Overview of minerals, metals, electrolytes and salts in the body
Macrominerals and electrolytes: These are minerals that the body needs in larger quantities, often for structural purposes or to maintain fluid and nerve balance. Important macrominerals include:
Calcium (Ca): A building block in the skeleton and teeth, and essential for muscle contraction, nerve conduction and blood coagulation. Approx⁺- leveltois regulated nøye of hormones (PTH, calcitonin, vitamin D) for to ensure proper muscle function, nerve impulses and bone health
Phosphorus (P): Found as phosphate in bone tissue (together with calcium) and in ATP for energy storage. It is necessary for cell membranes (phospholipids) and is used in the body's buffer systems. Phosphorus interacts with calcium; PTH hormone and the kidneys regulate the relationship to maintain skeletal strength and energy metabolism
Magnesium (Mg): Cofactor in hundreds of enzymes, important for protein production, energy metabolism (ATP) and DNA/RNA synthesis. Mg²⁺ also contributesto to nerve and muscle function by to counteract calcium's stimulating effect (Mg has a relaxing effect onto muscles). Magnesium ptoworks the calcium and potassium balance and is nønecessary for normal parathyroid hormone function (which regulates calcium)
Sodium (Na): Major ion in the extracellular fluid. Sodium is critical for fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve impulses. The kidneys (via the hormone aldosterone) reabsorb Na⁺ for to maintain blood volume and pressure. Sodium and potassium balance are closely linked; ntoWhen sodium is absorbed, potassium is excreted to maintain electronic nøeccentricity.
Potassium (K): Main ion intracellular. Important for heart rhythm, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure (opposite of sodium) and enzyme reactions. Aldosterone stimulates secretion of K⁺ in the kidneys for to youngto hyperkalemia (too much potassium). Correct Na/K ratio is critical; too much sodium fører to loss of potassium, while low sodium øker potassium retention
Chloride (Cl): Works together with sodium for fluid and pH balance. Chloride is part of the stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl) needed for digestion. Also important in the body's buffer systems for the acid-base balance.
Sulfur (S): Found in amino acids (methionine, cysteine) and thus in proteins. Sulfur is important for detoxification (phase II in the liver, glutathione), connective tissue structure (sulphur-rich proteoglycans) and skin, hair and nails (keratin). Although sulfur is rarely mentioned as an "electrolyte", it occurs as sulfate and other salts in the body.
Important trace elements (essential metals): These minerals are needed in smaller quantities, but are essential for biological processes (often as enzyme components).
Iron (Fe): Necessary for hemoglobin in red blood cells (oxygen transport) and myoglobin in muscles. Also cofactor in many enzymes (e.g. in energy metabolism and DNA synthesis). Iron status is linked to copper – copper is required for iron to be transported efficiently with the protein ceruloplasmin and incorporated into hemoglobin
Zinc (Zn): Important for the immune system, wound healing, skin health, sense of taste and hundreds of enzyme reactions (e.g. the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, DNA polymerase etc.). Zinc plays a role in cell division and gene expression.
Copper (Cu): Included in enzymes for energy metabolism, nerve formation (myelination), pigment (melanin production) and connective tissue (lysyl oxidase for collagen). Copper is also necessary for iron metabolism - without enough copper, iron can accumulate in the wrong places and cause "functional iron deficiency"
Iodine (I): Forms the building block of the thyroid hormones (thyroxine/T4 and triiodothyronine/T3) which regulate the metabolism (metabolism) in the body. Sufficient iodine is essential for normal growth, neurological development and energy metabolism.
Selenium (See): Part of selenoproteins, including the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells against oxidative stress. Selenium is also necessary for the conversion of thyroid hormones (T4 to active T3) and for the immune system.
Manganese (Mn): Cofactor for enzymes important in skeletal formation, cartilage formation and carbohydrate metabolism. Manganese is also needed for the antioxidant enzyme mitochondrial superoxide dismutase.
