Minerals Research Update: Metabolic Health, Fertility, and Heart Health

Studies continue to highlight the importance of minerals as nutrients that are essential for human health. Mineral deficiencies have been shown to profoundly impact physiological processes; because minerals often work synergistically, the deficiency of a single mineral can substantially hinder critical functions. This is because minerals function as catalysts for the engine that runs the human body.

Minerals play a variety of roles in human health, acting as cofactors for crucial metabolic reactions. They facilitate the generation of vitamins, hormones, and enzymes within the body and contribute to the health of the bones, brain, heart, blood vessels, and other critical systems and processes. Ultimately, all cells require minerals to function properly because minerals participate in enzymatic reactions and facilitate the transport of nutrients across cell membranes.

Among several essential minerals, some with the most interesting recent research include magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Recently published meta-analyses highlight their benefits in metabolic health, male fertility, and in the prevention of heart disease, respectively.


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