Everything about biofactors 

What effect do biofactors have in the body?

Biofactors play a vital role in the body and contribute to the smooth running of our metabolic processes. Therefore, nutritional associations promote reference values which should facilitate a healthy metabolism. Iron, for example, is essential for producing hemoglobin and thus for our body's oxygen supply. Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron from our diet, plays a role in wound healing and is an antioxidant. Some biofactors support the normal functioning of the immune system in different ways. Vitamin D (which is, by the way, both a vitamin and a hormone) is produced by the body with the support of sunlight, helps the intestine to absorb calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium – just to name a few of its many functions in the body. In this way vitamin D allows these biofactors to complete their important tasks in our bone formation. Infants, in particular, have a relatively higher need for vitamin D because of their growth. The B-vitamins such as vitamin B12, benfotiamine (a lipid-soluble thiamine precursor), vitamin B6, and folic acid have, among other things, a crucial influence on nerve function and regeneration, as well as the maintenance of a healthy metabolic status in energy supply and blood formation.

How does an undersupply of biofactors manifest itself?

Important body processes cannot run well if there is an insufficient supply with biofactors for a longer period of time. Depending on which vitamin or mineral is not available, the frequently non-specific symptoms of an undersupply develop. For example, an iron deficiency (especially common among women) manifests itself as paleness, shivering, and general fatigue. For many affected persons, a magnesium deficiency leads to nightly calf cramps, painful muscle tenseness, nervousness or even arrhythmia and hypertonicity. An undersupply of vitamin D can manifest itself in many different ways owing to its broad influence on the entire body and its hormonal effect.

The first signs or indications of an undersupply of a biofactor are always very non-specific symptoms such as a feeling of weakness, fatigue, lack of concentration, and decreased performance. All these symptoms are often underestimated and can greatly hinder our "mastering" of everyday life.

A deficiency that initially appears harmless can trigger dangerous chain reactions; over time, serious symptoms can set in that can frequently not be reversed. An ignored B-vitamin deficiency not only has a detrimental effect on the blood count but also on the normal function and maintenance of the nervous system. The energy supply of every single body cell cannot function as usual if there is a deficiency of B-vitamins. A zinc deficiency and undersupply can cause many visible and invisible symptoms as well. Brittle nails and dry and flaky skin can indicate a zinc deficiency. If you feel unwell, sick, weak, and less active, the best thing to do is to see your physician that he can examine you thoroughly. After looking at the relevant blood count and especially after ruling out other factors, he can quickly detect a possible deficiency or undersupply of biofactors and you can take appropriate countermeasures.

How to reduce the risk of a biofactors undersupply?

For most people, it is simple: Live healthy!

In addition to regular exercise, a balanced diet is of course also part of a healthy lifestyle. By eating enough fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain, as well as low-fat products of animal origin like fish, lean meat and low-fat milk, you can already do something to have a good supply of nutrients. By the way, our body digests valuable vegetable oils better than animal fats. Professional associations also recommend at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables per day. Even the so-called "superfoods" like goji, acerola, and many more, everybody is talking about nowadays, can be possible additions to the daily diet and do their part in preventing biofactor deficiency symptoms. For example, cheese and peanuts have a relatively high content of zinc – eating 100 g of Emmental cheese supplies 4.6 g of zinc. The recommended daily consumption lies between 7 g for women and 10 g for men. Chicken and lamb's lettuce contain a lot of folic acid – the latter a full 145 µg of it in 100 g – but it should be eaten shortly after purchase. Folic acid is destroyed very quickly when food is stored for a long time. In addition, chicken contains vitamin B6. And vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in foods from animal origin. Those who are vegetarians or vegans can get some vitamin B12 from fermented food like sauerkraut or (alcohol-free) beer that contains the vitamin – albeit in very small quantities. Vitamin B1 is found in legumes and whole grain products; depending on storage and preparation, the vitamin content in the food can vary. Thus, eating a delicious muesli or hearty whole grain bread for breakfast could help to prevent a deficiency of this biofactor. This also supports magnesium supply – oats, in particular, contain a relatively high amount of magnesium (134 mg per 100 g), sunflower seeds even 420 mg. The recommended daily intake of magnesium for healthy adults is between 300 and 400 mg, as the German Nutrition Association indicates. A healthy lifestyle is achieved when unhealthy stimulants like alcohol and tobacco are largely eliminated. A supply with all important biofactors by a balanced lifestyle contributes to a better fitness, helps to prevent serious diseases and maintain good health.