A-Z mineral supplements Articles

Boron is a mineral that is needed in small amounts by the body and is therefore called a trace mineral. It is needed for the normal growth and renewal of bone and muscle. A boron supplement supports bone growth by aiding in the conversion of vitamin D into its active form. Vitamin D then regulates the uptake of bone building minerals in the intestine and oversees the cells that regulate the process of bone renewal.

Key Benefits of Boron Supplements

• Helps Keep Calcium & Magnesium Levels Balanced
• Supports Normal Functioning of Muscles
• Facilitates Production of Hormones (ie. estrogen and testosterone)
• By Supporting Estrogen Production, It Enhances Activity of Bone-Building Osteoclasts
• By Supporting Testosterone, It Increases Body’s Muscle Building Abilities

Who Would Benefit From Taking A Boron Supplement?

Boron is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boron Supplement Varieties: Formats, Potency & More

In Canada the use of boron supplements was recently approved for sale. It is difficult to find boron in multivitamin/mineral supplements or bone supporting formulas, but a few do exist. Boron may also be available as a single mineral in tablet form.

Chelated or citrated boron supplements are easier for the body to use. Chelated simply means that boron is bonded to a protein molecule, for example aspartate or glycinate, and citrated means that boron is bonded to a citrate molecule. Both processes enhance boron’s absorption in the intestinal tract.

Cautions & Considerations

Boron is not depleted by conventional medication nor are there any reported drug-nutrient reactions with boron.

Manganese is a trace mineral, meaning it is only needed in tiny amounts by the body. Trace minerals are important for overall health and manganese contributes to many health benefits. Let's explore this supplement's advantages for good health. 

Key Health Benefits of Manganese

Manganese is used to speed up chemical reactions in the body that involve energy production, fat metabolism and protein metabolism. Because it breaks down fats and proteins, it is useful for supporting those with diabetes, when fat and protein are often called upon as an energy source for the cells.

It is also part of synthesising bone, cartilage and joint fluid. Manganese helps to calm the nervous system, in conjunction with the vitamins of the B complex. Manganese benefits red blood cells by being a component of their antioxidant defences, through the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Manganese is used by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including epilepsy, diabetes, iron-deficiency anemia, and osteoporosis.

Shopping For Quality Manganese Supplements

Chelated manganese supplements are usually found in health food stores. Chelated simply means that manganese is bonded to a protein molecule, for example, aspartate, glycinate, gluconate, picolinate, etc. Manganese is found in tablet form.

Large doses of calcium and phosphorus inhibit the absorption of manganese. Manganese is also not absorbed well when it is taken with high-fibre foods and foods containing phytic acid (legumes), milk and meat.

Potential Side Effects & Considerations

The symptoms of manganese toxicity include tremors, muscle spasms, hearing problems, mania, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, weakness, and mood changes. If you experience these symptoms it is advised to stop taking these supplements and see a health care practitioner if necessary. 

Phosphorus is used for more biological processes than any other mineral. It is required for the production of ATP, the molecule which stores and transports energy in the cell. In the bloodstream, it is used as a buffer to maintain the body’s acid/base balance. This mineral makes up the backbone of DNA and RNA, our genetic material.

Key Benefits of Phosphorus

This mineral is used to make bones, and teeth and regulate muscle contraction and blood clotting. It performs these functions with other minerals including calcium and magnesium.

What To Look For In A Phosphorus Supplement

It is important for this mineral to be in proper balance with the minerals calcium and magnesium. The optimal ratio is 2 calcium:1 magnesium: 1 phosphorus. With all of these important functions, it is hard to believe that phosphorus rarely requires supplementation.

Phosphorus Supplement Varieties

These supplements are usually taken in the4=rough the use of bone meal. Available as a powder, tablet or capsule. Bone meal supplements with added vitamin D, for absorption, are superior. Ensure that the bone meal has been tested and is free of heavy metals, like lead, which tend to accumulate in the bones.

Small amounts of phosphorus may be added to calcium/magnesium complexes. This mineral is also contained in supplements of phosphatidyl choline and serine. These supplements are used because they build cell membranes and metabolize fats.

Potential Side Effects & Cautions

Deficiency of this mineral is rare because most foods contain it.

Excessive intake of phosphorus, most often from junk foods and carbonated drinks, is more of a concern because it interferes with calcium and magnesium absorption. It is a causative factor in calcium deficiency.

Individuals who are over forty have a decreased ability to excrete this mineral from the kidneys and are especially susceptible to calcium deficiency. Phosphorus is depleted by digoxin, antacids containing magnesium and aluminium, diuretics, mineral oil and colchicine.