Calcium is the most important, and most common, mineral we need. Eating a diet rich in nutrients that help your bones stay strong should be the first step in stopping or slowing the process of osteoporosis. Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, phosphorus, soy-based foods and fluoride compose the major nutrients that strengthen bone.  At this moment, 98 percent of your body's calcium resides in your bones, the rest circulates in the blood, taking part in metabolic functions. Because the body cannot manufacture calcium, you must eat calcium in your daily diet to replace the amounts that are constantly lost. When the diet lacks sufficient calcium to replace the amount that is excreted, the body begins to break down bone for the calcium necessary for life-preserving metabolic processes. Calcium in the diet can generally slow calcium loss from bones, but it usually doesn't seem to replace calcium already gone. The National Institutes of Health recommend 1000-1200 milligrams of dietary calcium per day for premenopausal women and 1200-1500 milligrams for menopausal and postmenopausal women  Good sources of calcium include milk and milk products, yogurt, ricotta, cheese, oysters, salmon, collard greens, spinach, ice cream, cottage cheese, kale, broccoli and oranges. If you cannot tolerate dairy products, calcium supplements are an easy way to consume calcium. Take supplements with a meal to aid absorption of calcium from the stomach.

Iron carries oxygen to the cells and is necessary for the production of energy, the synthesis of collagen, and the functioning of the immune system.* Iron deficiency is common only among children and pre-menopausal women. Great care must be taken not to take too much iron, as excess amounts are stored in the body’s tissues and adversely affect the body’s immune function, cell growth and heart health.*7, 8, 9  A blood test is the most effective way to determine needs, and consultation with a trained health professional is strongly recommended. Iron absorption can be blocked by calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, antacids and tetracycline (a common antibiotic).2 Iron is found in meat, fish, beans, spinach, molasses, kelp, brewer’s yeast, broccoli and seeds. Because iron from plant sources is not as well absorbed as that from animal sources, some experts recommend that vegetarians supplement with, or eat foods high in, vitamin C as it enhances iron absorption.10

Magnesium is essential to maintain both the acid-alkaline balance in the body and healthy functioning of nerves and muscles (including the heart), as well as to activate enzymes to metabolize blood sugars, proteins and carbohydrates.*2  Magnesium is vital for proper bone growth and is indirectly related to adequate calcium absorption.*11  A 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium is essential to maintain strong bones. Indications of a magnesium deficiency may be muscle twitches, nervousness, abnormal heart beat and disorientation. 2  Good food sources of magnesium include seeds, unrefined grains, beans and other vegetables.

Most phosphorus in the body is found in bone, usually at a 1:2 ratio to calcium. In soft tissue and cells, phosphorus contributes to many natural chemical body processes.11 For example, phosphate bonds of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provide the energy necessary for metabolism.11 Food sources of phosphorus include protein-rich foods such as meats and dairy products, although some is present in almost all foods. Due to the abundance available in the average diet, as well as its high absorption rate, most   supplements do not contain phosphorus. People taking aluminum hydroxide as an antacid for extended periods of time may develop a phosphorus deficiency since the aluminum prevents phosphorus absorption.11

Chromium functions as part of several enzyme systems, including the glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which works with insulin in the utilization of glucose (blood sugar).* Insulin helps to control metabolism of triglycerides (the main form of fat in the body), therefore chromium has a positive effect on triglycerides due to its influence over insulin.* Chromium deficiency has been linked to improper metabolism and imbalances of blood sugar.* 18, 19  While popularly used as a supplement to achieve weight loss and muscle gain, research is not consistent enough to validate chromium’s effect for those benefits.*20, 21

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture widespread chromium deficiency is due not only to inadequate food intake but also to excess sugar intake that increases chromium losses in the body.*22 The only common food source is brewer’s yeast. Chromium should not be taken in excess however—there have been reported cases of toxicity when used in high doses (>800 mcg/day).1, 23

Blood, nerves, joints, heart, skin, liver and both the immune and nervous systems all need adequate amounts of copper, most of which is concentrated in the brain and liver.* Copper is critical to the absorption and utilization of both zinc and iron.*24, 25 A deficiency of copper has been linked to an inability to produce the important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and to a shortage of red blood cells.*24, 25  It is especially important to balance copper levels with those of zinc because an excess of either will depress retention and utilization of the other.* 26 Readily available through the diet, copper is commonly found in whole grains, nuts, shellfish, liver and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Elemental iodine is essential to the development and functioning of the thyroid gland, and a deficiency can cause an enlargement of the gland.*27 Deficiency of iodine during pregnancy and infancy may lead to abnormalities in brain development and in children’s growth.*28 Iodized salt is the most common source of this essential trace mineral. Those with thyroid abnormalities should consult a health care practitioner before taking more than 150 mcg of iodine per day. For most people, amounts up to 1,000 mcg per day are safe, although some may be sensitive to it (resulting in skin irritations or difficulty breathing).

The essential trace mineral manganese is necessary for normal bone metabolism and important enzyme reactions*28  It also helps maintain normal nerve, brain and thyroid function.2 While a deficiency of this mineral is uncommon, it is often lost in processed foods.29, 30 A deficiency of manganese may affect brain health, glucose tolerance, normal reproduction, and skeletal and cartilage formation.*31 Grains and cereal products are the best food sources of manganese, while animal products are the poorest. Toxicity from manganese is uncommon.11

Molybdenum is involved in the operation of several key enzymes in the body. Readily available throughout the diet, deficiencies of this essential mineral are unusual, although rare deficiencies occur in people who suffer from malabsorption conditions.*32.  Milk, beans, cereals and bread are common food sources of molybdenum. Elevated levels of molybdenum can cause a loss of copper.* 11

This powerful antioxidant works closely with vitamin E and supports critical antioxidant enzyme functions.*2 As an antioxidant, selenium may reduce the risk of abnormal cell growth,*33 while supporting cardiovascular health.*34 Seafood and organ meats such as liver and kidney are high in selenium, whereas selenium levels in grains and vegetables vary widely, depending on local soil content.35 No more than 200 mcg of selenium daily is recommended for general use, because of possible toxicity. Excessive intakes of selenium can affect the functioning of enzymes and normal bone and cartilage development in fetuses, according to animal studies. In milligram amounts (75 mg/day), selenium can cause nausea, loss of hair and nails, skin abnormalities and nerve damage.1

NON-ESSENTIAL TRACE MINERALS

Other trace minerals that have not yet been recognized by health authorities as essential to human nutrition, but have some valid health benefits are arsenic, boron, nickel, silicon and vanadium.*17

Boron — Valid clinical studies show that it is involved in the metabolism of other minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, that support bone health.*36  It may also be involved in the regulation and function of steroid hormones.*37 Readily available in prunes, soy, raisins, beans and nuts, boron’s benefits to human health are recent discoveries, just since the mid-1980s. Microgram amounts are not considered toxic.

Silicon — Silicon is important in the composition and calcification of cartilage to produce bone, and is common in unrefined foods of plant origin.*2

 

ELECTROLYTES

Electrolytes are the elements necessary for electrochemical activity in our body. Water (H20) – and the three minerals sodium, potassium and chloride are all necessary for the transmission of electrical impulses between cells. Sodium and potassium are cations (positively charged atoms), and chloride is an anion (negatively charged atom) – all are essential nutrients. These minerals are supplied by the typical diet in thousands of milligrams per day. Sodium and chloride are overabundant in the diet and are not generally added as a mineral supplement.

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