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                    Enzymes, Minerals and Vitamins                  

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Minerals, vitamins, and enzymes are all dependent on each other for good health.

Enzymes
Enzymes are the foundation of bodily functions and are necessary to speed the body’s biochemical reactions. They are catalysts (activators) in the chemical reactions that are continually taking place within the body. They play an integral part in the building and functioning of the nervous system. All enzyme activities involve minerals and therefore are essential for proper utilization of vitamins and other co-factors that maintain proper chemical balance. The two main groups of enzymes are digestive and metabolic.

Digestive
These enzymes are normally made by the pancreas and help break down food so that the nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Required for digestion, they are found in raw and unprocessed foods.  If the enzymes are destroyed by heat via manufacturing, the body must supply all the enzymes. This forces the animals' body to depend entirely on its own pancreatic output of digestive enzymes for digestion of the food. This is stressful on the system over a long period of time and it is called leukocytosis. This results in “enzyme robbing” where the enzymes for digestion must be taken from other parts of the body like the liver, kidneys, or heart. Those enzymes are transported to the stomach where the food has sat, undigested. Over time these organs from which the enzymes were borrowed may experience dysfunction or even disease.

There are 4 digestive enzymes:
 
Proteases, which breaks down protein;

Lipases, which breaks down fats or lipids;

Amylases, which breaks down carbohydrates (principally starch and sugars);

Cellulases, which breaks down vegetable matter, including fiber.

Metabolic
These are responsible for the proper functioning of the body’s tissues and organs. They also set off biochemical reactions within the body’s cells, and help build the body using fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The building of cells and new tissues depends on metabolic enzymes.


Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth, fragmented by erosion, passed from the soil to plants by microbes and then consumed for proper cell function and structure. Minerals are necessary for proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone. They function as coenzymes, enabling energy production, growth, and healing. 

Mineral deficiencies are common because of the depleted soils used for years of harvesting. crops, leaching of the soils by irrigation and erosion, poor dietary habits resulting from the shift toward mineral deficient fast-foods and away from mineral rich raw fruits and vegetables.

Minerals promote a healthy nervous system and are vital to digestion, growth, repair of tissues, to strong bones, teeth, claws, skin and hair coat and are obtained through dietary sources as they cannot be made by the body.  They are also important in the production of hormones.  There is a synergism that occurs between minerals and other nutrients in the body, and the actions of specific minerals are dependent on the presence and proper amounts of other nutrients.  Mineral deficiencies are not only caused by not getting enough in the diet, but by lack of essential other minerals and vitamins needed to work properly. The deficiencies of five particular minerals are known to directly cause seizures.  Minerals are divided into two groups:

Major Minerals: The tissue requires relatively large amounts of some minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and sulfur. These minerals needed in larger quantities are called macro-minerals.

Trace Minerals: The remaining minerals that are essential for good health are known as trace minerals, or micro-minerals. The trace elements generally recognized as essential to good health include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicon and zinc.

Minerals
Mineral
 Function
 Deficiency or Excess
Calcium

Essential to the formation of bones and teeth; blood coagulation; nerve impulse transmission; muscle contraction; cell signaling.
This mineral affects the neuromuscular and nervous system. When levels are low (hypocalcemia) a seizure may result. Calcium plays a part in neurotransmitter release. 		Signs of deficiency: Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; loss of bone mineral content, which can lead to collapse and curvature of lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones; bone pain, which can progress to fractures.
Chromium
A trace mineral that is essential for the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to muscle cells, thereby giving them the fuel they need to work.  Chromium is involved in maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and is necessary for muscle function.
 The quantity of chromium and deficiency occurring has not been published
Chlorine
 Acid base balance; osmolarity of extracellular fluids
 Signs of deficiency; Reduced weight gain and weakness in puppies
Copper
 Connective tissue formation; iron metabolism; blood cell formation; melanin pigment formation; myelin formation; defense against oxidative damage
 Signs of deficiency; Loss of hair pigmentation in puppies; anaemia
Iodine
 important for thyroid hormone synthesis; cell differentiation; growth and development of puppies; regulation of metabolic rate.
 Signs of deficiency: Enlargement of thyroid glands; dry sparce coat
Signs of excess: Excessive tearing, salivation and nasal discharge; dandruff
Iron
Iron is essential to hemoglobin and myoglobin synthesis; energy metabolism.
 Signs of deficiency: Poor growth; pale mucous membranes; lethargy; weakness; diarrhea
Signs of Excess: Vomiting and diarrhea
Magnesium
Magnesium is needed for enzyme functions; muscle and nerve cell membrane stability; hormone secretion and function; mineral structure of bones and teeth.  This is the number one mineral when deficient is known to cause seizures.  It found in some fruits, vegetables and fatty acids  It also helps with absorption of Calcium and Vitamin C, plus works in conjunction with Calcium, Phosphorus, Protein, and Vitamins B6, C, and D—they all need each other to get the job done.
 Signs of deficiency: Poor growth; overextension of the carpal joints; muscle twitching; convulsions
Signs of excess: Urinary tract stone formation in the presence of high pH
Manganese
 Enzyme functions; bone development; neurological function; This mineral works with enzymes to maintain the nervous system.
Manganese deficiency is implicated in seizures.
Phosphorus
 Phosphorus is needed for skeletal structure; DNA and RNA structure; energy metabolism; locomotion; acid-base balance
 Sign of deficiency: Hemolytic anemia; locomotor disturbances; metabolic acidosis; reduced weight gain; poor appetite; bowing and swelling of forelimbs in puppies
Potassium
 Potassium is needed for acid-base balance; nerve-impulse transmission; enzymatic reactions; transport functions
 Signs of deficiency: Poor appetite; retarded growth; neurological disorders, including severe muscle weakness
Selenium
Selenium is important for defense against oxidative damage; immune response
 
