Understanding Most Common Minerals

Minerals

In order for the body to perform and function properly we need essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. 

Minerals are inorganic elements that come from soil and water, and are absorbed by plants or eaten by animals. We need some minerals in larger amounts than vitamins, while others we only need trace amounts of, and still others are not necessary nutrients at all.

You may benefit from more or less specific mineral supplementation based on the specificity of your diet. For example, vegans are commonly low on the minerals zinc and iron which are commonly found in meat.

The most common mineral supplements include:

Sodium helps the body maintain fluid balance. Sodium is commonly overconsumed, but surprisingly high daily sodium intake is rarely a result of the salt you add to your food, rather it’s in the highest concentration in most individuals diet when taken in through processed foods.

Zinc is important for metabolism and immune response 

Iron assists growth and development in the body

Selenium helps the body maintain it’s hormones and reproductive health.

Magnesium along with calcium is involved in over 300 biological processes such as supporting muscle and nerve function as well as strengthening bones.

The best way to make sure your body is getting and absorbing the proper minerals is to eat a well-balanced diet and live a healthy, active lifestyle overall. This isn’t always enough, however in the hectic world we inhabit. So supplementation will be right for most individuals!

Find out what holes your diet may have as far as minerals, or consider getting a well-rounded multivitamin supplement to keep your body functioning at it’s best.