Do We Really Need Mineral Supplements?
Minerals are the invisible ingredients that play a vital role in almost every reaction that takes place within the billions of cells in our body. Their functions range from enabling enzymes to activating chemical reactions, and from building good bone structure to promoting healthy brain functions.
Since the body cannot manufacture minerals itself, we have to ingest minerals from the food we eat. The problem begins here, as today, the soil does not contain the essential minerals it once did.
Recent studies have illustrated this clearly, and also shown the effects this has on our health.
- A study from Canada shows that in the last 50 years, foods have shown a sharp decline in the nutrients they contain, including calcium, iron, and other minerals.
- Another study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that a significant number of Americans cannot get sufficient amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese from the food they consume.
This means that even if you consume a diet rich in fresh fruits, veggies, and meat, your health is still at risk due to one or more vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A mineral deficiency can be even more detrimental to health than a lack of vitamins, as vitamins themselves cannot function without the aid of minerals.
Choosing Mineral Supplements Wisely
Here are some guidelines for selecting a quality mineral supplement:
- Supplementing Minerals and Other Nutrients at Once As any nutrient deficiency is an open invitation to health problems, it is crucial to take nutritional supplements that contain not only minerals but also vitamins and other nutrients that are essential to maintain general well-being. Choose a vitamin-mineral supplement, which also includes trace minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and herb extracts to help combat all malnutrition issues at once.
- Choose Chelated Minerals for Better Absorption The body changes mineral substances to a chelated form in the digestive system to make sure that the minerals are readily available for absorption. In many people, however, this process does not function as well as it should, meaning that mineral supplements cannot be absorbed. So it is wise to consider a mineral supplement that uses chelated minerals, which can increase absorption by as much as ten times.
- Nature Works Synergistically Producing a high-quality supplement does not simply involve mixing the various ingredients and packaging them together. Creating mineral supplements involves a scientific formulation of nature’s synergy into a single dose. When created by skilled scientists, such a supplement is far greater than the sum of its parts. This process becomes even more difficult when the number of active ingredients in the formula increases, as many of these ingredients can cancel each other out or have harmful effects when mixed together. So be sure to look for a product manufactured by a company that works with scientists who have top-notch credentials to ensure the efficacy and safety of your supplement.
- How Reliable is the Manufacturer? The supplement industry is only loosely regulated in the U.S., so finding a good supplement product can be a bit like gambling with your health. Some products do not even contain the active ingredients listed on the label, and others can contain the ingredient in inefficacious or harmful quantities. Worse, some may include other substances that could be detrimental to your health. Therefore be careful to choose a manufacturer that follows the pharmaceutical GMP compliance, which is the highest standard available, and ensures manufacturing and quality control procedures are strictly adhered to.
- What is in the Bottle? Since what is on the label does not guarantee what is in the bottle, you would be wise to request a certificate of analysis for the product from the manufacturer, which is an indication of the quality and purity of the active ingredients. If the manufacturer refuses to supply this with every product they sell, do not buy any products from them.
Choose mineral supplements wisely to help maintain an optimum health level for today and in the future.
More Mineral Supplements Related Articles
Boron Supplements – Boron supplements support the main framework of your body, which is your bones.
Benefits of Manganese – How much do you know about the benefits of manganese? How much do you know about manganese? Read this article and be informed about one of the most important minerals in your body.
Benefits of Potassium – The benefits of potassium include chemical processes that keep your bodily systems working well together.
Iodine Supplement – Iodine is a trace mineral that is vital to maintaining a normal metabolism.
Vanadium Supplement – While vanadium supplements are not needed by everyone, they have various health benefits. Know what benefits vanadium can offer and whether you should be taking it or not.
Calcium Supplements – This is the most abundant mineral in the body and is a crucial element for maintaining bone health.
Magnesium Supplements – This mineral is an essential co-factor in hundreds of the body’s enzyme systems.
Benefits of Chromium – Discover The Benefits Of Chromium. Could chromium be the answer that all dieters have been waiting for?
Indium Supplement – Helps reduce the signs of aging and provide greater immunity.
Benefits of Selenium – Selenium is a trace element essential for a healthy immune system.
Zinc – Zinc is the most commonly overlooked of all the major nutrients. Getting too much zinc, however, can be as detrimental as getting too little.