Magnesium deficiency is about the same.
The human body is mostly made up of amino acids and minerals.
We’ve all heard of electrolytes, and some of the other major “macrominerals”. And vitamins are some of the most popular of all dietary supplements.
Minerals act like tools that allow vitamins to work effectively. Vitamins don’t work without minerals.
When vitamins don’t work well, bad things result. For example, kids born with iodine deficiency have an average IQ 20 points below their peers.
“You can trace every disease to a mineral deficiency” — Linus Pauling Click To TweetClearly, minerals matter. And here’s the worst part…
Due to conventional farming practices, declining crop nutrient density, and accelerating depletion rate, humans can no longer rely on diet alone to consume adequate trace minerals or even macro minerals.
Using quality trace mineral supplements has never been more essential to your health and performance.
Almost every single human will notice dramatic differences when fully loaded with minerals.
But not all products are equal.
So in this post, we’re exploring the best trace mineral supplements for your unique goals and lifestyle. We’ll discuss the profound health impacts of trace minerals, the scientific benefits of consuming ample, and everything you should know before getting started.
The Best Trace Mineral Supplements of 2024
Best Multi-Mineral: RnA ReSet ReMyte
Best Plant-Based: BEAM Minerals Plant-Based Micro-Boost
Best Natural: Pure Himalayan Shilajit Drops
Best Ionic: Upgraded Formulas Ionic Trace Minerals Complex
What are Trace Minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in rocks, soil, minerals, and water. Plants absorb these minerals as they grow, and then humans either directly consume the plants or the animals that ate the plants.
The body cannot synthesize minerals so we must consume them through our diet. Minerals are categorized into two groups: macrominerals (major) and trace minerals (minor).
Although the body requires major minerals, such as calcium and potassium, in larger quantities, that doesn’t make trace minerals any less important.
The human body requires both types of minerals to function.
Minerals run the body and hormones respond to mineral status. — Dr. Morley Robbins Click To TweetBelow, I’ve listed some examples of each class of minerals and a few of the many roles they play throughout the body.
Macro Minerals:
- Calcium — helps strengthen bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
- Magnesium — involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions, supports energy production, maintains normal muscle and nerve function, and helps regulate blood pressure.
- Potassium — key to proper muscle and nerve function, helps maintain fluid balance, and supports heart health.
- Sodium — helps maintain fluid balance, supports nerve function and muscle contractions, and plays a role in blood pressure regulation.
- Iron — essential to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It also supports energy metabolism.
- Phosphorus — aids the formation of bones and teeth, as well as energy metabolism and DNA synthesis.
- Sulfur — required for the structure and function of proteins, as well as the synthesis of certain amino acids, and enzymes, and to provide antioxidant support.
Since we need such large quantities, manufacturers often fortify modern foods with vitamins and minerals.
Yet trace minerals play equally important roles.
Trace Minerals:
- Selenium — acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune function, and plays roles in hormone metabolism.
- Iodine — vital for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. It also protects against radiation.
- Zinc — has become known for immune regulation, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Chromium — helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin’s effects, it’s a glucose disposal agent (GDA) that improves metabolism, gets rapidly depleted through exercise or sweat, and we only absorb about 1% through the diet or supplements.
- Copper — key to the formation of connective tissues, energy production, iron metabolism, and antioxidant defense.
- Manganese — assists the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. It also plays a role in bone formation and antioxidant defense.
- Cobalt — a component of vitamin B12, which is crucial for red blood cell production and neurological function.
- Molybdenum — acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism and detoxification processes (of sulfites).
- Nickel — appears to play a role in certain enzymatic reactions, but its role in human health is not yet well understood.
- Vanadium — may have a role in regulating blood sugar and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
- Silicon — helps form and maintain connective tissues, like bones, skin, and hair.
- Boron — thought to play a role in bone health, brain function, and the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.
- Lithium — occurs naturally and promotes mental health, relaxation, mood, and longevity.
These are just a few of the 70+ trace minerals. Many of us live our daily lives deficient in multiple macro minerals, and even more trace minerals.
What you might not know, however, are the wide-ranging effects and symptoms of trace mineral deficiency.
Trace Mineral Deficiency Drives Disease (Symptoms)
How big of an issue is mineral deficiency?
1 out of 3 people in the United States has at least 10 minerals in which they are deficient. – Dr. James DiNicolantonio Click To TweetAnd many other countries face even worse.
