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Green Investing

May 31st, 2010

Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Since that time, there has been plenty of talk and interest in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment, but until recently, there has not been a lot of action. Over the last 40 years, we have seen dramatic growth in the population and consumption on every continent, only increasing the need to be thinking about how we can continue to survive and grow without consuming our very planet. Only recently have we seen the opportunities open up for the investment world as we go from “thinking green” to “going green”

As more and more of the world’s largest purchasers are demanding evidence of sustainability practices from their suppliers, competitive advantage will go to the manufacturers and distributors that have positioned themselves as Green leaders within their industry.

Are you ready for the next steps to be taken in the investment markets in terms of green, social and impact investing?  Following the bear market of late 2007 through early 2009, investors are in a new mindset. The severe breakdown in trust of Wall Street institutions and the markets have lead investors to demand a more favorable blend of outcomes-more transparency with less of a “me first” investing mentality. This is one of the key reasons green investing, along with the other ‘incentive-based” investing, approaches will accelerate.

The key to the growth in green investing is not the demand for it but the new supply of opportunities in this area. The new wind, solar, fuel cell, Organic farming and alternative-energy projects demand huge capital investment. For the first time, there is actually a place to invest “green” rather than invest in companies doing their regular business “a little greener.” Now that these new opportunities have finally become available to invest in, we have just recently seen the first billion-dollar venture-capital fund established strictly to invest in green/alternative-energy projects. In fact, I read an article titled “Who Will Be the Green VC Giant?”  The same venture capitalists that provided the seed capital for many of today’s most successful technology companies are now racing to secure the important green deals.

Now’s the time to start planning for the future for you and your family, not only invest in GREEN, but to use many of the green methods and start implementing them to start seeing the green get back into your wallet.

For more information, Please go to : www.usnnm.com

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MEDICAL GEOLOGY CLAY- EXCELERITE

May 30th, 2010

Geology is no longer confined to the study of rocks and minerals. I suspect that as the field of medical geology becomes better known, the medical community will discover that geology could play a major role in the etiology of a variety of diseases. Uncovering these relationships is an inherently multidisciplinary task. After all, for medical geology and geochemistry to be of use to the public and to health authorities of a given region, all samples from the local environment–that is, rock, soils, water, plants, and food–need to be studied together and correlated with in vivo studies.
In the medical field, too, as discoveries are made in the physiology and metabolism of trace elements, the biochemical mechanisms underlying the body’s absorption and rejection of trace elements, and the cellular mechanisms that regulate these processes, researchers may also find a greater need for the understanding of geology and trace-element geochemistry.
Geology and medical science, disciplines that until now have been considered poles apart, may now find themselves joined into a multidisciplinary framework for unraveling some of nature’s most interesting secrets.

Every day we eat, drink and breathe minerals and trace elements, never giving a thought to what moves from the environment and into our bodies. For most of us this interaction with natural materials is harmless, perhaps even beneficial, supplying us with essential nutrients.  These interactions are the realm of medical geology, a fast-growing field that not only involves geoscientists but also medical, public health, veterinary, agricultural, environmental and biological scientists. Medical geology is the study of the effects of geologic materials and processes on human, animal and plant health, with both good and possibly hazardous results.

 

 Strata view from our Panaca, NV mine.   EXCELERITE

The relationship between the Earth’s surface that we humans inhabit and our health is under debate. The fact that a continuum and indelible link exists is not in doubt. We have obtained food, water, and shelter since Homo arrived, but in the twentieth century we have learned that disease as well as health may by derived from our environment.  Certain diseases are attributed to several minerals sensu latu (concept that includes the minerals sensu restrictuconsidered as natural, inorganic and crystalline solids, the so-called oligoelements or trace minerals, the biominerals and mineral resources such as natural mineral water), naturally or humanly derived. Within minerals, clay minerals, the essential constituents of clays, are omnipresent at the earth surface where organisms live, and due to their specific properties they can interact, positively as a rule, with them. Some clay minerals are being used, either as active principles (gastrointestinal protectors, laxatives, antidiarrhoeaics), or as excipients (inert bases, emulsifiers, lubricants) in certain medicines. Also they participate in formulations used for topical applications in both dermopharmacy and dermocosmetics.

The geochemical distribution and biochemical availability of the elements that are required for human existence are not uniformly distributed over the Earth’s surface. For example, low concentrations of iodine (I) characterize the soils and rocks at high elevations and in limestone terrains. This is a natural global phenomenon. Medical acumen and geostatistical and epidemiological investigations have identified iodine as an essential nutrient. The thick necks that were depicted in ancient Chinese scrolls, and the cretinism found in mountainous regions, are now recognized as symptoms of the endemic disease goitre. Jharkhand and other Eastern states in India are a Iodine deficiency zone. Reduction, but unfortunately not eradication, of this preventable malady is now possible through the use of iodine-enriched table salt and oils.

Specific properties of clay minerals such as the nanometer size and thin platy or fibrous shapes, the negative electric charge, and high adsorption and absorption capacities justify the therapeutic uses referred to. Also, these and other properties justify the nuse of clay minerals for improving environmental quality which is fundamental for the living quality of man and other organisms as they can act as catalysts for potentially benign chemical processes. Due to the properties referred to, particularly the surface properties, clay minerals and other colloidal minerals (oxides, hydroxides and oxy-hydroxides of Fe, Mn and Al) constitute environmental factors of paramount importance since they can control the bioavailability, ecological effects, biogeochemical cycles, and distribution of trace metals and metalloids in ecosystems (know heavy metals and metalloids have critically important biological effects, both beneficial and harmful.

According to natural waters and soil solutions can be readily taken up from solution by clay minerals and other colloidal minerals, the efficiency of the phenomenon depending on the properties and concentrations of the reactants and on environmental factors that affect the forms of the Jackson, 1998; Sparks, 2005). As we Jackson (1998)  trace elements in natural waters and soil solutions can be readily taken up from solution by clay minerals and other colloidal minerals, the efficiency of the phenomenon depending on the properties and concentrations of the reactants and on environmental factors that affect the forms of the elements and the surface properties of the colloids.

 The process involves:

 1) Sorption by clay minerals, oxides and clay–oxide–humic complexes;

 2) Co-precipitation with oxides;

 3) Complexing by organic matter.

 Among the clay minerals, montmorillonite and vermiculite are those that exhibit higher adsorption capacities.  In aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems clay minerals and other colloidal minerals can act as sinks and secondary sources of trace metals and metalloids with important biological consequences as they can limit or prevent their uptake and bio-availability by organisms.  The binding and release of trace metals and metalloids by colloidal particles limiting the biological uptake provides the control of the nutritional and toxic effects of the trace metals and metalloids to the benefit or detriment of the organisms.

The surface properties of clay minerals and other colloidal minerals allow them to function as catalysts in many organic reactions (Malla et al., 1991; Sun Kou et al., 1992) and the role on pollution prevention and reduction. For instance, clay-liners have revealed great importance in the case of landfills to avoid migration of toxic metal ions and organic pollutants into neighboring soil, groundwater, and surface water. Also, the use of clay to remove metal ions from wastewater is another important field of application (Sharma et al., 1991; Gupta et al., 1992). A further application is the remediation of polluted environments such as rivers, lakes and lagoons, where toxic metals from both natural and artificial sources become concentrated, either in fine-grained bottom sediments, or in dispersed particulate matter.

Geophagy, the deliberate intake or ingestion of soil or clay by man or other animals (may be to compensate dietary deficiencies), is an old and generalized practice still taking place, these days, in some regions of the world.

          Minerals washed away through the Cathedral Canyon, Panaca, NV

 

“Clay minerals, the most abundant and chemically active components of the surface mineral world, are the key to understanding the links between nature (life), its substrate (essentially silicates), and a mastery of the total ecosystem by man”

 The evolution of life from seawater could be supported by the similarity of the compositions of seawater, human body serum, and human red cells, in terms of free cations and anions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and phosphate (Lindh, 2005a,b).

