Important minerals in our body
Our human body requires multiple types of minerals aka essential minerals. Essential minerals are often divided up into major minerals (popularly called macro minerals) and trace minerals (called micro minerals).
Trace minerals are required in smaller amounts than major minerals. However, both of these two groups of minerals are equally important.
A balanced diet mostly provides all of the essential minerals to our body. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the minerals and their types in detail.
Calcium:
Calcium is an important mineral found in our bodies. This mineral is found in many foods. Our body needs calcium to maintain strong bones and to carry out vital functions. All the calcium is stored in our bones and teeth. Calcium supports the structure & hardness.
The body also requires calcium for muscle movement and nerves to carry messages between our brain and each body part.
Types of Calcium:
1. Calcium Citrate
Calcium Citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid. It is usually used as a food addictive, preservative, even for flavor.
It is used in medicines for treating or preventing low blood calcium levels in those who do not get enough amount of calcium from diets. Low levels of Calcium Citrate can cause osteoporosis, rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and latent tetany.
2. Calcium Citrate Malate
Calcium Citrate Malate is a calcium supplement and is water-soluble. This is a calcium salt of citric acid (Citric acid is an organic compound) and malic acid with variable composition.
When Calcium Citrate Malate is dissolved, it releases calcium ions and a calcium citrate complex. Calcium ions are directly absorbed into intestinal cells. The citrate complex enters the body through paracellular absorption.
Calcium Citrate Malate is a little different from Calcium Malate and other calcium salts. The European Food Safety Authority has concluded that calcium citrate malate is slightly more bioavailable than other forms of supplements containing calcium.
3. Calcium Acetate
Calcium Acetate is a chemical compound that is a calcium salt of acetic acid (Acetic acid is the second simplest carboxylic acid).
Calcium Acetate has the formula Ca(C2H3O2)2. The systematic name of Calcium Acetate is Calcium ethanoate and its older name is an acetate of lime.
Calcium Acetate is prepared by soaking calcium carbonate or hydrated lime in vinegar.
4. Calcium Aspartate
The molecular formula of Calcium Aspartate is C8H12CaN2O8
The API form of Calcium Aspartate is a white crystalline powder. Calcium Aspartate has a high absorption rate in comparison to other calcium. You can get Calcium Aspartate as API from West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd.
5. Calcium Asparto Glycinate
Calcium Asparto Glycinate is important calcium and is used in medicines to support the functioning of our body tissues. It is also used in supplements to support our nerves, muscles, and all connective tissues.
6. Calcium Propionate
It is an organic salt used as a food additive. Calcium propionate helps preserve foods, generally baked goods, by interfering with the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, such as bacteria, molds, and fungi.
Iron:
Iron is an important element for our blood production. Around 70% of our body’s iron is found in the red blood cells of our blood called haemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin.
Hemoglobin is helpful in transferring oxygen in our blood from lungs to all the tissues. Myoglobin on the other hand, accepts, stores, transports, and releases oxygen.
There are different sources from which we can get iron. Our main sources of iron are from food but if someone doesn’t get enough iron from food then supplements are used.
Different types of Iron:
1. Iron Isomaltoside
Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer from iron deficiency anemia requires treatment with intravenous iron. It has been proved that oral iron is not sufficient in these patients and that IV supplementation is a more effective treatment.
The new IV iron, iron isomaltoside 1000, is composed of iron and chemically modified isomalto-oligosaccharides which have a mean molecular weight of 1000 Da and consist predominantly of 3–5 glucose units.
Order Iron Isomaltoside (available in API form) as API from West Bengal Chemical Ltd. The appearance is deep brown colored free flowing powder.
2. Ferrous Asparto Glycinate
The molecular formula of Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is C2H5NO2.C4H7NO4.Fe.H. Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is used in multivitamin medicines and fatty acid product to prevent or treat vitamin deficiency before, during, and after pregnancy. Vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids play big roles in maintaining good health.
Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is available as API form at West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited. The appearance is off white to light brown color with occasional friable lumps.
3. Ferric Orthophosphate
Ferric Orthophosphate is widely used in the food industry for making supplements. It is also used in farming as harmless pesticides (snail bait)
You can order Ferric Orthophosphate from West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited as API form.
4. Ferric Ammonium Citrate
The molecular formula of Ferric Ammonium Citrate is C6H5+4yFexNyO7
You can buy FAC from West Bengal Chemical Limited. The USP of Ferric Ammonium Citrate is thin, transparent, garnet red scales or granules or brownish-yellow red powder, deliquescent, and affected by light.
5. Ferric Citrate
Ferric citrate contributes to the metabolism of iron by some organisms. Citrates, which are released by plant roots and by some microorganisms, can solubilize iron compounds in the soil. Like ferric hydroxide reacts with citrates to give form soluble complexes.
You can order Ferric Citrate from WBCIL as an active pharmaceutical Ingredient form. It is available in greenish-brown to brown hygroscopic powder. The molecular formula of Ferric Citrate is C6H6FeO7
6. Iron Polymaltose Complex
Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex in short Iron Polymaltose Complex is used to treat iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. It belongs to the group of oral iron preparations.
7. Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate
Managing anemia is a big concern for patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. Iron-replacement agents is a strategy for anemia treatment for these patients.
Ferric pyrophosphate citrate, a novel iron-replacement agent, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2015 for use in adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.
8. Ferrous Ascorbate
Ferrous Ascorbate with folic acid are combined as dietary supplements that replenish our body’s reserves of essential nutrients. The molecular formula of Ferrous Ascorbate is C12H14FeO12.2H2O
9. Ferrous Bisglycinate
Ferrous Bisglycinate an iron amino acid chelate. It is formed by the reaction of ferrous iron with 2 molecules of the amino acid glycine by a covalent bound in a process called chelation. Ferrous Bisglycinate has better patient compliance because of fewer gastrointestinal tract side effects.
