An approach
Trace Elements
General Considerations
Although present in the body in extremely small amounts, trace elements play a vital role. They act as enzymatic catalysts in the body's biochemical reactions. They are essential to the functioning of our body, as they help activate the metabolic processes whose balance defines good health.
Less than a century ago, no one had any idea that trace elements could be used therapeutically.
Today, most physicians are convinced of their effectiveness in treating various conditions, particularly functional disorders. A thorough understanding of trace element use can produce unexpected results beyond what conventional treatments can achieve, since these treatments cannot account for functional variations.
It's important to know that trace element therapy has nothing to do with homeopathy: even though the doses of trace elements prescribed are extremely small, they remain measurable and are far from infinitesimal. Despite their different theoretical foundations and practical applications, these two therapeutic approaches are perfectly compatible and often complementary. Furthermore, trace element therapy blends seamlessly with any other therapy, and there is no drug interaction between trace elements and medications, whether allopathic or homeopathic.
History
In the early 20th century, Gabriel Bertrand highlighted the role of biocatalysts. He studied the elemental composition of living tissues and the chemical transformations that characterize their biological activity. He coined the term “trace element.”
Building on this work, starting in 1932, Dr. Jacques Ménétrier developed solutions of various trace elements and defined a therapeutic method that challenged the principles of conventional medicine. As a form of terrain, or functional, medicine, trace element therapy does not target symptoms but rather the tissue and metabolic causes of disease. For the practitioner, susceptibility to illness is linked to the body's organic exchanges. Sensing the potential value of using these mineral elements in human medicine, he studied their therapeutic effects and identified the indications specific to each one. The foundations of functional medicine were laid.
“I found that there were only four possible physico-chemical combinations in living organisms: oxidation, reduction, acidification, and alkalinization.”
These exchanges can be influenced by certain trace elements such as manganese, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, zinc, or nickel. Dr. Ménétrier assessed patients' condition based on blood samples. Patients whose blood was acidic and reduced were classified as “Manganese.” Those whose blood was alkaline and reduced were classified as “Manganese-Cobalt.” This is how he developed the concept of diathesis.
It was Dr. Ménétrier who first codified this therapeutic approach.
He began by classifying broad patient types according to their hereditary factors and family history, their susceptibility or resistance to illness, their physical, intellectual, and psychological behavior, and the disorders to which they were prone in each of the body's major functions.
His classification distinguishes four major constitutional types, which he called “diatheses,” to which is added the “maladaptation syndrome” — which is not itself a diathesis, but which can either add to an existing one or steer an otherwise healthy person toward a particular pathological diathesis following some form of “insult” (for example, physical, of microbial origin, or psychological).
He then identified, on one hand, the trace elements — alone or in combination — capable of acting generally on each of these constitutional types, and on the other hand, the trace elements that could come into play to relieve certain disorders specific to a given major bodily function.
The Five Diatheses
Dr. Ménétrier's classification remains the reference. It distinguishes four major constitutional types, or diatheses, to which is added the “maladaptation syndrome.” This can add to one of the four diatheses or steer a person toward a particular pathological diathesis following some form of physical or psychological “insult.”
Classifying a patient under one diathesis or another depends on their hereditary factors, their susceptibility or resistance to illness, their physical, intellectual, and psychological behavior, and the disorders to which they are prone in each of the body's major functions. Diatheses are named after trace elements, allowing the practitioner to begin treatment as soon as the diathesis is identified.
Diathesis I: Manganese, known as the allergic diathesis. It is dominated by excessive reactivity and restlessness of an allergic type, along with functional manifestations (cardiovascular erethism, biliary dyskinesia, hyperthyroidism). Optimism, hyperactivity, emotional sensitivity. Morbid manifestations of an allergic type: skin conditions, respiratory disorders, hypertension. Manganese acts as a terrain modifier in arthritic conditions and outright allergies. It is indicated for hay fever, migraines, food allergies, and allergic eczema.
Diathesis II: Manganese-Copper, known as the hyposthenic diathesis. It presents with physical and intellectual fatigue and a tendency toward infection, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. This syndrome is characterized by recurrent ENT, pulmonary, intestinal (enterocolitis), and urinary (cystitis) infections, along with acute inflammatory rheumatic manifestations (arthritis). Calm disposition, low resistance to exertion. Infectious-type manifestations of the upper respiratory tract and ENT sphere. Manganese-Copper is indicated for recurrent allergic or infectious respiratory conditions, anemia, recurrent arthritis, recurrent ear infections, and physical and intellectual fatigue.
Diathesis III: Manganese-Cobalt, known as the dystonic diathesis. It tends to appear around age fifty and corresponds to the allergic diathesis onto which age-related lesional disorders become superimposed. It mainly involves degenerative arthritic manifestations and neurovegetative functional manifestations (colonic disorders and gastrointestinal issues; aerophagia; biliary dyskinesia; gastroduodenitis; anxiety manifestations; peripheral vasomotor disorders). Indicated for circulatory disorders of the lower limbs, cramps, delayed digestive disorders, colitis, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity.
Diathesis IV: Copper-Gold-Silver, known as the anergic diathesis. It is characterized by an inability to mount an appropriate response and a deficiency of the body's defenses, resulting in recurrent inflammatory and infectious processes with poor responsiveness to chemotherapy treatments. Aging, sudden loss of vitality, absence of any bodily response, depression; it may be accompanied by psychological distress, which can manifest as a loss of interest in life. Copper-Gold-Silver increases resistance to infectious disease and acts on depressive states and general fatigue. It has an effect on all acute inflammatory conditions. Indicated for colds, flu, aches, asthenia, acute rheumatic fever, chronic polyarthritis, and psoriasis.
Diathesis V: Zinc-Copper and Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt, or maladaptation syndrome. It can be superimposed on any of the four preceding diatheses. It is characterized by endocrine-type functional impairments: hormonal disorders, disorders of ovarian function and the menstrual cycle, and growth delay. Zinc-Copper is linked to the female and male reproductive organs. Indicated for functional reproductive disorders: puberty, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and incontinence. Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt is suited to treating pituitary-pancreatic conditions and pre-diabetic states. Indicated for slow, difficult digestion, blood sugar dysregulation, and hypoglycemia.
These basic combinations are used systematically. They are paired with complementary trace elements, whose action is more specific to certain signs and targets a particular organ or function more directly. It is all in the subtle art of seeking balance. Indeed, trace element therapy aims above all to rebalance the body and, where necessary, improve its overall functioning.
Method of Use
The sublingual route is the usual method of use. Holding the pure liquid or tablet under the tongue for about two to three minutes allows the catalytic ions to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Contact with acidic digestive juices would cause some degradation of the trace elements.
For young children, it is enough to pour the dose onto a sugar cube, using a plastic spoon to avoid contact with any other metal that could alter the trace elements.
For infants, use a dropper to place the liquid in the fold between the gum and the cheek while keeping the head upright.
The best time to take trace elements is in the morning, on an empty stomach.
The topical route is used only for the Manganese-Copper combination, as a healing and anti-inflammatory agent.
Dosage
The dosage of trace elements does not vary with the patient's age or weight. However, the frequency of intake and the duration of treatment do vary.
Typically, taking one trace element or combination every two to four days is sufficient.
When several trace elements (or combinations) are needed, doses are alternated throughout the week, with one category taken per day. In some purely functional cases, a couple of weeks of treatment may be enough. In organo-functional conditions, prolonged treatment over several weeks — or months — is often necessary.
Single Trace Elements
Uranium
Acts on the pancreas and gastrointestinal functions.
Gold
Gold has anti-inflammatory properties; it also acts on both humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum promotes the utilization of iron by tissues and the retention of fluoride in the body. It also contributes to the breakdown of toxic compounds.
One dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Mercury
Mercury has anti-infective properties when used both locally and systemically. Used as an adjunct in recurrent infections of the genitourinary tract.
Bismuth
Used in viral infections affecting the ENT system and in flu-like illnesses.
Arsenic
Used as a constitutional modifier in cases of fatigue and minor psychological and psychosomatic manifestations.
Silver
Used in viral infections, flu-like illnesses, and cases of mouth ulcers. Silver has anti-infective and antibacterial properties.
Zinc
Zinc is important in all metabolic processes and particularly in the manufacture of nucleic acids. It is an indispensable part of all bodily processes involving the growth or replication of cells: fertility, growth, immunity, and skin repair (including scar formation). A lack of Zinc is shown by weak nails and vulnerability to frequent infections.
Use in skin problems; particularly helpful for acne.
Sulphur
Targets the respiratory system, joints, liver, skin, nails and hair, as well as tendency to migraines.
Can be used as a long-term, constitutional treatment in cases of recurrent skin affections, rheumatic problems, or ENT conditions. Can be used alongside other indicated mineral treatments in: allergic syndromes and poor liver function; lack of energy accompanied by liver deficiency or a degree of allergy (particularly in asthma); joint problems with poor liver function.
Selenium
Selenium fights off the free radicals produced in excess during inflammation and infectious disease. These free radicals interfere in the body's immune responses, including that of inflammation; they are implicated in certain cardiovascular conditions, and increase the process and signs of ageing and degeneration.
Selenium is increasingly commonly indicated, particularly in the elderly.
In acute inflammatory conditions or after infectious disease, take 1 dose (= 50 drops) three times a day. In chronic conditions, take 1 dose (= 50 drops) twice a day for periods of three months, two or three times a year.
