From a purple or clear crystal-like rock sparkling in the sun to perhaps the most popular visualization, which comes from the epic adventure of Superman – the green glow of Kryptonite; these are some of the physical traits of the inorganic elements known as minerals which our bodies need to sustain good health and a balanced nutrition. By providing structure to the bones and teeth, participating in energy production, building proteins, forming blood and assisting with several other metabolic processes, the importance of minerals go far beyond what the eyes can see.

Minerals have a complex, but apparent purpose when it comes to assisting the body with its functions on a daily basis. Most dietary supplements read “vitamins and minerals” on consumer labels, but the popular notion is that most of the vitamin ingredients such as A, B and C carry much more importance than do copper, potassium, iron and zinc. It’s no wonder that many people in America and around the world have mineral deficiencies. Minerals play a principal role in helping the body produce energy, growth, and the reproduction and health of our cells. A deficiency in even one mineral can lead to serious health problems because they often work synergistically with other minerals and vitamins. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), iron deficiency is the most common.

“Iron deficiency, the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, has negative effects on work capacity and on motor and mental development in infants, children, and adolescents and maternal iron deficiency anemia might cause low birthweight and preterm delivery” (The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC).

In addition to the multi-vitamin industry, life stages like pregnancy and adolescence provide an ever increasing market for mineral product manufacturers. An important factor to recognize about mineral supplementation specifically for pregnant women and children is that they require only certain amounts and types of minerals to keep them healthy. Higher dosages can be a danger to the unborn child, woman or child receiving or ingesting the minerals.

Bioavailability, the actual amount of an ingested nutritional supplement absorbed and ready for use by the body is based on multiple factors when it comes to minerals. An individual’s diet, deficiencies, other minerals and vitamins being taken can all affect the bioavailability of minerals in the body. Today’s market is filled with foods like cereals, rice and nuts fortified for nutritional supplementation consumers want and need. In addition to foods, manufacturers continue to take the traditional route of including minerals in tablets and liquid formulas. There are even vegan and gluten-free versions for individuals with unique diets.

Since minerals do not occur naturally in the body, they can be toxic to humans and animals if not accompanied by a crystalline or solid form of a salt, such as Gluconates, Citrates or Carbonates. For example, zinc, magnesium and calcium all are combined with a Citrate, a salt of citric acid used as an anticoagulant or blood thinner. This combination helps the blood to avoid clotting. From oxidation to violent reactions to water, combining minerals with these forms of salts removes impurities while making them safe for consumption.
Minerals are divided into two categories, Macrominerals (major) and Trace minerals. They differ in the amounts found in the body, functionalities and toxicity levels. Trace mineral dietary supplements are the primary mineral category produced and sold by manufacturers in various retail outlets. A company called Trace Mineral Research currently dominates the market with its brand of liquid and tablet form of minerals supplement products.

Although available in the body, Trace minerals only exist in small amounts. The most important Trace minerals are iron, zinc, copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum. They work individually and jointly in some cases which benefit an important process of the body and/or increases absorption to the bloodstream. For example, iron and zinc support immune functions, while chromium and zinc aid insulin action.

Copper, primarily sold under the name Copper Gluconate is a dietary supplement that assists with a plethora of functions in the body. If not included in a proper diet, symptoms such as anemia, osteoporosis, elevated cholesterol levels and birth defects can occur due to copper deficiency. New research developments are currently being performed to determine the benefits of copper on cancer patients. The American Cancer Society reported animal laboratory studies showing copper complexes to have anti-cancer properties. Never the less, copper supplements are used for regulating the blood pressure and heart rate, both of which many Americans struggle with on a daily basis.

Another popular Trace mineral is zinc. Primarily sold in retail stores under the name Zinc Gluconate and Zinc Citrate, it can be found in skin care products that treat acne, eczema and wounds, in addition to multi-vitamins, reproductive health and hair care products. Studies have shown that taking lozenges made of Zinc Gluconate can help shorten the length of a cold. It is also found in pressed and loose powder foundations in the cosmetic industry’s newest lines of make-up containing mineral ingredients.

Calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorus are the Major (Macro) minerals that maintain the fluid balance in our bodies. Essential to the daily functions of the body, minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are necessary in maintaining and developing the structure of the teeth and bones. They are also needed for preserving cell membranes and connective tissues.

Commonly used in antacids, indigestive and upset stomach products, Calcium Carbonate is the dietary supplement industry’s leading calcium supplement manufactured for the U.S. market. Available with or without a prescription, it is also used to treat calcium deficiencies. Whether it’s improving taste or absorption, manufacturers are always looking for new ways to enhance their products. Recently, an article published on Naturalproductsinsider.com reported the benefits of effervescent calcium. According to the article entitled, Effervescence Makes Calcium Carbonate Supplements Even Better, tablets containing Calcium Carbonate dissolved in water provided a high concentration level to consumers improving its absorption and bioavailability. It also eliminates bloating, constipation and is converted freely to an absorbable content for the stomach, while providing the same benefits as a solid form.

Minerals provide the necessities for life. Now is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers and marketers to educate the consumers on the wide range benefits of taking mineral supplements on a daily basis. Most consumers aren’t aware of the benefits of minerals, therefore making it an untapped industry for manufacturers. Companies such as New Vitality and LiFizz® both have created effervescent vitamins that not only boast important minerals, but offer different flavors and portability via individual product packaging. Their ability to work individually and synergistically with other minerals and vitamins makes them unique, but necessary to the market – a driving force behind an industry to be awakened.