Clays and clay minerals formed in terrestrial or deepsea vent hydrothermal systems rich in iron and manganese sulfides and unstable silicates, are microcrystalline and have specific properties such as layer charge, high specific surface area, high ion exchange capacity, and high adsorption capacity. They would be the appropriate substrate for bacteria and enzymes. Concerning bacteria, interesting investigations have been carried out on the scientific domain of microbial ecology of hydrothermal systems, on which life on earth could have been initiated.

The relationships between Geology and Biology are the goal of Geobiology, the science that understands the earth as a system, and life as part of it. In space and time, life influences earth development, and earth’s changing environment moulds life (Noffke, 2005).  On the other hand, the interactions between Geology or Geo-sciences and the Ecology are the goal of a scientific area called Geo-ecology, which particularly highlights the interactions between man and the ecosystems.

According to Hazen (2005a,b), the investigations carried out on the origin of life lead to the conclusion that minerals must have played key roles in virtually every phase of life emergence, catalyzing the synthesis of key biomolecules, and selecting, protecting and concentrating these molecules. They jump-started metabolism, and they may even have acted as first genetic systems.

The fertility of a soil is largely dependent upon the activity of micro-organisms.

EXCELERITE® is the richest known source of naturally chelated nutrients and minerals suspended within a natural lacustrine Montmorillonite Clay deposit located in Panaca, Nevada.  Dr. Dickers studied the Panaca Source and found it to be the perfect rejuvenator for abused and over farmed soils.  He also found it to be a valuable supplement for the diets of both animals and humans to restore proper nutritional balance in their diets.  Editor – USNNM, Inc.

References

Jackson, T.A., 1998. The biogeochemical and ecological significance                             

of interactions between colloidal minerals and trace elements. In:

Parker, A., Rae, J.E. (Eds.), Environmental Interactions of Clays.

Springer–Verlag, Berlin, pp. 93–205.

Sparks, D.L., 2005. Toxic metals in the environment: the role of

surfaces. Elements 1, 193–197.

Sun Kou, M.R., Menioroz, S., Fierro, J.L.G., Rodriguez-Ramos, I.,

Palacios, J.M., Guerrero-Ruiz, De Andres, A.M., 1992. Naturally

occurring silicates as carriers for copper catalysts used in methanol

conversion. Clays and Clay Minerals 40, 167–174.

Malla, P.B., Ravindranathan, P., Komarneni, S., Roy, R., 1991.

Intercalation of copper metal clusters in montmorillonite. Nature

351, 555–557.

Sharma, Y.C., Prasad, G., Rupainwar, D.C., 1991. Removal of Ni (II)

from aqueous solutions by sorption. International Journal of

Environmental Studies 37, 183–191.

Gupta, G.S., Singh, A.K., Tyagi, B.S., Prasdad, G., Singh, V.N., 1992.

Treatment of carpet and metallic effluents by China clay. Journal of

Chemical Technology & Biotechnology 55, 277–283.

Noffke, N., 2005. In: Noffke, N. (Ed.), Geobiology: Objectives,

Concepts, Perspectives. Elsevier, Amsterdam

Hazen, R. M., 2005b. Genesis: The Scientific Quest for Life’s Origin.

National Academy of Sciences, Joseph Henry Press, Washington

DC.

Lindh, U., 2005a. Biological functions of the elements. In: Selinus, O.,

Alloway, B., Centeno, J.A., Finkelman, R.B., Fuge, R., Lindh, U.,

Smedley, P. (Eds.), Essentials of Medical Geology: Impacts of the

Natural Environment on Public Health. Elsevier Academic Press,

Amsterdam, pp. 115–160.

Lindh, U., 2005b. Uptake of elements from the biological point of

View. In: Selinus, O., Alloway, B., Centeno, J.A., Finkelman, R.B.,

Fuge, R., Lindh, U., Smedley, P. (Eds.), Essentials of Medical

Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health.

Elsevier Academic Press, Amsterdam, pp. 87–114. 

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EXCELERITE- Chelated Minerals -do your cattle need them?

May 30th, 2010

One of the most frequently asked questions  cow/calf producers ask,  Is whether they should use chelated minerals. Chelated minerals are trace minerals that have been attached to an organic compound such as an amino acid.

Oddly, the answer is “yes” and “no.” It’s “yes” if the producer has a specific problem – breeding, scours, foot rot, grass tetany, weaning, calving, or uses other practices like AI or embryo transfer. It’s “no” if the animal is fed a balanced diet and does not encounter any stress factors or specific problems.

When asked to consider using chelated minerals, many producers say “I will just feed more of my regular (inorganic) mineral.” This does not work. Research shows that twice the level of the sulfate (inorganic) form of copper or zinc will depress the response from the mineral.

In addition, high levels of one mineral may tie up another mineral – iron and molybdenum may tie up copper.

With inorganic minerals (sulfates, carbonates and oxides) the availability (solubility) of the mineral varies a lot. Generally, the sulfate form is more available than the oxide form.  Some of the most positive responses in cattle  herds are improved reproductive performance, increased immune response and prevention and treatment of foot problems.

A salt block will not contain all of the supplemental minerals needed by most herds of cattle.

* Research reports indicate that up to 25% more viable embryos/flush, higher conception rates, and fewer services/conception may be obtained with chelates. These results are more profound when the cattle are on a poor-quality mineral program prior to receiving chelated minerals. Regarding the bull side, increased testicular size and improved semen quality and quantity have been reported.

* The immune response. Cows fed chelated minerals before calving are more likely to have calves with less scour problems and less sickness and death loss. Research shows that calves that get scours or pneumonia in the first 30 days of life will show the effects the rest of their life in reduced longevity, more health problems and reduced performance.

*Weaning, especially this year with the possibility of light calves coming off dry, dusty pasture and being on the short side of feed, is another important time to use chelated minerals in the diet. The positive response of the immune system will make the vaccination program work better and improve overall health.

* It’s an accepted fact that zinc-methionine aids in the improvement of hoof quality and the prevention and treatment of foot rot. In areas with continual foot rot problems, the use of zinc methionine is recommended.

One place where chelates should be used but rarely are is in areas where losses from grass tetany are a problem. Producers still use 10-14% magnesium oxide or sulfate to prevent grass tetany when a chelated magnesium would do a much better job.

“It costs too much” is the common response.   Many people have used a chelated minerals that have been lab created to be chelated, Excelerite is one of the only natural products that has over 78 minerals with a balance pH of 6.7 to 7.3 and is 100% naturally chelated with an iconic charge that will help in the digestion of the animal feed.   Also Excelerite is OMRI approved  And cost?  Check with USNNM. com and you will see that it is very cost effective to use Excelerite.   So “What is a cow worth this year?”

 

This cow is copper deficient

When the situation calls for it,   We recommend including Excelerite  at 30% of the total mineral package. In times of extreme stress or if other situations warrant, the level of Excelerite  may be increased to 60-70% of the total.

In most cases, Excelerite does not need to be fed all year. A practical program is using Excelerite one to two months prior to calving and continue their use until breeding season is over or it is no longer feasible to put Excelerite on the range.

Before a decision is made to use Excelerite minerals, you must first analyze the nutritional program and what you the producer is trying to achieve. In some instances, we just need to get the producer on a mineral program.

 

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Excelerite- Mineral Requirements for raising Swine

May 30th, 2010

Mineral deficiencies are more likely to occur in swine than in other farm animals. Body stores of minerals are used in emergencies, but these are insufficient for maximum production. Reasons for mineral supplementation for growing swine include the following:

  • The grain typically fed to swine is low in required minerals.
  • Pigs have a rapid growth rate.
  • Pigs reproduce at an early age while still reaching mature body weight.
  • Swine are more prolific and have larger litters (often more than 10 pigs per litter) than other livestock

Swine producers have known for years that minerals must be supplied in swine rations for optimum performance. About 5 percent of the total body weight of swine consists of mineral elements. These elements are essential for most of the basic metabolic reactions in the body. They have a role in digestion; metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates; and the structure of chromosomes, enzymes, nerves, blood, skeleton, hair and milk. They are also an important factor in reproduction, growth, production, and resistance to parasites and diseases.