Chromium (Cr): Important for normal insulin function and glucose tolerance. Chromium is part of the "glucose tolerance factor" which helps insulin to transport glucose into the cells, thereby affecting blood sugar regulation.
Molybdenum (Mo): Cofactor in enzymes that break down sulphites (sulphite oxidase), form uric acid (xanthine oxidase) and detoxify alcohol and certain toxins (aldehyde oxidase). Although the need is very small, a lack of molybdenum can disrupt these biochemical pathways.
Cobalt (Co): Cobalt is part of the vitamin B₁₂ molecule (cobalamin). Through B₁₂, cobalt is necessary for blood production, nervous system function and DNA synthesis. The body therefore needs cobalt in the form of vitamin B₁₂ from the diet.
Other track elements: These are found in the body in very small amounts. They are not always recognized as "essential" for everyone, but can have biological effects:
Lithium (Li): An alkali metal that is not considered essential, but research suggests that trace amounts of lithium may be beneficial for brain function and mood (lithium in therapeutic doses is used for bipolar disorder). Lithium and sodium compete for reabsorption in the kidneys; high salt intake can reduce lithium in the body
Boron (B): Boron is not officially essential, but affects mineral metabolism. It can contribute to better bone utilization of calcium and magnesium, and is involved in the production of steroid hormones (such as vitamin D, oestrogen/testosterone). Boron is found in fruits, vegetables and nuts, and is thought to support bone health and cognitive function.
Silicon (Si): Important for connective tissue and elasticity in skin, hair, nails and arteries. Silicon (often in the form of silica) is needed for collagen formation and bone mineralization. Lack of silicon can cause brittle hair and nails, while supplementation can improve the strength of connective tissue.
Vanadium (V): An ultra-trace substance that may have a role in bone and dental health as well as insulin-like effects on glucose metabolism. It has not been shown to be essential for humans, but organic vanadium compounds have been shown to affect blood sugar (used experimentally in diabetes). However, high doses of vanadium can be toxic (kidney and stomach/intestinal irritation).
Germanium (Ge): Not known as essential, but has been studied for possible immune-stimulating and oxygen-increasing properties. Organic germanium compounds (e.g. Ge-132) have been marketed as dietary supplements, but there is no established biological function in humans. Ingestion of inorganic germanium can be harmful (kidney damage has been reported in overdose).
How the minerals affect each other (synergists and antagonists)
Minerals and metals do not act in isolation; they affect the absorption and function of each other through a variety of mechanisms. Some combinations are synergistic (they support each other's function), while others are antagonistic (they inhibit or compete with each other):
Calcium and Magnesium: These two must be kept in balance. Magnesium is needed for calcium to be taken up and function in the cells, and too much calcium can inhibit magnesium absorption. Low magnesium weakens parathyroid hormone (PTH) and can lead to calcium imbalance. An excess of calcium relative to magnesium is problematic. Such an imbalance can cause muscle cramps, høyt blood pressure and calcification tendencies. In fact, pronounced magnesium deficiency can includeøre secondehr calcium deficiency due to PTH not working normally.
Sodium and Potassium: These electrolytes have opposite effects and are inversely regulated by hormones. Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys at the same time as potassium is excreted. Høyt salt intake føtherefore often leads to a potassium deficiency, while low salt intake can produce a potassium surplus. If the Na/K ratio in the Spectrolabo test is low, it may indicate pto that the body has relatively much sodium compared to potassium. This can be seen with stress or beginning “Adrenal gland fatigue”, where the body loses potassium. The right balance is important for nerve conduction and heart function - an imbalance can cause high blood pressure (with too much Na) or heart rhythm disturbances (with too little K).
Calcium and Phosphorus: These two minerals are found together in bone tissue as hydroxyapatite. The body regulates them carefully: high phosphate levels lower free calcium in the blood (phosphate binds calcium), and excess phosphorus (e.g. from a lot of soft drinks/processed food) can thus pull calcium out of bones. Conversely, høyt calcium stimulate phosphate excretion via the kidneys.
