Mineral products present nutrients that the body needs for optimal health. Supplements consist of macrominerals and/or trace minerals found in nature that work to:
- Increase essential mineral levels in the body.**
- Support bone health and skeletal strength.**
- Promote healthy aging and immune function.**
What are Minerals?
Minerals are solid natural substances, many of which are represented on the periodic table of elements. Many minerals are required by the body for health, and are sometimes referred to as “dietary elements.” More than 20 of these are necessary for humans. Some, like calcium and magnesium, are known as “macrominerals” since the body needs large levels of these nutrients. Trace minerals, such as iron and zinc, are called “micronutrients” because they are required in smaller, but still crucial, amounts.**
Specific minerals have different biological roles and, in most cases, they serve more than one purpose, making them fundamental to general well-being. Minerals are noted for supporting bone and immune wellness. Many are necessary in the bloodstream for fully functioning circulation, which in turn affects other systems of the body.**
While some people get the minerals that they need in their regular diets, many don't receive ideal levels, in part due to food and drink preferences or limitations. For example, those who avoid dairy products or are lactose-intolerant often lack calcium, and those who are vegan, vegetarian or eat little meat may not get enough iron. Research has shown that iron is the most common deficiency in the United States. Chromium is another mineral notably absent from average American diets, with approximately 90% of the population missing adequate intake of the micronutrient.**
Mineral levels in the body tend to decline with age. This is why many recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for these nutrients are elevated for seniors. Studies have indicated, for instance, that increasing zinc levels in older adults has a beneficial effect on immune system response, bolstering quality of life by a significant margin.**
Mineral products are an accessible and efficient way to increase daily amounts of these nutrients that are so important for health.** Among the most popular mineral products are:
- Calcium: The predominant mineral in the body, calcium (Ca on the periodic table) is essential for overall wellness, particularly healthy teeth and bones. There are numerous kinds of calcium, including red mineral algae, a vegetarian form of the nutrient, and coral calcium, another sea-sourced version, known for its absorbability. Other highly bioavailable forms include calcium citrate and absorbable calcium.**
- Magnesium: A major mineral, magnesium (Mg) is integral to hundreds of important biological activities in the body. Of its many benefits, the compound is most renowned for its bone support. Magnesium's musculoskeletal wellness properties extend to aiding the absorption of calcium for reinforced bone health and optimizing muscle function.**
- Iron: Vital to general well-being, iron (Fe) regulates the activities of enzymes and proteins, particularly those in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin, a circulatory protein that carries oxygen throughout the body, requires this trace mineral for proper function. An iron deficiency may lead to decreased oxygen in blood cells, possibly resulting in fatigue, diminished mental acuity, inefficient immune response and other undesirable issues.**
- Chromium: An essential trace mineral that assists the body in metabolizing proteins, lipids and glucose, chromium (Cr) is associated with weight management and energy production. The micronutrient's connection to fat and sugar metabolism may help to promote and maintain ideal body composition, as well as lean muscle mass.**
- Zinc: A renowned antioxidant, zinc (Zn) must be obtained from sources outside of the body to uphold optimal wellness. Integral to the activities of more than 70 enzymes, zinc is most significantly called upon for its modulation of immune response, which helps to provide reinforcement with seasonal health challenges.**
- Selenium: Like zinc, selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that acts as a notable antioxidant. Valued for its ability to synthesize various free-radical-fighting enzymes, it has been studied for its links to healthy immune function. Investigations have shown that selenium may play a role in the production and activation of the immune system’s antigen-neutralizing T-cells and lymphocytes.**
- Iodine: This trace mineral is necessary for metabolic and hormonal health. Iodine (I) is especially important for optimal thyroid function and plays a key part of hormonal balance, which, in turn affects mood, energy levels and even weight management. Sea kelp is one prominent source of the micronutrient. Iodine is also offered as a liquid with distilled or purified water.**
- Silica: A form of silicon (Si), silica is a mineral found in various natural sources, including bamboo and horsetail plants. It is valued for encouraging bone and connective tissue health. Silica supports ideal bone density by assisting with calcium absorption, and may enhance collagen production for healthy bones, joints and skin.**
- Manganese: This versatile mineral serves as a cofactor for many enzymes in the body. While it has been tied to healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels, manganese (Mn) is most widely known for promoting bone wellness. It also works with the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) to counteract the harmful effects of oxidative stress.**
Mineral Products
Mineral products are commonly available as capsules, tablets, powders and liquids. Some minerals are combined in formulas, particularly calcium and magnesium, which are paired to optimize bone health.**
Mineral Products Directions for Use
Talk to your health care professional before starting any supplement regimen. The following are the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for adults ages 19 to 50. In some cases, these amounts may be slightly higher for seniors. Calcium: 1,000 mg; magnesium: 400 mg; iron: 8 mg; chromium: 35 mcg; zinc: 11 mg; selenium: 55 mcg; iodine: 150 mcg; manganese: 2.3 mg. There is no RDA for silica. Capsules and tablets vary significantly based on specific minerals, ranging from 200 mcg to 1,200 mg.**
