Essential Minerals

Sixteen minerals are required to support human biochemical processes by playing roles in cell structure and function as well as electrolytes ( How to increase daily mineral intake? ):

1. Calcium is needed for muscle, heart and digestive system health, builds bone, supports synthesis and function of blood cells. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, canned fish with bones (salmon, sardines), green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. ( Calphonite^™ a great source for liquid calcium.)

2. Chloride is needed for production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and in cellular pump functions. Table salt is the main dietary source of chloride.

3. Cobalt - vitamin B12.

4. Copper is required component of many redox enzymes, including cytochrome c oxidase.

5. Iodine is required for the biosynthesis of thyroxine.

6. Iron is required for many proteins and enzymes, notably hemoglobin. Dietary sources include red meat, leafy green vegetables, fish (tuna, salmon), eggs, dried fruits, beans, whole grains, and enriched grains.

7. Magnesium is required for processing ATP and for bones. Dietary sources include nuts, soy beans, and cocoa.

8. Manganese is a cofactor in enzyme functions.

9. Molybdenum - xanthine oxidase and related oxidases.

10. Nickel - urease

11. Phosphorus is a component of bones (see apatite) and energy processing and many other functions.

12. Potassium is a systemic electrolyte and is essential in coregulating ATP with sodium. Dietary sources include legumes, potato skin, tomatoes, and bananas.

13. Selenium, a cofactor essential to activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase.

14. Sodium is a systemic electrolyte and is essential in coregulating ATP with potassium. Dietary sources include table salt (sodium chloride, the main source), sea vegetables, milk, and spinach.

15. Sulfur - cysteine and methionine

16. Zinc is pervasive and required for several enzymes such as carboxypeptidase, liver alcohol dehydrogenase, and carbonic anhydrase.