About the minerals and trace elements:

Although certain body processes are attributed to certain minerals,
each mineral needs one or more other minerals to properly function.
For instance, a proper calcium-phosphorus balance is necessary to
the body in that an imbalance reduces resistance to disease,
increases fatigue, weakens intellectual faculties and leads to
premature ageing. Magnesium can only be used if calcium and
phosphorus are in a proper balance. An overabundance of one mineral
can result in a deficiency of another. Obtaining minerals from whole
food sources provides the body with the wide variety of minerals it
needs. Supplementing with one or two minerals is rarely a good idea
unless it is under the supervision of a doctor or nutritional
counselor.

Chloride

Chloride, along with sodium, regulates the acid/alkali balance in
the body. It is also necessary for the production of gastric acid
which is a component of hydrochloric acid (HCl).


Iron

Only trace amounts of iron are essential for living cells of plants
and animals. Iron has the ability to interact reversibly with oxygen
and to function in electron transfer reactions that makes it
biologically indispensable. Iron is necessary for cell function and
blood utilization. Blood loss is the most common cause of iron
deficiency. Pallor and extreme fatigue are the symptoms of iron
deficiency anemia.

Sodium

Sodium regulates the pH of intracellular fluids and with potassium,
regulates the acid/ alkali balance in the body. Sodium and chloride
are necessary for maintaining osmosis and electrolyte balance.


Aluminum

Aluminum is a natural component of many foods. Although it is found
in small quantities in plant and animal tissues and in blood and
urine, there is no evidence that this element is essential for any
metabolic function in humans or animals. In fact, there is evidence
that elevated aluminum can result in neurological disorders, bone
disease, gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite and loss of
energy.

Because aluminum is a natural constituent of some foods and is in a
growing number of modern foods and pharmaceutical preparations, an
understanding of aluminum and aluminum containing foods and cooking
utensils can benefit all people. In healthy people, more than 98% of
the ingested aluminum is passed through the gastrointestinal tract.
Silicon, a constituent of Celtic Sea Salt (see above), prevents the
absorption of aluminum and actually helps the body eliminate
aluminum that is bound in the tissues.

Sulfur

Sulfur is found in all cells, especially in skin, connective
tissues, and hair. Inadequate dietary sulfur has been associated
with skin and nail diseases. Increased intake of dietary sulfur
sometimes helps psoriasis and rheumatic conditions.
Strontium

Strontium (not Strontium 90, the radioactive form of the element)
may help harden the calcium-magnesium-phosphorus structures of the
body. Strontium may influence the intake or structural use of
calcium, according to Bernard Jensen, Ph.D.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral of primary importance in the body because it
aids in the activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main
energy source for cell functioning. Magnesium also activates several
enzyme systems and is important for the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle contraction and important
for the synthesis of several amino acids.

Zinc

Although adults only require an average of 15 mg of zinc per day,
zinc is a very important trace element that is essential to many
biological factors. Zinc is required for growth, for immune system
function, and for sexual development. Zinc is a cofactor in over 90
enzymes. Zinc is required for the synthesis of insulin. Proper zinc
metabolism is needed for wound healing, and carbohydrate and protein
metabolism. Zinc is considered an antibacterial factor in the
prostatic fluid, and may contribute to the prevention of chronic
bacterial prostatitis and urinary tract infections.

Potassium

Potassium exists primarily in intracellular fluids (the fluid inside
cells). Potassium stimulates nerve impulses and muscle contractions
and is important for the maintenance of osmotic pressure. Potassium
regulates the body's acid-alkali balance, stimulates kidney and
adrenal functioning, and assists in converting glucose to glycogen.
Also, potassium is important for biosynthesis of protein.
Gallium

Gallium has no known biological role, although it may stimulate
metabolism. Small concentrations of gallium are normally found in
human tissue.

Calcium

Calcium is necessary to build healthy bones and teeth. Calcium
influences blood coagulation, stimulates muscles and nerves, and
acts a s a cofactor for vitamin D and the function of the
parathyroid gland. Muscles cannot contract without calcium. Calcium
is essential for the regulation of heartbeat. Calcium depletion can
result in a number of symptoms, the most notable is osteoporosis
which results in decreased bone mass and increased chances of bone
breakage.
Titanium

Titanium is an abundant mineral, yet it appears to have no function
to plant and animal life. In general, humans may eat and excrete
titanium with no side effects as it is considered essentially
nontoxic. Titanium may be carcinogenic, but not at the levels humans
are generally exposed to.

Silicon

Silicon is necessary for normal growth and bone formation. With
calcium, silicon is a contributing factor in good skeletal
integrity. Silicon is a main component of osteoblasts, the bone
forming cells. Silicon may help to maintain youthful skin, hair and
nails.
Fluoride

Fluoride has a direct effect on the calcium and phosphate metabolism
and in small amounts may reduce osteoporosis. Trace amounts of
fluoride produce stronger tooth enamel that is more resistant to
bacterial degradation. However, an increased intake through
fluoridated drinking water can potentially overload the human
system.

Copper

Copper facilitates in the absorption of iron and supports vitamin C
absorption. Copper is also involved in protein synthesis and an
important factor in the production of RNA.
Rubidium

Rubidium has a close physiochemical relationship to potassium. In
fact, it may have the ability to act as a nutritional substitute for
potassium. Although rubidium is not considered "essential," some
evidence suggests that rubidium may have a role in free radical
pathology and serve as a mineral transporter across defective cell
membranes, especially in cells associated with aging. Clinical
studies have suggested that rubidium increases memory and mental
acuity in the elderly.

Tin

Small amounts of tin appear to be necessary for normal growth.
Because tin is common in soil, foods, and water, deficiencies are
rare. Because of poor absorption, low tissue accumulation and rapid
tissue turnover, tin has a low level of toxicity.
Sources:
Blaurock-Busch, E. pH.D. Mineral and Trace Element Analysis.
Boulder, CO. TMI/MTM Books. 1996.

Jensen, B. DC, pH.D. Come Alive! Total Health through an
Understanding of Minerals, Trace Elements & Electrolytes. Escondido,
CA. Jensen. 1997.

Bergner, P. The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and
Trace Elements. Rocklin, CA. Pima Publishing. 1997.

Fallon, S. Nourishing Traditions. Washington D.C. New Trends
Publishing. 1999.

Manganese

Manganese is essential for glucose utilization, for lipid synthesis
and for lipid metabolism. Manganese plays a role in cholesterol
metabolism and pancreatic function and development. Manganese in
involved in normal skeletal growth and it activates enzyme
functions.

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Claudio Acuña
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