Review Article

Nutraceuticals: Pharmacologically Active Potent Dietary Supplements

Table 3

Minerals and their therapeutic uses.

MineralsTherapeutic uses

Macronutrients (major minerals)
Calcium (Ca)Development of teeth & bones, maintain bone strength, nerve, muscle, and glandular functions
Magnesium (Mg)Nerve, muscle & bone formation, help to “prevent premenstrual syndrome (PMS)”
Phosphorous (P)Build strong bones and teeth, formation of gene material, energy production & storage
Sodium (Na)Nerve transmission, proper fluid balance, muscle contraction
Chloride (Cl)Fluid balance & stomach acid
Potassium (K)Nerve transmission & muscle contraction
Sulfur (S)Found in protein molecules
Microelements (trace minerals)
Chromium (Cr)insulin helps to convert carbohydrates & fats into energy
Iron (Fe)Energy production by carrying oxygen to tissues
Cobalt (Co)Essential for vitamin B12, formation of B12 coenzymes
Copper (Cu)Production of hemoglobin & collagen, healthy functioning of heart, energy production, absorption of iron from digestive tract
Iodine (I)Thyroid functioning
Selenium (Se)Antioxidant, essential for heart muscle functioning
Zinc (Zn)Cell reproduction, child growth & development, wound healing, production of sperm & testosterone
Fluoride (F)Formation of bones & teeth and prevent tooth decay