What are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic nutrients that your body does not produce itself; you obtain them from food. They are involved in hundreds of processes: from your muscle function and nervous system to your immune system and the formation of bones.
A varied diet generally provides most minerals. However, supplementation can be useful in the case of a restrictive diet, increased requirements, or reduced absorption. A supplement is a complement; it does not replace a balanced meal.
Important: not every form is absorbed equally well. That is why we will look at the common forms and what distinguishes them separately below.
IN 2 MINUTES
The form determines the recording.
Oxide or bisglycinate? We show why the form of a mineral often matters more than the number on the label.
IN 2 MINUTES
The form determines the recording.
Oxide or bisglycinate? We show why the form of a mineral often matters more than the number on the label.
The six in a row.
For each mineral, only the health claims authorized by EFSA, nothing more and nothing less.
Magnesium
Mg- contributes to normal muscle function
- helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
- is good for memory and concentration
- contributes to strong bones and teeth
Zinc
Zn- contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- is good for skin, hair and nails
- contributes to normal fertility
Iron
Fe- contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells
- is good for oxygen transport in the body
- helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
- supports normal immune system function
Selenium
Se- contributes to normal thyroid function
- supports the immune system
- helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- is good for hair and nails
Calcium
Ca- is needed to maintain strong bones and teeth
- contributes to normal muscle function
- is good for normal nerve impulse transmission
- plays a role in normal blood clotting
Potassium
K- is good for the normal functioning of the nervous system
- contributes to the normal functioning of the muscles
- helps maintain normal blood pressure
Which shape absorbs best?
"500 mg" on the front says little if your body absorbs very little of it. The binding, or form, determines how much actually becomes available.
Liposomal
The mineral is encapsulated in a layer of fat, allowing it to reach your system protected. Generally well tolerated, even with a sensitive stomach.
Bisglycinate (chelate)
Bound to an amino acid. It is absorbed gradually and puts hardly any strain on the digestive system. A popular daily form.
Citrate
Bound to citric acid. Reasonably well absorbed and is often used with a view to digestion.
Oxide
Contains a lot of mineral per milligram, but is relatively poorly absorbed. Cheap, but not always the most efficient choice.
Minerals work together.
A common misconception is that you can view individual minerals as separate buttons: one for your energy, one for your immune system. In practice, they actually work together. Magnesium and calcium balance each other in muscle function; zinc and copper compete for absorption; vitamin D helps calcium get into place. So significantly increasing one mineral can affect another.
That is why we prefer to look at the whole rather than one impressive number on a label. More is not automatically better: for some minerals, there is even an upper limit above which supplementation is no longer useful or desirable.
Why a shortage is not always visible
The body is good at compensating. As a result, a mild deficiency is rarely manifested in a single clear sign; more often it involves vague fatigue or reduced resistance. This makes it difficult to determine by intuition whether you need something. A blood test ordered by your GP provides more certainty than a gut feeling, especially with iron, where both too little and too much is undesirable.
"The question is not 'how much can I take', but 'what does my body really need'."
How we deal with this
When formulating our products, we choose dosages suitable for daily supplementation in highly absorbable forms. No record-breaking amounts to impress on the label, but a scientifically supported foundation. And in all our texts, including this one, we adhere to what can legally be said about their effects.
If you are unsure about your situation, taking medication, or pregnant, consult your GP or an orthomolecular therapist before starting supplementation. Our customer service team is happy to help you consider your options, but deliberately does not provide medical advice.
Magnesium - Liposomal formulation - 100 capsules
Read on about minerals.
Magnesium: which form is best for your body?
Liposomal, chelated, malate: how to make an informed choice.
Zinc and resistance: fact and fiction
What zinc actually does for your immune system, and what is exaggerated.
Iron on a plant-based diet
Why plant-based iron is absorbed differently, and how to improve that.
