Mineral Supplements, explained

Minerals may be ‘non-living’, but they are the building blocks of life. While they don’t often get the same attention that vitamins do, these essential nutrients power every cell in your body. Everything from your bones and brain to your skin and immune system depends on a steady supply of minerals. Because minerals are not something your body makes naturally, getting enough through your diet, or quality supplements, is important – your body relies on minerals every day to support a wide range of normal physiological functions. And getting the right balance is key.

Discover our extensive collection of premium quality mineral supplements and vitamin and mineral tablets. Perfect for anyone looking for a convenient way to support their everyday health.

What are minerals and why are they essential? 

Minerals are key nutrients that your body needs daily. Think of them as small but vital building blocks that help your body grow, develop and function as it should. Your body uses minerals to turn the food you eat into energy, keep your immune system working, and even keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. Unlike vitamins, they are inorganic elements, which essentially means they are ‘non-living’, and plants and animals can’t make them – instead, they come straight from the earth. Because your body cannot manufacture them on its own, it’s important to get enough through a rich, healthy diet – or from quality mineral supplements.

What’s the difference between macrominerals and trace minerals?

Minerals tend to be grouped by how much of them you need rather than how important they are.

·       Macrominerals are needed in larger amounts, hundreds of milligrams a day or more. This includes calcium, magnesium and potassium.

·       Trace minerals such as zinc, iron and copper are needed in far smaller quantities, but they’re just as crucial. Iron is the most abundant trace element in the body, while zinc is one of the most versatile.

Often, how much of each mineral you need depends on your age, sex and stage of life, such as during childhood, pregnancy or menopause. For example, women of reproductive age often have higher iron requirements than men, while men need slightly more zinc.

What are the different types of minerals?

There are sixteen or so minerals your body needs every single day, and each one has its own particular work to do.

•        Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and contributes to normal muscle function.
•        Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and to normal muscle and nervous system function.
•        Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure and to normal muscle function.
•        Iron contributes to normal red blood cell formation and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
•        Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and to normal thyroid function.
•        Zinc has one of the longest lists of functions of any mineral, from normal immune function to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.
•        Copper contributes to normal iron transport and to the normal function of the immune system.
•        Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
•        Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
•        Molybdenum contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism. Like manganese, it’s needed in tiny quantities and usually taken as part of a mineral complex.

Mineral supplements – are they really necessary?

The best way to get all the key nutrients you need is through a healthy, balanced diet. But that’s not always simple. For instance, animal foods often provide richer concentrations and better absorption rates for certain essential minerals like zinc and iron. So, if you follow a plant-based diet, it may be harder for you to get the right balance.

There are certain cases where mineral supplements can be especially helpful, such as:

·       if you have been diagnosed by a doctor with a mineral deficiency, such as iron deficiency anaemia;

·       when your body’s needs increase, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or periods of growth or intense physical activity;

·       if your diet is restricted or follows a particular pattern; for example, if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Minerals… doing the quiet work your body relies on daily

In the complex world of nutrition, minerals are the unsung heroes. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your body functioning as it should – supporting everything from your immune system to your energy levels, skin and hair, and even your fertility. When your body is missing these vital nutrients, you may feel it, but you may also go a long time without feeling anything out of the ordinary.

Many people choose to take quality mineral supplements as a simple, convenient way to make sure they are getting a good balance of each mineral that their body relies on each day – to help ensure they achieve their recommended nutritional intake.

What are the best mineral supplements to take?

The best mineral supplement depends on your personal preference and needs. For some people that means a single mineral at a higher strength, such as magnesium for normal muscle function or iron to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Or, you may find that a multivitamin and mineral tablet is the simpler choice, covering all the essentials you need in one.

At John Bell & Croyden, we offer high-strength, quality mineral tablets and capsules, effervescent tablets that dissolve into a refreshing drink, gentle lozenges, and fine powders. You’ll also find sweet-tasting chewables, alongside liquids and sprays that are kinder to sensitive stomachs.

And if you are not sure where to start, our pharmacists are always happy to help.

Explore our premium collection of quality mineral supplements to support your bones, muscles, immune function and energy levels.