Trace minerals are required for health in comparatively small amounts -- usually measured in micrograms -- compared with other minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which have RDAs of milligrams or grams. When supplementing with trace minerals, it is easy to exceed safe levels and important to exercise caution to avoid over-consumption and possible toxic effects, according to the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. Because trace minerals are required in such small amounts, they are often overlooked in commercial multivitamin and mineral formulas. Separate trace mineral supplements can ensure adequate intake and offer all of the benefits these nutrients provide. As with any health program, consult a qualified health professional before using trace minerals.
Blood Sugar
The trace minerals chromium, zinc, selenium, lithium and vanadium contribute to the regulation of blood sugar, according to a French study published in the December 2010 "Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome." Chromium increases glucose transport into cells, while zinc deficiency aggravates glucose intolerance and selenium decreases insulin resistance, according to the researchers. Vanadium mimics insulin in its ability to influence cells to absorb glucose and lithium regulates levels of glycogen, the storage form of glucose. The researchers caution that higher doses may be unsafe and use of trace minerals for correction of blood sugar imbalances should be limited to correcting deficiencies.
Cancer
Molybdenum, with an RDA of 45mcg for an adult, is an essential nutrient for virtually all forms of life, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A U.S. study published in the August 2010 "Molecular Cancer" reported that a compound containing molybdenum, known as tetrathiomolybdate, inhibits the growth and spread of cancer. The molybdenum-containing compound suppresses the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors and also regulates the mobility of tumor cells, thereby controlling tumor metastasis. In the study, animals treated with tetrathiomolybdate developed smaller tumors with less occurrence of metastasis.
Thyroid Disease
Celiac disease -- an intolerance to the wheat protein gluten -- leads to thyroid disease by way of selenium deficiency, according to an Italian study published in the 2010 "Annali dell'Instituto Superiore di Sanita." Selenium forms compounds with proteins, known as selenoproteins, that are involved in the production of thyroid hormones, and some selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase, act as antioxidants and inhibit apoptosis -- programmed cell death -- helping to extend the lives of cells and prevent cellular damage. Celiac disease, which causes inflammation in the intestines, leads to malabsorption of nutrients and when selenium absorption is affected, thyroid disease follows, say the researchers.
Bones
Strontium builds strong bones, says a U.S. report published in the September 2010 "Zebrafish" journal. According to the researchers, the bone structure of zebrafish is similar to that of humans, making it a model for studying human bone diseases. In the study, strontium-supplemented zebrafish developed increased bone density throughout their bodies over a 12-week period. There is no RDA for strontium, according to the website Healthy, which also states that strontium salts may be slightly stronger than calcium salts.
References
- Pub Med: Dietary Strontium Increases Bone Mineral Density in Intact Zebrafish (Danio Rerio): A Potential Model System for Bone Research
- Annali dell'Instituto Superiore di Sanita: Selenium Status and Over-expression of Interleukin-15 in Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
- Molecular Cancer: Tetrathiomolybdate Inhibits Head and Neck Cancer Metastasis by Decreasing Tumor Cell Motility, Invasiveness and by Promoting Tumor Cell Anoikis
- Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome: Trace Elements in Glucometabolic Disorders: An Update
- Linus Pauling Institute: Molybdenum
- Healthy: Strontium
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