In recent times, an increasing number of consumers are actively seeking mineral supplements, driven by a keen interest in supporting overall health, particularly immune health. According to a small-scale survey, the combination of Vitamin D3, B12, and magnesium has shown promise in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms among hospitalized patients.
Key Nutrients to Focus On
While scientists don’t explicitly recommend vitamins or minerals as preventatives for COVID-19, the attention garnered by these “nutrients” is justified. Vitamin B12 promotes a healthy gut microbiota, protecting respiratory epithelia; Vitamin D safeguards respiratory epithelia, and magnesium, by assisting Vitamin D function, acts as an enzyme co-factor in hormone metabolism. Moreover, magnesium acts as a bronchodilator and vasodilator.
This research emphasizes the significant impact of minerals on human health, prompting ongoing exploration of their potential benefits as supplements. The rising trend among consumers to seek healthier strategies for vitamin and mineral intake reflects a deeper commitment to personal well-being. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness regarding general health importance, prompting consumers to pay more attention to their health through dietary and supplement choices.
Israeli company Gadot Biochemicals notes that health-conscious consumers, navigating stressful times, are increasingly turning to minerals. This trend is particularly promising given the current global health scenario, where fortified foods and mineral supplements play a crucial role in enhancing immunity and relieving stress.
Boosting Immune Health
The demand for DIY immune boosters has surged, with a growing realization that immune system health is directly influenced by overall nutritional status, of which minerals are integral components.
These foundational elements serve as key components of endogenous antioxidants, acting as co-factors in their function, contributing to the body’s antioxidant status. Poor mineral status has been linked to adverse outcomes, especially in the context of viral infections.
Zinc and Magnesium Emerging as Winners
In the past six months, minerals associated with immune function have witnessed the fastest growth in supplement sales. While copper and selenium have their benefits, the real winners are zinc and magnesium. Stauber Ingredients notes a nearly twofold increase in demand for their zinc products, attributing it to their immune health benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zinc’s appeal extends beyond its immune effects, showcasing connections to improved cell growth, wound healing, protein synthesis, and normal functioning of vitamins E and A, as well as hormones like insulin. Regular daily intake is essential, given the absence of a specific zinc storage system in the body.
However, zinc doesn’t operate in isolation; magnesium plays a crucial role. Magnesium aids in regulating zinc levels, and zinc, in turn, enhances magnesium absorption. When taken together appropriately, zinc and magnesium complement each other. Many oral supplements, including tablets and capsules, combine these two minerals, and Gadot Biochemicals recently introduced an easily consumable magnesium-zinc formula that requires no water.
Balancing Minerals
The interaction between zinc and magnesium underscores the importance of mineral balance within the body. Any deficiency or excess of minerals can have adverse effects, leading to health consequences. While the public can strive for better balance, the key is to intake high-quality minerals that the body absorbs without excreting.
Awareness is growing about the insufficient bioavailability of minerals. Once absorbed, minerals must enter cells for optimal efficacy. Chelation, such as amino acid chelates, opens up possibilities for targeted delivery in the digestive tract. Chelated minerals boast higher bioavailability and absorption, and consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that offer proven health benefits.
For instance, Jost Chemical Co’s latest development, an ascorbic acid glycinate zinc chelate, provides three nutrients—zinc, vitamin C, and glycine—in a soluble unit, streamlining the task of blending multiple components. This compound, with a balanced 1:1:1 ratio, navigates the stomach and small intestine efficiently, where absorption into the bloodstream occurs.
Stability of Formulas
For chelated minerals, the benefits go beyond enhanced absorption. Chelated minerals improve taste, prevent gastrointestinal interactions, and enhance tolerability. Other mineral delivery forms, such as lipid-based nanotechnology by Mineral Logic, improve mineral stability in the product environment. Microencapsulation and slow-release technologies also contribute to formulation efficacy.
As consumer preferences expand to include chewables, sticks, sachets, shakes, and various food types, appearance, odor, taste, and stability become increasingly crucial.
Balanced Diet
While technological advancements enable a wide array of fortified mineral products, consumers should not overlook the role of a balanced diet. Whole foods offer comprehensive support, providing not only minerals but also essential supportive nutrients such as fiber, probiotics, electrolytes, and all micronutrients needed for optimal digestion of minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Whether now or in the future, mineral supplements fall into this category. With increasing lifespans, the pressure to sustain a high quality of life for as long as possible will continue, making minerals addressing specific health benefits a growing trend.
References:
Tan CW et al. “A cohort study to evaluate the effect of combination vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 (DMB) on progression to severe outcome in older COVID-19 patients.” MedRxiv preprint (June 10,2020). Non-peer-reviewed.
