Minerals are inorganic components that are incredibly crucial for many functions. Our bodies use them to support growth, development, movement, and energy production; to make enzymes and hormones; and to assist in various ways to keep our bones, heart, muscles, and brain functioning optimally. We hear a lot about certain minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, but how much should we pay attention to other lesser-known minerals that also have major health benefits?

Types of Minerals

There are two types of minerals: macrominerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) and trace minerals (iron, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, etc.). The body needs and stores macrominerals in larger quantities and stores smaller amounts of trace minerals. A properly balanced diet may provide some of the essential minerals needed to maintain good health; however, many of us don't receive all of the minerals our bodies need on a daily basis. Supplements can be used to fill the gaps in our diet and meet the recommended daily intake of beneficial minerals.

Important Macrominerals

• Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It's also an important mineral required for muscle contractions, nerve function, pregnancy, and wound healing, and it plays a role in many blood and tissue processes.
   
• Magnesium is a cofactor that regulates more than 300 enzymes in the body. It's the gatekeeper for calcium, and it plays an important role in energy production, protein synthesis, healthy nerve signaling, and muscle relaxation.
   
• Phosphorus assists with building and repairing bones and teeth, and aids with nerve function and muscle contraction.
   
• Potassium helps trigger muscle contraction and nerve impulse conduction, and assists our body with maintaining a normal fluid balance.

Important Trace Minerals

• Chromium is considered essential for helping our body metabolize fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also helps deliver glucose into our body's cells, where it's burned for energy.
   
• Copper promotes cardiovascular, nervous, and immune system health; supports cellular metabolism and connective tissue formation; assists in energy production; and facilitates iron uptake from the gut.
   
• Iron is used in hemoglobin formation, which carries oxygen in the blood to every cell in our body. It affects energy levels and is an essential component of many processes within the body.
   
• Iodine is the mineral used to produce thyroid hormones, and it's necessary for the body’s metabolism and physical and mental development.
   
• Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in many key body functions, including supporting a healthy metabolism (protein, carbohydrate, and cholesterol breakdown), and bone and brain health. It also plays a significant role in cell division.
   
• Molybdenum aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which provides our body with energy. It also works as a powerful antioxidant, helping the body fight free radicals within our body.
   
• Selenium helps protect our body from oxidation and free radical damage. It also plays an important role in promoting prostate health and supporting healthy metabolism of thyroid hormones.
   
• Most of us recognize zinc for its immune-boosting properties and ability to help fight off free radicals. It's found in every tissue in our body and is directly involved in cell division and normal growth, as well as several other important functions.

 
Minerals support healthy bone, cartilage, and tissue formation, as well as overall health and well-being, so it's important we maintain a healthy amount of each. Most of us don’t receive enough of every mineral our body uses daily, which is why supplements can be a great option. Single mineral supplements work well for those that need to tailor specifically to a deficiency, whereas a multi-mineral formula can offer macrominerals and trace minerals all-in-one. Whichever you choose, make sure they are in the best absorbable form for maximum tolerance and absorption.