Living Magazine doTERRA Winter 2016 | Page 27

about 5 percent of non-heme iron, found primarily in plant-based foods such as legumes, cereal grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Absorption can also be influenced by what you consume along with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C, con­ tained in Microplex VMz, improves absorption and a recent study found that taking a probiotic supplement, such as PB Assist®+, can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by as much as 50 percent.2* PB assist+ is the perfect complement to Microplex VMz, which delivers 6mg of highly bioavailable iron. CALC I UM Thanks to modern food marketing, we are all aware of the bone-strengthening benefits of calcium, and that milk does a body good.* Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteopo­ rosis in later life. Not as commonly acknowledged are the other benefits of calcium and that there are many other, possibly better, sources that are not derived from dairy. Calcium plays a key role in muscular-contraction and cellular metabolism, meaning it impacts your ability to sustain long and intense exercise.* Current RDAs for calcium are 1000–1300mg per day. You don’t need a glass of milk at every meal or a cup of yogurt for dessert to meet your body’s demands. Other healthy components of a balanced diet including wild-caught fatty-fish, dark leafy greens, and some nuts (especially almonds) are all great sources of bone-building and muscular contracting calcium.* For those unable to meet their needs through their normal diet, Microplex VMz food nutrient complex offers 500mg of calcium. MA GNESI UM Magnesium is a vital component of hundreds of enzyme reactions, is involved in muscular contraction, and plays a role in the formation of healthy bone.* The mineral found in high concentration in nuts, legumes, and dark leafy greens also assists in the utilization of oxygen and glucose for muscular energy, making it vital for both strength and endurance. Like iron, magnesium is one of the minerals found in highest concentrations in sweat; the longer and more intensely you train, the greater your needs. Current RDAs for magne­ sium range from 310–420mg per day, but a recent study found that the average daily intake for women is only 234–267mg.3 The same study also found that those who use dietary supplements had a higher average intake from food alone and were much more likely overall to meet current guidelines. Each daily serving of Microplex VMz provides 150mg of magnesium to supplement your diet and help you meet your body’s demands. To support natural and sustained energy production and muscular contraction, and to build the bone health we need to reach our fitness goals, it is crucial that we meet RDAs for macro and trace minerals.* Although a healthy diet of whole unrefined foods is the foundation of any wellness program and a good start toward meeting our mineral needs, supplementing daily with Micoplex VMz and PB Assist+ will ensure that our bodies have the building blocks to continue progressing.* References 1. Misner, B. Food alone may not provide sufficient micronutrient for preventing deficiency. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2006; 3(1): 51–55. 2. Hoppe M, Onning G, Berggren A, Hulthen L. Probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from an iron-supplemented fruit drink: a double-isotope cross-over single-blind study in women of reproductive age. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015; 114: 1195-1202. 3. Bailey R, Fulgoni V, Keast D, Dwyer J. Dietary supplement use is associated with high intakes of minerals from food sources. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011; 94:1376-81. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. doterra.com / 27