Supplementation - Overview

There are 14 essential minerals that our bodies require in order to support our basal metabolic functions and regenerate living matter.  Some of these minerals are more catalysts than building blocks.  Seven are called major minerals – calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulfur – which we all need 100 milligrams or more per day.  The remaining seven are called trace elements such as iron and zinc. 

Additionally there are 13 essential vitamins our bodies require as catalysts to convert food in to energy and proteins in to amino acids for bodily tissue regeneration.  Vitamins such as B3, which is contained in green leafy vegetables and unprocessed grains are needed to break down plant and animal proteins in to basic amino acids. 

The good news is that our bodies generally need small amounts of mineral and vitamins on a daily basis.  The bad news is that despite the relatively small amounts of  vitamins and minerals our body requires on a daily basis, and despite the claim that our food supply will provide these vitamins and minerals in abundance, our biological need for these substance are not being met from our modern food supply. 

Therefore, it is argued that people must obtain the essential vitamins and minerals through daily supplementation.  Once you add in the presence of exercise, this need increases even more.