Mineral Supplements

About Mineral Supplements

Minerals are a range of nutrient essential to human health. They are termed essential because the human body cannot synthesize them. If enough minerals are not obtained from the diet or supplements, deficiencies can develop leading to poor health outcomes.

When we consume plant food, the mineral content is determined by the soil where the plant grew. When it comes to animal products, the mineral level is determined by the soil level where the plants grew that they consumed. These days, animals are often supplemented with minerals as well given that they often become deficient, just as we do. Soil deficient in a mineral, such as boron or zinc, leads to deficits in the plants that are grown in that soil, as well as any animal or human that consumes those plants regularly.

Six of the minerals are categorised as electrolytes, five of which are often added to sports drinks to improve hydration. These are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. The sixth electrolyte, phosphorus, is found in low concentrations in sweat and is typically abundant in the Western diet. Magnesiu is an important electrolyte that has more than 300 uses in the human body! A few of these are maintaining muscular relaxation, supporting bone health and keeping neurotransmitters balanced in the brain. Another essential and often forgotten mineral is sulphur, which is naturally found in garlic, onions and whole eggs. Sulphur is needed for detoxification purposes and to support connective tissue health.

There are a range of trace minerals that we need in smaller quantities compared to other minerals, though they may be equally important to human health. Some of the trace minerals are Molybdenum, Manganese, Iron and Iodine. The uses for each of these minerals extends well beyond their typical health-association (even minerals get stereotyped!). For instance, iron is typically prescribed for anemia to maintain red blood cell health. However, iron is required for many other important functions, such as supporting the immune system. Most people associate iodine with the thyroid gland only, while this essential mineral offers antioxidant effects and may protect breast and prostate tissue from damage.

Without an adequate mineral status, the health of plants, animals and humans suffers. In the short term, insufficiencies develop which eventually lead to deficiencies. The flow and balance of minerals begins in the soil, influencing plants and those that consume them. Mineral supplements can assist in rectifying specific deficits of minerals that are crucial to optimal health, wellbeing and for the prevention of chronic disease.