat a lot of processed foods with a high sugar content not only have low sources of chromium, but also promote chromium loss. 

People with impaired metabolism due to illnesses such as diabetes or who take certain medications are at increased risk of chromium deficiency. 

Athletes who engage in long-term, strenuous sports are also at risk. 

Which AgilNature® products contain chromium? 

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature: 

1. Chrome | Lexicon | Eucell . ( October 4, 2023) https://www.eucell.de/ernaehrung/ernaehrungslexikon/urenelemente/chrom 
2. Bhattacharya, PT, Misra , SR, & Hussain, M. (2016). Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review. Scientifica , 2016, 5464373. 
3. Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. (2007) Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids : a systematic review of randomized controlled trials . Diabetes Care 30:2154–2163 
4. Trace element chromium – an important building block in sugar metabolism. ( October 4, 2023 ). https://www.centrosan.com/Wissen/Naehrstoff-Lexikon/Spurenelemente/Chrom.php  
5. Copper, manganese , chromium , molybdenum . ( October 4, 2023 ). DGE. https://www.dge.de/forschung/referenzwerte/kupfer-mangan-chrom-molybdaen/  
6. Food Composition and Nutrition Tables , 7th revised and completed edition , Ed. SW Souci, W Fachmann, H Kraut.Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Stuttgart, 2008. 
7. Afzal S, Ocasio Quinones GA. Chromium Deficiency . [Updated 2022 Dec 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582150/ 
8. Office of Dietary Supplements - Chromium. ( December 11, 2023 ). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/ 
9. The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium( III). 1st Edition - March 21, 2007. Editor: John Vincent. 

Potassium 

Potassium is an essential bulk element* for humans. Almost all of the potassium in the body is found within the cells (98%), primarily in the muscle cells. Less potassium is found in the cells of the liver, bones and red blood cells (erythrocytes). In food, potassium is mainly found in apricots, bananas, carrots, kohlrabi, avocado and tomatoes, but also in concentrated forms such as tomato paste or dried fruit. Nuts, some flours (spelt, rye, whole buckwheat), and even dark chocolate are also high in potassium (1). Due to the high intake of fruit and vegetables, vegetarians and vegans in particular are usually sufficiently supplied (2). 

*Bulk elements are designated as such because their daily requirement is over 100mg. Accordingly, the recommended daily intake of trace elements is less than 100 mg. The distinction between bulk and trace elements is purely quantitative (3). 

Potassium – the most important tasks in brief 

• Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Potassium contributes to normal muscle function 
• Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure (4) 

Not only can potassium maintain normal blood pressure, for people with high blood pressure, a potassium-rich diet can actually lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. This effect was observed above all with a potassium intake of between 3500 mg and 4700 mg per day (1). 

Potassium imbalances 

A Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be triggered by severe loss of fluids, e.g. through vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, as well as chronic diarrhea. Other causes can be long-term malnutrition and certain diseases. Potassium deficiency due to insufficient intake of potassium from the diet is rare (1). 

At a Potassium oversupply (hyperkalemia) excretion via the kidneys can be disturbed, but degrading metabolic processes and damage to body cells or the intake of certain medications can also be the cause of too much potassium. Hyperkalemia is also usually not to be feared due to an excessive intake of potassium from food. However, caution should be exercised when taking potassium supplements, especially those containing only potassium. It is therefore important, especially with potassium-containing mono-preparations, to only take them under medical supervision (1). 

Hyper- and hypokalemia are disturbances in the potassium balance and can have serious consequences. These include muscle weakness and paralysis, as well as cardiac arrhythmia. In the worst case, they can lead to cardiac arrest (1, 2, 5). 

Your daily need for potassium 

The German Society for Nutrition recommends that adults and pregnant women consume 4000 mg of potassium per day, and breastfeeding women even 4400 mg of potassium per day (1). 

Which AgilNature® products contain potassium?  

*NutrientReference Value=percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation VO (EC) No. 1169/2011.

Literature: 

1. DGE (2016): Selected questions and answers on potassium. In: German Society for Nutrition e. V. (DGE). https://www.dge.de/index.php?id=631 (accessed on February 21, 2022) 
2. Biesalski, Hans Konrad; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Pirlich, Matthias; Weimann, Arved (ed.) (2018): Nutritional Medicine. Based on the curriculum for nutritional medicine of the German Medical Association. With the collaboration of Michael Adolph, Jann Arends, Ulrike Arens-Azevêdo and Christine von Arnim. 5th, completely revised and expanded edition. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag. 
3. Rehner, Gertrude; Daniel, Hannelore (2010): Biochemistry of Nutrition. 3. edition Heidelberg: Spectrum Acad. Verl. (spectrum textbook). 
4. European Commission (2022): Nutrition and Health Claims. In: European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search (accessed on February 21, 2022)  
5. Lewis III, James L.: Overview of the function of potassium in the body. In: MSD Manual Patient Edition. Available online at https://www.msdmanuals.com/de/heim/hormon-und-metabolic-diseases/electrolyte-balance/%C3%BCerblick-%C3%BCber-die-funktion-of-kalium-im-k%C3%B6rper . (accessed on 02/22/2022) 

Calcium – the mineral for bones

Calcium is built into bones and, along with other minerals, is responsible for their strength and resistance (1). Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. A long-term calcium deficiency causes the body to fall back on its calcium depots in the bones. The result: the bones lose stability and break easily. A sufficient supply of the mineral calcium therefore plays a central role in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Calcium is not only important for healthy, stable bones, it is also involved in many metabolic processes in the body. The mineral calcium is required for blood clotting, for muscle contraction and for the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system (2). In addition, calcium has a stabilizing effect on cell walls, which is helpful in preventing and treating an allergic reaction, particularly in the skin. Substances with an allergic effect, such as histamine, are less able to escape from the cells and thus trigger fewer allergic reactions.

Dairy and milk products are particularly rich in calcium. A glass (0.25 liters) of milk provides almost 300 milligrams of calcium (1). Various plant foods such as kale, soybeans, nuts and seeds are also suitable as calcium suppliers.

Your daily calcium requirement

Iron is one of the essential, i.e. vital nutrients. It is required for blood formation and oxygen transport. The human body contains around 2.5g to 4g of iron (1). Around 60% of it is in hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier of the red blood cells.

Iron – the source of energy

The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the organs and tissues. If there is too little iron, this process no longer runs smoothly. The consequences are physical inefficiency, tiredness, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal complaints, paleness and shortness of breath during exertion. Iron deficiency is one of the most common mineral deficiency states. There are various causes of iron deficiency: the most important ones include reduced dietary intake and chronic blood loss. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract also leads to iron deficiency. The absorption of iron can also be inhibited by taking certain medicines. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can promote the absorption of iron (1).

Iron - the most important tasks in brief

• Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
• Iron helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
• Iron contributes to normal energy metabolism.
• Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
• Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.

Your daily iron requirement

The German Society for Nutrition recommends a daily intake of 10 mg iron. Women under the age of 51 should even take 15 mg daily. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have a significantly higher iron requirement.

Which AgilNature® products contain iron?

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.

Literature:

1. ERNA (2011), The European Responsible Nutrition Alliance: Facts about vitamins, minerals and other food components with health effects, Seiten 36-39

Your daily requirement of manganese The German Society for Nutrition recommends a daily intake of 2 to 5 mg manganese. High-quality dietary supplements for losing weight in the shop.

Which AgilNature® products contain manganese?

*Nutrient Reference Value = percentage the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EG) No. 1169/2011.