Some of the countless symptoms of mineral deficiency include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Brittle nails
- Weak and brittle bones
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Constipation
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
- Poor dental health
- Osteoporosis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Weakened immunity
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rashes
- Anemia
- Frequent infections
- Impaired growth and development
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Reduced fertility
- Altered glucose metabolism (insulin resistance)
- Increased sulfite sensitivity
- Abnormal uric acid levels
Here’s the thing…
Your annual physical will only come back problematic after years (even decades) of mineral deficiencies. Routine blood panels test the mineral content of the blood.
Yet the body requires very precise and stable mineral levels to function.
So, it strips minerals from the bones, organs, and other systems to keep blood levels stable. Your test results may come back in the normal range, while your body is actually becoming mineral depleted.
By the time blood labs show issues, you have a major problem.
Why does this happen?
The Many Causes of Trace Mineral Deficiency
If you’re anything like me, you might wonder…
Why can’t I just get trace minerals through my diet like humans always have done?
As you’re about to find out, for a ton of reasons. Basically, our mineral needs have increased and our dietary consumption has plummeted.
Some of the key factors driving mineral and trace mineral deficiency include:
- Wrong foods — we’re eating fewer foods that are naturally mineral-rich.
- Soil — modern agricultural practices kill the soil and rely on NPK fertilizer, making produce look great but completely lacking minerals.
- Absorption — some medical conditions (celiac disease or Crohn’s disease) impair the absorption of trace minerals through the digestive tract.
- Lifestyle — certain life stages, like sports, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, increase the need for trace minerals.
- Medical — some medications or medical treatments interfere with the absorption (or utilization) of trace minerals.
- Alcoholism — alcohol consumption interferes with the absorption and metabolism of multiple trace minerals.
- Caffeine — as a diuretic, caffeine increases the excretion of minerals.
- Anti-Nutrients — phytates, oxalates, tannins, and other “anti-nutrient” compounds bind to minerals in the digestive tract, reducing their bioavailability and absorption.
- Stomach Acid — some medications, lifestyle, and even overconsumption of water can interfere with healthy stomach acidity which reduces the absorption of certain minerals.
- Cooking — the process of cooking actively denatures/degrades minerals, and depending on the cooking method, can leach them out of the food into water (which cooks often discard).
Expect these causes to become well-known and generally accepted within the next decade or so.
Minerals just aren’t well understood yet.
Even Weston A. Price, among the most famous nutritionists known for discovering the importance of certain vitamins, didn’t know much about minerals. He never got around to researching them.
If he had, we’d know a whole lot more about them today.
Luckily, we can turn to some modern research to understand the health, well-being, & performance benefits of supplementing with trace minerals.
Health & Wellness Benefits of Trace Minerals
Trace minerals govern overall health and optimal body functions. They contribute to many thousands of essential processes required to maintain health. They’re also the body’s first antioxidant shield.
Trace minerals act as cofactors for enzymes in the body. These enzymes rely on specific trace minerals to carry out their functions effectively. For instance, zinc plays a critical role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involved in metabolism and immune function. Magnesium activates 3150 proteins in the body and plays roles in 800 enzymatic pathways.
They also have a significant impact on immune system function. Selenium acts as a potent antioxidant and supports immune defenses by protecting against cellular damage caused by harmful free radicals. Copper aids in immune response and defends against bacterial infections. Zinc helps against viruses.
These micronutrients are also vital for growth and development. Iodine is required to synthesize thyroid hormone (regulates the metabolism and brain development). Producing hemoglobin—a protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body—requires iron.
Some of the many benefits of trace mineral supplementation include [R, R, R]:
- Enhances nutrient absorption
- Improves immunity
- Increased energy levels
- Optimizes cellular function
- Aids joint health
- Boosts metabolism
- Regulates hormone production
- Improves digestion
- Strengthens hair, skin, and nails
- Supports eyesight
- Maintains proper electrolyte balance
- Promotion of ideal blood pressure
- Enhances detoxification processes
- Supports reproductive health
- Protects against certain chronic diseases (diabetes and arthritis)
- Supports healthy bones and teeth
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Maintains healthy thyroid function
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Accelerates wound healing
- Antioxidant protection against oxidative stress
- Supports brain health and cognitive function
Mineral deficiency can even create hunger.
