Guide Minerals Explained

Minerals: the elements your body needs

Unlike vitamins (organic compounds made by plants and animals), minerals are inorganic elements that come from soil and water. Plants absorb them from soil; animals get them by eating plants or other animals. Humans obtain minerals through diet and supplementation.

Your body cannot manufacture minerals — every atom of zinc, selenium, iron, or calcium in your body came from something you ate or supplemented.

Major minerals vs. trace minerals

Major minerals (needed in larger amounts)

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulphur. Your body contains grams of these. They're involved in bone structure, fluid balance, and nerve signalling.

Trace minerals (needed in tiny amounts)

Zinc, selenium, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, chromium, and molybdenum. Your body contains milligrams or micrograms — but they're no less essential. Zinc alone is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes.

Key minerals in Nutri-Leaf products

Zinc

Contributes to normal immune function, DNA synthesis, protein production, skin health, and maintenance of normal hair and nails. Found in Immune Complex (10mg, 100% NRV) and Skin Hair & Nails (3.5mg, 35% NRV).

Selenium

Contributes to normal immune function, thyroid function, and protection of cells from oxidative stress. Found in Immune Complex (50µg, 91% NRV) as L-selenomethionine.

Copper

Contributes to normal hair and skin pigmentation, immune function, and connective tissue maintenance. Found in Skin Hair & Nails (1.0mg, 100% NRV) in a balanced ratio with zinc.

Mineral absorption tips

• Take mineral supplements with food — this improves tolerance and absorption for most minerals
• Vitamin C enhances iron and zinc absorption
• Phytates in whole grains and legumes can reduce mineral absorption — spacing supplements away from high-phytate meals may help
• Some minerals compete for absorption (zinc and copper) — well-designed formulas like Nutri-Leaf's maintain balanced ratios