Minerals

Minerals are inorganic elements and come from soil and water. Different plants and animals absorb mineral from plants and animals. Our body needs different inorganic minerals to function and sustain life. To fulfill the mineral demands of our body, we make plants or animals or both, a part of our diet. Our body need larger amount of calcium for growth, function and development. Our body also needs other minerals like chromium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium and zinc are needed in less quantity. Sometime these minerals also referred as trace minerals.


- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Trace Minerals
- Chromium
- Selenium


Calcium
Calcium is important especially in the childhood and teenage years. It is bone and teeth building mineral. It is very to have enough calcium in childhood days so that it fights against calcium loss later in life. Weak bones are prone to a disease called osteoporesis, which cause bones to become brittle and break easily. Many postmenopausal women are prone to this condition.


About 99% of our total of our total body calcium is stored in different bones and remaining 1% is found throughout the body in muscle, fluid cell and blood. Calcium is required for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, secretion of hormones and different enzymes and sending messages through the nervous system.
Some of the good sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, dark / green leafy vegetables, soy foods, orange juices, etc.


In 1997, the National Academy of Science set the Upper Limit (UL) of calcium intake as 2500 mg per day. Excess calcium can cause kidney stones. High blood calcium can minimize the concentration of other minerals in blood like iron, zinc, and / or magnesium etc.
If a person did not take calcium rich diet, calcium from bone is get used by the body in blood. Insufficient calcium ingestion, decreased calcium absorption, and increased calcium loss in urine can decrease total calcium in body that might cause osteoporosis and other problems related to low calcium.


The adverse conditions related with high calcium intake are hypercalcemia (high concentration of calcium in blood), kidney problems and other problems associated with low concentration of minerals.


Recommended Intake of Calcium:
Approximately, 1000 to 1300 mg per day.


Iron
Iron is one of the most abundant element / mineral in the earths’ crust. It is necessary for all life forms. Iron is an important part of many proteins and enzymes. It helps Red Blood Cells (RBCs’) to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
Deficiency of iron in human body develops disease like anemia. Symptoms of anemia are weakness and fatigue, lightheadedness, breath shortness, difficulty in maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers iron deficiency as one of the most nutritional disorder in the world. About 80 % of world’s population is iron deficient and 30% of this is affected with iron deficient anemia.
Some of the sources of iron are red meat, pork, fish, poultry, lentils, beans and soy foods, green leafy vegetables, raisins and fortified foods like grains, cereals, flour etc.


Recommended Intake of Iron:
Male - Approximately 11 milligrams per day.
Females - Approximately 15 milligrams per day




Magnesium
Magnesium is found abundantly in the body, it is necessary for good health and sustains life. Our bones hold about 50% of the total magnesium content. Remaining 50% is found inside the cells of body tissues and organs. About 1% of magnesium is contained in blood but the body works too hard to hold the magnesium in blood.
Over 300 biochemical reactions in the body need magnesium. Magnesium helps in normal functioning of muscles, heart, and immune system. Magnesium also maintains sugar level in blood and blood pressure. Magnesium also participates in protein synthesis and energy metabolism.


A deficiency of magnesium in the body results in the loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weakness. A slightly high deficiency of magnesium can result in numbness, tingling, muscle contraction and cramps, seizures, personality changes, heart problems and coronary spasms. Sever magnesium deficiency can result in hypocalcemia i.e. low levels of calcium in the blood.
Some sources of magnesium are whole grains and whole grain breads, bran cereals, nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables (like spinach), potatoes, yogurt, beans, avocados, bananas, kiwifruits, broccoli, shrimp and chocolates.


Recommended Intake of Magnesium:
Males: Approximately 410 milligrams per day.
Females: Approximately 360 milligrams per day.


Phosphorus
Phosphorus is contained in every cell membrane of the body. Phosphorus makes our bones and teeth healthy.
Phosphorus is found in almost all the foods. Some of the sources of Phosphorus are meat, fish, and milk and dairy product.


Recommended Intake of Phosphorus:
Approximately, 1250 milligram each day.


Potassium
Potassium supports our muscular and nervous system. Potassium also helps in water preservation in blood and tissues.
Some of the sources of potassium are potatoes with skin, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, bananas, dried fruits, citrus fruits, whole grain breads, bran cereals and legumes such as peas and lima beans.


Recommended Intake of Potassium:


Approximately 2000 milligrams per day.


Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral for the growth and development of our body. Zinc also plays key role in DNA synthesis, sexual development, and in maintenance of a strong immune system. Zinc also maintain our monitor our smell and taste sense.


Some of the sources of Zinc are poultry, red meat, oysters, seafoods, nuts, dried beans, soy foods, milk and dairy products, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals.
An excessive consumption of zinc in our diet can impair the immune system. The limit of Zinc consumption is less than 50 milligrams. Shortage of Zinc in our body system leads to diminished taste, wounds that takes longer to heal, and recurring infections that do not clear up easily.


