At Best-Supps, you'll find minerals as single supplements and combinations from selected brands – primarily magnesium, along with other minerals and trace elements, in tablet, capsule, or powder form. Discover the range below. In the guide that follows, we explain what minerals are, who benefits from supplementation, and what to consider when buying.
What are minerals?
Minerals are inorganic nutrients that the body needs for numerous normal functions and cannot produce itself. Unlike vitamins, they are not organic compounds but chemical elements – they must be supplied regularly through food. Like vitamins, minerals do not provide energy, but rather perform supportive tasks as micronutrients.
A balanced, varied diet contains plenty of minerals – for example, in whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. Mineral supplementation is useful when the dietary intake is insufficient in certain situations. As "minerals" or "trace elements," they are among the best-selling products in the health sector.
Bulk Elements & Trace Elements
There are two groups. The body needs bulk elements in larger quantities – these include magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. It only needs trace elements in very small quantities – these include iron, zinc, iodine, copper, and selenium, among others. Both groups are equally important; the only difference is the amount needed.
Do you need additional minerals?
To be honest: If you eat a balanced and varied diet, you are usually well supplied with minerals. A blanket extra intake "for everyone" is not necessary. However, there are situations in which many consciously supplement – for example, with a one-sided diet, increased demand in certain life phases, with intensive sports, or under stress. Older people should also keep an eye on their supply more often.
Whether and what makes sense for you can best be clarified individually – in case of doubt, through a medical examination, for example, by blood test. Nutritional supplements do not replace a balanced diet, but rather close specific gaps. That is exactly what we offer with single minerals and combinations.
What foods contain minerals?
The best source of minerals is a varied diet. Here are a few examples of where which minerals are naturally abundant:
Magnesium
In whole grains, nuts, legumes, green vegetables, and sometimes in mineral-rich water.
Calcium
Mainly in dairy products, also in green vegetables, nuts, and calcium-rich mineral water.
Iron
In meat, legumes, whole grains, and green vegetables. Plant-based iron is absorbed to varying degrees.
Zinc
In meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, and whole grains.
An overview of the most important minerals
Here is a compact overview of the most common minerals. For magnesium, there is a separate category page; the others can be found in the assortment depending on availability.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a bulk element and the best-selling mineral of all. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, to the regulation of muscle and nerve functions, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. You can find the complete selection in the Magnesium category.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body by quantity. Calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. It is found primarily in dairy products.
Iron
Iron is a trace element. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and is needed for the formation of hemoglobin; it also helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. It is an issue, among other things, with low consumption of animal foods.
Iron deficiency is a common deficiency situation. In active people and especially in athletes, such a deficiency can be a frequent issue.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace element. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It is found in meat, fish, and nuts.
Other minerals & trace elements
In addition to the well-known ones, there are other important minerals: potassium and sodium play a role as electrolytes, iodine is a trace element that can be an issue in Germany, and selenium and copper are needed only in tiny amounts. Many of these are found in combination preparations or in multivitamins with minerals.
How many minerals does the body need?
The need varies greatly depending on the mineral: The body needs comparatively large amounts of bulk elements like magnesium or calcium, and only tiny amounts of trace elements like selenium or iodine. There is no general statement "for everyone" – individual needs depend on age, gender, activity, and diet.
What is crucial is not the highest possible intake, but rather an intake that meets the needs. If you want to know whether you are deficient in a certain mineral, the most reliable way to find out is through a medical examination – for example, by blood test. The serving sizes on the products are based on the usual reference values.
Dosage forms
Minerals are available as tablets and capsules (precisely dosed, practical), as powder (flexible, dissolved in water), as drops (easily adjustable in dosage), and as effervescent or direct variants. Which form is right depends primarily on personal preference; you can sort specifically using the filters in the shop.
Buying minerals – what should you look out for?
Single mineral or combination
Do you want to specifically supplement a mineral like magnesium or cover a broader spectrum? The product choice depends on this. With a mineral supplement, the ratio of the nutrients it contains should also match your individual needs. For more safety, it also applies: individual minerals can be problematic in high doses, for example, iron.
Quantity & form
Pay attention to the clearly stated amount of the mineral per serving. For magnesium, the indication of the actual (elemental) magnesium content is also helpful, as the bioavailability can also differ depending on the compound. Mineral products can also differ in their absorption depending on the form and the compound used.
Dosage form
Tablet, capsule, or powder is a matter of taste. Powder is well suited for minerals that are taken dissolved in water. For some people, small capsules are easier to take, while depending on the product, powder or tablets can also be more practical.
Brand & quality
Renowned manufacturers stand for transparent information and consistent quality, because true quality cannot be recognized by price alone. Good products stand out from other offers on the market through clear information. At Best-Supps, we carry minerals from selected brands.
Intake & important notes
The serving size and time of intake are stated on the respective product packaging – for more safety, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and do not exceed the recommended amount. Some minerals can affect each other's absorption; interactions with medications are also possible, which is why a sensible dosage is more important than the highest possible one. In case of existing illnesses, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in case of prolonged use or uncertainty, medical advice is advisable before taking. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
Minerals and vitamins together
Minerals and vitamins complement each other and are often combined – many multi-preparations contain both. Some nutrients interact with each other: a well-known example is iron, which is often better absorbed together with vitamin C; vitamin D is also often considered together with minerals for bones and the immune system. Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. For everyday life, this primarily means: pay attention to a sensible total dose and do not supply the same nutrients multiple times in high doses via several products. An overview of vitamins can be found in the Vitamins category, whereby for a plant-based diet, in addition to minerals, vitamin B12 can also be an issue.
