Mineral Proteostasis: Molecular Registry of Inorganic Co-Factors

Minerals are inorganic elements derived from the lithosphere that constitute approximately 4% of total human body weight. Unlike organic vitatoxins, minerals are thermally stable and cannot be degraded by heat; however, their systemic bioavailability is strictly governed by their specific molecular ligands (e.g., chelated vs. inorganic salts) and the kinetic environment of the gastric mucosa.

Clinically, minerals are classified into two primary categories based on physiological flux and stoichiometric demand:

• Macrominerals (e.g., Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium): Required in higher stoichiometric volumes (typically >100mg/day) to maintain structural proteostasis, electrolyte hemodynamics, and neuromuscular excitation-contraction coupling.
• Trace and Ultra-Trace Minerals (e.g., Zinc, Selenium, Vanadium): Required in minute concentrations (typically <20mg/day). Despite their low systemic concentration, they function as obligate catalytic centers for thousands of critical enzymes, including those governing DNA repair, redox defense, and endocrine signaling.

Access the individual mineral profiles below to explore their precise biochemical gradients and physiological impact vectors, synthesized from peer-reviewed literature and the definitive guidelines provided by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.