Minerals are non-organic natural elements that make up between 4 and 5% of the body weight: they are part of various structures such as teeth, bones, blood, etc. As we are not able to synthesize them, we must acquire them through food and supplements.

What benefits do minerals provide to the body?

○ They have an important structural action.

○ They perform a regulatory function.

○ They are related to energy production at the cellular level (they are part of chemical reactions).

○ They contribute to the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats).

○ They are part of many molecules (vitamins, amino acids, hormones, blood cells, etc.).

○ They help build and maintain healthy teeth and bones.

○ They help transport oxygen to cells, and nerve signals to and from the brain.

○ They help regulate blood sugar levels.

○ They contribute to maintaining the health of the immune system.

Types of minerals

Of the total 60 minerals discovered in the body, 22 are essential for health. According to their main functions in the body, they are divided into two large groups: macrominerals and trace elements.

Macrominerals

These are those that the body needs in larger quantities to ensure its proper functioning: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, and sodium. Their functions are very broad:

○ Calcium: contributes to normal blood clotting; to normal energy metabolism; to the normal functioning of muscles, to neurotransmission and digestive enzymes; to the process of cell division and differentiation; and to the maintenance of bones and teeth under normal conditions.

○ Magnesium: helps reduce tiredness and fatigue; to electrolyte balance; to normal energy metabolism; to the normal functioning of the nervous system; to the normal functioning of muscles; to the process of cell division; to normal protein synthesis; to normal psychological function; and to the maintenance of bones and teeth under normal conditions.

○ Phosphorus: contributes to normal energy metabolism; to the normal functioning of cell membranes; and to the maintenance of bones and teeth under normal conditions.

○ Potassium: contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure; and to the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.

○ Sulfur: participates in collagen synthesis and intervenes in lipid metabolism.

○ Chlorine: helps maintain the balance of body fluids.

○ Sodium: helps in the functions of nerves and muscles; and to maintain the balance of body fluids.

Trace elements

Trace elements are minerals that the body requires only in small quantities: iron, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, cobalt, zinc, and fluoride. Both their lack and their excess can have very serious consequences for health.

○ Iron: contributes to normal cognitive function; to normal energy metabolism; to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin; to the normal transport of oxygen in the body; to the normal functioning of the immune system; to reducing tiredness and fatigue; and to the process of cell division.

○ Manganese: contributes to normal energy metabolism; to the maintenance of bones under normal conditions; to the normal formation of connective tissue; and to the protection of cells from oxidative damage.

○ Copper: contributes to the maintenance of connective tissue under normal conditions; to normal energy metabolism; to the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems; to normal hair and skin pigmentation; to normal iron transport in the body; and to the protection of cells from oxidative damage.

○ Selenium: contributes to normal spermatogenesis, to the maintenance of hair and nails under normal conditions; to the normal functioning of the immune system; to normal thyroid function; and to the protection of cells from oxidative damage.

○ Iodine: contributes to normal cognitive function; to normal energy metabolism; to the normal functioning of the nervous system; to the maintenance of skin under normal conditions; to normal growth in children; and to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function.

○ Zinc: contributes to normal acid-base balance; to normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamin A and macronutrients; to normal cognitive function; to normal DNA synthesis; to normal fertility and reproduction; to normal protein synthesis; to the maintenance of bones, hair, nails, skin and vision under normal conditions; to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels; to the normal functioning of the immune system; to the protection of cells from oxidative damage; and to the process of cell division.

○ Chromium: contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients and to maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

○ Fluoride: helps maintain the mineralization of teeth.

○ Cobalt: helps stimulate the proper functioning of red blood cells.

What are mineral supplements for athletes?

Mineral supplements for athletes are those that provide the amount of micronutrients that athletes need to maintain their health in good condition, ensure energy production, muscle contraction and proper nerve impulse transmission during exercise.

Importance of mineral supplements for athletes

The modern lifestyle often prevents a healthy and varied diet, rich in fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and whole grains, that covers all the needs of vitamins and minerals of the body.

Moreover, performing physical activities on a regular basis increases the requirements for minerals that help prevent, among others, annoying muscle cramps and muscle weakness during exercise.

Benefits of mineral supplements for athletes

○ They help cover daily mineral requirements.

○ They prevent mineral deficiencies and their annoying symptoms.

○ They promote the normal functioning of the immune system and the correct muscle contraction.

○ They ensure the proper production of energy for better sports performance.

○ They prevent the appearance of muscle cramps.

○ They are easy to take.

What are the best mineral supplements for athletes?

Mineral formulas, isolated or combined with vitamins, are an easy way to enrich the athlete's diet. Choosing one or the other depends on the needs and goals of each athlete. Ideally, consult a specialist who can indicate the one we truly need.

Most commonly used mineral supplements for athletes:

○ Calcium: is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It helps in the formation of bones and participates in many other functions.

○ Iron: Signs of iron deficiency are fatigue, weakness, low body temperature, learning difficulties, and deterioration of the immune function.

○ Mineral salts: extremely important for athletes who practice long-duration physical activities and lose electrolytes that need to be replaced to stay active.

○ Zinc: among its multiple functions, it helps to promote the proper functioning of the immune system.

What type of mineral supplements can you find at Vitobest®?

○ Iron Complex: organic iron chelate (Ferrochel™) enriched with vitamins and plant extracts, which increase its absorption capacity and enhance its fixation.

○ Calcium Magnesium: combines the main minerals used in bone formation (calcium, magnesium and zinc), plus vitamin D (essential for calcium absorption).

○ Magnesium Bisglycinate: contains organic magnesium from Albion™ with a high absorption percentage.

○ Zinc Bisglycinate: made from organic amino chelated zinc from Albion®.

○ Chromium Picolinate: patented salt of trivalent chromium and picolinic acid (also known as chromium picolinate) from Chromax®.

○ Mineral Complex: constitutes one of the most complete and strong mineral supplements on the market due to its content in iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, selenium, copper, manganese, potassium, iodine, and chromium.

○ Vitomin: dietary supplement that combines vitamins (A, C, D3, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, and biotin); and minerals (magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and chromium).

What is the recommended daily dose of minerals?

The recommended daily doses of minerals can vary depending on sex, age and each person's nutritional requirements. We recommend that you consult with a specialist who can advise you on what you really need and its dosage before you start using them.