Minerals are inorganic substances required by the body in small amounts for a variety of different functions. They are components of enzyme systems, give us structure, and are essential for nervous system function. The body requires different amounts of each mineral. A deficiency or imbalance of these elements in an otherwise nutritionally adequate diet can lead to very diverse and indefinite metabolic abnormalities many of which are classified as diseases by our medical establishment.
There are currently 57 recognized metal or non-gas elements that make up the human body. 23 to 24 of these elements are currently considered essential for our bodies, as are 3 gasses – Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen. More than likely, all naturally occurring elements play some kind of role in human metabolism. Below is a list of these 23 elements and one or more of the roles they play in the body.
Because of its water content, (~65%) the human body contains more oxygen by mass than any other element, but more hydrogen by atom than any element.
| Mineral / Approximate content |
Use in the body |
|---|---|
| Carbon 12kg |
A component in virtually every molecule found in the body: it has led science to classify humans as carbon based. |
| Calcium 1kg |
Primarily stored in and a structural component of bone and teeth, calcium is also essential for blood clotting, nerve transmission and energy production. |
| Phosphorus 750g |
Essential component of bone and cells, ATP production and integrity of DNA and RNA. |
| Potassium 225g |
An essential electrolyte, it is essential for muscle contraction. |
| Sulfur 150g |
Essential for collagen production, it has anti-inflammatory properties and a role in blood sugar regulation. |
| Sodium 100g |
Another essential electrolyte, it is essential for proper cellular respiration |
| Chlorine 95g |
See sodium above. |
| Magnesium 35g |
Last of the essential electrolytes, it is essential for muscle relaxation, as well as vascular health and function. |
| Silicon 30g |
The most essential element for collagen formation and health and calcium management. |
| Iron 4.2g |
Essential for proper delivery of oxygen to the cells and removal of carbon dioxide. |
| Fluorine 2.6g |
Possible small role in teeth and bone strength. |
| Zinc 2.4g |
Essential for healthy immune and reproductive systems and initial growth to maturity. |
| Strontium 320g |
Small role in bone health. |
| Copper 90mg |
Necessary for healthy cardiovascular, nervous and skeletal systems. Regulates Zinc and collagen. |
| Cobalt 20mg |
Necessary for healthy red blood cells and formation of vitamin B-12. |
| Vanadium 20mg |
May have a role in sugar management. |
| Boron 18mg |
Works synergistically with Silica and Magnesium in bone structure; Anti-inflammatory; Anti-oxidant and hormone activator. |
| Iodine 15mg |
Essential for proper thyroid function, prostate and breast tissue health. Effective cellular heavy metal mobilizer. |
| Selenium 15mg |
Essential for proper thyroid and liver functioning and a healthy immune system. |
| Chromium 14mg |
Essential for insulin production and sugar and fat metabolism. |
| Manganese 13mg |
Essential for proper brain and nerve function, fat and sugar metabolism and connective tissue production. |
| Molybdenum 8mg |
Activates three important enzymes: Aldehyde Oxidase which acts to break down the toxic waste acetaldehyde produced by candida fungus, xanthine oxidase for purine elimination, and sulfite oxidase to convert sulfites into sulfates. |
| Lithium 7mg |
Important for nerve function and repair, cognitive performance, and mercury detoxification. |
| Silver 2mg |
Plays a role in proper immune system function as a natural antibiotic. |
Other Elements which currently have no Known Metabolic Function
Antimony
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Bismuth
Bromine
Cadmium
Caesium
Cerium
Gallium
Germanium
Gold
Indium
Lanthanum
Lead
Nickel
Niobium
Polonium
Radium
Rubidium
Samarium
Scandium
Tantalum
Tellurium
Thallium
Thorium
Titanium
Tungsten
Uranium
Ytrium