Trace minerals are minerals that the body only needs a very small amount of. These include minerals like copper, iodine, cobalt, iron, manganese, zinc, selenium and fluoride.

Although it is not certain how much of each trace minerals the human body optimally requires, scientists are sure that we need at least a little bit of each. The term “trace minerals” simply means that the mineral is required in a trace amount.

So what exactly do all these trace minerals do?

Fluoride, as you may already know, is needed to protect teeth. This is why toothpastes contain fluoride. Cobalt is need for the biosynthesis of vitamin B12. Iodine helps biosynthesize thyroxine and selenium is needed for antioxidant proteins. Iron, the trace mineral we ear about most often, is needed for hemoglobin and other enzymes and proteins.

The human body needs around 2/3 of all elements found in nature. These are required for optimal health and it is ideal to maintain a balance of all elements including trace minerals.

Although it can be difficult tracking the intake of trace minerals, there are nutritional supplements available which can ensure you are getting all the required minerals each day, even if you do not ingest them with your food.

Because of the complexity of minerals and trace minerals it is estimated that up to 90% of people suffer from some sort of mineral imbalance or deficiency.

Due to the modern western diet of fast food and unhealthy snacks rather than fruit and vegetables, naturally ingested trace minerals are becoming rare. The only people who intake the minerals are those who eat vegetables and fruits as well as meat regularly. If you eat junk food then chances are you’re missing out on important vitamins and minerals and this can lead to serious health complications.

Trace minerals like iron are vital for the blood. Lack of iron may lead to anemia and even more severe blood diseases. Calcium is vital for bone strength and without it we are prone to arthritis and other diseases of the bone and joints.

The processes of the body can not function if there is a lack of required minerals. It’s like asking a car to run without gas; it’s simply not possible. If you feel you’re not getting the required daily dosage of trace minerals, as well as other vitamins and minerals, then consider a vitamins and minerals supplement like SeaAloe which makes keeping the balance easy.