Minerals
Magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, iodine, potassium and chromium supplements, plus multi-mineral formulas, from NFH, Designs for Health, Webber Naturals, Jamieson, Organika, Nature's Bounty, Swiss Natural, Centrum and Caltrate, shipped across Canada.
Choosing the right form
- Magnesium: bisglycinate (glycinate) is gentle on the stomach and a popular evening choice; citrate is well absorbed and can help with regularity; oxide packs more magnesium per tablet but is more likely to loosen stools.
- Calcium: carbonate is affordable and best taken with food; citrate absorbs with or without food and suits people who take acid-reducing medication. Your body absorbs calcium best in doses of about 500 mg or less at a time.
- Zinc: commonly taken for immune support; long-term high doses can lower copper levels, so stay within the label dose.
- Iron: best taken on an empty stomach or with vitamin C, and a few hours apart from calcium, which reduces iron absorption.
Safety first
Food comes first: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy and whole grains supply most minerals. If you supplement, count everything you take, including any multivitamin, so you don't exceed safe limits. Keep iron supplements out of children's reach: accidental iron overdose is a serious poisoning risk for young children. Talk to your pharmacist before taking potassium or magnesium if you have kidney disease or take blood pressure medication.
Related
Read Magnesium Glycinate vs Citrate and Iron Deficiency Symptoms, or shop our Magnesium, Iron and Multivitamins collections.
