Magnesium is essential for many cellular functions, particularly those functions involved in energy production, and for the normal functioning of muscle and nerve tissue. Signs of low magnesium levels can include fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, muscle cramps, problems with nerve conduction and muscle contraction and predisposition to stress. If the blood is low in magnesium it takes it from the muscles and without enough magnesium in muscles they stiffen up or contract. The result may be painful cramps, irritability, twitching or even tremors. Magnesium also relieves premenstrual weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness and mood changes. The other nutrients present in Bio Magnesium assist with the utilization of magnesium in the body. Vitamin B6 is an important co-factor, working with magnesium in many enzyme systems in the body. Studies have shown that combining B6 and magnesium can help to reduce PMS symptoms.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and approximately 99% of the body’s calcium exists in the bones. The major function of calcium is building and maintaining bones and teeth. Calcium is also involved in various metabolic roles such as nerve transmission, contraction of muscles and the regulation of heart muscle function. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium. Deficiency of vitamin D results in lack of bone strength and density, and joint pain. Women’s calcium requirements are increased after menopause as levels of oestrogen decline resulting in decreased calcium absorption.

In some individuals, the complex digestive process fails to work optimally. Digestive upsets can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and may limit food choice as consumption of certain foods may cause bloating, flatulence and indigestion. Digestive problems may develop as a result of several factors including: - Stressful lifestyles - Inadequate chewing - ‘Eating on the run’ or eating late in the day - A diet high in refined carbohydrates and fat - Excessive consumption of animal products such as meat and dairy products - Overcooking food, thus depleting the diet of natural enzyme-rich foods - Excessive consumption of alcohol All these factors may place additional stress on the body’s digestive capacity and can potentially lead to inadequate digestive enzyme production. Poor digestion can cause symptoms of indigestion, fullness, bloating and gas. Inadequate digestion is associated with insufficient enzyme secretion.

Echinacea supports the body’s resistance to infection via a number of mechanisms, including supporting the activities of a group of immune cells called phagocytes, whose role is to engulf and digest bacteria and other foreign bodies. Andrographis also supports the production and activity of key immune cells. Garlic supports the body’s defences against a number of bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A is essential for the formation of healthy epithelial cells, such as the mucus-producing cells of the respiratory and digestive tracts, which act as one of the body’s first lines of defence against infection. Vitamin D supports optimal immune function and healthy immune resistance. Vitamin D3 is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because it is manufactured in the skin through the action of sunlight. Zinc and vitamin C are important for immunity and help maintain resistance to infection, which may be impaired if dietary intake of these nutrients is inadequate.

Fish oil is a source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are incorporated into every cell membrane in the body, in the form of compounds called phospholipids. Cell membranes play the vital role of regulating what goes into, and what comes out of each cell. The integrity and fluidity of the cell membrane is determined by the type of phospholipid that is available for the body to use. Cell membranes made up mainly of phospholipids derived from the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are more fluid and function better than cell membranes made up of saturated fat or trans- fatty acids. A cell membrane working at optimal levels retains vital nutrients and electrolytes, has the ability to communicate with other cells and is responsive to hormones. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important components of substances known as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are important in immune function,...

Glucosamine and sulfate are natural components found in the cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. Glucosamine is a major building block of the substances that together with protein form the structural units in cartilage. These structural units, called aggrecans, are important for the elasticity, resilience and shock-absorbing properties of cartilage. Ageing decreases the body’s ability to restore and manufacture normal cartilage. Supplementary glucosamine can be an important source of this vital component of cartilage as we age. Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint degeneration and loss of cartilage. As we get older the ‘wear and tear’ effects of use cause degenerative changes in the cartilage. The cartilage becomes more susceptible to breakdown and damage, which may result in the typical symptoms of osteoarthritis. These symptoms include decreased mobility, increased joint stiffness, inflammation and swelling. Glucosamine may help to provide relief from these symptoms, as well as helping to reduce cartilage wear and...