What are minerals? From The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center:
"Minerals are elements that originate in the Earth and cannot be made by
living organisms. Plants obtain minerals from the soil, and most of the
minerals in our diets come directly from plants or indirectly from
animal sources. Minerals may also be present in the water we drink, but
this varies with geographic locale. Minerals from plant sources may also
vary from place to place, because soil mineral content varies
geographically."
Calcium - necessary for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Also an important signaling molecule regulating cell responses to signals from other cells or in the blood, such as the constriction of muscle tissue, the firing of neurons, and the release of insulin. Calcium is also important for controlling the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. Calcium levels are carefully regulated in the body because too much or too little can both cause serious problems, including cardiac arrhythmias and palpitations.
Copper - is an important anti-oxidant and a necessary component in many enzymes. It is important for energy production (mitochondrial function), iron metabolism, immune function, connective tissue formation and maintenance (including bone), neurological function, and cardiovascular function. Copper and zinc compete for absorption and should be taken in a ratio of 15:1 zinc to copper.
Iodine - is antimicrobial, with action against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Also protects against cancer and supports thyroid function. Necessary for proper bone and brain development in infants. Deficiency can be caused or worsened by eating a lot of baked goods such as bread that can be high in bromide (bromide can displace iodine).
Is Potassium Iodide a "Magic Bullet" for Radiation Exposure?
Iron - necessary for the production of heme, which is itself necessary for the production of hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood and for the cytochrome enzymes, which are central to the liver's ability to detoxify the blood. Also important for DNA synthesis and energy production. Iron levels in the body are careful controlled because both a deficiency and an excess can be very harmful.
Lithium - low dose protects against glutamate toxicity.
Magnesium - is important for a large amount of processes in the body, including maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiac function, metabolism, DNA synthesis, proper movement of the GI tract so that contents keep moving through at the right pace (excess magnesium causes diarrhea), calmness and other neurological functions, it helps to regulate levels of other minerals including calcium and potassium, it is a structural component of bones and muscles,
Thiamine and magnesium deficiencies: keys to disease
Manganese - is an essential element needed for healthy bones, wound-healing, and the metabolism of proteins, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Manganese levels affect the levels of iron, magnesium and calcium in the body. Manganese is an essential part of the primary anti-oxidant in the mitochondria. It is also necessary for detoxifying ammonia that builds up during amino acid metabolism via the urea cycle. In the brain a manganese-containing enzyme converts glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter and toxic in elevated levels, into glutamine. It is also important in the formation of bone and cartilage and wound healing.
Molybdenum - important cofactor for the enzyme sulfite oxidase that breaks down sulfites. If the enzyme is not functioning adequately, sulfite levels go up, which can cause headaches, irritability, nose bleeds, and allergies.
Potassium - potassium levels in the blood are carefully regulated because it is so important for so many body functions, including maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Deficiency of potassium can result in paralysis, dangerous heart arrhythmia, partly because it is an important electrolyte (is in ionic form in the blood and can conduct electricity. The movement of potassium ions into and out of the cell is part of the process of regulating cell responses such as the firing of neurons and heart cells. It is also important for carbohydrate metabolism.
Selenium - is an anti-oxidant, is an important component of many enzymes, especially in the intestines and lungs.
Silica - High levels are found in the aorta, trachea, bones,
and skin. As people age their soft tissues can lose elasticity. Silica helps by stimulating collagen type 1 which helps loose skin and stimulates
fibroblasts to make new skin. It also improves bone mineralization and density, it increases calcification of bone similar to vitamin D. Vitamin K2 is an important cofactor for silica. Silica also decreases
blood pressure by increasing elasticity of arteries, chelates aluminum, helps hair and nails. Best form is Orthosilicic Acid. Silica can be found in grains, polished rice, beer, mineral water, and veggies.
Vanadium - may help control blood sugar, may be important for bone growth.
Zinc - supports healthy immune function, fighting viruses in particular, and low-grade infections can deplete the body of zinc. Zinc is also important for vision, growth and development in children, neuron-transmission, and reproduction. Zinc
helps keep testosterone at normal levels and is necessary for producing adequate stomach acid. Phytates are anti-nutrients in some foods and block the absorption of zinc in the intestines. Zinc is mostly found in animal foods such as shellfish (especially oysters) and meat. Good plant sources include pumpkin seeds and brazil nuts. Zinc and copper compete for absorption so excess copper exposure can lead to a zinc deficiency. Some of the symptoms of elevated copper levels include anxiety, depression, and elevated cortisol levels that can put your body into fight/flight mode. Zinc lowers cortisol and contributes to the production of GABA which is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, thus reducing stress levels.
The blood disorder Pyrroluria causes significant zinc deficiency and requires regular supplementation that can be quite high. A deficiency of zinc can cause loss of taste and smell. Other signs of a zinc deficiency
can include low testosterone levels and hypogonadism (shrinking
testicles), and upper respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Diabetes can be a factor because high blood sugar will deplete zinc, as
can high stress levels and high cortisol.