 Signs of deficiency; Anorexia; depression;dyspnea; coma; muscle degeneration; A Selenium deficiency in the brain has been shown to be a trigger for the onset of seizures. This deficiency is also connected to hypothyroidism—itself a factor in secondary seizures.
Sodium
 Acid-base balance; regulation of osmotic pressure; nerve impulse generation and transmission
 Signs of deficiency; Restlessness; increased heart rate; water intake and hemaglobin concentration; dry and tacky mucous membranes
Zinc
 Zinc is needed for enzyme reactions; cell replication; protein and carbohydrate metabolism; skin function; wound healing; This mineral is also required for brain neurotransmitter production.
Signs of deficiency: skin lesions; growth retardation; testicular damage; Deficiency is often a result of a diet where the protein is acquired from grains rather than meat. The mineral may also be diminished in processed foods during manufacture.


Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary for literally tens of thousands of different chemical reactions in the body. They often work in conjunction with minerals and enzymes to assure normal digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth and function, healthy skin and hair, clotting of blood, and the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by the body.  Synergy is a phenomenon in which two or more vitamins combine to create a stronger vitamin function. An ideal example is bioflavonoids, in order for them to work effectively they must be taken with vitamin C. Studies now indicate that bioflavonoids may be a major factor in preventing cancer and many other diseases.

There are two groups of Vitamins: Fat soluble and water soluble. The Liver is an excellent food source for all these vitamins.

Water Soluble Vitamins
B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body. They are eliminated from the body via the urine, and must be replaced each day. Animals need a continuous supply of them in their diets to maintain optimum health. It is unlikely that  overdosing will occur as they are flushed out of the system regularly.  These B vitamins are widely distributed in foods. They function as coenzymes that help the body obtain energy from food. They are also important for normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin, a healthy nervous system and red blood cell formation.  Vitamin C, is the stress, antioxidant vitamin normally synthesized naturally in the liver of healthy dogs.

Water Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin
 Function
 Food Sources
 Deficiency or Excess
C
 Vitamin C helps hold body cells together, aids in wound healing, assists in bone and tooth formation, strengthens the blood vessel walls, is vital for the fuunction of the immune system, and improves absorption and utilization of iron. It also helps prevent nutritional ailments such as scurvy. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant, and works with vitamin E as a free-radical scavenger. Studies suggest that vitamin C may reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and cataracts.  While dogs produce vitamin C in their bodies (unlike human beings and guinea pigs who must have it in their diet), under stress or disease, they may need vitamin C in excess of their manufacturing capacity. 
Citrus fruits and vegetables
 Slowed healing, increased susceptibility to disease;
In excessive dose, vitamin C can cause flatulence and diarrhea. This intestinal tolerance level varies among dogs, but is generally around 3000 mg per day in an adult German Shepherd.
B1
Thiamine
 Essential for normal functioning of the heart, nerves, muscles, skin and digestive system.