  The amount of a given mineral that an animal absorbs depends on concentration of that mineral in the diet, the mineral source, concentrations of other minerals in the diet, and the mineral status of the animal. Pigs depend primarily on their daily feed to supply needed mineral requirements.

Research indicates that swine need at least 12 mineral elements in their diet: calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iodine, iron, copper, and selenium. Certain trace minerals may also be needed. Required minerals likely to be deficient in Midwest swine rations are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine (salt), iron, zinc, iodine, copper, and selenium. Tables 1 and 2 show minimum and practical mineral requirements for growing and reproducing swine

Element Body weight (pounds)
6 to 10 10 to 20 20 to 45 45 to 110 110 to 180 180 to 265
Calcium, percent 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.45
Phosphorus (total), percent 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.50 0.45 0.40
Phosphorus (available), percent 0.55 0.40 0.32 0.23 0.19 0.15
Sodium, percent 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.10
Chlorine, percent 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.08 0.08 0.08
Potassium, percent 0.30 0.28 0.26 0.23 0.19 0.17
Magnesium, percent 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04
Iron, ppm 100 100 80 60 50 40
Zinc, ppm *100 *100 80 60 50 50
Copper, ppm 6 6 *5 4 3.5 3
Manganese, ppm 4 4 3 2 2 2
Iodine, ppm 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14
Selenium, ppm 0.30 0.30 0.25 0.15 0.15 0.15
*During these growth periods, zinc and copper additions of 2,000 to 3,000 ppm Zn as ZnO and 125 to 250 ppm Cu as CuSO4 have
 been shown to improve growth performance.

Table 2
Mineral requirements for reproducing swine (90 percent dry matter).

Mineral Bred gilts per sows and boarsa Lactating gilts and sowsb
Calcium, percent 0.75 0.75
Phosphorus (total), percent 0.60 0.60
Phosphorus (available), percent 0.35 0.35
Sodium, percent 0.15 0.20
Chloride, percent 0.12 0.16
Potassium, percent 0.20 0.20
Magnesium, percent 0.04 0.04
Iron, ppm 80 80
Zinc, ppm 50 50
Copper, ppm 5 5
Manganese, ppm 20 20
Iodine, ppm 0.14 0.14
Selenium, ppm 0.15 0.15
a Based on a minimum of 4 pounds per dayduring gestation and gilt development and for active boars.
bBased on a minimum of 12 pounds per day during lactation.

Calcium and phosphorus

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) play an important role in the development and maintenance of the skeletal system, blood clotting, muscle contraction and many other physiologic functions. These two minerals must be considered together when calculating the total amount of each needed to meet the requirement.

The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is important to ensure optimum performance. You should strive for a ratio in the range of 1.2 to 1.0 or an available phosphorus based-ratio of 2:1 or 3:1. A wide Ca:P ratio (excess Ca of 25 percent or more) will lower the phosphorus absorption, resulting in reduced growth, and structural unsoundness (poor bone calcification). The ratio is less critical if there is excess P in the diet. However, a narrow Ca:P ratio will result in a more efficient use of phosphorus and will be more economically feasible.

The calcium content of corn, small grains and soybean meal is sufficiently low to require supplementation for all swine. Phosphorus is probably the most important mineral element in the body, because it is involved in nearly every metabolic system. Small grains and corn are usually an inadequate source of phosphorus for swine because of the low concentration and availability of phosphorus they contain. A dietary phosphorus deficiency has an immediate depressing effect on appetite, growth rate, and feed efficiency of swine.

Table 3 shows the relative bioavailability of calcium and phosphorus in common feedstuffs. When using sources of phosphorus other than those that are commonly available in Missouri (such as meat, bone meal and dicalcium phosphate), the purchase price should be based on the cost per unit of available digestible phosphorus.

The availability of phosphorus in most grain is low because 60 to 75 percent of the phosphorus is organically bound in the form of phytate or phytic acid. In addition, pigs do not synthesize the enzyme phytase required for hydrolysis of phytate P. Phosphorus bioavailability varies widely in feed ingredients, ranging from less than 15 percent in corn to more then 50 percent in wheat. Phosphorus variation may be partially explained by the natural phytase activity present in the grain. The use of a microbial phytase in the diet improves the bioavailability of phytate phosphorus and calcium utilization, therefore, the amount of inorganic P that must be added to meet the available P requirement is reduced. If 250 to 500 phytase units per kilogram of feed increases the availability of phosphorus in grain-soybean meal diets by as much as 20 to 25 percent, this results in a 40 to 60 percent reduction in phosphorus excretion.

Table 3
Common dietary sources of calcium and phosporus.

Source Ca P Remarks
Calcium carbonate 38.5 percent 0.02 percent Good availability, usually a cheap source of Ca.
Calcium sulfate,
dihydrate		 21.85 percent    
Dicalcium phosphate 20 to 24 percent 18.5 percent Good availability, levels may vary.
Limestone, ground 35.8 percent 0.01 percent Good availability, contains at least 38 percent Ca.
Meat and bone
meal		 9.4 percent 4.58 percent Availability varies, but usually good.
Monocalcium
phosphate		 17 percent 21.1 percent Good availability, levels may vary.
Phosphate,
defluorinated		 32 percent 18 percent Availability varies, but usually good.
Sodium phosphate,
dibasic		   21.15 percent  
Sodium phosphate,
monobasic		 0.09 percent 24.94 percent  
Tricalcium phosphate 38 percent 18 percent Usually a more expensive source of P.

Sodium and chlorine (salt)

Sodium chloride (NaCl) provides the principal extracellular cation (Na+) and anion (Cl-) in the body. Sodium chloride is commonly deficient in swine rations. The standard recommendation of 0.2-0.25 percent will meet the dietary Na and Cl requirements of growing and finishing pigs fed a grain-soybean meal diet. If milk by-products such as dried whey or skim milk are used, salt concentrations could be reduced. Salt cannot be stored in the body to any great extent, so consumption above daily needs must be excreted. Salt deficiency results in a reduction in rate and efficiency of growth. Salt toxicity can be caused by dehydration is access to fresh water is unavailable or restricted. Signs of salt toxicity include nervousness, weakness, staggering, epileptic seizures, paralysis and death.

Potassium, magnesium and sulfur

Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the body, is important in electrolyte balance and neuromuscular function. Magnesium is required for many enzyme reactions. These two minerals, along with sulfur, are generally not supplemented because diets of grain and soybean meal contain higher concentrations than necessary to meet the requirement, and no deficiencies have been shown in swine.

Iodine

Iodine is required in small quantities and is a vital component of the thyroid hormones, which affect the pig’s metabolic rate. It is especially important for sows during pregnancy. Sows fed iodine-deficient diets will farrow weak or dead pigs that are hairless and have an enlarged, hemorrhagic thyroid. The incorporation of iodized salt (0.007 percent iodine), at a level of 0.2 percent of the diet, provides adequate iodine (0.14 ppm) to meet the needs of growing pigs fed grain-soybean meal diets.

Iron

Iron (Fe) is a required element of hemoglobin in red blood cells, myoglobin in muscle, transferrin for Fe transport in serum; uteroferrin for iron transport in the placenta; lactoferrin in milk for Fe transfer to the nursing pig, and ferritin or hemosiderin for Fe storage in the liver. Iron deficiency rapidly develops in newly born pigs, which must receive supplemental iron shortly after birth. This supplement can be in the form of a single intramuscular injection of 100 to 200 milligrams of Fe as Fe-dextran. Anemia develops rapidly in nursing pigs because:

  • Pigs are born with low total body iron
  • The sow’s colostrum and milk contain low concentrations of iron
  • Nursing pigs have a very rapid growth rate. Signs of iron deficiency are poor growth, rough hair coat, paleness of the snout, ears and mucous membranes, lower resistance to disease, labored breathing (“thumps”), and sudden death.