Iron and Copper: Copper is necessary for iron to be utilized; an enzyme dependent on copper (ceruloplasmin) oxidizes iron so that it can be transported and incorporated into hemoglobin. A lack of copper can therefore lead to functional iron deficiency and anaemia, even if the iron intake is sufficient. Pto on the other hand, too much copper can inhibit iron absorption (they compete for absorption), which can cause iron deficiency.
Zinc and Copper: Zinc and copper are classic antagonists. They compete for uptake in the gut via the same transport protein (metallothionein). Høprovide zinc intake (e.g. høydose zinc supplement) can therefore expløsee copper deficiency. This can cause symptoms such as anaemia, reduced immunity and neurological problems. Øyou know zinc intake further without to fto enough copper, one can risk a copper deficit. A balanced intake is important – it is often recommended that supplements containing zinc alsoto has some copper.
Iodine and Selenium: These two trace elements act synergistically in the thyroid gland's metabolism. Iodine is the raw material in the thyroid hormones, while selenium is a cofactor in deiodinase enzymes that activate and deactivate the hormones. Selenium also protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress when hormones are made. Lack of selenium can worsen the effects of iodine deficiency (and vice versa). Therefore, both must be sufficient for the best possible thyroid function.
Lithium and Sodium: These compete in the kidneys for reabsorption..Høy salty food (Na) gjøis that more lithium is lost in urine, while a low-salt diet can øke the lithium retention and in the worst case cause lithium toxicity in those who take lithium medicinally. Although lithium is not a classic “nehring substance”, trace amounts can have an impact onto mood rent. Here, høyt salt consumption could further reduce lithium.
Other interactions: Several trace elements have known antagonists: Too much calcium inhibits the absorption of iron (such large calcium supplements should not be taken at the same time as iron). Høyt iron can alsoto inhibit zinc and vice versa. Excess molybdenum can bind copper andøsee copper deficiency – this is seen at drøchew pto grazing with molybdenum-rich soil, but has been reported in humans such astor in itself svehrt a lot of molybdenum. Cadmium (a heavy metal) competes with zinc pto biological binding sites, something we will return to under heavy metals. In short: the mineral balance is a fine-tuned system where too much of one can create a relative lack of another.
Consequences of mineral imbalances (high or low levels)
When the levels of minerals and electrolytes in the body are out of balance, a number of health problems can occur. Both deficiency states (for low values) and profit (too high values) can have harmful effects:
Electrolyte imbalances (Na, K, Cl): Low sodium (“hyponatremia”) can lead to weakness, confusion, seizures and, in severe cases, brain edema. High sodium ("hypernatremia") causes dehydration, high blood pressure and strain on the cardiovascular system. Low potassium (“hypokalemia”) causes muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat and can be life-threatening in severe deficiency. High potassium (“hyperkalemia”) is also dangerous, as it can trigger potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Potassium and magnesium deficiency often occur together – in fact, magnesium deficiency can lead to low potassium levels that are not corrected with potassium supplementation until the magnesium is corrected. Chloride deficiency can cause acid-base disorders (metabolic alkalosis) and indigestion due to low stomach acid, while too much chloride (e.g. high doses of salt) can contribute to high blood pressure and acid load.
Calcium and Phosphate: Calcium deficiency (hypocalcaemia) can cause muscle spasms, numbness/tingling (paresthesias), convulsions (tetany) and eventually bone fragility (osteoporosis) because the skeleton is depleted of calcium. High calcium (hypercalcaemia) can lead to fatigue, depression, kidney stones, calcifications in soft tissues and heart rhythm disturbances. In the client's test, the calcium level is normal, but the ratio of magnesium is high, which can cause similar symptoms functional magnesium deficiency (irritability, muscle tension). Phosphorus deficiency is unusual (it is found in most foods), but can cause weakness, bone pain and anorexia. Too much phosphorus - often from soft drinks (phosphoric acid) or additives - can inhibit calcium absorption and contribute to bone fragility in the long term, especially if vitamin D is also low.
Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium is often marginal in the diet, and deficiency is common. Early signs are fatigue, reduced appetite, headache and muscle cramps. Severe magnesium deficiency can cause neurological symptoms (twitching, convulsions), cardiac arrhythmias and low potassium/calcium in the blood. Magnesium deficiency is also linkedto to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Excess of magnesium is rare apart from overdose pto supplement/medicine (symptoms canehre low blood pressure, muscle weakness, etcøwheezing and, in the worst case, cardiac arrest). The kidneys of healthy people efficiently excrete excess magnesium, so hypermagnesemia occurs mostly in renal failure.
Iron: Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide. It leads to iron deficiency anemia - low blood percentage, fatigue, paleness, dizziness, reduced physical performance and weakened immune system. Too much iron (haemochromatosis or excessive iron supply) can cause organ damage through oxidative stress - excess iron is stored in the liver, heart and pancreas and can cause cirrhosis, diabetes and heart failure if left untreated. The body has no active excretory mechanism for iron, so regulation takes place via absorption; therefore iron excess is dangerous over time.
Zinc: Zinc deficiency can cause a number of diffuse symptoms: reduced immune defense (frequent infections), poor wound healing, skin problems (eczema, acne), hair loss, loss of taste and smell, reduced appetite and stunted growth in children. Zinc values in the upper layer can also reflect that the body gets rid of excess via hair. Excessive zinc supply can lead to a copper deficiency, since, as mentioned, zinc inhibits copper absorption. Symptoms pto zinc excess/copper deficiency includes anemia, neuropathy (nerve disorders) and impaired immune response. It is worth noting that the client's copper level is in the lower normal range in parallel with high zinc, so here one should avoid unnecessary high-dose zinc supplements without copper.
Copper: Copper deficiency can manifest as anemia (low blood percentage despite sufficient iron, due to failure of iron utilization), neutropenia (low level of white blood cells), osteoporosis and neurological symptoms (walking difficulties, numbness) in severe deficiency. Excess copper is rarely from the diet alone, but can occur in hereditary Wilson's disease or when drinking water from copper pipes/vessels. Chronic excess copper is stored in the liver and brain and can cause liver damage, psychological and motor disturbances.
Iodine: Iodine deficiency classically leads to goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism (low metabolism) with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss and depression. In pregnant women, iodine deficiency can damage the brain development of the foetus. The client's hair iodine is below the normal range. Iodine values in htor should be interpreted cautiously, but low values here together with symptoms can signal that measures are needed (eg økt use of iodized salt or supplements). Pto the other side can too much iodine trigger hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis, or paradoxically inhibit the thyroid gland (“Wolff-Chaikoff effect”). So balance is key.
Selenium: Selenium deficiency can result in reduced antioxidant defense - a known consequence is Keshan's disease (a form of heart failure) seen in areas with extremely low selenium soil. Deficiency can also weaken the immune system and fertility (selenium is needed for sperm production). An excess of selenium (selenosis) causes symptoms such as hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes, a garlicky smell from the skin and, in severe cases, neurological disturbances.
Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum: Manganese deficiency is uncommon, but can affect bone growth and the metabolism of carbohydrates/cholesterol. Manganese excess occurs preferably through industrial exposure (welding fumes etc.) and can cause neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Chromium deficiency is also not commonly defined in humans, but suboptimal levels can contribute to poor blood sugar control and insulin resistance. Excess chromium in the form of hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) is toxic and can cause kidney/liver damage and cancer; trivalent chromium in food/supplements is considered safe in moderate doses. Molybdenum deficiency is practically only seen in certain genetic enzyme defects or long-term artificial nutrition without molybdenum - it can lead to brain damage (because toxic sulphites accumulate). High molybdenum intake can disturb the copper status (causing copper deficiency anemia) and increase uric acid levels (causing gout-like symptoms).
Other trace elements: Lithium: There is no established "lithium deficiency disease", but statistically areas with a very low lithium content in drinking water have a higher incidence of mental health problems (depression, aggression). Very small doses of lithium can have preventive effects on dementia according to some studies.