 Plants, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat
 Signs of deficiency: Neurological impairments including altered reflexes and convulsive seizures; heart-rate disorders; pathological changes in the central nervous system; Loss of appetite; weakness
B2
(riboflavin)
 Necessary for carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, and antibody and red blood cell formation. Good for healthy eyes, skin, and coat
 Organ meats and dairy products
 Signs of deficiency: Cataracts; fatty livers; testicular atrophy; Poor growth; eye abnormalities; heart failure
B3
(niacin)
  Promotes growth, proper functioning of the nervous system, maintenance of healthy skin, tongue, digestive system, and carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism.

Meat, meat by-products
 Signs of deficiency: Poor appetite; weight loss; fiery red tongue, with ulceration and congestion; inflamed gums; hemorrhagic diarrhea 
B5
(pantothenic acid)
 Assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Aids in the utilization of some vitamins, stimulates growth, and aids in the formation of antibodies.

 Meats and vegetables
Signs of deficiency: Stunted growth; fatty changes in liver; small bowel lesions; Hair loss; diarrhea; premature graying;
B6
(pyridoxine)
Necessary for carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, antibody and red blood cell formation, and aids in digestion.
 Found in most foods, damaged during processing
Signs of deficiency: Stunted growth; convulsive seizures; kidney lesions; Anemia; skin lesions;
B12 (cyanocobalamin)
 Essential for normal formation of red blood cells, carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, and good appetite.

 Organ meats, animal sources
Signs of deficiency: Weight loss; vomiting; diarrhea; intestinal disorders; Macrocytic anemia;
Biotin
 Biotin  is a co-enzyme necessary for many reactions in the body. It assists in the making of fatty acids, and in the burning up of fatty acids and carbohydrates for body heat and energy. It also aids in the utilization of amino acids, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B12.
 Corn, soybeans, beef liver
Signs of deficiency: dermatitis and muscle pains; Poor hair; dry skin; diarrhea;
Folic acid
(folate)
 Amino acid and nucleotide metabolism; mitochondrial protein synthesis
 Organ meats
Signs of deficiency: Decreased growth rate; increased iron levels in blood; Hypoplasia of bone marrow; macrocytic anemia

Fat Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and are eliminated much more slowly than water-soluble vitamins. 

Fat Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin
 Function

Sources

 Deficiency or Excess
A
 Vitamin A is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction, cell division and gene expression. Also, the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs depend on vitamin A to remain moist. Vitamin A is also the body's first line of defense against invading microorganisms and toxins. It promotes a healthy immune system, destroys carcinogens (cancer causing agents), and guards against heart disease and stroke.

 Liver, fish liver oil, vegetables, dairy products
 Signs of Deficiency: Conjunctivitis; cataracts, retinal degeneration, and other eye problems; weight loss; muscle weakness; reproductive and developmental disorders
Signs of excess: Skeletal lesions in kittens, particularly outgrowths of the cervical vertebrae, osteoporosis; artery and vein degeneration
D
 Vitamin D plays a critical role in the body’s use of calcium and phosphorous. It increases the amount of calcium absorbed from the small intestine and helps form and maintain bones. Puppies and kittens especially need adequate amounts of vitamin D to develop strong bones and healthy teeth.  Calcium levels must be regulated for healthy transmission of nerve impulses. Vitamin D helps regulate these calcium levels.

 Sunshine, dairy products, fish liver oil
 Signs of deficiency: Rickets; abnormalities in skeletal development; progressive paralysis; reduction in body weight and food intake
Sign of excess: Poor appetite; vomiting; lethargy; calcification of soft tissues
E
 Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting vitamins A and C, red blood cells and essential fatty acids from destruction and increases the production of HDL cholesterol.  At higher doses, it also reduces cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase activities, decreasing production of prostaglandins and leukotreines.  Research has shown that vitamin E may help prevent heart disease and cancer.  It contributes to membrane activity, protecting critical cellular structures against damage from oxygen free radicals.  it is a potent anti-inflammatory drug. It will reduce platelet function and prolong the bleeding time slightly in healthy individuals.
 Cold pressed vegetable oils, meats, nuts, green leafy vegetables
 Signs of deficiency: Poor appetite; depression; pain sensitivity in abdomen; Reproductive failure
K
 Vitamin K plays an essential role in normal blood clotting and helps promote bone health. Kelp, alfalfa, egg yolk
 Signs of deficiency: Excess bleeding; prolonged blood clotting time; Hemorrhage



source
http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/vitamins-pets.html  Vitamins for your Pets  By: Dr. George Obikoya
http://www.nutritiondynamics.com/research_articles33.htm  The Basics of Nutrition



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