Copper

Copper is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin and for activation of several oxidative enzymes needed for normal metabolism. A deficiency in copper leads to poor iron mobilization, abnormal formation of blood, poor keratinization, and poor synthesis of collagen, elastin, and myelin. Copper deficiency signs include bowing of the legs, spontaneous fractures, poor appetite, reduced growth, cardiac and vascular disorders, and depigmentation. The requirement for copper is probably no greater than 5 to 6 ppm during the growing phase. Young growing pigs are often fed as much as 100 to 250 ppm copper to stimulate growth performance. A copper toxicity may occur in growing pigs fed more than 250 ppm for an extended period unless 100 ppm iron and zinc or 500 ppm of sulfur is added to the diet. Toxicity signs include depressed hemoglobin concentrations, jaundice, anemia, and bloody feces, which are the result of excessive copper accumulation in the liver and other vital organs. Reduced dietary concentrations of zinc and iron or high calcium accentuate copper toxicity.

Zinc

Zinc (Zn) is required for normal epidermal tissue development and proper function of several metabolic enzymes. A zinc deficiency in swine is characterized by a loss of appetite, reduced growth rate and feed efficiency and impaired sexual development, and is often accompanied by a skin condition called parakeratosis. Growth rate and feed efficiency usually are affected long before parakeratosis appears. High calcium levels in the diet increase the dietary Zn requirement. Excess calcium reduces zinc absorption and may speed its removal from the tissues. The zinc requirement on a corn-soy ration is about 50 to 100 ppm with normal levels of calcium for growing to finishing pigs. High dietary zinc concentrations (2,000 to 3,000 ppm zinc as zinc oxide) increased the growth rate of newly weaned pigs, and in some cases reduce the incidence of diarrhea. Zinc toxicity results in reduced growth, arthritis, hemorrhage in axillary spaces, gastritis and death.

Selenium

Selenium should be included in swine diets. Careful mixing to ensure adequate but not excess concentrations is important. The amount of selenium that may be added to swine diets is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which set the maximum legal limit at 0.3 ppm (0.27 grams per ton). Selenium deficiencies result in sudden death, liver necrosis, mulberry heart and pale muscles. Selenium toxicity can occur at 5 to 8 ppm and is characterized by reduced feed intake, depressed growth, loss of hair, stiffness or pain upon movement, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, separation of the hoof from the foot, impaired embryo development, and a high percentage of stillbirths.

Supplementing a corn-soybean meal diet with minerals

In the following example,

Step 1
Using the chemical analysis in Table 4, calculate the amount of calcium and phosphorus available from the 80 pounds of corn and 20 pounds of soybean meal, which results in 0.088 pound of calcium and 0.354 pound of phosphorus.

Ingredient Pounds Ca Ca P P
Corn 80 0.03 percent 0.024 pound 0.28 percent 0.224 pound
Soybean meal (44 percent) 20 0.32 percent 0.064 pound 0.65 percent 0.13 pound
Total supplied     0.088 pound   0.354 pound

Step 2
Subtract the amount of calcium and phosphorus supplied in corn and soybean meal from the requirement (shown in Table 2). You will still be short 0.512 pound of calcium and 0.146 pound of phosphorus.

  Ca P
Requirement (45 to 110 pounds) 0.60 pound 0.50 pound
Ca/P from corn and soybean meal 0.088 pound 0.354 pound
Shortage 0.512 pound 0.146 pound

Step 3
Meet the phosphorus requirement first because most phosphorus sources contain calcium and are more expensive than calcium sources. In this example, using 0.8 pound of dicalcium provides an additional 0.176 pound of calcium and 0.148 pound of phosphorus, which meets the phosphorus requirement, but the calcium requirement is still short by 0.336. (Use the nutrient content of dicalcium phosphate shown in Table 3.)

Dicalcium, pounds per 100 pound Ca Ca P P
0.80 0.22 percent 0.176 pound 18.5 percent 0.148 pound
Calcium requirement is short 0.336 pound (0.512 1 0.176). Phosphorus requirement is met.

Step 4
To meet the calcium requirement, 0.94 pound of limestone would provide 0.336 pound calcium, which meets the requirement. (Use the nutrient content of limestone shown in Table 3.)

Limestone, pounds per 100 pounds Ca Ca
0.94 35.8 percent 0.336 pound

To calculate this ration on a ton basis, multiply your answer by 20. This same system can be used with additional feed ingredients. You will need to obtain figures from tables on phosphorus and calcium levels in each feed. This procedure is fairly accurate, but obviously you are ending up with more than a 100 pounds mix, and protein concentrations will be slightly less than those calculated using 100 pounds, after minerals are added.

Table 4
Calcium-phosphorus concentrations of common swine feed ingredients.

Feedstuffs Calcium Phosphorus
Corn, dent US #2 0.03 percent 0.28 percent
Grain sorghum 0.03 percent 0.29 percent
Wheat 0.05 percent 0.36 percent
Oats 0.07 percent 0.31 percent
Soybean meal (44 percent) 0.32 percent 0.65 percent
Dicalcium phosphate 22 percent 18.5 percent
Steamed bone meal 29.8 percent 12.5 percent
Limestone 35.8 percent  

By using EXCELERITE  in all of your animals feed programs will will see great results, We hope that this article helps out with your Swine raising program.

 

 

 

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Animal Health using Excelerite

May 16th, 2010

Dairy, beef cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, turkeys, and chickens have been administered calcium, magnesium, iron potassium, zinc and sodium, or some sort of supplement because of deficiencies, or added for increased growth. These supplements come in chemically processed or natural mineral form. This industry is one of the largest concerning our animals health and well being. These minerals are found in its largest capacities within “Montmorillonite Clays”. 

It has been proven by top Universities, agricultural engineer specialists and nutritionists that certain clays, in particular, the Montmorillonite Clays, hold more natural trace elements than any other natural mineral on the market today. 

Animals in Africa, Europe, Asia and the America’s have all been studied eating the clays of the world. These animals consume this mineral because their bodies crave it. 

Australia has shown that the Montmorillonite clay has produced thicker wools in sheep . It was further studied and administered in Canada as well with the same results. The sheep were given 15g of clay with a roughage diet and water, showing a 17% wool gain. Montmorillonite has shown to produce weight gain in lambs. Clays are known to help all animals in either their deficiency of minerals or in producing a healthier growth pattern. 

Clays have been introduced into programs for household pets.  

Montmorillonite Clay Helps Remove Toxins and Protozoan’s

Montmorillonite clayis trace mineral-rich clay with some very interesting properties, to help promote your dog’s good health. First, Montmorillonite clay is a colloid that is an electrically charged particle. Colloids naturally bind to toxins in your dog’s digestive system, effectively removing them from your dog’s system via his stool. This action helps dogs with bad allergies by binding to and removing the offenders from your dogs system. Colloidal minerals are also readily assimilated by your dog’s system. 

You may have seen documentaries on the nature channel where animals flock to these clay banks and are observed feasting on the healing clay. Montmorillonite clay has a second interesting action it performs inside an animal’s digestive tract. Its small particle size appears to clog the breathing and feeding apparatus of harmful protozoa, effectively killing them. These protozoa swim around eating up beneficial bacteria and playing general havoc on your dog digestive tract. 

Montmorillinite is an all-natural dog supplement.  
Stop your dog’s itching, scratching and shedding like crazy! 

Calcium Montmorillonite Clay A Miracle of Life

By Dr. Simon Cohen, N.D. 

