Minerals
What they do and why you need a consistent supply.
Minerals exist in different chemical states and complexes within the body and they are lost through hair, sweat, skin, urine, and feces. They function as cofactors for thousands of vital enzymes and ensure the structural stability of many different transport proteins. Ensuring potentially dangerous and reactive elements like iron and retinol are safely transported to target sites.
It is more efficient to source fresh minerals from the diet than recycle them all internally. The kidneys maintain mineral homeostasis via recirculation and excretion. This is why we need a consistent supply of all essential minerals to maintain nominal function.
Potassium is essential for regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, including those of the heart.
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production and nucleic acid synthesis, crucial for metabolic functions and maintaining electrical potential across cell membranes for muscle and nerve function. It is regulated by the intestines and kidneys, and magnesium chloride can be used topically to boost levels.
Chloride is essential for maintaining fluid balance, aiding digestion through hydrochloric acid production, and supporting nerve and muscle function. It is also a component of Hypochlorous acid involved in microbial defense produced by the myeloperoxidase enzyme.
Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and enabling normal nerve and muscle function. It is involved with potassium in the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K±ATPase) is a transmembrane protein that actively transports three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, using ATP, to maintain the necessary concentration gradients for cellular functions.
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, regulating metabolism and influencing carbohydrate absorption and fatty acid release. It works with selenium-dependent enzymes for hormone activation and supports brain development and cognitive function, with Lugol's solution being a recommended reintroduction method.
Molybdenum is crucial for sulfite oxidase activity and sulfur metabolism, preventing the buildup of harmful substances. It supports the function of other minerals, aiding in detoxification and promoting hair and scalp health, and should be supplemented to maintain balance with sulfur-containing amino acids.
Selenium is a key component of the glutathione pathway, essential for reducing hydrogen peroxide and aiding in heavy metal detoxification. It supports thyroid function, brain development, and sperm maturation, playing a vital role in overall health and enzymatic activity.
Zinc-dependent enzymes support antioxidant defense, protein synthesis, and immune function, working synergistically with copper & manganese. It regulates neurotransmitters and enzyme activity, balancing with copper & manganese to prevent deficiencies and ensure optimal health.
Copper is vital for enzymatic functions and iron metabolism, requiring careful management to avoid excess. It supports ATP production, connective tissue health, neurotransmitter balance, and oxidative stress protection, while balancing with molybdenum and manganese.
Manganese-dependent enzymes facilitate gluconeogenesis, amino acid metabolism, and tissue remodeling. It supports protein synthesis, antioxidant defense, dental health, hearing, and keratin production, ensuring overall metabolic and structural integrity.
Cobalt a structural component of B12, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells, maintenance of healthy nerve and brain function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Chromium & Vanadium aids in electron donation for the action of insulin and can be found in bone.
Boron known to improve bone strength and prevent arthritis by improving retention of magnesium and copper.
If you are eating a good diet you will get these by accident.
Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, and it also supports immune function and energy metabolism via iron - sulfur cluster in the electron transport chain needed for electron donation in the production of ATP. Heme is required for neurotransmitter synthesis and many other bodily functions in the body such as glutathione and biopterin.
Calcium is important for muscle contraction, blood coagulation, bone health, balancing phosphorus and neurotransmitter release.
Phosphorus involved in bone structure, DNA synthesis.
Sulfur is essential for synthesizing amino acids, proteins, and enzymes, and it plays a crucial role in detoxification, collagen production, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.