Zinc:
Zinc is an essential nutrient that helps us stay healthy. It is found in cells in our body. Zinc is helpful in making our immune system stronger. We also require zinc to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells. During childhood, infancy, and pregnancy, our body requires zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also helps wounds heal.
Types of Zinc:
1. Zinc Citrate
The molecular formula of Zinc Citrate is C12H10O14Zn3
Zinc citrate is a zinc salt of citric acid. It is usually available as dietary supplements to treat zinc deficiency and a source of zinc, an essential trace element. Get Zinc Citrate from WBCIL. Available in odorless, white to an off-white granular powder.
2. Zinc Acetate
Zinc acetate is used in medicines to treat and prevent zinc deficiency. The molecular formula of Zinc Acetate is C4H6O4Zn • 2H2O
3. Zinc Aspartate
Zinc Aspartate is a chelated zinc supplement. It is a salt of zinc with the amino acid aspartic acid. Its molecular formula is C8H14N2O8Zn
4. Zinc Bisglycinate
Zinc Bisglycinate is used for the clinical dietary management of the metabolic processes of osteoarthritis (protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time)
The molecular formula of Zinc Bisglycinate is C4H8N2O4Zn
Order Zinc Bisglycinate as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) form from WBCIL Kolkata. It is available in white free-flowing powder.
Magnesium:
Magnesium is an important nutrient that our body requires to stay healthy. Magnesium is vital for multiple functioning in our body, including regular muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and BP and even making protein, DNA, and bone.
Types of Magnesium:
1. Magnesium Acetate
The molecular formula of Magnesium Acetate is Mg(CH3COO)2
Magnesium acetate appears as white hygroscopic crystals. It is soluble in water and smells like acetic acid. When it is in an aqueous solution, its pH will be on the alkaline side of neutral.
2. Magnesium Citrate
The molecular formula of Magnesium Citrate is C12H10Mg3O14
Magnesium citrate is used medicinally as a saline laxative and to empty the bowel prior to colonoscopy or major surgery. It is available without a prescription, both as a generic and under various brand names.
Order Magnesium Citrate as API from WBCIL Kolkata, a leading active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing company with over 55 years of experience.
It is available in white free-flowing API form.
3. Magnesium Aspartate
The molecular formula of Magnesium Aspartate is C8H12MgN2O8,2H2O
Magnesium Aspartate is a magnesium salt of aspartic acid generally used as a mineral supplement. It has higher water solubility if compared with other magnesium salts such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium citrate, and magnesium oxide.
4. Magnesium Bisglycinate
It is used in medicines (as mineral supplements) to prevent and treat low amounts of magnesium in our blood. Magnesium Bisglycinate is also used to treat symptoms of too much stomach acid like heartburn, stomach upset, and acid indigestion.
Potassium:
Our body requires potassium minerals to work properly. It is a kind of electrolyte. Potassium is helpful in the functioning of our nerves and muscles to contract. It keeps our hearts beating regularly. It is also required to move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure.
Types of Potassium:
1. Potassium Acetate
Potassium acetate (CH3COOK) is the potassium salt of acetic acid. It is a hygroscopic solid at room temperature. The molecular formula of Potassium Acetate is C2H3KO2
West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd is a leading manufacturer of Potassium Acetate in India.
2. Potassium Citrate
The molecular formula of Potassium Citrate is C6H5K3O7, H2O
Potassium citrate (also known as tripotassium citrate) is a potassium salt of citric acid.
3. Potassium Bisglycinate
The molecular formula of Potassium Bisglycinate is C2H4KNO2
West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of Potassium Bisglycinate in India.
Copper:
Copper is a vital trace mineral required for our survival. Copper is found in all of our body tissues and plays an important role in making red blood cells. It helps to maintain our nerve cells and immune system. It also absorbs iron, form collagen, and helps to produce energy.
In the human body, copper is found in the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. Too much or too little amount of copper can adversely affect our brain functioning. However, the deficiency is rare but it can lead to cardiovascular disease and other problems.
Types of Copper:
1. Copper Bisglycinate
Copper Bisglycinate, an optimally absorbed Albion mineral chelate supports blood vessel, bone, heart, nerve, and skin health. The molecular formula of Copper Bisglycinate is C4H8CuN2O4
2. Copper Propionate
Copper Propionate is available in different forms. It is used in different medicines. You can order Copper Propionate from West Bengal Chemical Industries, a limited company based in WB, India. It is available as API form. Appearance is green crystal powder with an occasional friable lump.
Other Minerals:
1. Sodium Butyrate
Sodium Butyrate is sodium salt of butyric acid. It has multiple effects on cultured mammalian cells including inhibition of proliferation, repression of gene expression, and induction of differentiation.
Sodium Butyrate is available in white free-flowing powder, with an occasional friable lump.
2. Nicorandil
The molecular formula of Nicorandil is C8H9N3O4
Nicorandil is a medicine used in preventing and treating chest pain caused by angina. Doctors usually prescribe Nicorandil when other heart medicines have no effect on patients.
3. L-Methyl folate
It is a form of vitamin B used to treat megaloblastic anemia, depression, and renal & hepatic impairment. L-Methyl folate is available at West Bengal Chemical Industries in API form.
Conclusion:
Without some essential minerals, our human body and organs cannot function properly. Mostly we get these minerals from our food but sometimes we require to take them through supplements. There are more minerals that we didn’t include in this article. We’ll discuss them in detail in another article.
