Your body cannot naturally produce minerals. Therefore, you must acquire essential minerals through your diet or through supplements. Minerals serve many important functions in your body, and every organ and system in your body requires minerals to function properly. Additionally, minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions and serve essential functions in muscle response and message transmission in your nervous system. Several minerals can also directly or indirectly increase your metabolism. You should, however, speak with a medical professional prior to taking any mineral supplement.
Chromium
Chromium is an important mineral required by your body for the metabolism of glucose and the processing of proteins, fats and cholesterol. Chromium uses insulin to maintain stable sugar levels in your body. High levels of sugar or insulin can lead to several adverse health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Athletes sometimes take chromium supplements to support fat loss and increase lean muscle tissue development. Deficiency of this mineral, on the other hand, can cause arteriosclerosis, obesity, lethargy, slow growth and glucose intolerance in diabetics.
Iodine
The thyroid is a gland that regulates many aspects of your body's production of energy. The thyroid functions by stimulating your rate of metabolism to burn excess fat in your body. Your thyroid requires iodine to function properly. Iodine combines in your body with the amino acid tyrosine to create the hormones necessary for all the regulatory functions of your thyroid. A deficiency in iodine can result in an enlarged thyroid gland, goiter, weight gain and reduced mental reactions.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral responsible for hundreds of different functions in your body. Specifically, your body requires magnesium to support calcium and vitamin C metabolism and the conversion of blood sugars into energy. Additionally, magnesium helps regulate neuromuscular activity in your heart, normal heart rhythm and dilation of your coronary arteries. Deficiency of magnesium can result in calcium depletion, kidney stones and heart spasms.
Zinc
Many digestive enzymes in your body rely on zinc to function properly. Your body also requires zinc for protein synthesis and the formation of collagen. Zinc can also help prevent macular degeneration in the elderly and help prevent the early development of cataracts. Zinc deficiency can prolong the healing of wounds, make you susceptible to infections and reduce your body's metabolic rate.
References
- "Quantum Supplements"; Deanna Minich; 2010
- "The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book"; Nancy Pauling Bruning et al; 2007
- "The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals"; Mary Dan Eades; 2000
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