Boron deficiency is not defined, but suboptimal boron can affect calcium turnover and cognitive functions. Silicon deficiency is not well defined in humans either - it is, however, seen that animals on a silicon-poor diet can have weaker bones and connective tissue. Surplus of boron (intake > 20 mg/d) can cause digestive problems, headaches and skin rashes. Excess silicon via diet is not common, but inhalation of silica dust can cause lung disease (silicosis). Vanadium in high doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation, green tongue (benign effect) and reduced appetite.
Germanium: Organic germanium supplements have rarely caused kidney damage at high doses
In summary, imbalances in minerals can affect all systems in the body:
The skeleton weakened by Ca, Mg, P, Mn or B deficiency; nerve and muscle function affected by Na, K, Ca, Mg imbalances (causes convulsions, paralysis or arrhythmias); blood and immune system affected by Fe, Cu, Zn, Se deficiency (results in anemia and risk of infection); metabolism disturbed by I, Se, Cr deficiency (results in low metabolism or insulin resistance). Therefore, it is important to have a balanced intake of minerals.
Heavy metals – disturbances of the mineral balance and health effects
Heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, aluminium) are metals which have no known biological benefit in the body (except perhaps in tiny traces), and which in increased quantities are toxic. These metals can displace essential minerals from their biological sites and enzymes, as well as damage cells directly by oxidative stress.
For example, can lead (Pb) take the place of calcium in bone tissue, thereby disrupting both bone strength and calcium turnover
Mercury (Hg) binds to selenium, an essential trace element, and forms insoluble complexes - this the loss of the harness weakens important selenium enzymes as antioxidants and can inhibit thyroid function
Cadmium (Cd) is chemically similar to zinc and can bind where zinc should work, e.g. in the kidneys and in enzymes, which inhibits zinc metabolism and over time can cause kidney damage.
High cadmium levels are known to cause kidney failure and bone damage - the itai-itai disease in Japan was caused by cadmium poisoning and caused bone fragility and kidney damage, precisely because calcium and zinc displacement.) Arsenic (As) can compete with phosphate in energy metabolism (arsenate can replace phosphate in ATP and make it unstable), and binds to sulfur-containing enzymes, inhibiting energy production and detoxification enzymes.
Aluminium can bind to phosphate and to magnesium in the nervous system, and is suspected of contributing to neurological diseases when it accumulates.
Summa summarum: heavy metals disturbs the mineral balance by competing with essential minerals for uptake and binding sites. They can accumulate in organs – for example, cadmium and lead accumulate in the kidneys and bones and can displace important nehring substances. Even low levelstohowever, heavy metals can have subtle effects. For example, accumulated smto quantities of quickølead and lead contribute somewhat to oxidative stress. Essential minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese and selenium includedtor in the antioxidant enzymes; lack ofto these (which we see tendencies towards here: e.g. somewhat low copper) combined with even small amounts of heavy metals that consume antioxidants (mercury that binds selenium) can increase cell damage over time.
Reduction of heavy metal toxicity (detoxification measures)
Prevention and reduction of heavy metal exposure is important for protecting health and restoring the mineral balance. Here are some measures and principles:
Avoid exposure: The first step is to identify and remove sources of heavy metals. Avoid foods with a high mercury content (e.g. large predatory fish such as sole mackerel/swordfish), avoid smoke (contains cadmium), check drinking water for lead (old lead pipes) and be careful using products containing heavy metals (e.g. some old lead paints, mercury thermometers, etc.). When new exposure is stopped, the body can gradually excrete some of the load naturally.
Optimize Essential Minerals: Ensure good status of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and other minerals. These can counteract heavy metals by competing for uptake and binding sites. For example, sufficient calcium and iron will reduce lead absorption in the intestine (children with iron deficiency absorb more lead than children with good iron status). Adequate zinc protects against cadmium poisoning, and enough selenium protects against mercury. Selenium can bind and shield Kvikkølv so that it becomes less toxic and vitamin C can in høyes doses øke the excretion of lead from the body's organs
In practice, this means: eat a nutritious diet or take supplements if necessary so that you do not lack minerals - the body tolerates environmental toxins better when it is well-nourished. In the client's case, correcting deficiencies (eg magnesium, iodine and copper) will also provide better defense against any heavy metals.
