Trace minerals are needed by the body in small amounts. These elements often go unnoticed due to the extraordinarily small levels that are present in our bodies. Although, the quantities are small, the role that they play on proper heath is crucial.

Can We Get Proper Nutrition from Food?

It seems that when you compare the nutrient content of foods from the 60’s with today, there has been a significant reduction in nutritional value. Studies that examined vegetables, for example, have shown that spinach has lost 10% of the magnesium level and beets have 10% less potassium. Over 70 trace minerals used to exist in our soils, but now only a handful are being replenished by methods of modern farming. Organic farming methods, on the other hand, offer many benefits including replenishing trace minerals.

When our soils have less trace minerals present, then ultimately there would be less  in our fruits and vegetables as well as the grains that we eat and feed to livestock. As a result, cattle farmers also need to supplement their cattle feed with trace minerals to make up for the deficiencies.

The Importance of Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are required by the body to aid the proper utilization of vitamins and minerals in the body. In fact, various vitamins and minerals need trace minerals to effectively carry out their purpose in the body. Many times our only option to obtain these vital nutrients is through supplementation.

Particular trace minerals play various roles in keeping the body healthy. Although 60 different minerals are found in human blood, the importance of some micronutrients are still being determined. Here’s a list of essential trace minerals and their role in the human body:

Boron is an important element to promote healthy bones and joints that aids Vitamin D in prostate health, metabolism and regulation of hormone levels.

Chromium aids in sugar and fat metabolism. Toxicity is rare since the body absorbs less than 10% of this mineral.

Cobalt is an essential component of vitamin B12. This means that in order for vitamin B12 to function properly, it needs the presence of cobalt.

Copper is essential to zinc, vitamin C, and iron. Copper deficiencies have also been connected to weak bones. It works with calcium to increase bone density.

Fluorine is beneficial for bones and teeth. However, excessive amounts can actually stain teeth.

Iodine helps the thyroid glands produce the hormones that regulate the fat to energy conversion that affects our cholesterol levels. These hormones also keep our bones, skin, nails, hair and teeth healthy.

Iron carries oxygen and helps to form hemoglobin in red blood cells as well as myoglobin in muscle tissue.

Manganese works with copper and calcium to decrease bone loss and increase bone health. It also allows the body to utilize vitamins C, B1, choline and biotin. It’s thought to help stimulate connective tissue growth and brain development, as well as neutralize free radicals.

Molybdenum helps to break down toxic build up in the body. Its antioxidant properties have been connected to help fight cancer and gum disorders and prevent anemia and impotency.

Nickel can facilitate the functioning of other nutrients such as calcium.

Selenium has a positive impact on bone and joint health and may help reduce the likelihood of osteoarthritis. It has also been connected to anti-aging properties and ridding of free radicals and toxic minerals.

Silicon or Silica provides benefits to bone, tendon, artery, and cartilage health and development. It may also assist the immune system.

Vanadium has an effect on bone health and has been shown to stimulate bone cell proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. It assists with cell division and healthy tissue. It helps with muscle growth and the synthesis of protein, cone metabolism, and collagen production.

Take a look at the references for a few resources pertaining to trace minerals.