Then we have fulvic and humic acids. These substances are widely considered nature’s most powerful electrolytes. They amplify your absorption and ability to uptake everything else you consume into cells. These special compounds also donate electrons, making them work like antioxidants and also as cellular detoxification super nutrients.
To maximize your benefits, you’ll want to see fulvic and/or humic acid on the labels of your chosen product.
The Best Trace Minerals Supplements & Liquids
Search the web for “the best trace mineral supplements”, and you’ll find a shocking lack of information.
Including, a very narrow list of products.
Whether a trace minerals liquid or capsules, you’ll want to choose carefully. Many of the “top products” have issues with abnormally high levels of heavy metals and other toxicants.
RnA ReSet ReMyte
Decades ago, Dr. Carolyn Dean was the one who popularized magnesium therapy in the USA. Back then, few companies offered quality products.
Dr. Dean’s book The Magnesium Miracle was the inspiration behind hundreds of companies creating products.
Her company, RnA ReSet, created a whole suite of potent minerals and mineral complexes.
Although most famous for her magnesium ReMag product, ReMyte is a hidden gem.
Most companies just use a mineral or two in their supplements. ReMyte, however, contains stabilized ions of 12 minerals. Both macro-mineral electrolytes and micro-minerals.
These ionic minerals are in their ideal picometer size. Each is fully absorbed at the cellular level.
ReMyte does have a slight taste of salt water, which you can easily neutralize by adding it to a drink.
The broad-spectrum nature and overall value have earned it a position in my regimen as my daily go-to multi-mineral.
RNA ReSet’s ReMyte is the all-in-one mineral product in a highly bioavailable Ionic form, created by the pioneer of mineral therapy herself.
Click the button above to get 10% off on RnA ReSet.
BEAM Minerals MicroBoost
Founded in 2017 by Caroline Alan and Dan Howard, BEAM Minerals Micro-Boost has taken the biohacking world by storm. Fittingly, BEAM stands for “Best Electrolytes And Minerals”.
BEAM Minerals deeply understands the science of trace minerals and their role in optimal health and performance. Their Micro-Boost supplement is specifically designed to provide your cells with the precise blend of trace minerals they need to function best.
These are the original 100% plant-based, ionic, trace minerals. Meaning that they’re fully bioavailable. What you consume is what you absorb and assimilate into your cells. With other products, on the other hand, after digestion, absorption, and assimilation, you excrete ~99% of the active ingredient.
BEAM sources its raw ingredients from a pristine location in the USA. They prioritize quality and transparency by conducting rigorous third-party testing to ensure product purity and potency.
Plus, this product has virtually zero taste and is compatible with every diet and dietary restriction. Making it among the best liquid trace minerals supplements available.
My favorite part, however, is that Micro-Boost contains a powerful complex of fulvic and humic acids. After using it, you’ll naturally absorb and assimilate more micro-nutrients from everything you eat and drink.
This product is a bit more expensive than many mineral liquids, but its broad uses and mineral optimization make it an excellent choice.
BEAM Minerals Micro-Boost is the best plant-based, ionic, max absorption trace mineral complex (that’s tasteless and rich in the highly beneficial fulvic and humic acids).
Use the exclusive promo code URBAN for 20% off
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means Outliyr LLC gets a small commission if you buy (at no cost to you). Thanks for your support!
Pure Himalayan Shilajit
Pure Himalayan Shilajit is a brand that specializes in a nutrient-dense super substance called, as their name implies, shilajit. They carry every form of shilajit imaginable and have made a name for themselves as the most trusted vendor.
Their flagship product, Pure Himalayan Shilajit Sun-Dried Liquid, has become another favorite of health practitioners. Shilajit liquid is derived from decomposed ancient plants (plant-based) found in the Himalayas and contains essential trace minerals in their most bioavailable form.
Here’s the issue. Shilajit is extremely rare, naturally occurring in pristine landscapes of the Himalayas (at an altitude of 16,000+ feet). And in Siberia at altitudes of 14,000+ feet. Making it expensive. Many vendors sell counterfeit products. As you’d expect, Pure Himalayan Shilajit puts all its products through third-party testing for purity and potency. So you know you’re getting the real thing.
While you can get shilajit in powders, capsules, resins, solids, and liquids. I prefer liquids for ease of use and because they best retain all the beneficial bioactive compounds (fulvic and humic acids, plant alkaloids, and trace minerals complex) within them. It’s also the substance naturally highest in fulvic acid and humic acid.
