Mineral salts: benefits & natural sources

What you need to know about mineral salts

What are minerals?

Minerals include a large number of solid elements that are essential for the body to function properly, such as calcium, magnesium and iron.

Unlike macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), they do not provide energy. However, they do play a fundamental role in hundreds of physiological reactions.

Depending on the case, they may be involved in muscle contraction, nerve conduction, hormone production, immunity, bone strength, the fight against fatigue and many other mechanisms besides (1-3).

Their presence is therefore essential for good health.

Minerals are not found naturally in pure form, but in the form of salts.

In nature, a mineral never appears in its pure form. It is always combined with other compounds to form mineral salts.

In food, these salts are of natural origin: for example, calcium binds with phosphorus and is present in the form of calcium phosphate in dairy products.

In food supplements, mineral salts are specifically formulated to optimise their assimilation (4-5).

For example, calcium may be offered in the form of calcium citrate, or zinc in the form of zinc gluconate, for improved bioavailability and digestive tolerance.

In fact, each type of salt has its own characteristics, over and above those of the mineral itself, particularly in terms of bioavailability (6).

Chelated and non-chelated forms

Depending on the molecule with which the mineral is associated, there are two main families of mineral salts.

In chelated forms, the mineral is linked to an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins).

This allows it to cross the intestinal barrier, offering better bioavailability and digestive tolerance (7).

This is the case with iron bisglycinate or chromium picolinate.

In non-chelated forms, the mineral is simply attached to a relatively basic molecule, such as a salt or an organic acid.

For example, calcium may be bound to citric acid to form calcium citrate, magnesium to sulphuric acid to form magnesium sulphate, or zinc to gluconic acid to form zinc gluconate.

These forms are generally well tolerated and easy to produce, but their absorption can vary depending on the individual and digestive conditions.

Calcium: a key mineral for bones and teeth

What are the benefits of calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body.

It is found primarily in bones and teeth, where it plays a vital role in their maintenance and health.

It is also involved in blood clotting, the normal functioning of digestive enzymes, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

Biologically, it is thought to act as an intracellular signal, enabling good communication between cells, particularly in nerve and muscle tissue (8).

Where can I find calcium?

Calcium is found in dairy products (in the form of calcium phosphate), sardines with bones and certain calcium-rich mineral waters.

In food supplements, it is available in various forms, in particular calcium orotate, which offers excellent bioavailability.

Discover the Calcium Orotate food supplement, which offers 40% greater absorption than conventional calcium salts.

Iron: essential for oxygen transport

What are the benefits of iron?

Iron is a trace element found in haemoglobin. It is essential for binding oxygen in red blood cells and transporting it throughout the body (9).

Iron also contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.

It is also involved in the normal functioning of the immune system (10), energy metabolism and reducing fatigue (11).

Where can I find iron?

Iron comes in two forms:

• haem iron, found in red meat in particular, and better absorbed by the body
• non-haem iron, found in legumes such as lentils, spinach and soya

As a dietary supplement, one of the most highly bioavailable and perfectly tolerated forms is iron bisglycinate (12).

Discover Iron Bisglycinate, a dietary supplement made from iron bisglycinate, compatible with a vegetarian diet.

Magnesium: a support for energy and the nervous system

What are the benefits of magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions!

Among other roles, it contributes to energy metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system and the reduction of fatigue (13-14).

It also contributes to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal teeth and bones (15).

At the cellular level, magnesium is thought to stabilise membranes and play a central role in the production of ATP, the main source of energy for cells (16-17).

Where can I find magnesium?

Magnesium is found in oilseeds (almonds, cashews, etc.), green vegetables (chlorophyll is a source of magnesium) and wholegrain cereals.

In food supplements, it is found in the form of malate or orotate, for better assimilation by the body.

Discover Magnesium Malate and Magnesium Orotate food supplements, forms with excellent bioavailability.

Magnesium L-threonate is notable for its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and reach the brain.

Discover the Magnesium L-Threonate food supplement for targeted action.

It is also possible to consume several forms of magnesium in the same supplement product.

Discover the OptiMag food supplement, which combines 8 exceptional forms of magnesium.

Potassium: important for water balance

What are the benefits of potassium?

Potassium is one of the major electrolytes. It is mainly present in the intracellular environment (18).

In particular, it contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

Biologically, potassium regulates water exchange and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses through its role in the electrical potential of cells (19).

