The human body needs many minerals; these are called essential minerals. Essential minerals are basically divided up into major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). These two groups of minerals are equally important, but trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts than major minerals. The amounts needed in the body are not an indication of their importance.
A balanced diet usually provides all of the essential minerals. Animal foods are generally the best sources of minerals, because they tend to contain minerals in proportions humans need. Large amounts of plant foods tend to pull minerals like iron and zinc out of the stool with excess fiber. Unlike vitamins, minerals are not damaged by heat or lights, but some can be lost in excess cooking water. The two tables below list: minerals, what they do in the body (their functions), and their sources in food. [1] †
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Macrominerals (Major minerals) |
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needed in amounts of 100mg to 1000mg (1gm) |
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Mineral |
Function |
Sources |
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Sodium |
Needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction |
Table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, breads, vegetables, and unprocessed meats |
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Chloride |
Needed for proper fluid balance, stomach acid |
Table salt, soy sauce; large amounts in processed foods; small amounts in milk, meats, breads, and vegetables |
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Potassium |
Needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction |
Meats, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes |
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Calcium |
Important for healthy bones and teeth; helps muscles relax and contract; important in nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, immune system health |
Milk and milk products; canned fish with bones (salmon, sardines); fortified tofu and fortified soy milk; greens (broccoli, mustard greens); legumes |
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Phosphorus |
Important for healthy bones and teeth; found in every cell; part of the system that maintains acid-base balance |
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, processed foods (including soda pop) |
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Magnesium |
Found in bones; needed for making protein, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, immune system health |
Nuts and seeds; legumes; leafy, green vegetables; seafood; chocolate; artichokes; "hard" drinking water |
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Sulfur |
Found in protein molecules |
Occurs in foods as part of protein: meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, legumes, nuts |
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Trace minerals (microminerals) |
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The body needs trace minerals in very small amounts. Note that iron is considered to be a trace mineral, although the amount needed is somewhat more than for other microminerals. |
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Mineral |
Function |
Sources |
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Iron |
Part of a molecule (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the body; needed for energy metabolism |
Organ meats; red meats; fish; poultry; shellfish (especially clams); egg yolks; legumes; dried fruits; dark, leafy greens; iron-enriched breads and cereals; and fortified cereals |
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Zinc |
Part of many enzymes; needed for making protein and genetic material; has a function in taste perception, wound healing, normal fetal development, production of sperm, normal growth and sexual maturation, immune system health |
Meats, fish, poultry, leavened whole grains, vegetables |
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Iodine |
Found in thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth, development, and metabolism |
Seafood, foods grown in iodine-rich soil, iodized salt, bread, dairy products |
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Selenium |
Antioxidant |
Meats, seafood, grains |
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Copper |
Part of many enzymes; needed for iron metabolism |
Legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, organ meats, drinking water |
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Manganese |
Part of many enzymes |
Widespread in foods, especially plant foods |
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Fluoride |
Involved in formation of bones and teeth; helps prevent tooth decay |
Drinking water (either fluoridated or naturally containing fluoride), fish, and most teas |
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Chromium |
Works closely with insulin to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels |
Unrefined foods, especially liver, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, cheeses |
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Molybdenum |
Part of some enzymes |
Legumes; breads and grains; leafy greens; leafy, green vegetables; milk; liver |
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Other trace nutrients known to be essential in tiny amounts include nickel, silicon, vanadium, and cobalt. |
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These minerals are required for normal functioning of the human body. Everything depends on them; they help the body produce energy, heal and grow.
Some roles that minerals are involved in include (but not limited to):
- Formation of bones and teeth;
- They are essential constituents of body fluids and tissues;
- blood health,
- muscle tone and body fluids
- They are components of enzyme systems and they are involved in normal healthy nerve function.
- Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.
- Help regulate metabolism
A proper balance of minerals is very important. The levels of many minerals are affected when one mineral gets out of balance. This could lead to illness. †
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Minerals is a balanced formula that is designed to deliver the necessary minerals needed by the body. This formula includes both macrominerals and microminerals of which many are chelated, better improving their bioavailability/absorption. Our formula also contains as well as patented ingredients: L-OptiZinc® & ChromeMate®. L-OptiZinc®is a unique mineral chelate that pairs zinc with the amino acid L-methionine. Research studies show that L-OptiZinc® is better absorbed than other forms of zinc and that plasma levels remain higher compared to other zinc forms. Zinc is an essential mineral involved in many cellular functions including muscle function, aging, skin and immune health. Whereas, ChromeMate® is a patented, niacin-bound form of the essential mineral chromium shown to efficiently support blood sugar and lipid metabolism.†
†Features:
- Provides chelated minerals that have been shown in studies to be better absorbed and utilized by the body. These minerals are essential for bone health, energy production, antioxidant and immune support, as well as overall metabolism.†
- Contains branded and trademarked ingredients L-OptiZinc®, and ChromeMate®, both of which have numerous scientific studies to support their efficacy and safety.
- ChromeMate® - brand chromium consists of chromium bound to niacin, two nutrients essential for cholesterol and fat metabolism.† This ingredient, ChromeMate® is an oxygen-coordinated niacin-bound chromium complex that plays an important role in supporting healthy insulin function, maintenance of healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.† ChromeMate® has numerous scientific studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy in supporting healthy blood glucose metabolism, particularly helping to support normal, healthy insulin function.†
- L-OptiZinc® is better absorbed and more bioavailable than other forms of zinc.† It also does not interfere with copper absorption and is not affected by dietary fiber as are other forms of zinc.†
†Benefits [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]:
- Magnesium is helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart attack, cramps, diabetes, alcoholism, menopause and asthma. It is needed to maintain bone health and is essential in pregnancy. There is a proven association between magnesium and reduction of anxiety and stress. It releases chemicals in body which produce calming effect and induce sleep.
