Minerals are essential for good health, and it is also important to receive them in the proper balance to each other. Our ability to absorb minerals varies according to age, adequacy of stomach acid, bowel flora, fiber intake and intestinal health. Alexander Schauss, PhD, FACN, recommends an ionic form of mineral drops, as they are more easily absorbed. If you suffer from chronic degenerative diseases, trace mineral drops may help you regain or retain your health. Consult your doctor before making changes in your diet or supplements.
Diabetes
Trace minerals can help your body manage blood sugar. A 2011 article in the journal "Nutrition" described a study which looked at the impact of silicone, strontium and coral sand, a natural source of trace minerals, on diabetic mice. Results showed the trace minerals helped lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, the trace minerals helped lower resistance to leptin, which reduces appetite and adiponectin, found to be inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cancer
A 2002 study in the "Journal of Otolaryngology" found an association between the trace mineral selenium and cancer of the head and neck. Patients were tested for selenium levels and followed for a year after receiving radiation treatment. Compared to controls, patients had significantly lower selenium levels to start. However, selenium levels rose to normal in those diagnosed as cured but stayed low in those who still had tumors after treatment.
Heart Disease and Osteoporosis
Low levels of copper, another trace mineral, have been linked to heart disease. In a 2008 article in the journal "Medical Hypotheses," the author evaluates the importance of copper in heart health, stating that a deficiency is linked to both hypertension and high levels of the blood fats cholesterol and triglycerides. Better food selection and supplementation may be warranted to prevent cardiovascular disease. A similar 1998 article in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" supports copper's role in cardiovascular health and emphasizes its importance for preventing osteoporosis.
Tips
Supplementation may remedy a particular trace mineral deficiency. However, Schauss stresses the need to use a product with multiple minerals extracted from a source where they occur naturally, since they work best together -- and taking just one is likely to create an unhealthy imbalance. In addition, although there is research on some minerals, it is lacking on others, and a supplement with multiple minerals assures you are less likely to miss one that is important. For example, for years boron was considered unimportant for human health and is today considered to be essential.
References
- Trace Minerals Research; Minerals and Human Health The Rationale for Optimal and Balanced Trace Element Levels; Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D., FACN
- "Nutrition"; Anti-diabetic Effects Including Diabetic Nephropathy of Anti-osteoporotic Trace Minerals on Diabetic Mice; Maehira, F, et al.; April 2011
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Adiponectin Levels and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes; Shanshan, L, et al.; 2009
- "Journal of Otolaryngology";Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer; Yadav, SP, et al.; August 2002
- "Medical Hypotheses"; A Deleterious Interaction Between Copper Deficiency and Sugar Ingestion May Be the Missing Link in Heart Disease; Aliabadi, H; 2008
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Lack of a Recommended Dietary Allowance for Copper May Be Hazardous to Your Health; Klevay, LM; August 1998
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