The Forgotten 91 Trace Elements: Why Your Body Needs More Than Just Vitamins

When most people think about nutrition, their minds go straight to vitamins and a handful of minerals like calcium, magnesium, or iron. But the human body is an incredibly intricate system—one that depends not just on a few familiar nutrients, but on a vast network of 91–92 trace elements to function at its best.

These trace elements are not always talked about in mainstream health conversations, yet they are just as essential as the better-known nutrients. Without them, our enzymes cannot activate, our cells struggle to communicate, and our immune system, metabolism, and even brain function can falter. In short: trace elements are the hidden foundation of health.

What Are Trace Elements?

Trace elements (sometimes called micro-minerals) are minerals required by the body in very small amounts—often measured in micrograms. Despite their tiny quantities, they play outsized roles in:

• Enzyme activity – Many enzymes require trace elements like zinc, copper, or manganese to trigger biochemical reactions.

• Hormonal balance – Elements such as iodine are critical for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism.

• Cellular health – Elements like selenium and chromium protect cells from oxidative stress and help regulate blood sugar.

• Nervous system function – Lithium, boron, and vanadium, though needed in trace amounts, are linked to mood stability, cognition, and energy metabolism.

It’s not just the “big five” minerals we’ve all heard about. The truth is, the body requires a full spectrum of trace elements—from the common to the obscure—to maintain balance.

Why Modern Diets Are Deficient

Our ancestors obtained these trace elements naturally, through nutrient-rich soils and unprocessed foods. But today, widespread soil depletion means fruits, vegetables, and grains often contain far fewer minerals than they did 50 years ago.

Intensive farming practices, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides strip away essential nutrients, leaving crops less mineral-dense. Even meat and dairy products from animals grazing on depleted pastures carry fewer trace elements.

The result? A silent deficiency epidemic—we may be eating enough calories, but not enough minerals.

The Health Impact of Trace Element Deficiency

Even mild shortages of trace elements can ripple across our systems. For example:

• Zinc deficiency impairs immune defence and slows wound healing.

• Selenium deficiency is linked to poor thyroid function and increased risk of oxidative damage.

• Chromium deficiency affects blood sugar regulation and can contribute to insulin resistance.

• Iodine deficiency leads to thyroid disorders, fatigue, and metabolic problems.

• Magnesium deficiency (common in modern diets) can cause muscle weakness, poor sleep, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

But beyond these well-known minerals, researchers are now recognising the importance of ultra-trace elements—like boron, nickel, and molybdenum—which may act as cofactors for enzymes, enhance nutrient absorption, and support neurological resilience.

The Role of Fulvic Acid in Trace Element Absorption

One of the most remarkable natural compounds for addressing mineral deficiency is fulvic acid. This organic compound, found in soil and ancient plant matter, binds to minerals and makes them bioavailable—meaning your cells can absorb and use them efficiently.

When paired with a spore-based probiotic, such as FLORISH Spore Probiotic with Fulvic Acid, the benefits are amplified:

• Enhanced mineral delivery – Fulvic acid acts as a transporter, ensuring the 91+ trace elements are absorbed rather than excreted.

• Gut microbiome support – Probiotics restore balance in the gut, which improves nutrient assimilation.

• Cellular detoxification – Fulvic acid binds to toxins and heavy metals, reducing their competition with essential trace minerals.

This synergy between probiotics and fulvic acid ensures that the body doesn’t just ingest trace minerals—it actually uses them.

Research Backing the Importance of Trace Elements

Scientific evidence continues to highlight the critical role of trace elements in human health. For instance, a 2015 review in Frontiers in Bioscience emphasised that trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and copper are “indispensable for immune system integrity and protection against oxidative damage” and that deficiencies can “increase susceptibility to infections and chronic disease” (Haase & Rink, 2015).

This aligns with what functional medicine has been saying for years: without replenishing the full spectrum of trace minerals, the body cannot perform at its peak.

Practical Steps to Ensure Adequate Trace Element Intake

1. Diversify your diet – Eat a wide range of foods: grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, organic vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

2. Choose quality supplements – Look for those enhanced with fulvic acid to maximise absorption.

3. Support your gut – A healthy microbiome improves mineral uptake, making probiotics a cornerstone of mineral health.

4. Hydrate wisely – Spring water and mineral-rich water sources naturally contain trace elements often missing from tap water.

5. Avoid chemical overload – Reduce exposure to glyphosate, pesticides, and processed foods that further disrupt mineral balance.

Conclusion

The conversation around nutrition needs to go beyond just vitamins and macronutrients. The 91–92 trace elements are the unsung heroes of human health, working quietly to keep our cells, hormones, and immune system in balance.

With today’s depleted soils and stressed lifestyles, simply eating a “balanced diet” is often not enough. That’s why synergistic solutions—like FLORISH Spore Probiotic with Fulvic Acid—are so powerful. They help restore what modern living has stripped away, ensuring your body gets the full mineral spectrum it was designed to thrive on.