Some of the individual functions of minerals in the body are: 1. Structural: bones, teeth, ligaments 2. Solutes and electrolytes in the blood 3. Enzyme actions 4. Energy production from food breakdown 5. Nerve transmission 6. Muscle action

2. DIET

The second contributor to mineral deficiency within the population is obviously, diet. Even if our produce did contain abundant minerals, less than 4% of the population eats sufficient fruits and vegetables to account for minimal RDAs. To compound matters further, mass amounts of processed food, excess protein, and refined sugars require most of our mineral stores in order to digest it and remove it. The removal process involves enzymes, which break things down. Enzyme activity is completely dependent on minerals like zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, cobalt and many others.  No minerals – no enzyme action. In addition, pasteurised/homogenised milk and dairy products, alcohol, and drugs inhibit the absorption of these minerals, further depleting reserves. So it is cyclical: refined foods inhibit mineral absorption, which then are not themselves efficiently digested because of diminished enzyme activity.

3. MUCOID PLAQUE

The standard indigestible American/UK diet packs layer upon layer of plaque onto the inner lining of the colon. One of the prime functions of the colon is to reabsorb water, in order to prevent dehydration. Plaque prevents such a reclamation, and the result is that we lose both water and minerals that normally should be reabsorbed.

4. COMPETITION

The fourth reason for inadequate minerals in the body is a phenomenon known as secondary deficiency. It has been proven that an excess of one mineral may directly cause a deficiency of another because minerals compete for absorption.Secondary deficiency means that an excess of one mineral causes a deficiency of another. (Kidd)

For example, iron, copper, and zinc are competitive in this way. Copper is necessary for the conversion of iron to haemoglobin, but if there is excess zinc, less iron will be available for conversion. This may cause a secondary deficiency of iron, which can manifest itself as iron deficiency anaemia. All due simply to excess zinc! Researchers have found that these secondary deficiencies caused by excess of one mineral are almost always due to an imbalance of mineral supplements, since the quantities contained in food are so small.

For example, iron, copper, and zinc are competitive in this way. Copper is necessary for the conversion of iron to haemoglobin, but if there is excess zinc, less iron will be available for conversion. This may cause a secondary deficiency of iron, which can manifest itself as iron deficiency anaemia. All due simply to excess zinc! Researchers have found that these secondary deficiencies caused by excess of one mineral are almost always due to an imbalance of mineral supplements, since the quantities contained in food are so small.

A fourth, and increasingly serious reason for mineral deficiency in humans is overuse of prescription drugs. It has been known since the 1950s that antibiotics interfere with uptake of minerals, specifically zinc, chromium, and calcium. (The Plague Makers) Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and aspirin have the same inhibitive effect on mineral absorption. Moreover, when the body has to try and metabolise these drugs to clear the system its own mineral stores are heavily drawn upon. Such a waste of energy is used to metabolise laxatives, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, and NSAIDs, such as Tylenol, Advil, and aspirin out of the body. This is one of the most basic mechanisms in drug-induced immune-suppression: minerals are essential for normal immune function.

So the question then becomes: which mineral supplements are the most absorbable and the most usable, and therefore effective in the smallest amounts possible?

The National Academy of Sciences and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend daily calcium intakes of 1000-1200 mg/day for adult men and women.

Note: dosage and solubility can influence the bioavailability of calcium from calcium supplements, the timing of intake and meal conditions also are important. Calcium from supplements appears to be more efficiently absorbed when consumed in divided doses, each containing less than 200 mg of elemental calcium. The NIH Consensus Conference recommends consuming calcium supplements between meals to increase calcium bioavailabilty.

For certain individuals who cannot meet their calcium needs from foods, calcium supplements are warranted. A number of factors influence the choice of calcium preparation. Individuals who need calcium supplements should choose one that contains a relatively high percentage of elemental calcium by weight, disintegrates readily, provides a form of calcium that is bioavailable and inexpensive and is free of toxicants. In general, absorption of calcium is most efficient when the supplement is consumed in doses of 200 mg or less. Intake of calcium supplements with vitamin D should be limited because of the risk for vitamin D toxicity.

For a good Calcium Magnesium Mineral Supplement  click here.

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