Mineral Status

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body cannot produce on its own, yet they are involved in nearly every biological function. From muscle contraction and nerve signaling to bone integrity and immune defense, optimal mineral status is foundational to health. However, both mineral deficiencies and excesses are increasingly common due to modern diets, chronic disease, medication use, and environmental stressors.
At Intercoastal Health, we take a functional medicine approach to evaluating and correcting mineral imbalances. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we identify and address the root causes of deficiency or excess, helping patients restore balance, resilience, and optimal function.

What Is Mineral Status?

Mineral status refers to the concentration, distribution, and bioavailability of essential minerals in the body. Unlike macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), minerals are inorganic elements needed in small amounts, yet they play critical roles in:

• Enzymatic reactions and energy production
  
• Fluid balance and blood pressure regulation
  
• Bone mineralization and structural integrity
  
• Neuromuscular signaling
  
• Immune and inflammatory response
  
• Hormone synthesis and metabolism

Essential minerals include calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium, selenium, and iodine, among others. Imbalances may involve deficiency, excess, or intracellular dysfunction, and can contribute to a wide spectrum of health issues.

Symptoms of Mineral Imbalances

Mineral imbalances often present with nonspecific symptoms, making clinical recognition and testing essential. Symptoms vary based on which mineral is affected and whether the imbalance represents deficiency or excess.

In functional medicine, these symptoms serve as early indicators of systemic dysfunction, prompting a deeper investigation into nutritional status, absorption capacity, and organ function.

Biomarker Testing: How We Assess Mineral Status

Accurately identifying mineral imbalances requires a multi-faceted testing approach that looks beyond simple serum levels.

We also review nutrient cofactors, as certain vitamins (e.g., vitamin D for calcium, B6 for magnesium) influence mineral absorption and function.

Causes of Mineral Imbalances

Functional medicine recognizes that mineral imbalances rarely occur in isolation. They are often symptoms of deeper physiological dysfunction or lifestyle-related patterns.

• Inadequate Dietary Intake
  Diets low in whole foods, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and minerals from soil; processed foods reduce natural mineral density.
  
• Gastrointestinal Absorption Issues
  Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, SIBO, and leaky gut reduce absorption; low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) impairs iron, zinc, and calcium uptake.
  
• Medication-Induced Losses
  Diuretics deplete potassium and magnesium; proton pump inhibitors decrease calcium, magnesium, and zinc absorption; oral contraceptives may reduce magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins; antibiotics alter gut flora affecting absorption.
  
• Chronic Inflammation
  Inflammatory cytokines impair nutrient transport and increase renal excretion.
  
• Over-Supplementation
  Excess intake of calcium, iron, or zinc without supervision may lead to toxicity or imbalance with other minerals.
  
• Renal or Liver Disease
  Kidney dysfunction alters sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium handling; liver disease impairs trace mineral metabolism.
  
• Stress and Hormonal Imbalances
  Chronic cortisol elevation affects magnesium and potassium regulation; adrenal dysfunction may shift electrolyte balance.

Conditions Associated with Mineral Deficiency

Long-standing or unrecognized mineral imbalances may contribute to or exacerbate:

• Osteoporosis and osteopenia (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus deficiency)
  
• Anemia (low iron and ferritin)
  
• Cardiovascular Disease (low magnesium or potassium, sodium excess)
  
• Immune dysfunction (low zinc, selenium)
  
• Neurological disorders (magnesium deficiency, electrolyte imbalances)
  
• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (magnesium and mitochondrial cofactor depletion)
• Thyroid Disorders (iodine, selenium, zinc imbalances)

Functional Medicine Treatment at Intercoastal Health

At Intercoastal Health, we view mineral correction as foundational care, necessary to support detoxification, hormone function, mental clarity, and cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.

1. Comprehensive Clinical and Laboratory Review
   Assess symptoms, dietary history, and medication use; order targeted blood, urine, and intracellular testing; consider root-cause contributors such as inflammation, dysbiosis, or malabsorption.
2. Dietary Optimization
   Emphasize mineral-rich foods: leafy greens, nuts and seeds, red meat and legumes, seafood, avocados, and bananas; avoid processed snacks, high-sugar products, and excessive caffeine.
3. Targeted Supplementation
   Prescribe based on individual testing and monitor to avoid overuse:
   
   

   Mineral	Formulation	Clinical Use
   Magnesium	Glycinate, citrate, threonate	Sleep, cramps, stress, cardiovascular health
   Calcium	Citrate, hydroxyapatite	Bone support, with vitamin D and K2
   Iron	Ferrous bisglycinate, heme iron polypeptide	Anemia, menstrual loss
   Zinc	Picolinate, citrate	Immune, skin, hormone health
   Potassium	Citrate or chloride (if indicated)	Electrolyte repletion
   Selenium	Selenomethionine	Thyroid and antioxidant support

4. Protocols preserve mineral synergy (e.g., zinc-to-copper ratio, calcium-to-magnesium balance).
5. Address Underlying Conditions
   Heal the gut (probiotics, enzymes, SIBO treatment); correct hormonal imbalances; reduce systemic inflammation; adjust medications that deplete minerals in coordination with prescribing provider.
6.