- Potassium is beneficial in regulating low blood sugar levels, blood pressure, preventing heart diseases, enhancing the circulation of water in the body, eliminating symptoms associated with muscle disorders and cramps, enhances the functioning of the brain, manages diabetes, rectifies kidney problems and also manage arthritic symptoms.
- Calcium is an essential mineral which is required for optimum health of bones. It is useful in preventing osteoporosis, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, insomnia, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and cramps. It can also be used in prevention of obesity, colon cancer, acidity, heart ailments, and high blood pressure and in improving dental health.
- Selenium is a rare mineral which is one of the most powerful antioxidants and hence has a protective effect.
- Iodine plays a key role in alleviating goitre, fibrocystic breast disease, skin problems, cancer. It is an essential mineral in promoting the quality of hair, metabolism and healthy pregnancy.
- Copper improves the absorption of iron in the body and helps in improving brain function, relaxing arthritis, promoting healthy skin, alleviating throat infections, curing hemoglobin deficiency, preventing heart problems and enhancing immunity.
- Manganese is one of the essential minerals playing an effective role in managing metabolism, osteoporosis reduce fatigue, reproduction, sprains, inflammation, brain function and epilepsy.
- Iron is a significant factor involved in hemoglobin formation, metabolism, muscle activity, brain function and immunity. It also plays a role in anemia, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and regulation of body temperature. Deficiency of iron is seen as muscle weakness, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and poor function of cognitive abilities.
- Molybdenum is an essential mineral in the body, just like iron and magnesium. Though your body only needs tiny amounts, it is vital for many processes in your body. it's a key component of many vital functions. Without it, deadly sulfites and toxins would build up in your body. Once you eat it, it is absorbed into your blood from your stomach and gut, then carried to your liver, kidneys and other areas. Some of this mineral is stored in the liver and kidneys, but most of it is converted into a molybdenum cofactor. Molybdenum acts as a cofactor for four enzymes which are involved in processing sulfites and breaking down waste products and toxins in the body. Any excess molybdenum is then passed in urine. In a few cases, low molybdenum content in the soil has been linked to esophageal cancer. However, since the average daily intake of molybdenum in the US exceeds the RDA, deficiency is extremely rare.
- Zinc is good for optimizing the health of the skin. It takes care of eczema acne, wounds, cold, weight loss, pregnancy, hair, eyes, and associated problems. ***Learn more about Zinc and its essential roles & benefits under Dr. Kenawy’s products section here “L-OptiZinc”. Or here “Chelated Zinc” ***
- Boron plays a role in maintaining bone health, brain function, acts as an anti-aging agent and improves sexual health. It also prevents cancer, reduces muscle pain and can cure Alzheimer’s disease
- Chromium is required in trace amounts and is essential for the uptake of sugar in the body. It stimulates the formation of fatty acids and cholesterol in the body.
- Vitamin D is essential for several reasons, it has multiple roles in the body and it assist in (but not limited to):
- promoting healthy bones and teeth (ie: Vitamin D plays a significant role in the regulation of calcium and maintenance of phosphorus levels in the blood. These factors are vital for maintaining healthy bones.) supporting immune, brain, and nervous system health (eg: A 2018 review of existing research suggested that some studies had found that vitamin D had a protective effect against the influenza virus.)
- regulating insulin levels and supporting diabetes management
- supporting lung function and cardiovascular health
- influencing the expression of genes involved in cancer development
- healthy pregnancy
***To learn more about Vitamin D and Dr. Kenawy’s Vitamin D3 supplementation, click one of the following: 1000IU, 2000IU, 5000IU***
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a medicinal herb in the Equisetaceae family of plants. One of the most interesting benefits of horsetail is how nutrient dense it is. Horsetail contains the following nutrients: Vitamin C, B vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Electrolytes (like potassium, calcium, and magnesium), Iron, Zinc, Copper. Horsetail also contains Kynurenic acid, which reduces inflammation and pain, as well as silica, which supports collagen production. It also contains chlorophyll, known to fight cancer by preventing the cytotoxic and hyperproliferative effects of iron metabolism. Additionally, research suggests that horsetail has antioxidant properties and may even inhibit cancer cell growth because of this. The above-ground part of the plant is what is used for herbal medicine. It has been used traditionally for many ailments and to support natural health:
- Hair, bone, nail, and skin health
- Mouth and throat health
- Healing wounds
- Viral infections
- Digestion help
- Cardiovascular and respiratory ailments
- Bladder problems (including bed-wetting)
- Bleeding issues
- Immune system support
- Vanadium is a mineral found in bone tissue and has been used as a natural remedy for a number of health conditions, including:
- Anemia
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Heart disease
- Edema
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Betaine Hydrochloride is a chemical substance used as medicine. Betaine hydrochloride is recommended by some doctors as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria).Some of its uses include treating abnormally low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), hay fever, “tired blood” (anemia), asthma, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), yeast infections, diarrhea, food allergies, gallstones, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and thyroid disorders. It is also used to protect the liver.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Minerals: Their Functions and Sources | Michigan Medicine. (n.d.). Michigan Medicine University of Michigan. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ta3912
[2] Top Foods Rich in Essential Minerals. (2019). Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/top-foods-rich-in-essential-minerals.htm
[3] Ware, M. R. (2019, November 7). What are the health benefits of vitamin D? Healthline Media. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618#benefits
[4] Benefits and Uses of Horsetail (Shavegrass). (n.d.). Wellness Mama®. https://wellnessmama.com/8592/horsetail-herb-profile/
[5] Betaine Hydrochloride: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-312/betaine-hydrochloride
[6] Health Topics A-Z. (n.d.). PeaceHealth. https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2808009