We need at least 18 minerals and all of these are now contained in this complete multimineral supplement from Supplement Spot, including boron, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, L-glutamic acid, magnesium, mangenese, molybdenum, selenium, vanadium, Vitamin D and zinc.
Minerals are inorganic elements, which means that they are composed of only one atom and none of them contain carbon. Approximately 5% of every cell is made up of minerals; these minerals support the function and structure of the cells. Minerals, just like vitamins are coenzymes, and are essential to the activation of enzymes. Nutritionists classify the minerals that are essential to life as either major minerals or trace elements. Major minerals are needed in larger amounts (hundreds of milligrams per day) and trace elements are required in much smaller amounts (typically micrograms). As minerals are required for nearly every bodily function, it is of the utmost importance to get the proper amount of minerals for two reasons: to prevent disease state and to maintain normal body function. Many nutritionists and researchers believe that the farm soils in the United States, as well as many other regions of the world are considerably depleted of minerals compared to what they had merely 100 years ago. Therefore, supplementation of minerals is a logical option for people seeking optimal health.
Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is known as the "sunshine" vitamin because it is formed in the body by the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, the human body contains approximately 2.5 pounds, and 99% of this is stored in the bones and teeth, the remainder is in the bloodstream and the fluids surrounding the cells. It is essential to optimal health and has numerous health benefits. Calcium helps with many metabolic processes, and is essential to a wide range of biological functions. Calcium absorption declines with age. If the body does not get enough calcium, it will rob it from the bones, causing the bones to become porous and fragile.
Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism. Almost two-thirds of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body's tissues. Smaller amounts of iron are found in myoglobin, a protein that helps supply oxygen to muscle, and in enzymes that assist biochemical reactions in cells. About 15 percent of your body's iron is stored for future needs and mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The remainder is in your body's tissues as part of proteins that help your body function.
Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for healthy thyroid function. Iodine also provides the crucial building blocks for the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The availability of iodized salt, the most common source of iodine, has made iodine deficiency and its accompanying disorder, goiter, very rare in the United States and the developed world. Iodine's only known function is the role it plays in proper thyroid function. Healthy thyroid function is important for normal metabolism, oxygen consumption and energy production.
Magnesium is essential for hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. It functions as a coenzyme (participating in over 300 enzymatic reactions!) for proper function of nerves and muscles, formation of bones and energy metabolism. Recent studies suggest that is of particular importance for healthy heart function. It also may help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Magnesium works synergistically with calcium by increasing its absorption and may increase bone density as well. In fact, the body stores 60% of its magnesium in the bones, 26% is in the muscle tissues and the remaining magnesium is stored in the soft tissues of the body.
Zinc is considered an essential trace mineral. It performs over 300 enzymatic functions in the body. Zinc is primarily stored in the muscles, bones and skin, with high concentrations in the retina of the eye, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bone, muscles and the prostate gland in men. It plays a role in virtually all biochemical pathways and physiological processes. Every cell in the body needs zinc; hundreds of body processes rely upon it. Zinc is needed for normal growth and development. Zinc also has antioxidant properties, and is important to proper maintenance of Vitamin E levels in the blood. It also improves the activity of vitamin A. Moreover, it is a constituent of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD). The body does not manufacture zinc, so it is necessary to obtain it from your diet or through supplementation.
Selenium is an essential trace mineral and potent antioxidant. It works synergistically with Vitamin E to protect cells from free radicals. Selenium is an important part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which works with Vitamin E to help prevent free radical damage to cell membranes. Selenium also protects the body from heavy metal toxicity. It is important to note that Selenium is toxic at doses of more than one milligram (1000mcgs) per day.
Copper is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body. It is an essential component of many enzymes and at least 15 proteins. It is involved in the production of collagen and elastin, and as such is essential to the structural integrity and elasticity of tissues, bones and organs. It is also necessary for the maintenance of healthy nerves and joints. In addition, it is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body. Copper aids in the production of energy by helping the body make adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Finally, copper is essential to the production of two important enzymes: superoxide dismutase (a powerful antioxidant) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (an enzyme that helps regulate the metabolism of vitamin C and the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine).
Manganese, along with copper and zinc, is an important component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). It is also involved in the production of several enzyme systems that influence biological processes. These biological processes help produce collagen, metabolize protein and carbohydrates, and synthesize fat, including cholesterol. Therefore, manganese is essential for growth and maintenance of tissues (particularly skin tissues), cartilage and bones. Manganese is a factor in glucose intolerance and supports the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters.
Chromium was first discovered as an essential trace element in 1955. In 1959, the mineral was identified as an active component in human nutrition. We now know that chromium is an essential partner to efficient insulin action. The body of an average healthy individual contains only several milligrams. However, this small amount plays important roles in the enhancement of insulin's effectiveness, regulation of blood sugar levels, and the activation of various enzymes for energy production. It is thought that most North Americans have some degree of chromium depletion in their bodies, and that the North American diet and eating habits frequently fail to supply sufficient chromium for daily needs.
Molybdenum is a trace element and one of the most rare substances on earth. Small amounts of molybdenum are found in nearly all the tissues of the human body. The primary function of molybdenum is that of liver detoxification. Molybdenum is important because it helps to activate certain enzymes, particularly those that metabolize proteins and help to utilize iron. As such, it may play a part in the prevention of anemia. Adequate levels of molybdenum are necessary for the proper formation of bones and teeth. Molybdenum is also important for copper and sulfur metabolism and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body (calcium and phosphorus are the most abundant). Potassium is one of the major electrolytes in the body, along with sodium and chloride. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are critical to proper fluid balance in the body. They are necessary to the regulation of blood pressure and muscle contraction; they also ensure proper function of nerves and kidneys. In fact, these three electrolytes together are important to every chemical process in the body.
Glutamic Acid is a non-essential amino acid, which means that it can be manufactured by the body. It is considered to be nature's "brain food" , because it is thought to support healthy brain function. Glutamic acid is an important excitatory neurotransmitter, and may be important to the metabolism of sugars and fats. It also helps with the transportation of potassium across the blood-brain barrier.
Boron is a trace mineral that has only recently been recognized as being important for human nutrition. Recent research suggests that Boron is important for metabolism and bone health; it may help prevent bone loss and support healthy joint function. The highest concentration of boron is found in the bones and tooth enamel. Boron appears to affect the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Researchers believe that Boron is essential for the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, which would enhance calcium absorption.
Vanadium is a trace mineral that was discovered to be essential to human nutrition in the 1970's. Recently, it has gained attention because it may support blood sugar balance. Research indicates that it may possess insulin-like properties. Vanadium may also play a role in building bones and teeth, and it may support healthy cholesterol levels.
Caution: If you are pregnant or lactating consult a health care practitioner prior to taking a multi-mineral supplement.
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