Copper must be present to absorb and utilize iron, and it is an important component in the elastic properties of your tissues. It is necessary for proper formation and maintenance of bone. Copper also is very important in the oxidation process of Vitamin C, which is essential to the healing properties of your body.

Calcium is utilized in building and maintaining your skeletal structure and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. In its ionized form, it is important in regulating electrical impulses in your heart and skeletal muscles as well as aiding in lowering blood pressure and assisting in the normal blood clotting mechanism. IT IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS.

The main use of iron in your body is to combine with a specific protein in the formation of hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying system in your blood and in the formation of myoglobin, which is necessary to oxygenate the muscle cells.

Manganese plays an important role in assisting the antioxidant agents and is necessary for metabolism of Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin E. Manganese is utilized in the break down of amino acids and is necessary for production of energy in the metabolism of food stores. It acts as a catalyst in the break down of fats and cholesterol, and it helps maintain sex hormone production. Manganese is necessary for the nourishment of peripheral nerves as well as the central brain cells.

Magnesium is very important in the electrical activity of the heart and is necessary for the metabolism and correct utilization of Vitamin C and calcium. Magnesium is necessary for the complex conversion of sugar into energy.

Zinc is necessary for building proteins and it is vital for the development and maintenance of the reproductive organs. Zinc is necessary in wound healing processes; it aids in the normal electrical function in muscle contraction, and it is necessary to maintain normal mental alertness.

Iodine is necessary for the development and continued normal function of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating the body's metabolic rate.

Phosphorus is involved in the maintenance of the acid-base balance of the blood. It plays a major role in metabolizing carbohydrates, building proteins, and transferring fatty acids and fats to the appropriate organs and tissues.

Chromium functions in conjunction with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and is important in the transport mechanism of amino acids. It aids the antioxidants in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

Potassium functions with sodium in a complex exchange in the kidneys whereby toxic body waste products are eliminated. Normal levels of potassium are necessary to maintain proper electrical impulses throughout the body and it is especially important in maintaining normal heart rhythm.

Selenium is important in preserving tissue elasticity and through its antioxidant assistance, slows the aging and hardening of tissues. By being an antioxidant nutrient, selenium helps protect cell membranes and prevents free radical generation, which is injurious to blood vessels. Selenium has been reported by University of Arizona epidemiologist, Larry C. Clark, to possibly reduce the risk of cancers of the prostate, lung and colon.