Minerals

Minerals are necessary for proper function and structure. They are needed for proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function and the regulation of muscle tone, including that of the muscles of the cardiovascular system. Like vitamins, minerals function as coenzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions, including energy production, growth, and healing. Minerals are essential for the proper utilization of vitamins and other nutrients.

Proper chemical balance within our bodies depends on the levels of different minerals in the body and their ratios to one another. The level of each mineral in the body has an effect on every other, so if one is out of balance, all mineral levels are affected. If not corrected the imbalances can lead to illness.

Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made up of mineral salts. Rock and stone are gradually broken down into tiny fragments by erosion, a process that can take literally millions of years. The resulting dust and sand accumulate, forming the basis of soil. The soil is teeming with microbes that utilize these tiny crystals of minerals salts, which are then passed from the soil to plants. We obtain these minerals by consuming plants or herbivorous animals.

Nutritionally, minerals belong to two groups:

1. Bulk Minerals. Also called macro minerals and they include:

Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. These are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals.

2. Trace Minerals. Also called micro minerals and they include:

Boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium and zinc. Only minute quantities are needed, but they are important for good health.

All minerals have two main functions--building and regulating. Minerals are stored primarily in the body's bone and muscle tissue. Toxicity is rare because massive quantities must be consumed over a prolonged period of time.

Supplementation

It is difficult to obtain the amounts of minerals needed for optimum health through diet alone. Most people, at any calorie level, tend to select foods for pleasure rather than nutrition. Minerals are often found with multivitamin formulas. They are also sold as single supplements. Some are available in chelated form, which means that the minerals are bonded to protein molecules that transport them to the bloodstream and enhance their absorption. When mineral supplements are taken with a meal, they are usually automatically chelated in the stomach during digestion.

Once a mineral is absorbed, it must be carried by the blood to the cells and then transported across the cell membranes in a form that can be utilized by the cells. Minerals compete with one another for absorption. Example: too much zinc can deplete the body of copper. Supplemental minerals should always be taken in balanced amounts. Otherwise, they will not be effective and may even be harmful. Fiber supplements can decrease the absorption of minerals. Therefore, supplemental fiber and minerals should be taken at different times.