Only Trace Minerals

Only Trace Minerals

Life Extension4.8 (10,747 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 90 Capsule(s) · 90 servings
Goals

About this product

A focused trace-mineral formula may help when dietary intake leaves specific mineral gaps. Zinc at 20 mg and copper at 2 mg are clearly stated, making their relationship easier to assess than in formulas with missing copper information. The named zinc methionine and copper bisglycinate sources support clear comparisons without establishing better health outcomes from those forms.

Chromium at 400 mcg and molybdenum at 250 mcg broaden the mineral supply at relatively low cost. Manganese sulfate is a less favored source than some alternatives, and the proportions of the boron forms remain unknown. The ingredient findings describe 3 mg total boron, while some goal-level amounts remain unresolved, so the repeated boron rows should not be summed.

The clearest use is nutritional supplementation rather than weight loss, hormone enhancement or faster toxin clearance. Zinc-related hair, skin and testosterone benefits are conditional on inadequate intake. Vanadium information remains incomplete, which limits confidence in the purpose and contribution of every added mineral.

Who is it for
  • Adults needing selected trace minerals rather than a full multivitamin
  • People seeking zinc with a known accompanying copper amount
Best for
  • Targeted trace-mineral gap filling
  • Low-cost supplementation of several trace minerals

Pros

  • Zinc and copper quantities allow direct mineral-balance comparison
  • Named chromium and molybdenum sources improve disclosure
  • Low serving cost supports value across several trace minerals

Cons

  • Manganese uses the less favored sulfate form
  • Boron-source proportions are not provided
  • Vanadium's usable amount and contribution remain unresolved
  • Normal enzyme roles do not establish fat loss or routine detoxification benefits

Warnings

  • The 20 mg zinc and 2 mg copper should be counted alongside any multivitamin or separate mineral supplements to avoid unnecessary overlap.
  • Do not add the three boron-source rows as separate doses; the ingredient findings describe 3 mg total boron.

Product analysis

82 out of 100

Only Trace Minerals offers an economical mix of minerals that support normal immune, skin and bone functions, particularly when intake falls short. Several favorable mineral forms add to its appeal.

AI assessment of the formula, label and price. How scoring works

Nutrient Quality85

Several minerals use favorable forms for absorption, although manganese sulfate is less appealing. Vanadium is not identified by form, and the shares of the boron forms are unclear.

Ingredient Transparency76

Amounts are disclosed for all minerals, and most forms are identified. Vanadium’s form and the proportions of the boron forms are missing.

Value For Money89

The mineral blend is economically priced, with favorable comparisons for most identified minerals. Vanadium’s value remains uncertain.

Customer Satisfaction92

Customer ratings are very positive. The large number of ratings gives a broad view of sentiment, without proving effectiveness.

Product Focus64

The blend supports nutritional needs across several normal body functions. Benefits are clearest when mineral intake is inadequate, with no established extra effect on detoxification, testosterone or energy use once needs are met.

Format
Capsule
Container
90 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.12
Customer rating
4.8 · 10,747 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Impact
Moderate effect
D Ingredient FitF PathwaysA EvidenceA- Formulation Logic
Zinc · 20 mgBoron · 3 mg

Zinc may help restore testosterone when low zinc levels are the cause. Zinc deficiency can lower testosterone in men, so correcting it can matter for normal hormone levels. Taking extra zinc hasn't been shown to raise testosterone when you already get enough.

How this product is rated for Testosterone Support

Ingredient fit48

Zinc's testosterone benefit concerns correcting low zinc levels, rather than increasing testosterone above normal nutrient sufficiency.
Goal fit
Zinc provides the main connection with testosterone, alongside ingredients with other roles.
Dose adequacy
Boron amount is unknown, Zinc 20 mg per serving. These amounts do not predict a testosterone increase.

Pathways0

The hormone-related connection here concerns nutrient sufficiency; no direct hormone pathway contribution is identified.
Depth
The hormone-related connection here concerns nutrient sufficiency; no direct hormone pathway contribution is identified.
Breadth
No broad hormone pathway effect is identified from these ingredients and amounts.

Evidence93

Zinc's testosterone benefit concerns correcting low zinc levels, rather than increasing testosterone above normal nutrient sufficiency.
Evidence strength
Zinc's testosterone benefit concerns correcting low zinc levels, rather than increasing testosterone above normal nutrient sufficiency.
Studied preparation
The relevant ingredient preparations match the available context, but that match alone doesn't predict a testosterone benefit.

Formulation logic88

No specific ingredient conflict or missing required partner is identified.
Partner coverage
No required ingredient partner is missing; combining the ingredients doesn't imply an extra testosterone benefit.
Conflicts
No specific ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
Zinc supplies 20 mg per serving; boron's amount is unknown, so its dose cannot be judged.
Study evidence
Boron Disputed 3 studies
Zinc Disputed 7 studies
Immunity
Impact
High effect
C- Ingredient FitD PathwaysA+ EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Zinc · 20 mg

Zinc contributes to normal immune function, while copper can help address low intake that impairs immune-cell activity. Their contributions are nutritional and do not establish fewer infections or enhanced immunity above adequacy. Zinc contributes partly to the saved amount comparison, and the additional trace minerals do not establish broader immune effects from the supplied information. Chelated forms do not establish superior clinical benefit.