Recommended Intake of Zinc:
Approximately, 10 milligrams per day.


Trace Minerals


The following minerals are required in trace amounts in the body.


Chromium


Chromium is a mineral that requires in trace amounts (very less quantity).
Chromium is found primarily in two forms:


- Chromium 3 i.e. trivalent chromium (3+), it is biologically active and found in food,
- Chromium 6: hexavalent chromium (6+), it is highly dangerous and toxic form of chromium and comes from industrial pollution.


Chromium 3 augments the action of insulin. Insulin is a hormone, its significance in the metabolism and storage of carbohydrates, fat, and protein in the body.
Some of the sources of Chromium 3 are meat, whole grain products, some fruits, vegetables, and spices.


Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that our body requires in very less quantity, though necessary. Selenium integrates with proteins and makes selenoproteins, the anti-oxidizing enzymes. Selenoproteins prevents the damage to cells from free radicals. Some selenoproteins help in thyroid functioning and plays vital role in immune system.


Some of the known sources of selenium are vegetables, meats, and seafoods.


The presence of selenium in food depends on the fact that either the soil where plants grown or animals fed contains selenium or not.






1. Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc with Vitamin D


Product Description
Nature Made Calcium, Magnesium & Zinc 3-pack/100-count




Product Features
- Three 100-count bottles (total of 300 tablets)
- Helps build strong bones and teeth
- Calcium strengthens bones and may help prevent osteoporosis
- Magnesium contributes to energy production and bone health
- Zinc aids in antioxidant processes






2. Vitafusion Calcium, Gummy Vitamins For Adults


Product Description
Vitafusion calcium, 500 mg, chewable gummy vitamins for adults, 100 ct




Product Features
- Great tasting creamy swirled fruit
- All natural colors and flavors
- Bone support with Vitamin D
- 2 gummies have as much calcium as 2-6oz glasses of milk
- 2 gummies have as much Vitamin D as 3 oz of salmon






3. Optimum Nutrition ZMA


Product Description
ZMA is the original Zinc-Magnesium dietary supplement developed by SNAC System, Inc. and the only one validated by published research. Patented Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate with Magnesium, and B6 Combination. Optimum Nutrition's ZMA is produced and packaged in our own state-of-the-art, OTC approved manufacturing facility.
Other Ingredients: Rice Powder, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate.
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take 2-3 capsules daily, preferably on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before bedtime, or use as directed by a physician or licensed nutritionist. For best results, men should use 3 capsules daily. The recommended dosage for women is 2 capsules per day. Avoid taking with dairy or other calcium-containing foods or supplements. Store in a cool, dry place.





Product Features
- One bottle containing 180 ZMA capsules
- With zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6
- To increase muscle strength and anabolic hormone levels
- Clinical trials have shown that ZMA can significantly increase anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in well-trained athletes
- May also help to increase endurance, muscle healing and growth, and restful sleep






4. Citracal Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D Maximum


Product Description
Calcium Supplement. Absorbed with or without food. Citracal Maximum is different. Citracal contains calcium citrate, a highly soluble form of calcium. Citracal does not require food or stomach acid for absorption. Citracal is the only (among leading calcium brands) one that is properly absorbed with or without food. No other brand can offer greater absorption. Citracal is gentle on the digestive system. Made in USA.




Product Features
- Ideal for people taking acid-reducing agents
- Stabilizes bone mass and help reduce the rate of bone loss
- Can be taken anytime, with or without food
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5. Solgar - Magnesium Citrate


Product Description
Solgar's Magnesium Citrate offers a high potency source of the essential mineral magnesium in its highly absorbable citrate form.




Product Features
- Serving Size - 2 tablets
- Does Not Contain: Sugar, salt, starch, corn, yeast, wheat, soy, dairy products, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.






6. iOSAT Potassium Iodide Tablets


Product Description
How Potassium Iodide Works Certain forms of iodine help your thyroid gland work right. Most people get the iodine they need from foods like iodized salt or fish. The thyroid can "store" or hold only a certain amount of iodine. In a radiation emergency, radioactive iodine may be released in the air. This material may be breathed or swallowed. It may enter the thyroid gland and damage it. The damage would probably not show itself for years. Children are most likely to have thyroid damage. If you take potassium iodide, it will fill up your thyroid gland. This reduces the chance that harmful radioactive iodine will enter the thyroid gland.




Product Features
- Please read all label information upon delivery
- Reduces chance of thyroid damage in a radiation emergency
- Safe for babies, children, pregnant and nursing women, those taking medicine for thyroid problem
- One dose every 24 hours for no more than 10 days
- Possible side effects include skin rash, swelling salivary glands, iodism