There’s one major issue… taste. Shilajit has a very smokey, strong, distinct taste. Some people can’t handle it. If that’s you, they offer a more palatable version mixed into premium-quality Manuka honey.
To summarize, Pure Himalayan Shilajit Liquid provides an exceptional blend of trace minerals sourced from the majestic Himalayas. With extensive scientific backing and an emphasis on safety and efficacy, this premium liquid supplement offers numerous benefits for your overall well-being. If you’re looking for an effective way to optimize your health with trace mineral supplementation, look no further than Pure Himalayan Shilajit Liquid.
Pure Himalayan Sun-Dried Liquid Shilajit has a 5,000+ year-old history of use, is packed with 70+ trace minerals, and is the hands-down best natural source of potent health-benefiting humic and fulvic acids.
Use Pure Himalayan Shilajit exclusive code URBAN for 10% off
Upgraded Formulas Upgraded Trace Minerals
Barton Scott created Upgraded Formulas to provide actionable human testing insights, consultations, and high-quality supplements. Upgraded Formulas stand out for their Stabilized Nano Mineral Technology, which maximizes the absorption and bioavailability of their supplements. Including Upgraded Trace Minerals.
Upgraded Trace Minerals contain their Stabilized Nano Minerals. These small, stable, ionic nanoparticles result in what they claim to be a 99.99% absorption rate. Rapidly absorbed, without the need for digestion.
Just like the minerals naturally contained in the most nutrient-dense foods, only Upgraded Minerals contain larger dosages.
Compared to your average mineral supplement, this gives you better results, at lower dosages, and with fewer side effects.
Like other high-quality trace minerals liquids, they choose to complement the trace minerals complex with additional fulvic acid.
Upgraded Formulas offers a 100-day money-back guarantee on their products, including Upgraded Trace Minerals. Plus, a percentage of their profits goes to Charity: Water, supporting the provision of clean drinking water to those in need.
I personally sometimes use their Peak Thyroid, Upgraded Magnesium, and occasionally the Trace Minerals.
Upgraded Formulas have all kinds of maximum bioavailability nutrients, ranging from a blend of trace minerals to individual macro-minerals.
Use Upgraded Formula code URBAN to unlock special discount
Thorne Trace Minerals
Thorne Research, the company behind Thorne Trace Minerals, was founded by Al Czap in 1984. Located in Sandpoint, Idaho, Thorne Research is renowned for producing some of the cleanest and most pure supplements on Earth. In fact, they’re the official brand of many professional and even Olympic sports teams—and those that cannot afford contamination.
Thorne Trace Minerals is a trace mineral pill complex formulated to address the most common deficiencies. Even among those already eating a healthy diet. Each capsule contains:
- 700mcg of Boron (Borganic Glycinate Complex)
- 100mcg of Chromium (TRAACS Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate)
- 2.5mg of Manganese (Citrate)
- 100mcg of Selenium (L-Selenomethionine)
- 15mg of Zinc (TRAACS Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate)
Three of the five are patented forms, regarded for their exceptional bioavailability. These mineral chelates are essential for proper hormone and neurotransmitter function. The trace minerals in this supplement act as cofactors in numerous enzymatic reactions, as well as in cardiovascular health, bone health, fertility, cognitive function, and immune function.
This isn’t my favorite all-in-one trace minerals formula, as it lacks some of the core common mineral deficiencies. But it contains appreciable doses of some often-neglected trace minerals. Plus, it’s a little more expensive for what you get.
Thorne Trace Minerals capsules are your best choice if you’re mostly concerned about purity and potency, and want a product that provides clinical doses of five of the most common deficiencies.
Click the button to automatically unlock 15% off Thorne products (some exclusions apply)
Aussie Minerals Complete Electrolyte
Dissatisfied by the options available to their market, Aussie Trace Minerals is a company that now provides innovative, high-quality nutritional solutions around the globe. Aussie Trace Minerals Complete Electrolyte is the first ionic minerals product I’ve come across that’s derived from “100% solar concentrated and sodium-reduced ocean water”, harvested from the Southern Australian coast.