Where can I find potassium?

Potassium is found in bananas, potatoes and legumes.

In food supplements, it is generally offered in the form of potassium orotate or potassium bicarbonate, for better assimilation.

Discover the Potassium Orotate food supplements, which offer unbeatable absorption, and Potassium Bicarbonate, at the excellent dosage of 525 mg per capsule.

Sodium: essential for the body, but eaten in moderation

What are the benefits of sodium?

Sodium is an essential electrolyte. It is found mainly in blood plasma and extracellular fluids.

Research shows that within our bodies, it influences the regulation of water balance and blood volume, via the sodium-potassium pump (20).

This property means that we need to be careful not to consume too many sources of sodium, as too much can lead to problems with high blood pressure (21).

Where can I find sodium?

Most sodium is found in table salt, in the form of sodium chloride. It is also found in processed foods and is a common addition to home-cooked meals to enhance flavour.

Sodium supplements are rare, as our diet already provides too much sodium most of the time.

Zinc: a versatile trace element

What are the benefits of zinc?

Zinc is a trace element present in every cell of the body.

Biologically, it acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cell growth and tissue repair.

It therefore fulfils a number of roles, including (22):

• helping to maintain normal skin, hair, nails and bones
• involvement in fertility and reproduction
• contributing to the normal functioning of the immune system and to cognitive function
• contributing to the normal synthesis of DNA and to the process of cell division
• helping to protect cells against oxidative stress

Where can I find zinc?

Zinc is found in oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds and legumes.

In food supplements, it is often present in the form of zinc orotate, which has one of the best known bioavailabilities.

Find out more about the broad-spectrum effectiveness of the Zinc Orotate food supplement.

Selenium: cell protection and thyroid balance

What are the benefits of selenium?

Selenium is an antioxidant trace element. It is mainly present in proteins called selenoproteins.

In particular, it helps protect cells against oxidative stress (23) and helps maintain normal hair and nails.

It also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid (24).

On a biological level, selenium is thought to play a part in the structure of glutathione peroxidase, a key enzyme in the fight against free radicals (25).

Where can I find selenium?

Brazil nuts are the most concentrated source of selenium.

It is also found in fish, meat and eggs.

As a dietary supplement, it is often available in the form of selenomethionine (or L-selenomethionine).

Discover Selenium, a dietary supplement formulated with L-Selenomethionine, the most bioavailable form of selenium.

Iodine: essential for thyroid function

What are the benefits of iodine?

Iodine is a trace element essential for the production of thyroid hormones (particularly T4 and T3) and normal thyroid function (26).

It also contributes to normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and cognitive function (27) and maintenance of normal skin.

Where can I find iodine?

Iodine is mainly found in seafood, particularly in seaweed, fish and shellfish.

As a supplement, it is available in the form of iodide or sometimes extracted from laminaria seaweed.

Discover the food supplements Lugol 1%, a solution based on potassium iodide in drops, and Natural Thyro Formula, a formula rich in iodine to support thyroid balance.

Manganese: for bone structure and energy metabolism

What are the benefits of manganese?

Manganese is a trace element present in very small quantities in the body, but it is essential.

It helps to maintain normal bone structure, normal energy metabolism and protect cells against oxidative stress (28-29).

Biologically, it is thought to be a cofactor in enzymes involved in cartilage formation and in neutralising free radicals (30).

Where can I find manganese?

Manganese is found in tea, wholemeal cereals, nuts and legumes.

As a supplement, it is often offered in the form of manganese gluconate or citrate. More often than not, it is included in the composition of multivitamin and mineral supplements.

Discover Daily 1, Daily 3 and Daily 6 food supplements, formulas made from several vitamins and minerals, including manganese.

Chromium: for a balanced metabolism

What are the benefits of chromium?

Chromium is a trace element involved in the normal metabolism of macronutrients, particularly carbohydrates and fats.

It also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Biologically speaking, chromium potentiates the action of insulin, thereby promoting the entry of glucose into cells (31-33).

Where can I find chromium?

Chromium is found in meat, broccoli and wholemeal cereals.

As a supplement, it is often offered in the form of picolinate or polynicotinate, as well as in formulations specifically designed for maximum effectiveness.

Discover Crominex 3+, a dietary supplement made from trivalent chromium (Cr3+), an optimal form of chromium.