Sunbathing without regrets

Who does not love it – the sun-tanned skin as a souvenir of the beautiful summer holidays. But sun can also damage our skin, which is why it is important to prepare our largest organ in the best possible way before sunbathing in order to prevent UV-induced damage such as sunburn, but also premature skin aging. This should not only be done from the outside with appropriate sun cream, but also from the inside, sun protection through nutritive measures is of great importance. Antioxidative vitamins in particular are able to protect our skin from oxidative stress caused by sunlight. Especially vitamin C, vitamin E, as well as the orange-yellow-red plant dyes beta-carotene and lycopene, can protect our cells from this oxidative stress. Furthermore, the trace element zinc is also among the helpers, as it is involved in many processes in the body and is an important factor in maintaining normal skin. Sun worshippers should, however, make sure to replenish their nutrient stores well several weeks before their summer holiday in order to achieve effective sun protection - for a beautiful summer holiday without regrets.
All about oxidative stress

More hair fullness with biotin

Every person loses up to a hundred pieces of hair every day - and that is normal. However, when there is an imbalance between hair loss and new hair formation, we notice the shrinking of the hair. A Swiss study has now proven the connection between falling hair and a suboptimal supply of the body with biotin, a vitamin of the B complex. According to this study, not only the quantity but also the quality of our hair reflects the condition of the nutrient storage, which is why an optimal supply of nutrients is essential for our hair roots. In the study, scientists investigated the relationship between the supply of biotin of 541 women with thinning hair and showed that almost 38% of the participants had a biotin deficiency (<100 ng/l). Our hair is therefore dependent on a sufficient supply of nutrients, especially biotin, and care should therefore be taken to ensure an undersupply of this vitamin, especially if you suffer from increased hair loss.
All about biotin

Zinc for men's health

Zinc is indispensable for many bodily functions and plays a decisive role in a large number of chemical and biological processes in the body. The transition metal with the symbol Zn is involved in many vital processes – from cell formation to supporting the immune system by aiding the body's own defences. The consequences of zinc deficiency in the body are correspondingly diverse. Especially for men of all ages, zinc is a topic worth taking a closer look at. This is because zinc is involved in maintaining a normal testosterone level in the blood and contributes to fertility and normal reproduction. The trace element is needed for the formation of testosterone. Fertility disorders are therefore accompanied by a significant drop in zinc levels in the serum and plasma membrane of sperm, as well as a general decrease in testosterone levels. A sufficient supply of zinc is therefore necessary for qualitatively and quantitatively adequate spermatogenesis and regular monitoring of the zinc status in the blood is recommended.
All about fertility disorders and zinc

Healthy oils help to stay supple

Paying attention to a good omega-3 fatty acid (Ω3) to omega-6 fatty acid (Ω3) ratio in your diet has several advantages, because the positive effects of a sufficient intake of Ω6 fatty acids have been proven in many studies. Large-scale clinical studies show that a good Ω6 to Ω3 ratio (ideally 1:5) leads to a significant reduction in the overall mortality rate as well as in mortality from cardiovascular indexes and the number of sudden deaths. Ω3 helps to control total cholesterol and LDL levels, reduce aterogenic plaque formation and vascular inflammation and helps the vessel walls to become more elastic - they remain supple. However, these polyunsaturated Ω3 fatty acids not only keep our vessels supple, but also our psyche. Studies show - people with a good Ω6 to Ω6 ratio in their blood have a less impulsive, calmer behaviour. Also in animal models the positive effect on stress and stress processing has been shown many times. A good way to take the first steps towards a desired Ω3 to Ω6 ratio is to increase the supply of these unsaturated fatty acids through oils used in the kitchen. Linseed oil and gold of pleasure oil, for example, are a good way of enriching the diet with unsaturated fatty acids.All abaout health promoting oils

