Minerals

Minerals: Calcium, Potassium and much more...

Minerals, such as calcium and potassium are extremely important to the human
body. As important as vitamins are, they can do nothing for you without minerals. Vitamins
cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals. And though the body can manufacture a
few vitamins, it cannot manufacture a single mineral. All tissues and internal fluids of our body
contain varying quantities of minerals. Minerals are constituents of the bones, teeth, soft
tissue, muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are vital to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, including muscle
response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system, the production of
hormones, digestion, and the utilization of nutrients in foods. Below you will find some key
minerals and a brief description of each.
CALCIUM
Builds and maintains bones and teeth; regulates heart rhythm; eases insomnia; helps regulate
the passage of nutrients in & out of the cell walls; assists in normal blood clotting; helps
maintain proper nerve and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important to normal
kidney function and in current medical research reduces the incidence of colon cancer, and
reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening of bones, back
and leg cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis (a deterioration of the
bones), tooth decay, depression.
MAGNESIUM
Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart; maintains
normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood
sugar into energy.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in calcium depletion, heart spasms, nervousness, muscular
excitability, confusion; kidney stones.
IRON
Its major function is to combine with protein and copper in making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin
transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues which need oxygen to maintain
basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress
and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin which is found only in muscle
tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to muscle cells for use in the chemical reaction that results
in muscle contraction. Iron also prevent fatigue and promotes good skin tone.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, anemia.
IODINE
Aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland; regulates the body's production
of energy; helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism; mentality, speech, the
condition of the hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland.

Deficiency Symptoms: May result in an enlarged thyroid gland, slow mental reaction, dry skin
& hair, weight gain, loss of physical & mental vigor.
COPPER
Necessary for the absorption & utilization of Iron; helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with
Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief component of the Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body;
aids in the formation of red blood cells; helps proper bone formation & maintenance.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in general weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores.
ZINC
Is an antioxidant nutrient; necessary for protein synthesis; wound healing; vital for the
development of the reproductive organs, prostate functions and male hormone activity; it
governs the contractility of muscles; important for blood stability; maintains the body's
alkaline balance; helps in normal tissue function; aids in the digestion and metabolism of
phosphorus.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in delayed sexual maturity, prolonged healing wounds, white
spots on finger nails, retarded growth, stretch marks, fatigue, decreased alertness,
susceptibility to infections.
MANGANESE
An antioxidant nutrient; important in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production
of energy; necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E; Activates various
enzymes which are important for proper digestion & utilization of foods; is a catalyst in the
breakdown of fats & cholesterol; helps nourish the nerves and brain; necessary for normal
skeletal development; maintains sex hormone production.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, loss of hearing,
digestive problems, blindness and deafness in infants.
CHROMIUM
Works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels; cleans the
arteries by reducing Cholesterol & Triglyceride levels; helps transport amino acids to where the
body needs them; helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons with
low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to having cancer and heart
problems and becoming diabetic.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in glucose intolerance in diabetics; arteriosclerosis, heart
disease, depressed growth, obesity, tiredness.
POTASSIUM
Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms; aids in
clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain; preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids;
stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high blood
pressure; promotes healthy skin.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in poor reflexes, nervous disorders, respiratory failure,
cardiac arrest, muscle damage.

SELENIUM
A major antioxidant nutrient, protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation
thereby decreasing the risk of cancer and disease of the heart and blood vessels. Medical
surveys show that increased selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung and
prostate cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity; slows down the aging and hardening
of tissues through oxidation; helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff.
Deficiency Symptoms: May result in premature aging, heart disease, dandruff, loose skin.
TRACE MINERALS
Minerals that occur in tiny amounts or traces. They play a major role in health, since even
minute portions of them can powerfully affect health. They are essential in the assimilation
and utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and provide the catalyst
for many hormones, enzymes and essential body functions and reactions. they also aid in
replacing electrolytes lost through heavy perspiration or extended diarrhea and protects
against toxic reaction and heavy metal poisoning.
With proper nutrition, a balanced diet and exercise you will improve the quality of your life.
When this is accomplished, any individual can enhance their health. At Supplement Central, it
is easy to find just what you need and get information about minerals, such as calcium and
potassium supplements and other nutritional supplementation. If you have questions, or
are ready to start experiencing these benefits in your life contact us today.