| Minerals help maintain vital body processes such as | | | | which may slow down absorption. Chelated dietary |
| cell and hormone production. Important dietary | | | | mineral supplements do not have to undergo this |
| minerals include calcium, zinc, iron, and iodine. They | | | | process, so they are absorbed up to ten times |
| are needed in smaller amounts compared to proteins | | | | faster. |
| and carbohydrates, but deficiencies are still common | | | | 3. Synergistic minerals |
| because few foods contain enough to meet | | | | Not all vitamins and minerals are designed to work |
| recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). To | | | | together. When choosing multivitamin and mineral |
| compensate, most doctors recommend dietary | | | | supplements, make sure they are scientifically |
| mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies and | | | | formulated and approved by reputed laboratories. |
| related diseases. | | | | Labels like "scientifically tested" can be misleading - |
| There are different types of dietary mineral | | | | try calling the manufacturer and ask about the test |
| supplements, each offering different nutritional | | | | results. |
| benefits. It is important to know which minerals you | | | | 4. Herbal supplements |
| need to make sure you get the right dietary mineral | | | | Some people prefer supplements that are |
| supplements. Taking the wrong supplements can | | | | plant-based because they are easier on the digestive |
| result in overdoses, which are often toxic and can | | | | system. These also contain fewer chemicals and |
| cause severe side effects. This article provides some | | | | have a lower risk of side effects. Like synthetic |
| tips on choosing and using dietary mineral | | | | supplements, however, not all herbs go well together, |
| supplements. | | | | so make sure the manufacturer is reputable and |
| 1. Vitamin and mineral supplements | | | | consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements. |
| For a more complete supplement, choose a | | | | IMPORTANT: Dietary supplements are not as strictly |
| multivitamin containing a combination of vitamins and | | | | regulated as conventional drugs. As a result, some |
| minerals. This helps achieve nutritional balance and | | | | dietary mineral supplements may contain additives |
| prevents other deficiencies. Look for one that | | | | such as starch, silica, gluten, and sugar. These may |
| includes trace and bulk minerals, amino acids, | | | | not only hinder the effects of the supplement, but |
| bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and herb extracts. | | | | may even be harmful to your health. To make sure |
| 2. Chelated mineral supplements | | | | your supplements do not contain such chemicals, |
| Minerals are naturally converted to chelated form | | | | choose products that are approved by the Good |
| during digestion so they can be absorbed by the | | | | Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and do not contain |
| body. Some people have limited chelation abilities, | | | | any artificial colors or flavorings. |