Minerals for general health (supplement marketing)
Marketing category for trace-mineral supplements (chromium, manganese, molybdenum, boron, copper) sold as metabolism, immunity, skin, hair and «detox» support. Systematic reviews from USPSTF 2022 and Cochrane show that mineral complexes in people without confirmed deficiency do not reduce cardiovascular events, cancer or all-cause mortality. Long-term intake above the EFSA Tolerable Upper Intake Level reverses the effect: toxicity, mineral competition and tissue accumulation.
Also known as: Trace minerals for immunity, Mineral complex, Mineral detox
Marketing claims without evidence base
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
- DMolybdenumNot recommended · Trace cofactor of molybdenum-dependent enzymes, supplement and parenteral nutrition componentMolybdenum is an essential trace element and a cofactor for sulfite oxidase and xanthine oxidase. Supplements promote it as a mineral "for general health" and metabolic support. For this use, no convincing benefit has been shown in people who eat a normal diet: true deficiency is very rare (mostly with long-term parenteral nutrition or rare genetic disorders), and a varied diet of legumes, grains, nuts and organ meats covers the body's needs. The element itself is safe at supplement doses, but taking it separately adds nothing for a healthy person.
- FManganeseNot recommended · Trace cofactor mineral used in mineral supplements and parenteral nutritionManganese is marketed in supplements for «bone and joint health», «antioxidant support» and «energy». In adults eating an ordinary diet, manganese deficiency is not described; EFSA in 2013 confirmed that grains, nuts, tea and leafy vegetables meet requirements. NIH ODS and EFSA systematic reviews found no clinical trials in healthy adults showing supplemental manganese improves bone density, joint outcomes or overall morbidity. Supplementation is risky because manganese accumulates in the basal ganglia and chronic excess causes manganism with tremor, rigidity and gait disturbance. If manganese was bought «just in case», consider seeking a second opinion and clarify whether there is an actual reason to take it.
- FPhosphorusNot recommended · Structural macromineral of bone and ATP; pharmaceutical and parenteral forms are potassium, sodium and calcium phosphatesPhosphorus in multi-mineral supplements is marketed for «bone health and energy». In reality a typical Western diet provides 1200–1500 mg/day of phosphorus, twice the 700 mg RDA, and almost all adults exceed requirements. Excess phosphorus from food and supplements is linked to calcium-phosphorus imbalance in chronic kidney disease, worse cardiovascular prognosis in CKD and possible long-term effects on bone mineral density. NIH ODS and EFSA do not recommend phosphorus supplements in people without confirmed hypophosphataemia. If phosphorus was bought for «bones» or «energy», consider seeking a second opinion.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit