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MCAS and Minerals
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In people with MCAS, however, mast cells trigger inflammatory attacks repeatedly and at random, without any allergic substance present. The result is that with MCAS, you can have a severe allergic episode at any time.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition that causes repeated allergic reactions, even when no allergen is present. [ * ] MCAS is the result of hyperactive mast cells, cells in your immune system that control your allergic response.
Mast cells contain granules, little balloon-shaped sacs that hold inflammatory compounds.
These granules are full of several inflammatory compounds, including histamine, cytokines, tryptases, and prostaglandins.
These are the same things your body releases in response to seasonal allergies and bee stings. If you’ve ever experienced those, you know what a mast cell episode is like—but in MCAS, the symptoms are much more severe.
In a healthy person, mast cells release these inflammatory compounds in response to medications, bacteria, poisons, or physical wounds. By causing an inflammatory response, mast cells can help fight off foreign invaders, keeping your body healthy.
In people with MCAS, however, mast cells trigger inflammatory attacks repeatedly and at random, without any allergic substance present. The result is that with MCAS, you can have a severe allergic episode at any time.
Symptoms of MCAS include: [ * ]
- Hives
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling of the throat, lips, eyes, hands, and face
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Trouble breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
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What Causes MCAS?
While causes of MCAS aren’t entirely clear, the leading cause seems to be genetic. People with MCAS typically have mutations of the KIT gene, which codes for growth of mast cells. [*]
Epigenetics of the way the KIT gene expresses, can vary widely, but the current theory is that KIT mutations cause you to grow too many mast cells. That this proliferation on KIT cells are deformed in a way that makes them hyperactive. This causes them to respond as if they’re detecting allergens even when none are present
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Standard Treatments for MCAS
Standard treatments for MCAS include: [ * ]
- Mast cell stabilizers, medications that block the calcium channel responsible for opening granules and releasing mediators. Mast cell stabilizers prevent mast cells from triggering inflammatory responses.
- Antihistamines, drugs that prevent the histamines released by mast cells from causing allergic responses.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Humic/Fulvic and MCAS
There’s no direct research on humic/fulvic and MCAS to date. However, research (mostly in animals) suggests that humic and fulvic can help limit allergic responses by regulating mast cell activity.
A 2022 study found that humic has anti-allergic properties. It prevented allergens from activating mast cells in mice and guinea pigs, reducing their inflammatory responses. [ * ]
Another 2022 study found that humic reduced degranulation (the release of inflammatory compounds from the granules of mast cells) and limited the severity of anaphylactic shock in mice. [ * ]
A 2007 study found that fulvic decreased histamine release from rat mast cells in response to an allergen. [ * ]
A 2002 study found that putting fulvic on skin reduced allergic rash response in humans, to a degree similar to that of 1% hydrocortisone steroid cream. [ * ]
Minerals and MCAS
There’s no direct research on minerals and MCAS. However, a large body of research shows that minerals support regulation of allergic and inflammatory responses. Thus, replenishing and balancing your mineral stores could, in theory, help to reduce symptoms of MCAS.
Zinc is an important mineral for mast cell regulation. Mast cells contain large amounts of zinc, especially in their granules (the part of the mast cell that releases histamine, cytokines, etc. and causes the allergic response in MCAS) [*][*]
A 1986 study found that increasing zinc inhibits histamine release from human mast cells, reducing the body’s allergic/inflammatory response. [*]
A 2003 study found that low zinc caused increased mast cell-driven inflammation in mice, and that restoring healthy zinc levels with a supplement reversed the inflammation and normalized the allergic response. [*]
A 2005 study found that zinc deficiency is a major risk factor for developing asthma. [*]
Asthma is caused by hyperactive mast cells, much like MCAS. [*]
Your body breaks down histamine with an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO stops inflammatory/allergic responses by clearing histamine from your system.
Research shows that you release huge amounts of DAO during an MCAS reaction in an attempt to break down histamine and stop anaphylaxis. [*]
A 2017 study found that supplementing with phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron increased DAO levels in healthy women, helping to boost anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. [*]
Copper is also a major regulator of mast cell activity, and research shows that increasing copper levels prevents mast cells from releasing histamine. [*]
In rats, copper deficiency increases mast cell production and allergic response. [*]
A 2017 study found that copper level also regulates tryptase, another inflammatory compound released by mast cells, and that low copper levels increase the risk of hyperactive allergic responses. [*]
Summary: Humic, Fulvic, Minerals, and MCAS
There’s no direct research on how humic, fulvic, or minerals affect MCAS. However, research shows that both humic and fulvic have anti-allergic properties and can reduce mast cell activation, as well as decrease the intensity of inflammatory compounds like histamines.
Minerals also play a role in mast cell activation, and there’s a rationale for mineral status affecting allergic and inflammatory responses driven by mast cells.
Zinc regulates histamine release from mast cells. Low zinc increases histamine release, and supplementing with zinc decreases histamine release, lowering inflammatory response.
Phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron may help increase levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme that breaks down histamine. People with MCAS release DAO after an anaphylactic attack, and increasing DAO levels with minerals may help reduce MCAS symptoms.
Copper is a major regulator of histamine and tryptase activity. Increasing copper levels makes mast cells less reactive and reduces histamine release, while low serum copper causes greater inflammation and makes mast cells more sensitive.
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FAQs
Can I take BEAM Minerals with my other supplements?
Yes, in fact, BEAM Minerals will enhance the bioavailability of all your other supplements.
What is the difference between Micro-BOOST™ and Electrolyze™?
Electrolyze™ is primarily composed of Fulvic Mineral Complexes . Fulvic complexes are small molecules that provide inter-cellular transport for nutritional elements into the cells and carry bio-waste out of the cells. Fulvic complexes are flavonoids , which provide many benefits in the body.
Micro-BOOST™ is primarily composed of the Humic Mineral Complexes . Humic complexes are large molecules that are extra-cellular, meaning they do not enter the cells but stay outside the cells. They are highly-charged molecules that attract, through their electrical charge, bio-waste, free radicals and heavy metals. They ultimately carry bio-waste out of the body. Thus, we call them “Nature’s Janitor”.
How many milligrams (mg) of an electrolyte (Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Calcium, etc.) is there in BEAM Minerals?
The quantities of each element in BEAM Minerals products are measured in “parts per million” (ppm), rather than the “milligrams” (mg). Here is the information which usually helps to understand the difference:
Milligrams (mg) vs parts per million (ppm)
In comparing our products to other supplements, people want to know how much of an electrolyte is in our products (like potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium). Usually they are looking for an amount in milligrams (mg).
We have a hard time answering that question, because the electrolytes (and other elements) in BEAM Minerals products are measured in parts per million (ppm). So how can consumers compare?
The answer is a little complex, but here’s the high points.
The electrolytes in BEAM Minerals products are provided in “trace” amounts that are completely dissolved and thus 100% bio-available, immediately introduced into your circulation when you consumed them and will produce and active effect.
When you take a 320mg pill of magnesium, your body is only able utilize about 12-20% of it as it takes some time because your body has to digest it first. Whatever is not dissolved gets processed out of your body.
When you take a capful of liquid Electrolyze™ and/or Micro-BOOST™, you receive approximately 5.22 ppm of magnesium in which 100% of the magnesium is immediately available to your body. In addition, an important to know is that the magnesium in BEAM Minerals products stay in your system much longer building up healthy levels as you continue to take it daily.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This content should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition or health issue. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
