Mineral Glossary

Minerals are vital elements that play a key role in virtually every reaction that takes place within the billions of cells within the human body.

For example, minerals are responsible for enabling enzymes, activating chemical reactions, building good bone structure, and even promoting healthy brain function.

Minerals and vitamins have a synergistic relationship. In other words, both vitamins and minerals have to be present in the body before either can perform their intended functions.

For instance, both vitamins and minerals are needed to make antioxidant enzymes that protect the body from free-radical damage.

Minerals are not manufactured within the body. The only way to provide the human body with minerals is through a healthy and nutritious diet or supplementation.

When an individuals diet is lacking the appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables the probability of having some form of mineral deficiency is likely.

Calcium

Calcium assists in the development and maintenance of bones/teeth and supports the muscular system. Calcium promotes blood clotting, digestive enzyme stimulation, immune system function, and proper nerve myelination.

Chloride

Chloride, through the the production of hydrochloric acid, assists in regulating the body's acidity level. Chloride is also required to maintain an equal level of pressure between cells and fluids in tissues.

Chromium

Chromium is required to properly metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Chromium also promotes appropriate blood glucose levels, lowers blood pressure, and can reduce the probability of contracting diabetes.

Copper

Copper assists in converting iron into hemoglobin, is required to produce red blood cells, and assists in transporting oxygen throughout the blood stream. Copper assists in promoting proper brain and nervous system functionality.

Iodine

Iodine supports proper thyroid gland activity and is stored in the thyroid gland as thyroglobin. Iodine is used to synthesize thyroxine, a thyroid specific hormone that is vital to overall growth and development.

Iron

Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin. Due to iron being present in hemoglobin, red blood cells are able to transport oxygen throughout the blood stream. Iron also supports the enzyme process and a healthy immune system.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists in the metabolizing of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Magnesium supports neuromuscular contractions, the relaxation of nerves, and contributes to fluid and electrolyte balance.

Manganese

Manganese acts as an activator in the enzyme system to allow carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to be metabolized. Manganese promotes coordination between the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum promotes the breaking down of toxins that build up within the body. Molybdenum has antioxidant characteristics that allow it to destroy nitrosamines; a compound associated with cancer.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus regulates the use of carbohydrates and fats as energy in relation to bodily demands. Phosphorus promotes healthy blood pH levels, strong bones, and healthy growth and development of multiple internal systems.

Potassium

Potassium promotes healthy electrolyte balance by acting as an alkalizing agent in the blood and tissues; preventing a hyper acidic environment. Potassium is involved in all muscle contractions and nerve transmissions.

Selenium

Selenium assists in preventing damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium contributes to preventing and combating various cancers, prevents cellular damage, disease, and illness and prevents blood clots.

Sodium

Sodium promotes proper pH and fluid balance and allows for healthy sweating and prevents dehydration and heat exhaustion. Sodium helps control blood pressure, and allows the muscular and nervous systems to function properly.

Zinc

Zinc promotes the healthy synthesis of proteins and cell reproduction. Zinc assists in the healing of wounds and infections. Zinc has also been proven to promote healthy skin, hair, and sexual growth and development.