This is one of the few companies that focuses exclusively on mineral-based products. Like shilajit and others, it contains 70+ minerals and electrolytes, plus ample highly absorbable Magnesium. Aussie Trace Minerals is also quite concentrated and easy to use, just add 5-20 drops into any liquid for a therapeutic dose of ionic minerals:
- 102mg of Magnesium
- 355mg of Chloride
- 40mg of Sodium
- 45mg of Potassium
Since they’re ionic minerals, you actually absorb and assimilate them far more readily than conventional mineral supplements.
Price-wise, Aussie Trace Minerals is affordable. More than most of the alternatives. Should you like it, you can also get product bundles to further bring down the cost. As a warning, there’s no money-back guarantee or return policy on opened products.
Although you’ll find their product on Amazon, be careful. Trace mineral supplement listings on Amazon are often fraudulent and sometimes contain dangerous contaminants.
I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews regarding this company, its quality control, and its products. They’re up next on my list of the best trace minerals supplements to thoroughly test.
Aussie Trace Minerals Complete Electrolyte (ionized) stands out for its pristine sourcing and derivation, rave recommendations from real customers, and affordability.
Use the promo code URBAN to save 10%
Seeking Health Trace Minerals Complex
Seeking Health, founded by nutrigenomics expert Dr. Ben Lynch in 2011, is a rapidly growing nutritional supplement brand. By optimizing our nutrition (epigenetics), we can optimally express our genetics—living at our full potential.
Seeking Health has a large catalog of supplements, including a whole collection of minerals. They even carry supplements powered by the highly effective “liposomal” supplement technology. They also carry some unique science-backed formulas that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
Minerals-wise, they carry two Trace Minerals Complexes. Seeking Health uses chelated minerals (minerals bound to amino acids), which aren’t as bioavailable as ionic minerals, but are still far better utilized than most products. Their flagship formula contains a well-rounded blend of 10 essential trace minerals, including:
- 18mg of Iron (Iron Bisglycinate)
- 15mg of Zinc (Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate)
- 2mg of Copper (Copper Gluconate)
- 55mcg of Selenium (SelenoExcell High Selenium Yeast)
- 120mcg of Chromium (Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate)
- 2mg of Manganese (Manganese Bisglycinate Citrate)
- 150mcg of Iodine (Potassium Iodide)
- 75mcg of Molybdenum (Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate)
- 3mg of Boron (Borganic Glycine)
- 10mcg of Vanadium (Vanadium Nicotinate Glycinate)
- 99mg of Potassium (Potassium chloride)
- 100mcg of Horsetail (aerial parts)
Since iron overload is a common and serious problem, I like that they offer a similar iron-free version of this.
Plus, these are the only trace minerals capsules I’ve seen that include an ingredient horsetail. Horsetail is a revered herbal supplement, which naturally contains high amounts of silica, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids.
Seeking Health Trace Minerals Complex is an affordable, chelated formula of 9 or 10 essential trace minerals.
Peak Performance Trace Minerals Liquid Drops
For over nine years, Peak Performance has sold a wide range of quite affordable powders, pills, liquids, and other supplements. company founded by individuals passionate about providing high-quality trace mineral solutions.
They’re known for carrying some hard-to-find patented ingredients, great prices, and product endorsements by celebrities (athletes). Peak Performance has also been featured in major media outlets such as CNBC, FOX, CBS, Forbes, and Inc.
One of their lesser-known products is the Trace Minerals Liquid Drops. This liquid supplement contains a base of fulvic acid and 72 trace minerals, all sourced from plant material. This fulvic and trace minerals complex comes out to 455mg per serving. Plus, they derive decent doses of magnesium and chloride from marine sources. It also has a small but significant 2mg dose of boron.
I like that this is one of the few trace mineral liquid concentrates that actually list the dosage of multiple minerals.
Just like the rest of their products, Trace Minerals Liquid Drops undergoes third-party testing for purity and safety. Then, the company offers a 30-day hassle-free money-back guarantee.
With every purchase, they also do a 1-for-1 donation match program with Vitamin Angels, so you’re actively supplying a child at risk of malnutrition with vitamins for a full year. Yet it’s still affordable.
Trace Minerals Liquid Drops from Peak Performance is a solid fulvic acid-rich multi-mineral product that’s both affordable, and nicely dosed, and each purchase helps a kid at risk of malnutrition (at no cost to you).
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means Outliyr LLC gets a small commission if you buy (at no cost to you). Thanks for your support!
