Organic vs. Inorganic Trace Minerals: What You Need to Know

Did you know that an apple contains 3-5 mg of aluminum, along with trace amounts of lead, arsenic, and mercury? While this may sound alarming, Dr. Saccoman emphasizes the importance of understanding whether these minerals are in organic (plant-derived) or inorganic (metallic) form. Organic trace minerals are essential for health, while their inorganic counterparts can be toxic.

An insightful article by Dr. William J. Saccoman, titled "Lead, Arsenic, Aluminum and Mercury: Vital Trace Elements or Toxic Poisons?", sheds light on a critical yet often misunderstood topic: the difference between “organic” plant-derived trace minerals and “inorganic” metallic trace minerals. Dr. Saccoman explains that while trace amounts of elements such as aluminum, lead, arsenic, and mercury are found in everyday foods like apples, their source determines whether they are beneficial or harmful to the body.

Just like apples, many other plant-based foods naturally contain trace amounts of minerals that are often considered harmful in their inorganic forms. When sourced from plants, however, these trace minerals become organic and beneficial. Examples include:

• Chia Seeds – Contain trace amounts of manganese and 0.1-0.3 mg of aluminum in their organic form, supporting metabolic processes and antioxidant functions.
• Carrots – Contain trace amounts of lead, typically 0.01-0.03 mg per serving, in their organic form, supporting detoxification and contributing to healthy vision and skin due to their high beta-carotene content.
• Spinach – Contains trace amounts of aluminum, approximately 0.2-0.4 mg per serving, which, in its organic form, supports enzymatic functions and cellular health alongside its better-known contributions of magnesium, calcium, and iron.
• Seaweed – A natural source of iodine, selenium, and trace amounts of arsenic (0.1-0.3 mg per serving), seaweed supports thyroid health and detoxification when consumed in organic form.
• Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale) – Contain trace amounts of lead, usually 0.02-0.05 mg per serving, and other elements that, in their organic form, support cellular repair and antioxidant defenses.

Organic trace minerals, sourced from plants, are ionic or electrical in nature. This makes them easily absorbed and utilized by the body at a cellular level without being stored in tissues. In contrast, inorganic trace minerals, often found as heavy metals, are difficult for the body to process and can accumulate in tissues, leading to toxicity over time.

Dr. Saccoman also references studies showing that arsenic, often feared as a toxin, is an essential micro-mineral when derived from organic sources. For example, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that organic arsenic helped leukemia patients achieve remission by stopping cancer cell reproduction.

The presence of trace minerals like aluminum, lead, arsenic, and mercury in food can often be traced back to the soil in which these foods are grown. These minerals are part of the Earth's crust and enter the soil naturally, where they are absorbed by plants as they grow. When derived from organic sources in the soil, they are converted into a form that is usable and safe for the body, highlighting the natural role of soil in providing essential trace elements for nutrition. However, inorganic sources of these elements, introduced through contamination, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially harmful heavy metals in food.

Dr. Saccoman’s article underscores the vital distinction between organic and inorganic trace minerals and their impact on health. Organic, plant-derived trace minerals not only avoid toxicity but also play a crucial role in cellular health, detoxification, and disease prevention. In contrast, inorganic trace minerals can accumulate in the body, leading to long-term harm. Foods like apples, spinach, seaweed, and cruciferous vegetables highlight the importance of consuming plant-based sources of these minerals to maintain optimal health.

The research presented reminds us to focus on the source of our nutrients. By choosing organic, plant-derived trace minerals, we can harness their benefits while avoiding the risks of heavy metal toxicity. This knowledge empowers us to make informed dietary choices for a healthier future.

Here’s the plot twist: not all humic and fulvic acids are the same.

Their effectiveness depends heavily on:

• Source (freshwater peat = gold standard)
• Molecular structure (larger, flexible molecules = better glyphosate binding)
• Purity (some supplements contain barely any active compound)
• Processing method (how it’s extracted without destroying the good stuff)

One study compared humic substances from multiple sources—peat, volcanic soil, lignite—and found that freshwater peat humic had the highest binding capacity due to its larger size, flexibility, and stronger hydrogen bonding.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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