About Mineral Deficiencies and Associated Conditions

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Here are some mineral deficiencies and their associated conditions. (As a herbalist, I don't work using medical terms, but many people ask questions regarding their particular "medically diagnosed conditions" and how they can better understand how to help themselves.)... So I thought this summary might be helpful for those wondering.

NB: This information is being gratefully reproduced here, be me, but is originally sourced from Trace Elements, Inc. (Interclinical Laboratories Pty Ltd). I think it's great, easy to understand and should be a useful springboard to give you some direction for further research of your own.

ABSOLUTE (a) DEFICIENCY: Develops as a result of decreased absorption with increased excretion.

RELATIVE (r) DEFICIENCY: Develops as a result of compartmental displacement without an increase in excretion.

Mineral	Deficiency	Conditions
Calcium	a	Allergies (histamine); muscle cramps, hypoparathyroidism; osteoporosis (type 1); hyperthyroidism; vitamin D deficiency; hyperadrenia; anxiety; hyperactivity, vitamin A excess; high blood pressure; insomnia (type 1)
Magnesium	a	Hyperactivity; Allergies (histamine); hyperthyroidism; seizures; epilepsy; alcoholism; adrenal hyperactivity; excessive perspiration
Magnesium	r	Colitis; diverticulosis
Magnesium	a-r	Noise sensitivity; renal dysfunction; parathyroid dysfunction; arteriosclerosis; cardiovascular disease
Potassium	a	Adrenal insufficiency; parasympathetic dominance; hyperparathyroidism; hypochlorhydria; poor digestion; acne; transient hypertension; carpopedal spasms
Potassium	a-r	Hypothyroidism; fatigue; hypoglycaemia; cardiac irregularity
Iron	a	Anemia; palpitations; low protein intake; immunodeficiency; attention deficit disorder; pica; glossitis; hypochlorhydria; fatigue; hypothyroidism; splitting nails; neurotransmitter disturbance; toxic metal accumulation; stomatitis; candida
Iron	a-r	Vitamin B6 deficiency
Copper	a	Osteoporosis (type 1); hypercholesterolaemia; inflammation; rheumatoid arthritis; infections (bacterial); premature ventricular contraction; toxic metal accumulation; sympathetic dominance
Copper	a-r	hypoestrogenism; disc degeneration; anaemia; iron toxicity
Manganese	a	Glucose intolerance; osteochondrosis; anaemia; hypercholesterolaemia; weight loss; adrenal insufficiency
Manganese	a-r	Iron toxicity; fatigue
Zinc	a	Peptic ulcers; anosmia; prostate hypertrophy; hypogeusia; macular degeneration
Zinc	a-r	Diabetes; fungal infection; poor wound healing; lowered immunity; sterility; stretch marks; slow growth
Zinc	r	PMS; viruses; yeast infection (candida); sickle cell anaemia; white spots on fingernails; anorexia; arthritis; post partum depression; AIDS; eclampsia; gastric ulcers
Chromium	a	Peripheral neuropathy; glycosuria; slow growth; low respiratory quotient
Chromium	a-r	Diabetes; hypercholesterolaemia; glucose intolerance; atherosclerosis
Molybdenum	a	Dental cavities; oesophageal cancer
Molybdenum	a-r	Bronchial asthma; sulfite sensitivity or allergy; Wilson's disease
Selenium	a	Cataracts; hypothyroidism; chronic inflammatory conditions; cardiomyopathy; anaemia; lowered immunity

 

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