Potassium
Potassium regulates the water balance in the body, and also adrenal function. Indicated in water retention, chronic rheumatism, muscular fatigue, post-menopausal arthrosis. In joint pain it can be used alongside magnesium, to reduce dependency on painkillers.
Can be used as a long-term, preventative treatment for chronic or recurrent muscle pain and cramps, and, given alongside other micro-minerals where indicated, in: chronic rheumatism; post-menopausal arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; reduced urine output; water retention; muscle weakness (myasthenia).
When supplementation with Potassium is medically necessary, for example in diuretic treatment or where blood-potassium levels are critically low, it is not advised to use potassium in this micro-mineral form.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Phosphorus
Regulates the sympathetic nervous system and helps soothe abnormal movements such as chorea, jerking, etc.
Can be used as part of a long-term, preventative or constitutional approach to nervous spasms and spasmophilia, and in: spasmophilia (nervous and vascular); malformation of bone; tetany; bronchospasms; spasmodic asthma; circulatory problems of the extremities.
Nickel
Nickel is involved in the regulation of enzymes: it helps to burn fats and carbohydrates; it activates amylase (enzymes which break down starches) in the saliva and pancreas; it helps in the breakdown of toxic compounds in the body.
Use in the following conditions: obesity, cellulite; pre-diabetic states with overweight; digestive troubles of pancreatic origin.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Manganese
Manganese has an anti-allergic effect in the body, by inhibiting the secretion of histamine mediators by white blood cells.
Can be used as a long-term, constitutional treatment in arthritic conditions and classic allergy states: urticaria and anaphylaxis; allergic eczema; temporary painful joint pains with ankylosing tendencies; true migraines; allergic or nightly asthma (without infection); hayfever, pollen allergy, intestinal allergies.
People who may benefit from manganese might also suffer from weakness on rising in the mornings, irritability, nervousness and aggression.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Magnesium
Magnesium regulates the nerve supply to the muscles; it plays an important part in metabolism and energy release, and also in the process of dealing with allergens.
Can be used as a long-term, preventative supplement when treating nervous spasms and spasmophilia. At the same time it is helpful in problems characterised by signs of hyperexcitability of the neuro-muscular system (irritable bowel disease, headaches, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, aching pains in the joints).
Principal indications: anxiety, panic attacks; problems originating in over-permeability of the membranes (puffiness, certain types of obesity, chronic constipation, digestive problems and colic); problems relating to poor regulation of calcium metabolism (spasmophilia, ageing, malassimilation, decalcification, growth problems); joint problems in the elderly (pain, neuritis, arthroses).
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Lithium
The micro-mineral Lithium is a useful treatment for minor mental or emotional health problems; particularly in mild, reactionary anxiety or depression, changeable moods and/or behavioural problems (over-emotionality, stress, anxiety, insomnia).
Can be used as a long-term, preventative treatment in mental or psychosomatic problems of children and adults, where it functions as a mood stabiliser. Also indicated as a support treatment in spasmophilia and fibromyalgia. Can help reduce dependence on benzodiazepines.
Main indications: mood and behavioural problems related to adaptation to changes in circumstances; nervousness, irritability, aggression; agitation; anxiety and panic attacks; psychosomatic itching; in children, character problems or difficulty adapting to changes in family, social or school circumstances; in the elderly, problems with social behaviour and emotions, aggression, anxiety and mental instability caused by hardening of cerebral arteries.
The low levels of mineral Lithium employed in these supplements mean the usual regular blood tests associated with Lithium treatment are not necessary when taking this product; in psychiatric cases requiring large doses of Lithium, these fine dilutions will not be of help. Seek professional medical advice in cases such as these.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Iodine
Iodine is important in maintaining the health of the thyroid gland.
Can be used as a support treatment for minor thyroid disturbances or as part of a long-term approach in the management of: osteoporosis; hyperthyroidism (high thyroid), with nervousness, trembling, hyper-emotionality and variable blood pressure; hypothyroidism (low thyroid); neuro-arthritic problems of middle age, when accompanied by thyroid malfunction.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Fluorine
Fluorine is an important micro-mineral in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium and contributes to the construction of dental enamel.
Can be taken as a long-term, constitutional treatment following a problem with calcium metabolism, when suffering from minor ligament problems such as hypermobility or posture-related back pain, or in post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Common indications: prevention of dental caries and recurrent caries; slowness of calcification, bone repair; malformations of bone; hypermobility of ligaments; skeletal problems and curvature of the spine in children and adolescents; osteoporosis; Paget's disease (alongside other micro-mineral supplementation).
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Copper
Copper supports the immune system in infectious disease and during inflammation.