Dietary supplements and chelates for natural detoxification: There are special dietary supplements that can bind heavy metals and help the body eliminate them. Natural binders such as zeolite (volcanic clay mineral) and bentonite clay have a negative charge and a large surface area, and can bind to positively charged metal ions in the gastrointestinal system. These then leave the body with the faeces. Alsoto activated charcoal (medicinal charcoal) works by to adsorb toxins in the intestine and are used in acute poisonings. Modified citrus pectin (a løselig fiber) can bind heavy metals in the blood and gut - studies show that it can lower the levels of lead and mercury over time. Such agents can be taken as a cure, preferably under guidance, to extract stored heavy metals in a gentle way. These are only examples and a comprehensive professional detoxification protocol is recommended. First and foremost, imbalances or deficiencies in minerals, electrolytes and trace elements should be addressed.
Antioxidants: Because heavy metals cause oxidative stress, antioxidant-rich supplements are helpful. Glutathione is the body's most important antioxidant and detoxification molecule – it binds directly to heavy metals (especially mercury, cadmium, arsenic) and helps the liver to neutralize them. Supplementation of liposomal glutathione or precursors such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can support the body's own detoxification. Vitamin C in high doses has also been documented to be able to reduce lead exposure, and vitamin C in general protects cells against free radicals from heavy metals. The selenium mentioned above functions both as a replacement for what mercury binds (so that processes requiring selenium are maintained) and as an antioxidant in itself. Vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, zinc, copper and manganese – all antioxidant nutrients – are also important in overall defence.
Medical chelation therapy: In cases of severe heavy metal poisoning, medical chelators are used. EDTA is a known substance given intravenously to bind metals in the blood; it forms stable complexes with e.g. lead, copper, nickel and removes them via the kidneys. EDTA treatment is used under medical supervision at ptoshown poisoning (for example lead poisoning with høye blood values). Other chelators are DMSA (for lead, Kvikksølv) and DMPS (for quickølv, arsenic). Such treatments can quickly reduce metal levelstoone, but they can alsoto remove some essential minerals, so follow-up and re-mineralisation is required afterwards. It is therefore generally recommended to try natural detoxification first to avoid i.a. loss of essential minerals.
Lifestyle and other measures: Good hydration (drink plenty of completely clean and purified water) and fiber intake help the body eliminate toxins via the kidneys and intestines. Regular exercise and sweating (e.g. infrared sauna) can promote the excretion of some metals through sweat (arsenic and cadmium can be excreted in this way to a small extent). Avoid mineral deficiencies with a varied diet, and consider a wide range of mineral supplements if the diet is deficient - this ensures that heavy metals do not "get a foothold" where an essential mineral should be. In the test's dietary recommendations, for example, foods rich in magnesium and zinc such as nuts, sprouts, cocoa beans and legumes were suggested, as well as sulphur-rich vegetables and whole grains (rich in silicon and other trace elements) - such a diet contributes both minerals and fiber for detoxification.
Ultimately, handling heavy metals is about supporting the body's own detoxification ability and avoiding new exposure. For our client, heavy metal levels appear to be under control; the focus should therefore be on correcting mineral deficiencies to optimize health, while maintaining good detoxification routines to keep unwanted metals low.
Disclaimer and disclaimer
This information is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The test results from Spectrolabo mineral and heavy metal test is intended as an indication of the body's mineral and metal status, and should be interpreted in consultation with qualified healthcare personnel. None of the aforementioned products, methods or recommendations are intended to replace professional medical assessment, treatment or diagnostics.
Uno Vita AS is an importer and distributor of Spectrolabo mineral and heavy metal test system in Norway and disclaims any responsibility for how the test results are interpreted or used. Users of this test take full responsibility for their own health and any measures based on the test's results.
© Uno Vita AS, unovita.no. All rights reserved.
