Nightmare

The third reason for inadequate minerals in the body is a phenomenon
known as secondary deficiency. It has been proven that an excess of one
mineral may directly cause a deficiency of another, because minerals
compete for absorption, compete for the same binding sites, like a
molecular Musical Chairs. Secondary deficiency means an excess of one
mineral may cause a deficiency of another.
For example, iron, copper, and zinc are competitive in this way. Copper
is necessary for the conversion of iron to hemoglobin, but if there is
excess zinc, less iron will be available for conversion. This may cause
a secondary deficiency of iron, which can manifest itself as iron
deficiency anemia. All due simply to excess zinc. Researchers have found
that these secondary deficiencies caused by excess of one mineral are
almost always due to mineral supplements, since the quantities contained
in food are so small. Thus the hazards of mega-mineral toddies.
A fourth reason for mineral deficiency in humans is overuse of
prescription drugs. It has been known since the 1950s that antibiotics
interfere with uptake of minerals, specifically zinc, chromium, and
calcium. (The Plague Makers) Also Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and aspirin
have the same inhibitive effect on mineral absorption. When the body has
to try and metabolize these drugs to clear the system, its own mineral
stores are heavily drawn upon. Such a waste of energy is used to
metabolize laxatives, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, and NSAIDs, such as
Tylenol, Advil, and aspirin out of the body. This is one of the most
basic mechanisms in drug-induced immunosuppression: minerals are
essential for normal immune function.
Ultimately, the only issue that really counts with minerals is
bioavailability. Really doesn't matter what we eat; it only matters what
makes it to the body's cells. Let's say someone is iron deficient, for
example. Can't he just take a bar of iron and file off some iron filings
into a teaspoon, and swallow them? Just took in more iron, didn't he?
Will this remedy the iron deficiency? Of course not. Here is a major
distinction: the difference between elemental minerals and nutrient
minerals. Iron filings are in the elemental form; absorption will be 8%
or less. Same with most iron pills and most calcium supplements.
Food-bound iron, on the other hand, like that contained in raisins or
molasses, will have a much higher rate of absorption, since it is
complexed with other living, organic forms, and as such is classed as a
nutrient mineral. Minerals are not living, though they are necessary for
life. Minerals are necessary for cell life and enzyme reactions and
hundreds of other reasons. But they must be in a form that can make it
as far as the cells. What is not bioavailable passes right through the
body, a waste of time and sometimes money.