Life Extension Only Trace Minerals
Life Extension is a well-known supplement brand that’s been around for over 40 years. They lead the industry with unique cutting-edge formulas, backed by their internal scientific research team. Life Extension uses quality ingredients and has a rigorous lab-testing policy. Yet somehow, their prices remain competitive.
As the name implies, their Only Trace Minerals supplement provides a daily dose of important minerals like zinc, copper, chromium, boron, and more. Plus, it’s great news for those following a vegetarian diet as it comes in vegetarian capsules.
The ingredients and dosages within Only Trace Minerals include:
- 20mg of Zinc (OptiZinc® zinc monomethionine)
- 2mg of Copper (copper bisglycinate chelate)
- 2mg of Manganese (manganese sulfate)
- 400mcg of Chromium (chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate)
- 250mcg of Molybdenum (molybdenum glycinate chelate)
- 3mg of Boron (boron citrate, aspartate, glycinate complex)
- 750mcg of Vanadium (vanadyl sulfate, 3.75mg)
Like the others on this list, Only Trace Minerals was carefully formulated with bioavailable forms of each mineral. Unlike some of the others, however, Life Extension uses clinical dosages of each ingredient and provides references to scientific research studies.
Within the body, minerals naturally exist in balance. I like that this formula accommodates that, for example, with ideal dosages of both zinc and copper.
Although each mineral is not in its optimal ionic form, with a price so low and with the company’s high standards, Only Trace Mineral is a hard product to pass up. You just take one vegetarian capsule daily.
Only Trace Minerals is the best value trace minerals supplement, with a science-backed formulation, the absolute lowest price, and the quality control of the respected giant, Life Extension.
Dr. Berg
Trace Minerals Enhanced is a popular trace minerals product, formulated by Dr. Eric Berg. He’s most known for a line of products designed to support and optimize the ketogenic diet. Although Dr. Berg has other universal supplements too, like his Trace Minerals complex. Which is sourced from Utah’s naturally mineral-rich Great Salt Lake.
Dr. Berg’s Trace Minerals Enhanced includes the following ingredients and dosages:
- 10mg of Zinc (zinc bisglycinate chelate)
- 890mcg of Copper (copper orotate)
- 2mg of Manganese (manganese amino acid chelate)
- 34mcg of Chromium (chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate)
- 44mcg of Molybdenum (molybdenum amino acid chelate)
- 50mcg of Selenium (selenium glycinate complex)
- 50mcg of Iodine (from sea kelp)
- 1mg Boron (boron glycinate)
- 20mcg of Vanadium (vanadyl sulfate)
- 100mg of Trace Mineral Complex
Again, these minerals are not in their fully optimal “ionic” state.
I find that final ingredient interesting. The “Trace Minerals Complex” means that Dr. Berg’s product also contains a proprietary blend of other minerals.
I generally distrust proprietary blends, because manufacturers use them to hide the real contents of their products. But we can see the other ingredients, their forms, and dosages. So in this case, I think of the complex as a bonus.
My favorite part of the formula, however, is the ingredient dosages. I like that Dr. Berg Trace Minerals Enhanced uses effective dosages, that nearly fulfill the RDA without going way over. This helps prevent issues related to mineral imbalance and even toxicity that can happen with other products.
As with most of these products, Dr. Berg Trace Minerals Enhanced undergoes third-party testing for purity, potency, and safety. Each bottle contains 60 easy-to-swallow capsules, lasting two months of daily usage. Plus, Minerals Enhanced is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily return it should you not notice a difference.
Dr. Berg’s Trace Minerals Enhanced is perfect for anyone following the keto diet or wanting the safest dosages of commonly deficient trace minerals.
Bodybio Trace Liquid Minerals Set
BodyBio, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in New Jersey on a mission to help optimize health at the cellular level. They’ve been in the industry for over 25 years, and among others, have a quality Liquid Minerals product.
BodyBio sells two main ionic trace mineral products: a pre-mixed liquid, and a set of individual trace minerals.
The Liquid Minerals product sold by BodyBio is a pre-mixed macro mineral and trace mineral blend, which includes potassium, zinc, magnesium, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions and are delivered in a liquid form for better bioavailability.
They also sell other liquid minerals separately. This allows those with sensitivities to copper, selenium, or iodine—which is fairly common—to use the product without issue. For the rest of us, we can combine them.
BodyBio also sells its Liquid Minerals Set, which includes individual bottles of potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium & iodine. Great for precisely controlling your dosage of each. Plus, they describe how to use their “Taste Test” to taste each mineral and only use the ones your body actually needs.