Minerals for different life situations
Whether and which minerals are useful depends on the individual situation. A few typical constellations:
Sports & active everyday life
Those who sweat a lot also lose minerals and electrolytes through sweat, which is why iron deficiency can also be a more frequent issue for athletes. Many active people therefore consciously pay attention to their intake – magnesium is the classic here, especially since everyday stress can also increase mineral requirements. With a balanced diet, however, the basic supply is usually covered.
Vegetarian & vegan diet
With a purely plant-based diet, certain minerals are an issue because plant sources are sometimes less well absorbed – such as iron and zinc. A conscious food selection or targeted supplementation can be useful here.
One-sided diet
Those who eat an unbalanced diet may not get enough of certain minerals. A deficiency can manifest itself, for example, through fatigue or a weakened immune system. A multi-preparation with minerals or a targeted single preparation can close gaps.
Special life phases
In certain life phases, the need for individual minerals can be altered, which can also apply to older people. In such cases, medical clarification is the most sensible way, instead of supplementing generally.
Minerals and electrolytes
Some minerals act as electrolytes in the body – these include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Electrolytes play a role in fluid balance and are partially lost with heavy sweating. Therefore, electrolyte products are particularly popular for endurance sports and intensive training. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance. Those specifically looking for electrolytes will find corresponding products in the range for hydration.
How are minerals absorbed?
The absorption of minerals depends on several factors – for example, on the form of the compound, on what else is eaten, and on the fact that they are involved in many metabolic processes. Some minerals influence each other's absorption: if several are supplied simultaneously in very high doses, they can compete for absorption. Therefore, a sensible, needs-based dosage is more important than the highest possible one.
The dosage form also plays a role: easily soluble forms and powders that are dissolved in water can be taken easily. Depending on the compound and dosage form, absorption in the body can vary. For concrete application, always observe the information on the respective product packaging.
Related Categories & Useful Supplements
Minerals complement other micronutrients well. It is worth taking a look at the Vitamins category as well as Omega-3 & Healthy Fats. Further products for your well-being can be found under Health. Those who also want to cover their protein needs will find what they are looking for under Proteins.
Quality, Storage & Shelf Life
A high-quality mineral supplement can be recognized by a transparent, complete declaration and a clear quantity indication. Established brands stand for consistent quality.
For storage: store tablets, capsules, and powders dry, sealed, protected from heat and light, and out of reach of children. The best-before date and all instructions can be found on the respective packaging.
Minerals and Sports
In sports, minerals are particularly in focus because electrolytes are lost along with fluid when sweating. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, which is why it is particularly popular with active people. During long or intensive sessions, many also use electrolyte products to support intake during exertion.
However, for an honest assessment, it remains true here too: a balanced diet usually covers the mineral requirements well. Targeted supplementation is an individual decision – in case of doubt, medically clarified.
Common Misconceptions about Minerals
Several misunderstandings persist regarding minerals. Three of them briefly explained:
"More is better"
More is not better. An excessive intake of individual minerals is not useful and can impair the absorption of others. A needs-based amount is crucial.
"Food supplements replace a healthy diet"
They do not. Whole foods provide minerals in their natural context with many other nutrients, for example from fruits and vegetables. Supplementation specifically closes gaps.
"Every athlete needs extra minerals"
Not automatically. With a balanced diet, the supply is usually good. Whether supplementation is useful depends on the individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minerals (FAQ)
Minerals are inorganic micronutrients that the body needs for numerous normal functions and has to obtain through food.
The body needs macro elements (e.g. magnesium, calcium, potassium) in larger amounts, and trace elements (e.g. iron, zinc, iodine, selenium) only in very small traces. Both are important.
With a balanced diet, your intake is usually good. Supplementation makes sense in certain situations – when in doubt, check with a doctor.
Magnesium is the best-selling mineral. You'll find the selection in its own Magnesium category.
All forms are possible. Tablets and capsules are precisely dosed, powder is flexible and often dissolved in water. It's a matter of personal preference.
An excessive intake doesn't make sense, and some minerals affect each other's absorption. Stick to the dosage instructions on the packaging and check with a doctor when in doubt.
That depends on the product and is stated on the packaging. Some minerals are taken throughout the day, others with a meal.
Yes, many multi-supplements combine both. Just make sure not to take the same nutrients in high doses across multiple products.
Foods provide minerals in a natural combination with other nutrients. In nature, the mineral content of such foods can also depend on the soils and climatic conditions. Supplements can add targeted support but are no substitute for a balanced diet.
Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium that play a role in fluid balance and are partly lost through heavy sweating. They are especially relevant in endurance sports.
Magnesium is by far the best-selling mineral and has its own category with us.
Trace elements are a subgroup of minerals that the body needs only in very small amounts – such as iron, zinc, iodine or selenium.
That depends on the product and the manufacturer's instructions. For long-term use and if you're unsure, it makes sense to check with a doctor.
By a transparent, complete declaration with clear amounts per serving. The label on the front says less than the ingredient list.
Magnesium is the classic choice for active people; with heavy sweating, electrolytes also play a role. With a balanced diet, your intake is usually good.
Both provide the same mineral. Powder is dissolved in water and is flexible, capsules and tablets are precisely portioned. It's a matter of personal preference.
A medical blood test can give indications of your intake of certain minerals and is the most reliable way, rather than supplementing across the board.
No. The minerals offered here are over-the-counter food supplements. For health questions, it still makes sense to seek medical advice.