A large range of minerals are vital for a healthy body and recommended daily allowances of these mineral have been published to address these health concerns. Just by consuming the recommended daily allowance in minerals is not the answer to the problem of mineral deficiency, the problem in mineral deficiency is the absorption of minerals.?

Absorption is the process in which nutrients are passed into the bloodstream. The absorption of minerals by the body is affected by many factors. Different minerals have different absorption rates, mineral absorption rate is affected by an unhealthy diet, diet can also affect absorption level by influencing the elimination rate, the condition of the intestine can affect absorption levels, choosing the right mineral balance and form of mineral will also affect absorption. These are a few of the problems associated with mineral absorption.?

Diet is a major factor in our mineral absorption. Due to soil depletion and demineralisation many of the foods we eat today are lacking in minerals. Processed foods, excess protein and refined sugars need extra minerals that are stored in our bodies to digest and remove them. This removal process requires enzymes which in tern need minerals such as zinc, chromium and copper to work. This cycle promotes mineral deficiency. To add to the problem, milk, alcohol, dairy products, drugs and a high fibre diet all inhibit the absorption of minerals. The western diet of processed foods contributes to the formation of mucoid plaque onto the lining of the colon. This plaque prevents water and minerals from being reabsorbed by the body.?

A phenomenon known as secondary deficiency is another cause of poor mineral absorption. This is when an excess of one mineral causes a deficiency in another. This is because minerals will compete with each other for absorption and the same binding sites. Iron, copper and zinc are competitive in this way. Copper is needed for the conversion of iron to haemoglobin, but if there is too much zinc then less iron will be available for conversion. This in tern may cause a secondary deficiency in iron (anemia), all due to too much zinc. Mineral supplements are a main factor in secondary deficiency.?

The over use of prescription drugs also helps in the deficiency of minerals. Antibiotics, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and aspirin all inhibit the absorption of minerals especially zinc, chromium and calcium. Moreover, the bodies own store of minerals are depleted when the body draws on them when it tries to metabolise theses drugs. The most common drug culprits for this are laxatives, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, and NSAIDs.?

Bioavailability is the main issue that really counts with minerals. Minerals must be in a form that can make it to the cells. Minerals that are not bioavailable just get passed straight through the body. Bioavailability has a precursor which is absorption. To do any good minerals must be absorbed through the intestine walls into the blood stream. Getting enough minerals through food is difficult due to modern farming practices, supplements are a good way but come in many different forms