Minerals

Evidence: Moderate

Copper is an essential trace mineral. Eye formulas include it mainly because high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency, which is why AREDS 2 pairs 80...

Evidence: Moderate

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in muscle, nerve, heart and bone function. Many people fall short in their diet, but magnesium has no prove...

Evidence: Preliminary

Boron is a trace element found mainly in plant foods. It may influence bone and calcium metabolism, but it is not considered essential and human evide...

Evidence: Preliminary

Shilajit is a tar-like mineral resin used in Ayurvedic medicine. A few small trials suggest benefits for bone density and testosterone, but quality co...

Evidence: Strong

Iodine is an essential mineral the thyroid needs to make hormones. Deficiency is well understood, but there is no evidence that iodine supplements sup...

Evidence: Limited

Calcium is the main mineral in bones and teeth and an essential nutrient. Getting enough matters, but small amounts in dental supplements are unlikely...

Evidence: Preliminary

Manganese is an essential trace mineral that acts as a cofactor in glucose and fat metabolism. Human trials showing that supplements support blood sug...

Evidence: Limited

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral needed by a few enzymes, some of which process drugs and toxins. Dietary deficiency is virtually unheard of, ...

Evidence: Limited

Zinc is an essential mineral for immunity, wound healing, taste and smell. It is promoted for ear health, but a Cochrane review found no evidence it h...

Evidence: Limited

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps insulin work. It may modestly improve blood sugar markers in people with type 2 diabetes, but eviden...