Consequences of Mineral Deficiency.

The theory that there is a greater risk for certain types of cancer and heart disease in individuals who suffer from sub-optimal levels of certain minerals in the body or a deficiency in some trace element like selenium is being increasingly supported by evidence garnered from various clinical studies done on human subjects. Factors different from soil mineral depletion can lead to sub-optimal intake of certain minerals and trace elements. Among these diverse factors, examples include the over processing of food stuffs, the effects of acid rain on soil and the excessive refining of food products.

While the human dietary requirement for most of the trace elements and essential minerals are at very miniscule levels, the great vulnerability of the human body to even a minute imbalance in the dietary intake of these minerals can be seen by comparing the total mineral intake of a human being per day - at about 1.5 grams per person, with the total intake of the major energy compounds like the carbohydrates, the proteins and the lipids - at approximately 500 grams per person daily.

The average mineral intake comprising just 0.3% of the total consumed nutrients per person belies their importance, in fact, the human body would not be able to utilize the 99.7% of all consumed foodstuffs if essential trace minerals were not consumed as well - this is because most of these minerals have specific roles in many enzyme systems necessary for digestion and regulation of the human body. For example, out of the total nutrients consumed, the mineral zinc forms only 0.003% - however, many biochemical pathways are dependent on the presence of zinc and enzymes may simply be unable to function without this trace element. Thus, a very negative impact on health can result even if just a tiny decrease in the total zinc intake occurs; this adverse reaction can be aggravated if the reduction in the intake of zinc is prolonged.

Some dieticians and certain medical professionals have increasingly discouraged people from consuming more than the Recommended Daily Allowances - RDA’s - of any of the trace minerals and vitamins, which they contend is present in sufficient quantities in the typical American diet - this is a contentious issue. This view is challenged by the results of numerous studies and clinical studies which have repeatedly shown, that many Americans and probably most do not get the RDAs for any of the vital minerals and some of the vitamins in the daily dietary intake. Therefore the need for general supplementation of minerals for most people is eminently advisable and practical.

The theory that supplementing with minerals or trace elements may aid in preventing different types of cancer, heart disease and even some forms of degenerative disorders is increasingly being supported by more and more evidence from clinical studies on human subjects. Further studies and trials will provide more clues to the importance of these trace elements and more clinical trials need to be conducted in the future. A medical revolution could be on the way as the major impact of well planned supplementation could potentially be of enormous benefit to humanity - as all the evidence garnered till now, still bears out a very positive impact on the use of such supplements.

A last note for the scientific minded reader, while most of these trace elements are often classed under the label of inorganic nutrients, the ultimate delivery form in the diet for some of the inorganic elements are chemical structures where the trace element is bounded to a molecule containing carbon. Such is the case for selenium and chromium.