Far removed from prominent view, exists an age old substance in nature, known as “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay.” There are only a limited number of “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” deposits around the world. The first site was discovered in Montmorillon, France in the 1800’s, hence the name, Montmorillonite. For centuries Native American healers used it internally and externally in the treatment of a variety of illnesses. In years past sailing vessels departing from France were known to store clay on board for the treatment of dysentery as well as other ailments. Animals, domestic and wild alike, instinctually drawn to clay deposits have been observed licking the clay as part of their everyday diet, and rolling in it to obtain relief from injuries. 

A recognized detoxifying agent, nutrient and bactericidal “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is in the smectite group of clays. Only those clays within the smectite group have the ability to absorb. Its power as a detoxifying substance comes from its inherent ability to adsorb and absorb. Its unique ability to grow and change (adsorb) is the reason for its classification and recognition as ”EXCELERITE“.While there is more than one Montmorillonite, the red “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” of the smectite group remains a favorite for human use. Clay, which has been hydro-thermally altered and seasoned, in the arid desert is rich in content. The color of clay is determined by the mixture and ratio of elements contained within it. Hydrothermal exposures over long periods of time affect the clay in two important aspects; it becomes negatively charged and crystallized. As a result of the crystallization process the clay is reduced into small particles that make it easy for the body to assimilate. The negative charges on the clay give it the ability to adsorb or attract positively charged toxic matter, which is then absorbed into the clay and dispelled from the body as waste. 

In addition to the role it plays as a potent detoxifier, “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” has also been used extensively in the treatment of pain, open wounds, colitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, acne, anemia, and a variety of other health issues. 

“EXCELERITE” is reported to contain no less than 78 minerals. This impressive assortment of minerals includes calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and silica as well as trace elements, those appearing in very tiny amounts. The mineral content being extremely high sets the stage for replenishing dietary deficiencies. Today more than ever before, diets are lacking essential trace minerals and micro nutrients. Without the basic minerals, life cannot exist; without trace minerals, major deficiencies may develop. Lack of either will make it impossible for the body to maintain good health and function properly. In clay the minerals occur in natural proportion to one another encouraging their absorption in the intestinal tract. Natural “Calcium Montmorillonite” restores minerals in the tissues where they are needed. Furthermore, minerals are the carriers of the electrical potential in the cells, which enable the hormones, vitamins, and enzymes to function properly. 

As mentioned above “EXCELERITE” is known historically as an effective antibacterial in the treatment of dysentery, and as a means of decontaminating water. Presently it is being used internationally to clarify and balance small and large bodies of water. This is so because “EXCELERITE” particles are smaller than many bacteria; when bacteria encounter an environment abundant in clay it becomes surrounded by the clay, and embedded in it. The immediate result is that the bacteria are unable to receive nourishment and cannot survive. 

The dominant approach in health care today is from the viewpoint that considers the notion of parts. The diagnosis of illness is often arrived at by looking for a specific disease by relying on symptoms surfacing in an apparently localized part or parts of the body. Once identified a specific medication for a specific problem is applied. Only recently has medical science begun once again, to explore the idea that health problems surface as a result of disease in the whole system, not just one or more of the parts. The immune system intimately affects each organ on a fundamental level, which spans the boundaries of all the body’s vital functions. This is critical to understanding the cause of chronic and degenerative disease. The body’s vital systems are dependent on each other. The presence of disease in any system impacts all systems. A lifestyle without substantial nutrition, sufficient rest, a proper balance of stress, and numerous other factors can weaken the immune system. Malfunction of the immune system leads to infectious disease. It is unrealistic to treat parts, and expect a whole result. 

Because of its inherent healing properties, clay has long been recognized as a subject worthy of study. It is included as such, in many educational institutions today, which teach pharmacology, herbology, and nutrition. “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is currently being utilized in hospitals outside of the United States where it has already proven its effectiveness. In recent years clay has become a topic of discussion in numerous publications. Recently more information has become available outlining the important role “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” can play in the recovery and maintenance of health. It has also been receiving significant recognition by the health care community, as a proven and much overlooked natural alternative remedy in the prevention and cure of disease. 

Recent exposure has spurred the interest of people around the world, prompting them to seek out reliable high quality resources for clay. This well deserved notoriety is serving to educate the public about this natural healing agent, as a true “Miracle of Life”. 

While “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is a powerful nutrient and detoxifierit is important to recognize that it is a part of a total health care system. Healing benefits may result from internal and/or external clay applications. The clay may be ingested, applied as a poultice, and/or used in a bath. An appropriate lifestyle and the proper guidance of a health care practitioner are essential to one’s well being. Determining the most beneficial and appropriate application of “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is best discussed with someone familiar with its properties. 

Natural medicines serve as catalysts triggering our bodies built in healing mechanisms as they work to restore health. I was prompted to write this article because of my personal experience with the far-reaching healing powers of natural “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay”. My hope is that the information provided here will encourage others to consult with their respective health practitioners, in considering its use as a part of their daily health regime. 

I wish you one and all a lifetime of good health. 
 

REFERENCE

  • M. Ivan, M. De S. Dayrell, S. Mahadevan, and M. Hidiroglou, Center for Food and Animal Research, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

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ARTICLE FROM THE NATURAL HORSE VET

March 13th, 2010

 

The Natural Horse Vet

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Calcium Montmorillonite Edible Clay removing abnormal bacteria, heavy metals, pathogens, pesticides etc.

Calcium Montmorillonite (as featured on Animal Planet/Discovery Channel) is an excellent, high quality edible clay used for internal detoxification of heavy metals, chemicals and other toxins – as well as for mineral supplementation and for calcium support into the bone mass (high in silica).

The pH of this clay is balanced and is alkalizing to the body. Toxins create an acidic condition. The more toxins i.e. heavy metals, pathogens, pesticides, unfriendly bacteria, etc. are removed the greater the alkaline condition in the body.  From: Natural Horse Vet Magazine

It has a direct effect in removing abnormal bacteria – binding to it and removing it from the body through the elimination process and is also used as a daily detoxifier for removing toxins taken in from daily living and is great for maintaining a cleaner digestive tract.

And it is often referred to as “living clay” because it consists of minerals that enhance the production of enzymes in all living organisms. Benefits of calcium montmorillonite minerals have been documented in research conducted by many scientists and leading universities. In addition to the role it plays as a potent detoxifier, Calcium Montmorillonite Clay has also been used extensively in the treatment of pain, open wounds, colitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, acne, anemia, and a variety of other health issues.

Calcium montmorillonite mineral deposits have been used by indigenous cultures since before recorded history as an internal and external healing agent. The Native Americans would use mineral rich clay on open wounds and for stomach or intestinal distress.

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The Scientific Proof for EXCELERITE’s incredible powers

March 13th, 2010

Calcium Montmorillonite Clay Detoxifier

EXCELERITE® is a multifunctional mineral complex. It not only has vast mineral stores, but it also has a strong ionic cleansing capacity. One simple supplement…two vital functions!

More than a Mineralizer

EXCELERITE® is a spectacular mineral warehouse, delivery system and vending – buffering mechanism that works with your body’s natural, selective nutrition absorption process.  But it is much more.  EXCELERITE is 100% pure Calcium Montmorillonite. As such it is the world’s most powerful all-natural detoxification system.

While it acts as a potent nutrient source, EXCELERITE also functions as a natural internal cleanser.  Using a powerful negative ionic molecular charge, this compound attracts heavy metals and pathogens that inhabit your body which cause aging and sickness. It is an amazingly simple and useful cleansing compound when used internally or when applied to the skin.

The Two Causes of Sickness

Your body strives to be well. it works overtime, day and night, and many of us do not help out with our day-to-day lifestyle decisions. Supplementation with mega-minerals is absolutely necessary in mankind’s depleted nutritional habitat. Remineralizing contributes greatly to renewed vitality. But there is one other source of chronic illness that must be overcome. We, i.e., all of us, are toxic. We are exposed to increasingly aggressive and compounding poisons that must be removed in order to restore wellness to your body.

