Rockin’ the Night Away with a New "Rock Band"

By: Dr. Ed Bonnette, Ph.D., Companion Animal Nutritionist

Providing "sound" nutrition to our customers’ animals is "music to the ears" of a Hubbard nutritionist. Some of the things you may be "hearing" are several newly discovered "mineral members" that will solve all the problems in the world and bring "Joy to the World."

The purpose of this article is to introduce some of the new members of the "rock band" and give a little background to where these guys have been and where they are going.

First, our rock members are also known for being in another group called "The Minerals." Several members have been in the limelight for several years. These include the "oldies but goodies" like calcium, phosphorus, salt, magnesium and potassium. They have had a major amount of classic hits like "Give Me Strong Bones and Teeth" and "Preventing Those Grass Tetany Blues."

A few of the new minerals have been trying to make a name for themselves and have slowly pushed their way to the top over the last decade or two. These new minerals include the ever popular heartthrob, "selenium." Selenium usually sings with his lifetime friend, vitamin E, and makes beautiful ballads like "The Theme from No Retained Placenta, No Return" or "I Have Reproduction on My Mind." But like anything really good, you can only handle so much selenium. Selenium has caused such a ruckus that even the federal government will allow animals to be exposed to only 0.3 ppm. Excessive amounts over 0.3 ppm have caused some major problems and, with some fanatical fans, even death. Some caution is needed with this group (the Seleniums), however they are also necessary in small amounts to help make a well-rounded mineral buff.

We also cannot forget the metallic smile from our friend, "zinc." Zinc has been there to give of himself to help his fellowman by protecting him against the evils of parakeratosis. He is a singer/song writer in his own right with number one hits like "Up, Up and Away with an Improved Immune Response" and "He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Enzyme." Zinc realized early in his life that he needed to expand. The development of zinc-wearables has expanded his name into an award-winning business. Who hasn’t seen zinc oxide, worn on the fashionable lifeguard’s nose? What parent hasn’t used the classic zinc oxide found in Desitin® to prevent diaper rash and promote healing on a little baby’s bottom? It will be interesting to see which direction "zinc" goes next.

One of the changeover artists who has been in the mineral family for awhile is "copper." Initially, his music had a country flavor with classics like "I Love Little Red Blood Cells." Lately, he has been noticed for his new pop sounds like one of my favorites, "Bone-hemian Rhapsody." Most of this work is based on his volunteer time with cartilage which is a precursor for the formation of his spin-off band, "Bone." But, over the years copper had made some enemies, including "Moly B. Denum." No one knows the true story of what happened between the two of them, but every time "Moly B. Denum" sees copper, she ties him up and at least two or three of his cousins. When "Moly B. Denum" is around, copper can’t get anything done.

Winning the title of "favorite new artist in a rock group" is "chromium." Chromium has been around for awhile but most people just ignored him. However, recently he has gained attention with great songs like "I Left My Pancreas in San Francisco" and "I am Just Insulin to Hold You."

It appears that chromium has been working "behind the scenes" with Mr. Pancreas in making and training a large quantity of new bouncers for tissues called "insulin." With more bouncers (insulin) around, more of the glucose groupies can enter into the tissues to work and listen. In turn, Mr. Pancreas helps chromium get more of the spotlight.

As with all good things, chromium still needs to prove himself to the "Big Boss, Mr. FDA." Mr. FDA currently allows chromium to work and advertise for the pig and human populations, but all other animals must still listen from afar.

There are a lot of good rock members out there who should not be forgotten such as: manganese, iron, iodine, cobalt, sulfur and a cast of thousands. But all good rock stars cannot do it all alone. It takes a large team of support staff like vitamins, protein, fats and carbohydrates to really make the rock stars look and work really well. And one day, maybe they will get their dues. But for now, "party on" and, in the classics words of rockers, Sonny and Cher, "I Got You, Bone."

All products may not be available in all market areas and other products may be offered. Check with your local Hubbard shipping plant or sales representative.