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Minerals
Minerals are the inorganic elements which comprise part of the body. They
contribute from 60% to 80% of all the inorganic material in the human body. The
trace elements make up the remainder. Minerals and trace elements serve as vital
catalysts for the biological reactions that take place within the body. They are
found, for example, in bones, teeth and soft tissues. They are needed for the
production of blood, hormones and enzymes, thus serving a life sustaining
function.
The absorption of minerals and trace elements (excluding
electrolytes) is generally less efficient than that of other nutrients. The term
“bioavailability” refers to the degree to which a particular nutrient is
available for use in the body. There are many factors which influence
bioavailability including the compound form of the mineral or trace element.
Boron helps influence the
metabolism of nutrients that help maintain bone health and may play a role in
hormone regulation.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Its primary
function – in cooperation with phosphorus – is to help build and maintain bones
and teeth. Calcium aids the blood-clotting process and helps control the passage
of fluids through cells. Calcium is also is related to proper functioning of the
heart and neuromuscular system.
Chromium, when complexed as
the Glucose Tolerance Factor, plays a role in the effectiveness of insulin, the
hormone responsible for blood sugar metabolism.
Copper aids iron absorption,
helping to form haemoglobin of red blood cells.
Copper also helps convert amino acids into pigment, thereby
adding colour to hair and skin.
Iodine is an essential
component of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, which is the master regulator of
metabolism.
Iron acts with protein and
copper to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells.
Magnesium is involved in
muscle contraction and nerve function. At least half of the magnesium in the
body is combined with calcium and phosphorus in bones. The remainder is in soft
tissues including red blood cells and muscles.
Manganese is an important activator of enzyme systems. It is involved in protein
synthesis and fatty acid metabolism. Manganese is also necessary for normal
skeletal development and pituitary gland activity.
Molybdenum is a trace element
that serves as a cofactor in many enzyme systems. It is also involved in the
physiological roles of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Phosphorus is the second most
abundant mineral in the body and is found in every living cell. It is involved
in helping the proper function of muscles and nerves and often works in
conjunction with calcium.
Selenium is an essential
trace mineral that works synergistically with vitamin E. As a constituent of
glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, selenium helps neutralize the
effects of free radicals within body tissue.
Sodium and potassium are
involved in the process of balancing fluid within the body. Sodium is found
predominantly in fluids outside the cells, while potassium is found inside the
cells. The balance of these two electrolytes – along with calcium and magnesium
– plays a vital role in helping to maintain cardiovascular function.
Zinc is an essential trace
mineral, important to help support the immune system. It is also a component of
insulin, body fluids, and many enzyme systems.
Important Notice Regarding Supplementation
For many people, nutritional supplementation can
be an important and useful adjunct to a healthy diet. However, by no means
should supplementation be a substitute for food and it should also be recognised
that certain nutrients should be used within the recommended guidelines so as to
reduce the possibility of toxicity or side effects.
This list is only offered as a general guide and
is not to be viewed as a definitive statement on the subject of drug-nutrient
interactions or toxicity.
Caution should always be used with individuals
who are taking any form of drug therapy.
Ongoing research will no doubt turn up additional
information on the relationship between optimum nutrient intake and overdose.
If in doubt consult either an authoritative text such as Martindale, Merck Index
or the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The following may serve as a useful guide to some
of the more common contra-indications.
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Iron
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Iron can accumulate in
the system and long-term use should be monitored.
Contra-indicated in cases of Addisons Disease.
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Inorganic iron
supplements can cause diarrhoea alternating with constipation and stomach
cramps.
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Inorganic iron
supplements can cause dark brown to black bowel motions.
Magnesium
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Contra-indicated in
kidney disease.
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Can cause diarrhoea,
nausea and sometimes headaches when taken in large doses.
Manganese
Molybdenum
Potassium
Selenium
Zinc
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