Astragalus for the immune system

Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most famous plants of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recent findings suggest that the Far Eastern papilionaceous plant not only contributes to our general well-being, but also supports our immune system in several ways. As early as 2013, a team of researchers discovered that astragaloside II, an important active ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus, can increase the activity of an enzyme called CD45 phosphatase, thereby activating certain white blood cells that serve to defend the immune system (Th-1 cell activation). But the traditional plant also supports our immune system through other mechanisms, including the inhibition of certain pro-inflammatory substances (cytokines) and the regulation of the balance between effector cells and regulatory T cells. A recent study from July 2019 additionally confirms that supplementation of an Astragalus root extract significantly reduces hypersensitivity reactions to certain irritants.
All about Astragalus

Vitamin D for infections

Vitamin D is known for its classic role in maintaining bone mineral density. However, vitamin D also has an important influence on the body's immune system by modulating the innate and adaptive immune system, influencing the production of important endogenous antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin and regulating the inflammatory cascade. Several epidemiological studies in adults and children have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk and greater severity of infection, particularly in the respiratory tract. A number of studies document the preventive and therapeutic role of vitamin D₃ in respiratory diseases such as influenza or colds. Low levels of calcidiol (<75 nmol/l) are believed to contribute significantly to the spread of common colds, especially during the low light season. A vitamin D study from 2011 also showed a significant correlation between vitamin D levels and sick days: the lower the vitamin D levels were, the higher the number of sick days in the previous winter.
All about vitamin D

Colostrum as immune booster

Although the metrological beginning of spring will not be long in coming, the still cool temperatures are currently putting our immune system under considerable strain. In micronutrient therapy, colostrum can be used to increase and activate the immunological parameters. Colostrum is first milk, which is characterized by special ingredients, including immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP), whose spectrum of activity lies primarily in broadband immunomodulation. Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) in particular show antibacterial and antiviral effects against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. Immunoglobulins can survive the digestive processes in the intestine largely unchanged and have direct strengthening effects on the intestinal immune defence. Another immunologically active component of colostrum is the proline-rich polypeptide PRP, which can positively influence the humoral and cellular immune response as well as cytokine production and thus contribute to immune modulation.
All about colostrum

Black seed oil for hay fever

While colds usually cause runny noses in February, this year allergy sufferers are already reaching for their handkerchiefs – the pollen season is in full swing! Due to the metrologically too warm winter season, alder and hazel trees have been blooming in many locations since mid-January and cause the classic allergy symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing irritation for those affected. Those who are already having allergic reactions could, according to experts, expect an unpleasant year with heavy pollen loads. Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) has been used for a long time to prevent and relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions. In all studies, patients showed an improvement in the subjective perception of the symptoms, together with the corresponding clinical parameters. In order to increase the efficiency of black seed oil for therapeutic support in seasonal allergies, therapy should be started several months before the first symptoms appear.  
Find out more about black seed oil

5 HTP to fight the winter blues

Little sunshine and cloudy days – the winter months can be quite a nuisance for some people. The so-called autumn-winter depression with its decrease in sunshine hours affects about 2.5% of the population. The cause of the symptoms is suspected to be a disorder of the serotonin-melatonin metabolism, which is associated with lack of drive and joy, mood swings, psychological changes and depressive moods. Depressive patients show serotonin levels in the serum that are reduced by 50%. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an intermediate stage in the endogenous conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin. By taking 5-HTP, an antidepressant effect is achieved by increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. A systematic evaluation of clinical studies has proven the efficiency of the use of 5-HTP as a natural antidepressant.
Find out more about depression

Proteolytic enzymes against arthrosis

Arthrosis is a disease of the joints caused by an imbalance between anabolic and degrading processes in the joint cartilage and the underlying bone. In Austria alone, around 1.4 million people are affected by arthrosis, mainly older people who complain of pain in the knee, hips and fingers. Proteolytic enzymes are an efficient therapeutic agent for acute and chronic inflammations. Proteases accelerate the process of inflammation by the disposal of necrotic tissue residues and have an analgesic effect due to their antiedemic properties. Especially in acute therapy the antiedematous and fibrinolytic effects are scientifically proven. Even post-traumatic swelling after surgical interventions can be reduced significantly faster by administering enzymes, which also noticeably reduces pain.
Find out more about arthrosis