These toxins come in two forms:

  • Man-made chemicals, food additives, unnatural metal overloads, and pesticides.
  • Natural pathogens in unnatural and mutating populations: bacteria, fungus, yeast, and virus.

The heavier metals that come from man-made, chemical sources are bad for us; metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum in their chemically altered form. These metal molecules tend to be stored away in the body in fat, the lining of the gut, and in certain organs. These unnatural toxin metallic compounds are responsible for many degenerative diseases.

The chemicals we ingest, inhale and touch are astounding. In some people the combination of all these noxious substances compound and drain the body of resources.

Moreover, many people harbor an overload of fungus, yeast, and bacteria in their bodies. These harmful organisms release toxins and acids. People are not able to fully resolve these pathogens because their immune systems are on “low”, due to the assault of modern living, exposure to present-day chemicals, and a mineral/ vitamin/ enzyme imbalance.

In order to remove them, our bodies need two things: a way to identify them and a way to capture them. Our clay compound is ideal for both of these tasks. In fact, most heavy metals and pathogens are cations (pronounced cat-ions), meaning they are the opposite ionic charge of the Montmorillonite clay. This makes them inescapably attracted to the EXCELERITE®, like a magnet.  When EXCELERITE® attaches to a pathogen, it neutralizes the foreign substance and allows the body to safely eliminate it.

EXCELERITE accepts Hydrogen and dispenses minerals in the body. It also works as a toxin scavenger.  This is because the silica micro-sheets are double-layered anions (pronounced an-ions) with an extremely large surface area. Like almost no other substance on earth, they are capable of smothering positively charged particles, rendering them harmless and then absorbing them into the clay structure and eliminating them from your body.

The negative electrostatic charge of the clay and the incredibly large surface area are why EXCELERITE works so well as a detoxifier.

There are dozens of scientific research documents from leading institutions proving the value of  Montmorillonite as a stellar, natural, clean way to remove toxins from your body, including heavy metals, aflatoxins, fungus, and bacteria. It works in people and in animals. And it does so safely, without the use of even more chemicals and poisons often prescribed to treat the effects of our polluted bodies.

Living Clay

Calcium Montmorillonite has been called a “living clay”. The term was coined by Neva Jensen, famed nutritionist who studied Calcium Montmorillonite and determined that it emulated life while it supported life. One of the reasons EXCELERITE is the original “Living Clay” is that it shares the ability to cling to toxins with a very important part of your body; your cells! Yes. Your cells also act as anions that use receptors to affix toxic compounds to their outer shell. But cells can’t just go away. They hold onto pathogenic substances while they continue to support life. When the Montmorillonite clay compound gets in your blood, lymph and intestinal tract, it simply emulates this function, allowing cells to get rid of the bad compounds so they can spend more time keeping you alive. It’s a true synergy that can contribute to a healthy body. No other mineral substance or drug can claim this dual function and no other natural compound is so good at this method of detoxification.

Our Toxic Bodies

A word of moderation here: this is no quick fix. Depending on your age and lifestyle, this internal cleansing process will take time. You have years of accumulated toxins to remove from all over your body:

  • Liver
  • Heart
  • Brain
  • Kidneys
  • Blood
  • Cells
  • Intestinal track

We live in an on demand world of quick fix consumer goods, fast acting drugs and pain killers, and the expectation that our government and so-called professionals can solve all of our problems immediately.

But of course, this is how we got into our metabolic trouble to begin with. Instead of taking charge of our health decisions and acting in moderation, we have slowly damaged our lives and taught some very bad habits to the next generation. EXCELERITE will work in two stages. At first some positive and negative feedback will tell you it is working. You might feel temporarily better or worse as it draws toxins out of you. Slowly, over time you will feel better than ever. The second stage is the recovery stage, and it takes weeks, months and years. Use EXCELERITE products daily.

There’s no time like now to begin healing and cleaning out the basement. You have a waste removal system ready to help. Give it time.

Mineral Connection

These two processes, remineralization through supplementation and detoxification through adsorption are two sides of the same health equation. They work hand in hand to restore youthfulness, energy and vitality to your body and mind. Trace minerals support the detoxification process and the detoxification helps the minerals provide nutrients.

When a cell is healthy and has the minerals it needs, it is capable of supplying your body and immune system with the power to fight microbial and pathogenic assaults.

 

pH Connection

Finally, much buzz has been given to the subject of pH and health, to the point where people have the exact wrong idea about how to deal with acidosis and alkalinity.

The way to a balanced body pH of 7.4 is not to eat and drink high pH substances per se. The process is not that direct. Think about it. An acidic condition in the body is caused by sickness. The resolution is to restore health through the two pathways discussed above: mineralization and detoxification. Once done, the body will maintain its own optimum pH balance. Eating high-pH foods only contributes to balanced pH because of the nutrition, not because the food directly alkalizes your blood. Most foods that are very healthy for you are not alkaline at all. Soils and even rain water is naturally acidic. Remember, your stomach must acidify what you eat in order to deconstruct the nutrients anyway. Blood pH is about overall health, not about only eating alkaline things. Stop overcompensating.

Don’t get caught up in these fads. Give your body the help it needs, and it will out of necessity stabilize your pH.

Take EXCELERITE everyday. You can trust products that say EXCELERITE on the label.

Statements regarding dietary supplements are provided solely to offer our customers additional information about alternative medicine. No health claims for these products have been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has the FDA approved these products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. You should consult your healthcare provider before starting any course of treatment.

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Scientific Study-”EXCELERITE” increases Microbial growth and metabolic activity

March 6th, 2010

Effect of Montmorillonite and Trace Elements on the Growth of Penicillium frequentans: I. Ammonium Nitrogen Source1

R. W. McCormick and D. C. Wolf2

ABSTRACT

In laboratory studies, the addition of clay to culture media has been shown to increase microbial growth and metabolic activity. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of montmorillonite clay and three trace element treatments on the growth of Penicillium frequentans with NH4-N as the N source.

 

The fungus was grown in 100 ml of a defined basal medium with glucose as the carbon-energy source and NH4Cl as the N source. The trace element treatments were (i) no trace elements, (ii) trace-element solution 1 which contained the following final concentration of trace elements (µg/ml): FeSO4·7H2O, 0.20; ZnSO4·7H2O, 5.0; CuSO4·5H2O, 0.02; CoSO4·7H2O, 0.02; Na2MoO4·2H2O, 0.02; and H3BO3, 0.10; and (iii) trace element solution 2 which contained a 0.1M pH 6.0 phosphate buffer plus the following final concentration of trace elements (µg/ml): Fe2(SO4)3·nH2O, 10.0; ZnSO4·7H2O, 2.5; CuSO4·5H2O, 0.5; CoCl2·6H2O, 1.5; Na2MoO4·2H2O, 2.5; H3BO3, 0.5; MnSO4·H2O, 1.0; and CaCl2, 10.0. Either clay, at a concentration of approximately 500 mg/100 ml, or distilled water (controls) was added in dialysis tubing to the trace-element treatments.

 

In the no trace element treatment, the biomass of the control was increased from 624 to 1,211 mg with the addition of clay. In the trace-element solution 1, biomass was increased from 1,084 to 1,197 mg with the addition of clay. In both treatments, the addition of clay increased CO2 evolution, glucose and N utilization, and the economic coefficient of cell synthesis. Neither biomass nor metabolic activity was increased in the trace element-solution 2 with clay addition. There were no significant differences in biomass production among the no trace element treatment with clay, the trace-element solution 1 with clay, and the trace-element solution 2 with or without clay. Except for the trace-element solution 2, which contained a phosphate buffer, the addition of clay resulted in a decrease in the pH of the medium. In all three treatments, the addition of clay increased the Cu and Fe content of the fungus. With the addition of clay, the Zn content of the fungus increased in all treatments except the trace element solution 1. After fungal growth, the structural Zn and Cu contents of the clay, in the no trace-element treatment, were reduced from 51 to 21 µg/g and 37 to 21 µg/g, respectively.

