Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It has been successfully used in the treatment of osteoporosis, prevention of sunburn, and protection against sun-caused skin cancer. Calcium helps the skin to remain healthy, and combined with vitamin A, creates a good protection of the skin. Calcium is a natural tranquilizer and tends to calm the nerves. A severe deficiency in calcium can result in bone malformation, osteoporosis, and slow blood clotting. Whereas if the deficiency is moderate, it may lead to cramps, joint pains, heart palpitations, tooth decay, insomnia, and impaired growth.

Chlorine regulates the acid-base balance and maintains osmotic pressure. It stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid and helps maintain joints and tendons. A deficiency in chlorine may result in loss of hair and teeth, poor muscular contractibility, and impaired digestion.

Chromium stimulates enzymes in the metabolism of energy and the synthesis of fatty acid, cholesterol, and protein. It also increases the effectiveness of insulin. The deficiency symptoms are depressed growth rate, glucose intolerance in diabetics, and atherosclerosis.

Cobalt functions as part of vitamin B12, maintaining red blood cells and activating a number of enzymes in the body. A deficiency in cobalt will cause pernicious anemia and slow rate of growth.

Copper aids the formation of red blood cells and works with vitamin C to form elastin. A deficiency in copper results in general weakness, impaired respiration and skin sores.

Fluorine discourages the growth of acid forming bacteria and hence reduces tooth decay.

Iodine is an essential part of the hormone "thyroxine". It is necessary for the prevention of goiter. It regulates the production of energy as well as the rate of metabolism. It also promotes growth. A deficiency in iodine will result in enlarged thyroid gland, dry skin and hair, loss of physical and mental vigor. It also causes cretinism in children born to iodine-deficient mothers.

Iron is necessary for hemoglobin and myoglobin formation. It helps protein metabolism and promotes growth. A deficiency in iron will cause physical weakness, paleness of skin, constipation and anemia.

Magnesium acts as a catalyst in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats, protein, calcium, phosphorus and possibly potassium. A deficiency in magnesium will cause nervousness, muscular excitability, tremors and depression.

Manganese is an enzyme activator. It plays a part in carbohydrate and fat production. It is necessary for normal skeletal development. It maintains sex-hormone production.

Molybdenum acts in oxidation of fats and aldehydes. It aids in mobilization of iron from liver reserves. A deficiency in molybdenum will cause premature aging and impotence.

Nickel is a factor in hormone, lipid, membrane and glucose metabolism. A deficiency in nickel will aggravate iron-deficiency anemia.

Phosphorus works with calcium to build bones and teeth. It uses carbohydrates, fats and protein. It also stimulates muscular contraction. A deficiency in phosphorus can cause loss of weight and appetite, irregular breathing, pyorrhea, fatigue and nervous disorders.

Potassium works to control the activity of the heart muscles, the nervous system, and the kidneys. A deficiency in potassium will cause poor reflexes, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, nervous disorders, constipation, irregular pulse and insomnia.

Selenium works with vitamin E. It preserves tissue elasticity. A deficiency in selenium will cause premature aging and crib death.

Sodium maintains normal fluid levels in cells. It maintains the health of the nervous, muscular, blood, and lymph systems. A deficiency in sodium will result in muscle weakness and shrinkage, nausea, loss of appetite and intestinal gas.

Vanadium inhibits cholesterol formation. It is important for bone cartilage and tooth development.

Zinc is a component of insulin and male reproductive fluid. It aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus. It also aids in the healing process. A deficiency in zinc will result in retarded growth and delayed sexual maturity. It will cause prolonged healing of wounds, stretch marks, irregular menses, diabetes, and loss of taste and appetite.