You can only do this with their Liquid Minerals Set, and it’s unique in the industry.
Don’t be fooled by the dosages that appear low. All the trace minerals within both of their products are in ionic form—providing superior bioavailability, absorption, and assimilation.
After manufacturing, they lab test in their New Jersey headquarters. Should you not like it for any reason, you have 60 days from ordering to return an opened product for store credit.
The main issue?
BodyBio frequently runs out of stock of their Liquid Minerals. And they sometimes experience long lags between new shipments.
BodyBio’s ionic Liquid Minerals Set provides outstanding absorption and is the only product that helps you customize your supplement to match your exact needs.
Vital Earth Minerals Super Multi Liquid Vitamins
Vital Earth is a little-known but reputable company that offers high-quality nature-based supplements. As you’d expect, Vital Earth uses organic and natural ingredients, while avoiding harmful substances like artificial colors, GMO, artificial sweeteners, additives, and fillers. They also offer all kinds of mineral products, ranging from ionic minerals to mineral concentrates, to super multi mineral liquids.
One of Vital Earth’s standout products is its Super Multi Liquid Vitamins. This liquid supplement provides high-potency vitamins, great absorption due to its liquid form, and an energizing (and sugar-free) fruit and greens blend. The formula includes nutrients derived from whole foods, amino acids, activated and bioavailable forms of nutrients (P5P B6, Methyl B12, etc.).
Super Multi has a long list of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, humic and fulvic acids, and a whole lot more. Too much to list. It’s close to all-in-one nutritional support.
What sets Super Multi apart from other multi-minerals is its therapeutic strength and comprehensive ingredient list. Super Multi is also USP-certified. This is one of the most rigorous third-party lab testing approval processes for supplements.
Super Multi is vegetarian-friendly, and free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, and iron. Plus, the activated nutrients within it make it compatible with those that have the common MTHFR genetic variant.
The product is competitively priced, offers subscription discounts, and has a friendly and helpful customer support team. They honor exchanges or refunds within 45 days of purchase.
Overall, Vital Earth’s Super Multi Liquid is an all-in-one ionic product, containing fulvic and humic acids, activated vitamins, and is devoid of many common supplement fillers.
Trace Mineral Supplements I Avoid
Trace minerals are an emerging category of supplements.
The more depleted we become, the faster this sector will grow. Compared to many categories, right now we have relatively few options for vendors.
For different reasons as you’ll learn below, I recommend you avoid certain products.
ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops
By far and away, ConcenTrace has dominated as the world’s number one best trace minerals supplement. They were among the first to start selling, and are the usual recommendation of health practitioners. I also used them for about five years. More recently, however, their quality control has severely plummeted. So much so that they were sued (and lost the case) in California due to dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals. Third-party tests also confirm the same thing. The company also secretly changed its formula several years back (likely to cut costs). If you sort user reviews by date, you’ll notice a ton of 1 stars. People often complain of very serious symptoms. What was once a great product that I used daily is no longer something I would touch.
Ultimate Living Ionic Trace Minerals
I wanted to like this product, but several factors concern me about its quality. First, and most importantly, there is very little information regarding it. Nor are there any real user reviews. It’s also called an ionic “trace minerals” supplement, yet there are more macrominerals than trace minerals. Ultimate Living Ionic Trace Minerals is also not lab-tested. There are much better, safer products available.
How to Choose the Best Trace Mineral Supplement
So, how did we come up with our list?
First, we consulted with some of the top minerals experts around the world.
Next, we evaluated each of them on certain criteria.
Before buying a trace minerals product, you should consider certain the below key factors.
Safety
When buying any supplement, safety should be your top priority. Supplements lack the regulation and quality control of pharmaceuticals. Choose products that are manufactured by reputable companies and follow strict quality control measures. Check the internet for negative reviews, lawsuits, and any independent testing results.
Nutrient Type
Consider the form of trace minerals in the supplement. Plant-based trace minerals are more bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body compared to synthetic ones (minerals bound to something else like an amino acid). Use supplements that contain ionic or liquid forms of trace minerals for optimal absorption and thus the strongest effects.
Form
Trace mineral supplements are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, liquids, or powders. Pick the form that suits your preference, budget, and convenience. Liquids are the best absorbed. Followed by powders. Capsules, on the other hand, offer convenience for on-the-go consumption. For your convenience, I’ve listed products that fall into each of these categories.
