Minerals

Buy minerals: magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium and more

Minerals are nutrients that your body cannot produce itself and that you obtain through your diet. A distinction is made between macro-minerals, of which you need relatively large amounts, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and trace elements, of which small amounts are sufficient, such as iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese and chromium. For many minerals, there are permitted health claims; these apply to products that provide at least 15% of the reference intake (RI) per serving.

In this collection you will find individual minerals and mineral complexes in tablets, capsules and powder, from various brands and in different forms, such as citrate, bisglycinate and picolinate. Below you will read what each mineral contributes to, what forms are available and what to pay attention to when choosing. Always check the product label for the exact composition and dosage.

Macro-minerals: calcium, magnesium and potassium

• Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and normal teeth. Calcium also contributes to normal muscle function and normal blood clotting.
• Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal muscle function and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Magnesium is available in forms such as citrate, bisglycinate and oxide.
• Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure, to normal muscle function and to the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Trace elements

• Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, to normal oxygen transport in the body and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and to the maintenance of normal hair, normal nails and normal skin.
• Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and to normal thyroid function, and to normal cognitive function.
• Selenium contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress and to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails.
• Copper contributes to the normal pigmentation of hair and skin, and to normal iron transport in the body.
• Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to the normal formation of connective tissue.
• Chromium contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients.

MSM, silicon and boron

In this collection you will also find several substances that are often sold together with minerals. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulphur compound. Silicon, also known as silicic acid, is an element that occurs naturally in hair and nails, among other things. Boron (or borium) is a trace element that is incorporated into some mineral complexes. There are no permitted health claims for these three substances; we therefore only describe them factually.

Minerals and hair, skin and nails

Several minerals have a permitted health claim for hair, skin or nails. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, normal nails and normal skin. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails. Copper contributes to the normal pigmentation of hair and skin. You can find these minerals individually and in combination products.

Minerals and tiredness

Both magnesium and iron contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. In addition, magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, as does iron. If you feel tired for a long time, consult your GP.

Minerals and the immune system

Zinc, selenium and copper contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc, selenium, copper and manganese also contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. These minerals are available individually and are also found in many multiminerals.

Minerals and the thyroid

Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and to normal thyroid function. Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function. If you use medication for your thyroid, consult your doctor first before using a supplement with iodine or selenium.

Forms and absorption

Minerals are always offered in supplements bound to another substance. There are therefore inorganic forms, such as magnesium oxide and calcium carbonate, and organic forms, such as citrates, bisglycinates and picolinates. The forms differ in the mineral content per gram and in solubility. The label states which form has been used and how much of the mineral itself (the elemental content) a serving provides.

Individual mineral, complex and combinations with vitamins

You choose an individual mineral when you want to specifically supplement one nutrient. A complex combines several minerals in one product, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc. Some minerals are often combined with vitamins:

• Calcium with vitamin D: vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium.
• Iron with vitamin C: vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.
• Magnesium with vitamin B6: magnesium and vitamin B6 both contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

When choosing, pay attention to the amount per serving relative to the reference intake, especially if you combine several supplements. Always follow the instructions for use on the packaging. For broad formulas, also view our Multivitamin collection.