Are Mineral Supplements For You?

It’s a known fact: you need dietary supplements to survive. Every single cell in your body uses at least one type of mineral to maintain itself. Scientists have identified fourteen separate minerals your body needs, and if you don’t get them from your diet, you may need to turn to supplements. Potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iodine and selenium are all vital to your body. Most minerals can be found naturally in foods. Red meats, fish, leafy green vegetables, and dairy products like milk, eggs and cheese are all great sources of one or more mineral.

When a person’s body is deficient in a certain type of mineral, you might prefer to take a supplement, rather than adjust your diet too drastically. Some scientists even believe that, no matter how perfect your diet is, supplements are still needed! There are different types of mineral supplements. Some supplements contain both vitamins and minerals. There are chelated mineral substances as well. Minerals are naturally converted into chelated form during digestion, but some people have problems with that process. Buying chelated mineral supplements helps their bodies absorb the mineral much faster, since the work has been done for them already.

Some vitamins and minerals go together more naturally than others. Synergistic minerals are minerals that are enhanced w hen taken with other vitamins or minerals. For example, your body absorbs iron better when it’s taken with copper of vitamin C.

Some people may also choose herbal supplements. Herbal supplements are plant-based, easier on the digestive system and contain fewer chemicals. All that means there are fewer chances of side-effects. They may also choose to take their supplements in powder form, because powders are easier to swallow and digest.

Lots of places sell mineral supplements known as multivitamins. These supplements contain more than one type of mineral. While this can cut down on the amount of supplements you’re taking, it also presents a danger of overdose. Just like any substance, it is possible to have too much of something, and having too much always leads to negative side-effects. Only take mineral supplements if you have been diagnosed by a physician as mineral-deficient in some way.

While it’s impossible to deny that mineral supplements can sometimes be necessary, remember to be careful when you make your choices. Talk to your doctor and do your own research. Nobody knows your body like you do, so you’ll know if and when it’s time to turn to mineral supplements.