| MINERAL |
U.S. RDA |
FUNCTIONS |
|
Boron ***
|
**
|
Possibly plays a role in maintaining strong
bones; Affects calcium and magnesium metabolism;
May be needed for proper membrane function
|
|
Calcium
|
1000 mg
|
Builds strong bones and teeth; Involved
in nerve transmission and muscle contraction
|
|
Chromium
|
**
|
As part of Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF),
it works with insulin to regulate blood sugar
levels
|
|
Copper
|
2 mg
|
Essential for red blood cell formation,
hemoglobin synthesis; Involved in many enzyme
systems including, superoxide dismutase (SOD), a
major antioxidant enzyme system
|
|
Iodine
|
150 mcg
|
Needed for proper functioning of the thyroid
gland and production of thyroid hormones
|
|
Iron
|
18 mg
|
Prevents anemia; as a constituent of
hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body
|
|
Magnesium
|
400 mg
|
Needed in many enzyme systems, especially
those involved with energy production;
Essential for proper heartbeat and nerve
transmission; Constituent of bones and teeth
|
|
Manganese
|
**
|
Cofactor in many enzyme systems including
those involved in bone formation, energy production
and protein metabolism
|
|
Molybdenum
|
**
|
Required for proper growth and development;
Plays a role in fat and nucleic acid
metabolism; Needed for proper sulfur metabolism
|
|
Phosphorus
|
1000 mg
|
Maintains strong bones and teeth;
Necessary for muscle and nerve function
|
|
Potassium
|
**
|
An electrolyte needed to maintain fluid
balance, proper heartbeat and nerve transmission
|
|
Selenium
|
**
|
As an antioxidant, it is a constituent of
glutathione peroxidase; Protects vitamin E
|
|
Silicon ***
|
**
|
Needed for proper bone structure and growth
|
|
Vanadium ***
|
**
|
Vanadium's necessity in humans has not been
established yet, but it is believed to play a role in helping blood sugar (glucose) to enter
muscle cells similar to the function that the hormone insulin performs
|
|
Zinc
|
15 mg
|
Component of insulin; required for blood
sugar control; Needed for proper taste and
hearing; Important in wound healing and enzyme
activation
|