 

It appeared that P. frequentans removed trace elements from the clay for growth which accounted for a large portion of the stimulation in growth due to clay.

NOTES

1 Scientific Article no. A-2452 and Contribution no. 5481 of the Maryland Agric. Exp. Stn., Dep. of Agronomy, College Park, MD 20742.

2 Research Assistant and Associate Professor of Soil Science, respectively.

Received for publication May 19, 1978. Accepted for publication July 26, 1979.

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Medicinal Use of Smectite/Montmorillonite Clays

February 25th, 2010

Medicinal clay

[edit] Renaissance period, and up to the present

A French naturalist Pierre Belon (1517‑1564) was interested in investigating the mystery of the Lemnian clay. In 1543, he visited Constantinople where, after making enquiries, he encountered 18 types of different products marketed as Lemnian Earth (he was concerned about possible counterfeits). He then made a special journey to Lemnos, where he continued his investigation, and tried to find the source of the clay. He discovered that it was extracted only once a year (on the 6th of August) under the supervision of Christian monks and Turkish officials.

Modern investigation has shown that this was a clay similar to the modern ‘bentonite and/or Calcium Montmorillonite’.

[edit] Preparation of clay

Clay gathered from its original source deposit is refined and processed in various ways by manufacturers. This can include heating or baking the clay. Some practitioners insist that raw clay (as close to its original state as possible) has the best therapeutic effect.  This is because the raw clay also tends to contain a variety of micro-organisms that may contribute to healing.  Heating the clay may destroy those micro-organisms.

Too much processing, likewise, may reduce the clay’s therapeutic potential. In particular, Mascolo et al. studied ‘pharmaceutical grade clay’ versus ‘the natural and the commercial herbalist clay’, and found an appreciable depletion of trace elements in the pharmaceutical grade clay. On the other hand, certain clays are typically heated or cooked before use.

Medicinal clay is typically available in health food stores as a dry powder, or in jars in its liquid hydrated state – which is convenient for internal use. For external use, the clay may be added to the bath, or prepared in wet packs or poultices for application to specific parts of the body. Often, warm packs are prepared; the heat opens up the pores of the skin, and helps the interaction of the clay with the body.

In the European health spas, the clay is prepared for use in a multitude of ways – depending on the traditions of a particular spa; typically it is mixed with peat and matured in special pools for a few months or even up to two years.

“The majority of spas … use artificial ponds where the natural (“virgin”) clay is mixed with mineral, thermo-mineral, or sea water that issues in the vicinity of the spas or inside the spa buildings.”

[edit] Medicinal properties of clay in modern research

[edit] Absorptive and adsorptive properties of clays

[edit] Absorption

Clay demonstrates its absorptive properties by acting like a sponge; it draws various toxic substances into its internal multi-layered structure. The clay expands as the absorbed substance fills the spaces between its stacked silicate layers.

[edit] Adsorption

The clay’s mineral surfaces are negatively charged (i.e. they possess negative electrical charges), which attracts the positively charged toxins, such as the heavy metal ions. An exchange reaction then occurs; the clay swaps its ions for the heavy metal ions.

[edit] Detoxifying properties

The above processes contribute to the detoxifying properties that the medicinal clays exhibit. Also, see below.

[edit] Antibacterial properties

In a recent article in The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Haydel et al. studied iron-rich smectite and illite clay (Montmorillonite/Bentonite type of clay), and found that it was effective in killing bacteria in vitro.[18] Authors report that the clay mineral,

“…exhibits bactericidal activity against E. coli, ESBL [Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases] E. coli, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, and M. marinum, and significantly reduces growth of S. aureus, PRSA, MRSA, and nonpathogenic M. smegmatis approximately 1,000-fold compared to cultures grown without added mineral products.”

In a more recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Williams, Haydel, et al. collected more than 20 different clay samples from around the world, including the bentonite-type clays, to investigate their antibacterial activities.[20] The authors report that they have achieved promising results against MRSA superbug infections and disease. Also, see below.

[edit] Trace minerals

Clays contain massive amounts of trace minerals, necessary for good health. (It is common to see 60 different trace minerals and more in various clays.) This may explain many of the healing properties of clay. Specific trace minerals that various clays possess vary very widely. Also, the amount of any particular trace mineral in any specific clay varies a lot among different clays. For example, the amount of iron in various bentonite clays can vary from well below 1%, and up to 10%.

[edit] External Uses

[edit] Mud baths

Playing with the clay is a lot of fun.

This is perhaps the most common use of clay. Just about all health spas around the world use clay on a daily basis, and report many health benefits for bathers. See mud baths.

[edit] Skin infections

Many types of skin infections have been healed by the application of medicinal clay. Clay is used in many over the counter medicines for this purpose.

[edit] Buruli ulcer

This flesh-eating bacterial disease is found primarily in central and western Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has described Buruli ulcer as “an emerging public health threat”. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans – which is related to the micro-organisms that also cause leprosy and tuberculosis. This bacterium produces a powerful toxin that causes necrotic lesions, and destroys the fatty tissues under the skin.

The toxin produced by the bacteria suppresses the immune system, so patients feel no pain, and there is no response from the body to the infection. The disease is quite similar to leprosy. The commonly accepted treatments, which include antibiotics and surgical intervention, have not been very effective.

(Antibiotics currently play little part in the treatment of this disease. Surgical excision can be effective if undertaken early, yet it leaves scars, and can be dangerous. Advanced disease may require prolonged treatment with extensive skin grafting. Thus, such treatment is expensive, and may be difficult to obtain in third world conditions.)

Two French medicinal clays have shown some remarkable results against this disease. Dr Lynda Williams and Dr Shelley Haydel of Arizona State University have been studying the effectiveness of these French green clays, which are mostly composed of minerals called smectite and illite. These clays exhibit significant antibacterial properties.

[edit] Use in bandages

In April 2008, the Naval Medical Research Center announced the successful use of a Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles infusion in traditional gauze known commercially as “QuikClot Combat Gauze”.[22]

[edit] Internal use

According to one theory,

“In the stomach, the negative electrical charges of tiny clay particles attract positively charged toxins from stomach fluids. This clumping prevents very small particles, such as toxic molecules, from passing through the walls of the intestines and entering the bloodstream.

The author notes further that, together with the clay, the toxins are then eliminated harmlessly out of the body through the kidneys or bowel.

There are many over the counter remedies for internal use that contain clay. The examples are the tablets such as Kaopectate (Upjohn), Rheaban (Leeming Div., Pfizer), and Diar-Aid (Thompson Medical Co.). The labels on all of these showed the active ingredient to be Attapulgite, each tablet containing 600 (or 750 mg) of this component along with inert materials or adjuvants.

[edit] Anti-diarrheal properties

In addition to the above clays, also Diosmectite clay is valued in medicine for its anti-diarrheal effects. Diosmectite is a type of a smectite aka Calcium Montmorillonite clay. It is described as a natural silicate of aluminium and magnesium, so it is magnesium-rich. It has strong adsorbent properties, so it’s used as an intestinal adsorbent in the treatment of several gastrointestinal diseases, including diarrhea. Basically, this seems to be another trade name for Bentonite-type clay.

According to a recent review article,

“Diosmectite reduces inflammation, modifies mucus rheologic properties, inhibits mucolysis, and adsorbs bacteria, bacterial enterotoxins, viruses and other potentially diarrheogenic substances.”

The same authors cite a number of studies showing that diosmectite is effective against diarrhea in children with mild-to-moderate acute symptoms. It reduces the duration of illness, and decreases the frequency of bowel motions after 2 days of treatment. No serious adverse effects have been observed.

In 2001, an Italian study examined the anti-diarrheal effects of a clay described as ’smectite’, and also found positive results. The authors conclude that “smectite reduces the duration of diarrhea and prevents a prolonged course.” They also note that smectite clay increases intestinal barrier function.

