TRACE MINERALS, IMPORTANT TOOLS

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The word “metabolism” means the sum total of all chemical reactions, which takes place in every single cell of the body during 24 hours of the day. The tools of these reactions are the enzymes, which are present in vast numbers in each body cell. If a cell were represented as a factory, the enzymes are the machinery in that factory. Each cell manufactures (synthesizes) its own enzymes from the amino acids that are being furnished to it by the blood. Enzymatic reactions are dependent on trace elements for their activities. We should also keep in mind that these enzyme activities or reactions are extremely sensitive to injurious influences such as may occur in our foods; and that enzyme reactions are also influenced by a deficiency of some functional nutrient. The breakdown of the enzyme system results in disease or death of the cell.

The body manufactures from 1,000 to 2,000 different enzymes, every single one a protein. Enzymes are subject to greater wear and tear than are ordinary catalysts. Being proteins, they are rather unstable, and are rapidly degraded by many factors. A large quantity of enzymes is lost in the secretions of the digestive canal and also in the urine.

A great part of the protein synthesis, which is taking place constantly in the body, consists in the replacement of enzymes during every minute of the day. Enzymes, however, consist of two parts: a so-called apo-enzyme, which is a true protein, and a co-enzyme, which is a non-protein material; being this a vitamin (generally of the B-complex group) or a metallic element.

Many enzymes are inhibited in their activity by metals, whereas metals (for example the trace elements) activate many others. An enzyme inhibitor may attack the apo-enzyme, but it may also attack the co-enzyme. Another important fact is that hormones may accelerate or retard the production of enzymes. This point of view is interesting when we consider that in old age we have a slowing up of hormone production by a number of glands. However, at the same time, in the process of aging we have decreased enzyme activity.