Value
Of course, we care about the price of the product. But also take into account its effectiveness and quality. Cheaper options don’t always work as intended to provide health benefits. And/or they contain low-quality ingredients that sometimes do more harm than good. Or they lack rigorous safety testing. The products I’ve included in this roundup of the best ionic trace minerals supplements strike a balance between affordability and quality.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing ensures that the purity, potency, and quality of a product is verified by an independent laboratory. This provides you with an extra layer of assurance that the supplement contains the stated ingredients in the correct amounts and no contaminants.
Third-party testing also helps to identify potential allergens or harmful substances like pathogens or heavy metals. Contaminated supplements usually do more damage than benefit. With most brands, you can access these test results either on their website or by requesting them via email.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trace Minerals
Before buying or using trace minerals products, you’ll want to know a few important details.
Why should I supplement trace minerals?
Due to soil depletion and increased mineral needs, modern humans can no longer get enough through diet alone. Trace mineral supplementation is the easiest and most effective way to fulfill your body’s mineral requirements.
Are plant-based minerals better than synthetic minerals?
Plant-based/ionic trace minerals are better than synthetic minerals because they are far more easily absorbed and assimilated into bodily tissues. Synthetic minerals are derived from rocks, shells, bones, and other materials and don’t provide the same benefits as the minerals naturally occurring within foods.
What are the health benefits of trace minerals?
The body and brain use trace minerals to power thousands of biochemical processes throughout the body. They’re involved in virtually every facet of health, from immunity, lifespan, athletic performance, cognition, wound healing, energy, hormone production, digestion, detoxification, and beyond.
Should I take trace minerals daily?
Virtually all trace mineral supplements are designed for daily usage. That’s what most health practitioners recommend. The scientific approach, however, is to use a trace minerals health test to best understand your deficiencies and then supplement accordingly.
What’s the best dosage for trace minerals supplements?
The best dosage of trace minerals depends on the supplement, the form (ionic, plant-based, or synthetic), and your current dietary pattern. Follow the instructions on the product label.
Choosing the Best Trace Minerals Supplements for Your Needs
Minerals are the unsung heroes of the human body and brain.
They fuel all the processes, pathways, and enzymatic reactions that power human biology. Want some examples?
- Magnesium activates about 800 enzymatic pathways and 3150 proteins in the body
- Iodine-deficient kids have an average IQ of 20 points lower
- Silica manages calcium to help build bone and prevent osteoporosis
- Copper aids bacterial defense, while zinc improves viral defense
- Boron helps activate vitamin D
Like a light switch, vitamins don’t work without minerals.
Unlike some nutrients, we don’t manufacture our own essential minerals endogenously. We must get them from our diet. Minerals naturally come from soil, and plants absorb them as they grow. Or, animals absorb them by eating the plants.
Yet modern living has stripped our soil of life. Plants grow lacking minerals. Animals feed on mineral-devoid plants. Humans, whether carnivores, vegans, or omnivores, simply cannot get enough trace minerals anymore.
It’s become the silent killer…
Blood labs will only show problems after years—or decades—of severe trace mineral deficiency.
Not to mention, it’s possible your multivitamins is giving you more harm than good.
To make matters worse, cooking, fortification by food manufacturers, and other parts of modern living exacerbate the delicate mineral imbalances. For example, driving calcium sky-high, while completely neglecting its functional opposites. Some of the many precise balances the body requires include:
- Magnesium and calcium
- Phosphorus and calcium
- Potassium and sodium
- Iodine and selenium
- Iron and copper
- Manganese and zinc
- Zinc and copper
When those get disrupted, issues eventually arise. Unfortunately, those issues present in a myriad of ways. Due to their ubiquitous presence throughout the body, these imbalances cause virtually any symptom.
It’s almost impossible to get therapeutically optimal levels of minerals especially trace minerals through diet. According to some experts, over 90% of the population is deficient in multiple minerals. These days, it makes sense to supplement.
But many trace minerals products don’t work as expected. Or they contain heavy metals, pathogenic microbes, or other toxic contaminants.
So in this post, I shared key details you must know about the best ionic and plant-based multi-mineral supplements. These are also the products I take on a daily basis.
What about you?
Go ahead and check some of these products out.
Drop a comment below and let me know which product you’re going to use or any questions you have!
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