Zinc

Zinc is a metallic element that is needed in very small amounts for human health.  Zinc regulates the activities of genes, supports blood sugar balance and metabolism, is important for the senses of taste and smell and has a key role in immune function.  Healthy adults need around 10 mg of zinc per day; children…

Sulfur

Sulfur is a non-metallic mineral that exists as an odorless, yellow crystalline solid in its natural form. It is an essential component of the amino acids methionine, cystine, cysteine and taurine.  It is also part of the molecular structure of two vitamins: thiamine and biotin, and participates in many reactions in our bodies as sulfides…

Sodium

Sodium is a metallic element.  When it is combined with chloride to form sodium chloride, we refer to it as salt.  Sodium plays important roles in the regulation of blood volume, blood pressure, pH, nerve and muscle function. The minimum requirement for sodium is 500 mg per day.  The average North American intake is much…

Selenium

Selenium is a metallic element that acts as an essential trace mineral in human health.  Selenium plays a key role in the production of thyroid hormones and acts as an anti-oxidant.  It is incorporated into proteins by binding with certain amino acids to form compounds such as selenocysteine and selenomethionine.  We need selenium in tiny…

Potassium

The mineral potassium is involved in many body functions including nerve signal transmission, muscle contractions, fluid balance, and various chemical reactions.  An adequate level of potassium is thought to protect against high blood pressure and stroke. The daily requirement for adults is 40-80 mEq daily.  It is easy to get that amount from your diet….

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is  a non-metallic element that is essential for life. It is a component of DNA and cell membranes, and forms part of the molecule used to transport cellular energy.  As the partner to calcium in calcium phosphate, phosphorus is also important for the health of bones and teeth. Low blood phosphate (hypophosphatemia) can result…

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for good health.  It is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions in our bodies and is a key component in our bones. Magnesium helps to control muscle activity, including that of the heart and in the blood vessels.  It is sometimes used to treat high blood…

Iron

Most of people know iron is a very important mineral for health because it helps to transport oxygen in the blood.  What you may not know is that iron is also needed (directly) for the function of muscles and other organs because tissue cells use iron to generate energy from food in their metabolic processes….

Iodine

Iodine is an essential element that your body uses to make thyroid hormones.  These hormones regulate your metabolism; they influence the rate at which your body either uses energy or stores calories as fat. Iodine deficiency and the resulting low levels of thyroid hormone can be a cause of infertility in women. It can also…

Boron

Boron is an essential nutrient for plants, and may be for humans too.  It is a trace mineral, stored predominantly in bones and tooth enamel, whose role in human health is now being actively explored.  Research suggests that boron may play roles in metabolism and bone health. Since it’s not well-understood what boron does for…