Micronutrient synergy helps to optimize health benefits

The term “micronutrients” extends beyond vitamins and minerals and includes numerous active plant components, amino acids, and other metabolites with a critical role in cellular metabolism. Wide-ranging health effects of specific micronutrients tested as a nutrient synergy team are presented below.

Vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iodine are important for supporting the normal functioning of the nervous and immune system, with iodine being necessary for thyroid activity and the normal production of thyroid hormones.

Selenium, folic acid, and vitamin C are important in supporting the function of the immune system. Vitamins B5, B6, and C contribute to reducing tiredness and fatigue by increasing glucose utilization to boost energy production.

Vitamin B6 is needed to metabolize proteins and helps make neurotransmitters. These include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin. It also affects the activity of steroid receptors (estrogen) in cellular membranes. Therefore, vitamin B6 status may influence one’s risk of developing diseases driven by steroid hormones, such as breast cancer.

Vitamin B6 and choline with folic acid or vitamin B12 are important for maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in our blood. Deficien-

cies of these vitamins increase the homocysteine level, an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium are powerful antioxidants protecting the cells against oxidative stress that underlies numerous health problems.

Vitamin C is the most important blood antioxidant, an essential nutrient for the production of collagen and connective tissue, as well as bioenergy. Healthy collagen is necessary for maintaining strong and elastic blood vessels and optimum function of the cardiovascular system, skin, reproductive system, bones, and cartilage, among others. Vitamin C supports healthy immunity and hormonal balance.

Choline, inositol, and phosphatidyl serine work together in our body, particularly in fat metabolism and nervous system functions. Choline and phosphatidyl serine are essential nutrients produced in our body in limited amounts that are insufficient to fulfill our body’s needs. Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine, necessary for brain function. Inositol (also referred to as vitamin B8) is a type of sugar that helps to provide structure to our cells as a part of phospholipids building our cell membranes. Healthy membranes are essential in assuring optimum transport of nutrients inside and outside cells. Inositol can also improve insulin resistance and the function of chemical messengers in our brain and nerves. These nutrients are important for healthy cell growth, lipid metabolism, and liver function by helping eliminate toxins, supporting fertility and healthy pregnancy and infant development.

Soy isoflavones classified as phytoestrogens possess both estrogen-agonist and estrogen-antagonist properties. They are present as glycosides – molecules bound to sugar (i.e., genistin, daidzin, and glycitin) and as individual aglycones called genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. High isoflavone intake from soy foods has been associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Soy isoflavones have been applied as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy in reducing menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

Chaste tree berry, also known as Monk’s pepper, is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients and has been linked to many health benefits, e.g., cardiovascular health, blood sugar control and weight management. It