Name

Benefits

Deficiency

How It Helps &  Amount

CALCIUM

Maintains strong, healthy bones and teeth, which store 99% of the body's calcium supply; helps blood to clot; aids vitality and endurance; helps   regulate contraction and relaxation of muscles, including the heart , and menstrual cramps; aids absorption of many nutrients; activates enzymes in fat and protein digestion and energy production; and helps to low cholesterol levels, helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Can result in osteoporosis. Also tooth decay, cramps, insomnia, heart palpitations, irritability, and depression.

Protects against osteoporosis and gum disease; evidence demonstrates it may help fight colon cancer; recent studies show calcium deficiency may lead to hypertension; eases PMS distress. Amount: RDA 800-1200 mg.

MAGNESIUM

Necessary for Calcium and Vitamin C metabolism; essential for normal functioning of nervous and muscular system. Stabilized electrical signals in the heart; helps maintain normal insulin function; relaxes the arteries and muscles.  Can help prevent depression, dizziness, muscle weakness and twitching, and PMS.

Heart failure and other cardiac disorders. High blood pressure, nervousness, irritability, and cry spells. Muscle spasms, kidney damage and stones

May reduce risk of abnormal heart rhythms and osteoporosis; retards complications from diabetes, especially vision problems; promotes healthy pregnancy; helps lower cholesterol; relieves headache Amount: RDA 250-350 mg. recommended.

POTASSIUM

Necessary for normal muscle tone, nerves, heart action, enzyme reactions, and water utilization. Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, constipation, depression, edema, thirst, fluctuations in heartbeat, high cholesterol levels, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue, and respiratory distress.

Constipation, nervous disorders, extreme fatigue, low blood sugar, and muscular weakness. In the extreme, sodium poisoning, edema, high blood pressure, and heart failure

Stabilized heart rhythm and blood pressure; helps prevent stroke; boosts energy and strength by regulating transfer of nutrients through cell membranes .Amount: No RDA .  Suggestion 99 -200 mg.

IRON

Required in manufacture of hemoglobin; Found in red blood cells that carry  oxygen from lungs throughout body. Essential for many enzymes, and is important for growth and a healthy immune system. Iron deficiency includes anemia, brittle nails, fragile bones, hair loss, and slowed mental reactions.

Iron deficiency anemia with pallor of skin and tissue, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, deformed nail, and headaches. At risk: Those with bleeding hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, intestinal parasites, heavy menstrual flow, and closely spaced pregnancies.

Provides a sense of vitality and general well being; enhances resistance to infection; stimulates energy and stamina during exercise; ignites mental abilities. Amount: RDA 10-18 mg. 

ZINC

Helps normal tissue function, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Essential in prostate gland function and the growth of the reproductive organs. Help prevent acne and regulate the activity of oil glands. Promotes a healthy immune system and the healing of wounds.

Proneness to infection, slow healing, poor sense of taste and smell.

Improves immune response and promotes wound healing (in conjunction with manganese); may protect against atherosclerosis by keeping arteries flexible. Amount: RDA 15 mg. 

Name

Benefits

Deficiency

How It Helps &  Amount

BORON

Needed for healthy bones and for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Enhances brain function and promotes alertness. Helps prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis and build muscle.

poor metabolism of calcium

Protects against osteoporosis; enhances immune system and anti-inflammatory processes (in partnership with various forms of vitamin D).  Amount: No RDA.  Suggestion 2 mg.

CHROMIUM

Essential in stabling blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization, and can be helpful both for people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Stimulates activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis.

Hardening of the arteries and diabetes.

Believed to help fight Type ll diabetes (blood sugar elevations due chiefly to the body's inability to use insulin effectively) and related problems: hypoglycemia, weight gain, high insulin, cardiovascular disease. Amount: recommended 200 mcg.

COBALT

Stimulant to production of red blood cells; component of Vitamin B12; necessary for normal growth.

Amount: trace

COPPER

Necessary for absorption and utilization of iron; formation of red blood cells. It is involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring, and taste sensitivity. Is needed for healthy nerves and joints.Required for the production of white blood cell immune function; interacts with brain chemicals to enhance memory and mental activity.

Promotes wound healing, growth and thyroid hormone function; essential to fetal development; aids blood clotting; promotes sperm production and overall male reproductive health; helps the body fight cold viruses.

FLUORINE

May decrease incidence of dental caries.

Amount: trace

IODINE

Necessary for proper function of thyroid gland and assists in regulating cellular metabolic rates; essential for proper growth, energy and metabolism. Important for physical and mental development.

May help the body fight breast cancer; may stimulate energy levels; particularly important for mental and physical development in children; a deficiency may sometimes contribute to weight gain. 

MANGANESE

Activates various enzymes and other minerals; related to proper utilization of Vitamin B and E. Essential in the formation of cartilage and synovial (lubricating) fluid of the joints and for the synthesis of bone. A component and catalyst of several enzymatic processes; necessary for protein and carbohydrate breakdown and for fatty acid, cholesterol, red blood cell and urea synthesis.

Reduces and eases pain of prostate enlargement; battles atherosclerosis and heart disorders; may help lower cholesterol, promotes healthy function of the pancreas and the eyes.

MOLYBDENUM

Associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Play a part in iron and nitrogen metabolism; promotes normal cell functions

A low intake is associated with mouth and gum disorders and cancer. Promotes normal cell functions.

Low consumption associated with cancer, mouth and gum disorders and impotence in older men.

PHOSPHORUS

Needed for normal bone and tooth formation, cell growth, contraction of the heart muscle, and kidney function. A proper balance of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus is needed at all times. The body needs small daily amounts of 20 mg.

Helps slow heart-harmful plaque accumulation by taking part in processes that limit the oxidation of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream.

SELENIUM

Acts as a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system, and aids in the production of anti-bodies and to help maintain a healthy heart and liver. Been found to protect the liver in people with alcoholic cirrhosis

Loss of stamina

Amount: RDA 5-200mcg. Can be toxic in amounts over 400 mcg. per day.

SODIUM

Necessary for maintaining proper water balance and blood pH. Needed for stomach, nerve, and muscle function.

Amount: trace

SULPHUR

Vital to good skin, hair and nails. This mineral also disinfects the blood, helps the body to resist bacteria, and protects the protoplasm of cells. Is needed for the synthesis of collagen, a principal protein that gives the skin its structural integrity, Slows down the aging process.

Amount: trace

VANADIUM

Needed for cellular metabolism and for the formation of bones and teeth. Plays a role in growth and reproduction, and inhibits cholesterol synthesis

Amount: trace