Rethinking Mineral Requirements: Why Do We Need Minerals?

Mineral.

 

When you hear this word, what do you think about? 

 

Maybe you imagine precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver. Or perhaps you think of finding certain minerals out in nature. 

 

You may not be thinking about consuming these minerals for your health! Truth is, there are many minerals that are essential and important parts of our diet.

 

The minerals that our bodies require are broken up into two categories: macrominerals and trace minerals

 

Some of these macrominerals and trace minerals are essential, meaning that our bodies cannot synthesize these minerals on their own, but require them for many functions. We need higher levels of macrominerals than we require trace minerals, but both are still important.

 

Like vitamins, minerals are micronutrients

 

Though different in structure (vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air, or acid, while minerals are inorganic and hold onto their chemical structure), many vitamins and minerals work together, and various minerals interact with each other as well. For example, vitamin D helps out calcium absorption, while having too much of either zinc or copper could lead to a deficiency in the other mineral.

 

Essential minerals our bodies need

Only five percent of the weight of a human being is mineral matter, but these minerals still provide a lot of benefits. There are a number of macrominerals and trace minerals that are considered essential for our bodies. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc.

 

The amounts that we require of macrominerals and trace minerals differ, even for the essential minerals. When noticing the serving amount of a specific mineral, it is important to note that macrominerals are measured in milligrams (mg) and trace minerals are measured in micrograms (mcg).

 

Just like we usually eat macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) in a meal together, many micronutrients are typically consumed together, too. This is why eating a nutrient-rich diet is important, so that you are able to get both the macronutrients you require, while also getting the benefits of the micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals) that your body depends on as well.

 

These essential minerals help perform many crucial functions in the body, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting energy levels, building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, providing oxygen to muscles, and much, much more. 

 

SHOP VITAMINS & MINERALS

 

The risks of insufficient mineral levels

By eating a nutrient-rich diet, you will have a better chance of getting decent levels of both the macro and micronutrients that your body needs. Yet, if you have any restrictions in your diet, it can be easier to become deficient in certain minerals.

 

There are some minerals that people are more commonly deficient in than others, and each has its own side effects when not getting enough of an essential nutrient.

 

Iron is one of the most common mineral deficiencies worldwide, as well as the leading cause of anemia worldwide. Menstruating women are typically more prone to a loss of iron because of their monthly blood loss. 

 

Additionally, vegetarians and vegans may have an increased risk of iron deficiency, since they are only obtaining non-heme iron (plant-derived), which does not absorb as well as heme iron (animal-derived). 

 

Product Recommendation

Liquid Iron

Overall health, Healthy energy metabolism, Cellular health

Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Iron

Overall health, Immune support, Cellular health

Iron Gummies

Essential mineral, Energy support, Cellular health

 

 About 2 billion people globally suffer from an iodine deficiency, with about 50 million of them having clinical manifestations from this health issue. Lactating women and children are the two groups most commonly found to be deficient in iodine.

 

Though it’s been found that the majority of people are subject to a magnesium deficiency, most cases are not diagnosed. Subclinical magnesium deficiency increases the risk of developing many cardiovascular diseases.

 

How to get the minerals your body needs

If you eat a well-balanced diet, you should receive a variety of minerals through the food you eat. But the way to truly tell if you have high enough levels of the nutrients that you need is to have a blood test done by a healthcare professional.

 

When your diet is providing you with the mineral levels you need, it may be time to turn to a supplement to ensure adequate nutrients. That is why MaryRuth’s created just the supplement for your exact needs!

 

The second supplement ever made by MaryRuth (after the Raspberry Liquid Morning Multivitamin!) is the Coconut Liquid Nighttime Multimineral. This liquid multimineral was formulated to contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace minerals and nutrients your body needs while you sleep — and even comes in cranberry or pineapple flavor, too! 

 

Plus, we have various stand-alone mineral supplements to choose from for your specific needs, such as Liquid Ionic Zinc or Magnesium Calm Gummies.

 

When it comes to your health, MaryRuth’s is here to make sure that you have the nutrients that your body needs to keep you living your best life and moving forward every day. 

 

Product Recommendation

Liquid Ionic Zinc, Strawberry & Lemon

Immune support, Antioxidant, Skin health

Nascent Iodine Liquid Drops

Thyroid support, Immune health, Metabolic health

K2 + D3 Calcium Gummies

Bone health, Heart health, Calcium absorption

 

 

Have a suggestion for a supplement that you need? Let us know! We love feedback.

 

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