Trace Minerals

Trace minerals refer to trace amounts of certain minerals that are needed for the body to function well.  These minerals do not really require huge amounts or recommended allowances for the body.  Nearly all of these trace minerals function as coenzymes or substances that work together with enzymes or complex proteins that are needed for faster chemical reactions in the body.  Trace minerals are part of the DNA, the genetic material.  The criteria for knowing whether a micronutrient is essential include presence of nutrient in healthy tissue, if it is found in fetus and newborns and if the body maintains homeostatic control over its uptake in bloodstream or tissue and its excretion. Essential trace minerals include: cobalt, copper, chromium, flourine, iron, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. 

There are a number of health benefits one can derived from trace minerals, which include:

* Trace minerals are vital for the proper functioning of enzyme systems, nerve conduction, muscle function and assist in transfer of nourishment into cells
* Provides framework for tissues and regulate organ functions
* Certain trace minerals can help in growth and development when taken in supplement form and if the individual has deficiency. 
* Some of these trace minerals help in strong bones formation and connective tissues and prevents osteoporosis which causes bone-thinning. 
* They also protect against strains and sprains due to its strengthening characteristic.
* Some trace minerals prevent heart disease and may control seizures.
* Flouride is a trace mineral popularly known for its capacity to promote strong teeth.

The symptoms for excess or deficiency of trace minerals are usually one-sided.  These generally depend on the ratios to other chemical members depending on the group they are neurologically assigned to.  For instance, calcification is not caused by high levels of
calcium that causes stone or spur formation but the high ratio of calcium as compared to the associated or interactive elements.  In case of phosphorous and zinc that both have left-sided cell receptors, if either is low in ratio to calcium, the calcification would take place only in the left side of the body.  If low ratio of manganese or magnesium occur which are both found in the right-sided cell receptors, the calcification would develop on the right side of the body only. Lack of trace minerals in the body can contribute to impede the body to function fully making it vulnerable to diseases.

Manganese which is a component of trace minerals may be toxic to individuals with liver or gallbladder ailments. If you are prone for breast or prostate cancer, refer to your physician before using the trace mineral boron which may have possible effects on the hormone levels. Molybdenum can possibly make gout symptoms worse.  Trace minerals do not cause negative reactions even if taken in large doses.  But manganese which is often inhaled by miners can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms, violent rages, poor coordination and stiff muscles.  Boron if taken more than 500 mg a day can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue.  Vanadium taken at high levels at more than 10 mg per day may result to cramping, diarrhea and green tongue. 

To treat arrhythmia, take 10 mg manganese every morning. 
To treat osteoporosis, take 15-20 mg manganese per day.