Medical Health Information

Minerals and trace elements: what is it?

Minerals and trace elements are "micronutrients".

Can be distinguished:

- Major minerals (or macro-) with inorganic salts such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium;

- Trace elements (or elements in trace amounts) with arsenic, boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, fluorine, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicon, vanadium and zinc.

All these elements must be made every day by feeding small amounts.
Other trace elements can be found in the body due to various pollutants (aluminum, cadmium, mercury, lead ...).

What is the use of minerals and trace elements to the body?

Minerals and trace elements are involved in many body functions:

- Bone mineralization;
- The balance control;
- Enzyme systems;
- Hormonal systems;
- Muscular and nervous systems;
- The immune system.
What are the main properties of minerals?
Calcium is involved in skeletal formation and maintenance of bone, nerve transmission, muscle contraction (along with magnesium and potassium) and blood clotting.
Its deficiency promotes neuromuscular excitability and weakens bones.
Chlorine is involved in the cellular balance with sodium and potassium.
Its deficiency causes muscle cramps and fatigue.
Magnesium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the functioning of many enzymes.
Its deficiency causes fatigue, muscle cramps, tremors and muscle spasms (spasms, tetany), difficulty falling asleep.
Phosphorus: 80 to 85% of phosphorus are associated with the calcium in the bones and teeth.
Its deficiency disrupts the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Potassium: essential to the balance of cells, it occurs at blood pressure, transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
Its deficiency causes fatigue, muscle cramps, cardiac arrhythmia, great thirst.
Sodium has an important role in the cells and muscles, it promotes water retention.
Its deficiency results in decreased blood pressure with risk of fatigue and disorientation, muscle cramps or dehydration status.

Minerals and trace elements Tips

What are the properties of the main micronutrients?
Chrome: it is necessary for the proper use of sugars and fats.
Its deficiency disrupts glucose in the blood and promotes increased cholesterol.
Copper: it helps fight against ear infections and is involved in the production of red blood cells.
Its deficiency promotes lower immune resistance and anemia.
Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin (blood forming).
Its deficiency results in decreased immune system, called deficiency anemia and severe fatigue.
Fluor: it prevents tooth decay.
Its deficiency promotes caries, tendonitis, muscle fatigue and muscle strain.
Iodine: It is essential for the production of thyroid hormone.
Its deficiency causes thyroid disorders.
Manganese: it promotes the effective use of sugars and fats, spoke on bone mineralization and in many enzymatic functions.
Its deficiency leads to lower blood sugar in the blood and joint disorders.
Molybdenum has a detoxification function and strengthens tooth enamel.
Its deficiency interferes with copper absorption and promotes gout (excess uric acid).
Selenium: it slows cellular aging and is involved in inflammatory and immune processes.
Its deficiency causes weakness with muscle pain, infection and inflammation, osteoarthritis.
Zinc is essential for growth and healing and has an important role in the functioning of many enzymes in the utilization of sugars, fats and proteins.
Its deficiency causes fatigue, decreased performance, inflammation, allergy, slow process of cell renewal, healing.

What should I be wary?

Be wary of taking regular and repeated dietary supplements rich in minerals and trace elements, which puts them at risk of overdose.