Nutrient
Shield
Other Nutrients
Essential Other Nutrients
Choline
Description:Choline is a quaternary ammonium compound, not a mineral but a nutrient critical for liver and brain health. Its structure includes a trimethylammonium group and a hydroxyethyl backbone.
Prevalence: ~90% below AI (550 mg/day men, 425 mg/day women).
At-Risk Groups: General population, especially those not eating eggs/meat.
Health Impacts: Liver damage, cognitive decline, muscle damage.
Cause: Low intake of eggs, liver, meat; limited awareness of choline needs.
Additional Benefits: Supports brain development, nerve function, and fat metabolism. Essential for acetylcholine production, aiding memory and muscle control.
Key Sources: Eggs, liver, beef, salmon, soybeans.
Antioxidants (e.g., Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C)
Description:Antioxidants are a group of compounds (Selenium is a mineral, Vitamin E and Vitamin C are vitamins) that combat oxidative stress.
Prevalence: Subclinical shortfalls common; ~10-20% may have low antioxidant status.
At-Risk Groups: Smokers, those with low fruit/vegetable intake.
Health Impacts: Increased oxidative stress, higher risk of chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease).
Cause: Low intake of antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts).
Additional Benefits: Neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, support immune function, and protect against cellular damage.
Key Sources: Selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood; Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds; Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries.
Sulfur (S) (via sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine, cysteine)
Description:Sulfur is a non-metal element, often obtained through sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine.
Prevalence: Rare; tied to protein deficiency (~1-2% in at-risk groups).
At-Risk Groups: Vegans, elderly with low protein intake.
Health Impacts: Impaired detoxification, poor connective tissue health.
Cause: Low intake of sulfur-containing foods (eggs, meat, garlic).
Additional Benefits: Supports detoxification, collagen production, and joint health. Essential for glutathione synthesis, a key antioxidant.
Key Sources: Eggs, garlic, onions, broccoli, cruciferous vegetables.
Fluoride (F)
Description:Fluoride is a halide ion, typically represented as a single atom in its ionic form (F⁻) due to its role in dental health.
Prevalence: ~20% of population may have suboptimal intake in non-fluoridated areas.
At-Risk Groups: Those in non-fluoridated water regions, low-income groups.
Health Impacts: Increased dental caries, weaker bones (severe cases).
Cause: Lack of fluoridated water, low intake of tea/seafood.
Additional Benefits: Strengthens tooth enamel, prevents cavities, supports bone mineral density.
Key Sources: Fluoridated water, tea, seafood, toothpaste.
Vanadium (V)
Description:Vanadium is a trace mineral with a simple atomic structure, potentially involved in glucose metabolism.
Prevalence: Data scarce; likely rare due to low requirements.
At-Risk Groups: Those with extremely limited diets.
Health Impacts: Possible impaired glucose metabolism (theoretical).
Cause: Low intake of mushrooms, shellfish; not well-studied in humans.
Additional Benefits: May aid insulin sensitivity and bone health, though human evidence is limited.
Key Sources: Mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, dill.
Boron (B)
Description:Boron is a metalloid element, often represented as a single atom or in borate form, linked to bone and brain health.
Prevalence: Data limited; possibly 10-20% have suboptimal intake.
At-Risk Groups: Those with low fruit/nut intake.
Health Impacts: Possible bone health issues, impaired brain function.
Cause: Low intake of fruits, nuts, legumes.
Additional Benefits: Supports bone density, hormone balance, and cognitive function. Aids in vitamin D metabolism.
Key Sources: Apples, nuts, legumes, avocados.
Silicon (Si)
Description:Silicon is a metalloid element, often linked to bone and connective tissue health, represented as a single atom or in a silicate form.
Prevalence: Data scarce; possibly 10-15% have suboptimal intake.
At-Risk Groups: Those with low whole grain/vegetable intake.
Health Impacts: Potential issues with bone and connective tissue health.
Cause: Low intake of whole grains, vegetables, beer (a silicon source).
Additional Benefits: Supports collagen synthesis, bone health, and skin elasticity. May improve hair and nail strength.
Key Sources: Whole grains, bananas, beer, green beans.
References
1. National Institutes of Health. (2025). Choline Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2025). Dietary Guidelines for Americans. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2025). Antioxidants. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
4. Case Study: Choline Supplementation for Cognitive Health - American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2024).
5. Case Study: Antioxidants in Chronic Disease Prevention - Journal of Nutrition (2023).
6. National Institutes of Health. (2025). Sulfur in Human Nutrition. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Sulfur-HealthProfessional/
7. National Institutes of Health. (2025). Fluoride Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-HealthProfessional/
8. Case Study: Boron for Bone Health - Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2024).
9. Case Study: Silicon for Connective Tissue - Nutrients (2023).
10. Case Study: Vanadium in Glucose Metabolism - Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022).