[edit] Candida

Clays have proven to be effective against the Candida albicans infections. This is a type of a fungus (or yeast), which is a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections. This type of infection, known as Candidiasis, also may enter the bloodstream, and become a systemic Candida infection.

In 1971, the influence of bentonite clay on the growth of Candida lipolytica has been studied by Maignan and Pareilleux. A clearly unfavorable effect of bentonite on Candida lipolytica growth was observed

Later on, the same authors have concluded that,

“The respiration of Candida lipolytica on n-tetradecane is decreased in the presence of bentonite.”

According to a 2009 study by Ghiaci et al., bentonite clays acts very strongly against Candida:

“The modified bentonite and Calcium Montmorillonite (Excelerite) with monolayer surfactant (BMS), was the best support, for immobilization.”

[edit] Heavy metal chelation

Chelation (purging) of heavy metals from the body has been a very effective way to treat many illnesses. Chelation therapy is the use of chelating agents to detoxify poisonous metal agents such as mercury, arsenic, and lead by converting them to a chemically inert form that can be excreted without further interaction with the body, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1991.

Clay has proven to be a very effective chelating agent.

Oyanedel-Craver and Smith have studied sorption of four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg) to 3 kinds of  clay. The overall conclusion of the study was that the organoclays studied have considerable capacity for heavy metal sorption.

[edit] Irritable bowel syndrome

“[B]eidellitic montmorillonite is efficient for C-IBS patients (suffering from constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome)…”

[edit] Aflatoxicosis

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus. Aflatoxins are toxic and among the most carcinogenic substances known. They cause Aflatoxicosis, which can afflict both animals and humans.

Bentonite and Calcium Montmorillonite clay have proven to show a very strong protective effect against Aflatoxicosis.

“The addition of bentonite or Calcium Montmorillonite (Excelerite) to the AF-contaminated diet diminished most of the deleterious effects of the aflatoxin. Pathological examinations of liver and kidney proved that both bentonite and HSCAS were hepatonephroprotective agents against aflatoxicosis.”

Also,

“The addition of bentonite or Calcium Montmorillonite (Excelerite) was significantly effective in ameliorating the negative effect of aflatoxicosis on the percentage and mean of phagocytosis.”

[edit] Use during pregnancy

Pregnant women in many indigenous and traditional cultures very commonly consume clay, especially to reduce nausea. Since clays contain a very large amount of trace minerals of all sorts, this most likely contributes to the development of a healthy foetus.

Scientific analyses of clays selected by pregnant women in Nigeria show that eating as little as 500 mg (about the equivalent of two Tylenol capsules) per day can satisfy nearly 80 percent of a pregnant woman’s calcium needs.[34]

[edit] Use by the NASA Space Program

The effects of weightlessness on human body were studied by NASA back in the 1960s. Experiments demonstrated that weightlessness leads to a rapid bone depletion, so various remedies were sought to counter that. A number of pharmaceutical companies were asked to develop calcium supplements, but apparently none of them were as effective as clay.  Dr. Benjamin Ershoff of the California Polytechnic Institute demonstrated that the consumption of clay counters the effects of weightlessness. He reported that “the calcium in clay …is absorbed more efficiently … [clay] contains some factor or factors other than calcium which promotes improved calcium utilization and/or bone formation.” He added, “Little or no benefit was noted when calcium alone was added to the diet.”

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CHELATED TRACE MINERALS IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

February 20th, 2010

THE ROLE OF CHELATED TRACE MINERALS IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Trace minerals – zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, cobalt, iron, iodine etc. – are essential nutrients for all animals. They have a wide range of activities and functions within the body, being involved individually or collectively in general metabolism, reproduction, the immune system, growth, development and repair of various tissues and so on. But, as the name suggests, trace minerals are required in very small amounts in the diet and their uptake from the digestive tract can be impaired by other dietary components or the presence of ‘antagonists’. For example, the availability of copper for absorption is heavily influenced by molybdenum, sulphur and iron.

Natural feedstuffs such as corn, wheat, soybean meal, etc. contain essential trace elements, which are required by animals. However, these trace elements are often in a form which renders them unavailable to the animal. Also, even if the elements were totally available, in many cases, they would not be in adequate concentrations to meet the animal’s requirement.  

Therefore, when deficiencies of one or more of the trace mineral elements exist in a diet, they are usually provided to the animal in an inorganic or organic supplemental form. It is advantageous for nutritionists to know the bioavailability of any element in the natural feed ingredient or mineral source used as a dietary supplement. With this knowledge the proper amount of the trace element can be supplied to the animal.

Chelation Process

Chelation, which literally means, “bringing together,” refers to a bonding formed between a metal ion (mineral) and a ligand (protein or amino acid chelating agent) carrier. A mineral complex is a mixture consisting of a mineral and an organic compound carrier, such as a protein or polysaccharide; a chelate is a type of complex. Chelates are generated by reacting a mineral salt with, for example, an enzymatically prepared mixture of amino acids and small peptides, under controlled conditions. The ligand binds the metal at more than one point such that the metal atom becomes part of a ring. Certain amino acids and protein digestion products such as small peptides are ideal ligands because they have at least two functional groups (amino and hydroxyl) that can form a ring structure with the mineral. The resulting mineral-organic complex is a “chelate.”

The primary chelated minerals used in animal feed are the trace elements iron, manganese, cobalt, copper, and zinc. These “Transitional Elements” on the Periodic Table have chemical characteristics intermediate between metal and non-metal elements. Transitional elements prefer to form coordinate covalent bonds, a hybrid form of linkage that gives them their unique ability to form stable complexes–coordination complexes or chelates.

Specific Uses

Chelates and other complexes are useful in animal nutrition to protect trace minerals during digestion. The goal of forming chelates is to increase the bioavailability of minerals to the animals to support metabolic functions.  Chelated and other complexed minerals are administered especially during times of high nutritional demand, such as pregnancy, weaning, or other reproductive stress, rapid growth, environmental stress (such as moisture, heat, or humidity), or health stress. Chelates have been studied with regard to their effect on improved immunity (less disease or sickness), reproductive performance and herd health.

How it is absorbed 

Solubility is critical for trace mineral absorption. To maximize uptake, chelates and other complexes should be stable in the rumen and digestive tract of animals. Chelates are stable, electrically neutral complexes, which protect trace minerals from chemical reactions during digestion that would render the mineral unavailable to the animal.

When inorganic mineral compounds, typically in oxide or sulfide form, are released and ionized in the stomach’s low pH, the electrically charged forms of the minerals are able to react with other products of digestion. Complexes with naturally occurring organic ligands must form if absorption is to occur. However, the formation of insoluble, unavailable substances may also result, especially in the small intestine, when pancreatic bicarbonate restores a higher, more neutral ph.  Adding minerals pre-complexed with organic ligands increases bioavailability and uptake. The chelated mineral reaches the plasma intact and separates at the site of action.

The benefits of feeding Chelated Trace Minerals include:

• Improved fertility and reproductive performance

• Reduced somatic cell counts

• Increased hoof strength

• Improved immune status

• Improved performance in growing animals

• Reduced mortality and ill health

How to feed Chelated trace minerals?

Chelated trace minerals are suitable for use in all species. They can replace 25-40% of the supplementary inorganic minerals as a means of providing highly available trace minerals. Excelerite can be added directly to the feed source and liquid solutions containing Excelerite’s chelated trace minerals can be specially formulated for drinking water supplies. Some of the scientifically proven benefits of Chelated trace minerals include:

• Cattle, Sheep and Goat: Improved performance, reproductive efficiency, hoof health and milk production with lower somatic cell counts.

• Pigs: Improved sow productivity, growth rates and feed efficiency with reduced mortality.

• Equine: Improved hoof growth and integrity and skeletal development, better reproductive efficiency and enhanced immune function.

 For Further information please refer to other articles on our website regarding Excelerite® and its efficacy for animal supplementation.

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