Hericium for immune modulation

The immunomodulating and strengthening defence of β-glucans in fungi is known and scientifically confirmed many times. Also in Hericium (Hericium erinaceus) bioactive connections could be analyzed, which energize the body-own immune cells. Several studies show that the colony-forming units of the macrophages increase by β-glucans of Hericium during a bacterial infestation. By the induction of Interleukin-12 in spleen cells, compounds in Hericium indirectly activate the natural killer cells (NK cells). This immunoregulatory effect refers to the anticarcinogenic, cytotoxic effect of hericium. 
Find out more about Hericium

Reishi for high blood lipid levels

Reishi or also Ganoderma lucidum is the most popular medicinal mushroom of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is gaining more and more popularity as a mycotherapeutic also beyond the Asian region. In addition to the immunomodulating effect of Reishi, studies have also described anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiviral (v. a. antiherpale), antimicrobial and tumor-inhibiting effects. In studies associated with borderline blood pressure and/or cholesterol elevation, Reishi improved insulin resistance, increased HDL cholesterol, lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol.  
Find out more about Reishi

Pectin as health-promoting fibre

Pectin is a soluble dietary fibre that occurs mainly in the cell walls of plants and various fruits and vegetables. In addition to its use in the food industry, pectin is particularly attractive due to its pharmacological application, e.g. its cholesterol-reducing effect. Thus the dietary fibre binds cholesterol and bile acids in the intestines and thus promotes their excretion. In addition, pectin has anticarcinogenic and ulcer-preventive properties, is bifidogenic and stimulates the growth of health-promoting microorganisms in the intestine.
Find out more about fibre

Enzymes for lactose intolerance

About 70-75% of the world's population can no longer fully utilize lactose after infancy. As a result, the unsplit lactose reaches the large intestine, where it absorbs and ferments intestinal bacteria. The resulting fermentation products lactate, methane and hydrogen subsequently lead to flatulence and diarrhoea. In order to promote digestive performance in cases of lactose intolerance, it is advisable to undergo targeted, prompt enzyme replacement therapy with a lactase-containing preparation that increases the capacity for enzymatic lactic acid cleavage and reduces undesirable symptoms.
Find out more about lactose intolerance

Reasons for coenzyme Q10 deficiency

The increasing age is the main cause of coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Statins are the second most common cause of coenzyme Q10 deficiency because statins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol but also of coenzyme Q10. In addition, statins are often administered at an advanced age to prevent coronary heart disease. Coenzyme Q10 is important for heart health, therefore the reduction of coenzyme Q10 by statins is contraindicated within this indication. Conversely, there are vitamins which support the cholesterol-lowering effect of statins and which can possibly reduce the amount or duration of statins taken.
Find out more about coenzyme Q10 or statins

Update for the micronutrients coach

To adapt the MNC to the needs of our many users, the design has been further improved. The new start page enables a category-spanning search, shows important updates to the MNC and informs about exciting news around the topic nutrients.

There is now the possibility to share exciting articles quickly and easily via the share function on the right side of the screen. (Update July 2019)

Micronutrients against PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) with its many physical symptoms is a challenge for many women. Since conventional PMS treatments with hormones and synthetic antidepressants are not well accepted by most sufferers, micronutrients such as monk pepper, pycnogenol^®, ginkgo biloba, B vitamins, iron and magnesium  may be a promising alternative. These PMS symptoms can reduce irritability, mood swings, anger, headache, bloating and breast tenderness, as well as water retention and cravings.
Find out more about PMS here

Did you know?

The mucosa cells of the small intestine metabolise around 70% of the glutamine absorbed and are nourished by this amino acid. A targeted glutamine substitution can reduce the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, contribute to the maintenance of the intestinal barrier and alleviate chronic inflammatory processes. 
Find out more about glutamine