Minerals
The foundation elements. Minerals are inorganic nutrients your body can't make—you must get them from food or supplements. They form structure (bones, teeth), enable enzymes, and conduct electrical signals. Balance and ratios matter as much as absolute amounts.
Macro Minerals
Calcium
Bones, teeth, muscle contraction. Most abundant mineral. Needs K2 to direct.
Magnesium
300+ enzyme reactions. Energy, relaxation. Most common deficiency.
Potassium
Electrolyte, blood pressure. Works with sodium. Most don't get enough.
Sodium
Fluid balance, nerves. Often demonized. Low sodium has risks too.
Phosphorus
ATP, bones, DNA. Rarely deficient. Balance with calcium.
Sulfur
Detox, joints, protein. From amino acids. Cruciferous vegetables.
Trace Minerals
Zinc
Immune function, taste, wound healing. 300+ enzymes. Competes with copper.
Iron
Oxygen transport, energy. Both deficiency and excess harmful. Test before supplementing.
Copper
Iron metabolism, energy. Ceruloplasmin. Balance with zinc crucial.
Selenium
Thyroid conversion, glutathione. Cancer prevention. Narrow therapeutic range.
Iodine
Thyroid hormones, breast health. Many deficient. Selenium needed first.
Manganese
Bone formation, SOD enzyme. Usually adequate from diet.
Key Mineral Concepts
Ratios Matter
Zinc:copper, calcium:magnesium, sodium:potassium. Balance is key.
Soil Depletion
Modern farming depletes minerals. Food has less than decades ago.
HTMA Testing
Hair tissue mineral analysis shows long-term status and ratios.