The Importance of Trace Minerals for Health and the Consequences of Deficiencies

Today I want to cover the different signs of a deficiency in trace minerals.

Trace minerals are minerals needed in tiny or trace amounts. A few examples of important trace minerals are zinc, iodine, selenium, and iron.

Trace minerals are essential for enzymes, which are proteins that run the body.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency:

• Hair loss

• White spots on the nails

• Low testosterone

• Diarrhea

Symptoms of iron deficiency:

• Anemia (weakness, fatigue, cold sensation)

• Brittle nails

• Hair loss

Symptoms of selenium deficiency:

• Infertility

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

Symptoms of iodine deficiency:

• Swelling in the lower part of the neck

You might not notice any symptoms right away, but a trace mineral deficiency could contribute to all kinds of chronic diseases later in life. It could even increase your risk of cancer.

The best sources of trace minerals:

1. Seafood

2. Organ meats

3. Eggs

4. Seaweed or sea kelp

5. High-quality sea salt

DATA: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30095136/