Used as a support treatment during infectious and viral illnesses and flus, copper is also indicated for rheumatic inflammation. At the same time it can help in treating iron-deficiency anaemia (caused by deficiency of copper, and sequestration of iron).
Particularly helpful for: viral conditions and particularly the flu; acute infectious bacterial diseases; chronic infectious disease with increase of symptoms; inflammatory disease; rheumatoid arthritis, acute joint pain; ankylosing spondylitis; severe and degenerative disease; problems with pigmentation.
1 dose (= 50 drops) three times a day during the infectious period, otherwise 1 dose (= 50 drops) a day in chronic treatment
Cobalt
The micro-mineral cobalt acts in the body as an anti-spasmodic, and is known for its relaxing effect on smooth muscle fibre.
May be used as a long-term treatment to break down the tendency to migraines. It also has a good reaction on vascular receptors, making it useful in hypertension, palpitations and anxiety attacks, vasomotor problems of the ENT (vertigo, tinnitus), of the extremities (arthritis in the legs, blueness of the extremities, chilblains), and in gastro-intestinal problems caused by spasm of the smooth muscle, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Chromium
Helps regulate the metabolism of sugars and fats. Chromium improves the action of insulin on glucose, and is generally important in the uptake and storage of sugars and fats.
Use as a support in metabolic diseases and when dieting.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Aluminium
Cerebral problems, with slowness of thinking; poor memory in children and adolescents, often seen alongside insomnia.
Aluminium may be used as a constitutional support during periods of difficulty in adapting to new environments, and mild sleep disorders.
Aluminium is well indicated in all children and adolescents with delayed intellectual development and especially in cases of mental disability (for example, in Down's syndrome, and post encephalitis).
Combinations
Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt
Zn-Ni-CoCan be given as an underlying treatment for all problems of blood-sugar balance in the body (in cases where the Islets of Langerhans are still functioning). Common symptoms indicating the need for this supplement include weakness between meals, with ravenous appetite and temporary hypoglycaemia. Can also be used as a support treatment when dieting for weight loss.
1 dose (= 50 drops) three times a day
Zinc-Copper
Zn-CuHelpful as an underlying treatment in all problems of puberty, pre-menstrual syndrome, and the menopause. Can be used in: primary amenorrhoea (late onset of first period) in young girls; delayed development related to lack of sex hormones; urine incontinence (in children); all problems in puberty (character/emotional, etc.).
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Nickel-Cobalt
Ni-CoThis complex can be used as a support treatment in all forms of dyspepsia, such as: distension; heaviness in the digestive system; sleepiness after eating.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Manganese-Copper-Cobalt
Mn-Cu-CoThis complex supports the immune system and speeds up the process of regeneration in the blood system. Can be used as an underlying, or support, treatment in states of chronic weakness and in all forms of anaemia: after influenza; after infectious disease; hypochromes; in pregnancy; from growing too quickly; during puberty; during convalescence.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Manganese-Copper
Mn-CuCan be used to modify underlying tendencies during infectious or allergic ENT conditions: rhino-pharyngitis, otitis, recurrent sinusitis, problems of the upper respiratory tract; whooping cough; chronic bronchitis; chronic respiratory weakness; asthma in cases with underlying bronchitic tendency; inflammation of the glands; digestive problems affecting the descending colon, alternating diarrhoea and constipation; hypermobility of the ligaments and slowness of bone repair; mild, recurrent cystitis. And in the following pre-pathological signs: chronic easy exhaustion; mental exhaustion, concentration and attention difficulty; chronic pessimism.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Manganese-Cobalt
Mn-CoThis combination is related to irregularity in the nervous system.
Can be given for a period of time as part of a long-term approach to: circulatory problems of the lower limbs, arthritis; digestive problems appearing both before and after eating; spasmodic, colicky pains, gastric ulcers; variable blood pressure; arthritic pains, Paget's disease. And in the following pre-pathological signs: anxiety, over-emotionality; weakness on rising in the morning; memory weakness.
1 dose (= 50 drops) once or twice a day
Copper, Gold, Silver
Cu-Au-AgThe trace elements Gold and Copper have immuno-stimulating properties, while Silver is a powerful bactericide. Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and both locally and generally anti-septic, this mixture reinforces the organism's defence system.
Useful where there is low energy and temporary mild depression, during convalescence from infectious disease. Can also be used in a more long-term way, as part of a preventative approach, in: all acute illnesses and their sequelae; lowered immunity; lack of energy, both physical and mental; all acute inflammatory states; boils, recurrent staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, outbreaks of localised inflammation; leucopenia or other changes in pigmentation; mental debility or depression accompanying or following acute illnesses; all degenerative conditions.
Normal dosage: three doses a week (1 dose = 50 drops) throughout the period of treatment