How this product is rated for Immunity

Ingredient fit57

Relevant ingredients contribute to the immune goal, while additional actives make the formula less focused on these functions.
Goal fit
Relevant ingredients contribute to the immune goal, while additional actives make the formula less focused on these functions.
Dose adequacy
The relevant amounts contribute partly to the saved comparisons, with unresolved quantities contributing less.

Pathways47

The strongest represented area is immune-cell function and regulation. The saved findings are concentrated in one immune function, giving limited breadth.
Depth
The strongest represented area is immune-cell function and regulation.
Breadth
The saved findings are concentrated in one immune function, giving limited breadth.

Evidence100

Zinc leads the saved evidence finding, primarily reflecting nutritional roles rather than proven added infection prevention.
Evidence strength
Zinc leads the saved evidence finding, primarily reflecting nutritional roles rather than proven added infection prevention.
Studied preparation
The counted preparations match the saved preparation finding; this does not establish superior benefit from particular forms or delivery.

Formulation logic100

The counted ingredients have their relevant partners or contribute independently, and no listed formulation conflict was triggered.
Partner coverage
The counted ingredients can contribute independently or have their relevant partners; an extra combined benefit is not established.
Conflicts
No listed formulation conflict was triggered; this does not establish safety of the whole product.
Effective doses
The counted ingredients reach the saved minimum amount comparison, which is not a proven clinical benefit threshold.
Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 73 studies
Everyday Health
Impact
High effect
B- Ingredient FitD+ PathwaysB+ EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Boron · 3 mgZinc · 20 mg

Zinc provides a nutrient involved in normal antioxidant or immune functions. These nutritional contributions matter most when intake falls short; extra benefit with adequate intake is not established.

How this product is rated for Everyday Health

Ingredient fit72

The main relevant ingredients are Zinc. Their value is nutritional, rather than a demonstrated broad health improvement.
Goal fit
Zinc and Boron form the main nutritional contribution.
Dose adequacy
The selected serving provides a meaningful amount of Zinc and Boron.

Pathways52

The main areas represented are antioxidant and immune defence.
Depth
The strongest supported area is antioxidant and immune defence, through the relevant nutrients.
Breadth
The main areas represented are antioxidant and immune defence.

Evidence82

Boron leads the saved comparison, but its broad health benefits remain uncertain; zinc has the clearer nutritional role.
Evidence strength
Boron leads the saved comparison, but its broad health benefits remain uncertain; zinc has the clearer nutritional role.
Studied preparation
The relevant nutrient preparations were accepted in the saved comparison; no superior form or delivery benefit is established.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients can contribute independently or have their required partner; their combination does not establish added benefit. No conflict was identified by the evaluated checks.
Partner coverage
The relevant ingredients can contribute independently or have their required partner; their combination does not establish added benefit.
Conflicts
No conflict was identified by the evaluated checks.
Effective doses
The counted ingredients reach the comparison’s minimum amount criterion; this is not proof of a clinical benefit.
Study evidence
Boron Supportive 6 studies
Zinc Supportive 60 studies
Impact
High effect
C+ Ingredient FitF PathwaysA+ EvidenceA Formulation Logic
Zinc · 20 mg

Zinc supports normal enzyme function and chromium has been studied for glucose control. These roles do not establish increased whole-body energy expenditure, and an unresolved vanadium amount further limits the comparison.

How this product is rated for Metabolism Support

Ingredient fit65

The saved findings count relevant ingredient amounts within a broader formula aimed at several needs.
Goal fit
The saved findings count relevant ingredient amounts within a broader formula aimed at several needs.
Dose adequacy
The declared serving amounts receive mixed but generally meaningful consideration; this compares amounts with supplied reference ranges, without proving a metabolism-related effect.

Pathways13

The strongest saved connection is to insulin sensitivity and metabolic hormones, based on the counted ingredients; this does not itself demonstrate increased energy expenditure. No area reaches the saved coverage threshold; the identified connection remains limited.
Depth
The strongest saved connection is to insulin sensitivity and metabolic hormones, based on the counted ingredients; this does not itself demonstrate increased energy expenditure.
Breadth
No area reaches the saved coverage threshold; the identified connection remains limited.

Evidence100

Zinc provides the strongest saved evidence contribution here; its population and outcome limitations still apply.
Evidence strength
Zinc provides the strongest saved evidence contribution here; its population and outcome limitations still apply.
Studied preparation
The counted ingredients meet the saved preparation criteria; this does not make all labelled forms interchangeable with every clinical trial.

Formulation logic92

Not every evaluated ingredient meets the minimum amount criterion; unresolved or low amounts limit their contribution.
Partner coverage
The counted ingredients require no missing partner under the supplied findings; this does not imply an added benefit from combining them.
Conflicts
No listed ingredient conflict was matched in the supplied findings; this does not establish medication compatibility.
Effective doses
Not every evaluated ingredient meets the minimum amount criterion; unresolved or low amounts limit their contribution.
Study evidence
Chromium Supportive 47 studies
Vanadium Supportive 7 studies
Zinc Supportive 12 studies
Liver & Detox
Impact
High effect
C- Ingredient FitD PathwaysB EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Molybdenum · 250 mcgZinc · 20 mg

Zinc and molybdenum support normal enzyme functions relevant to metabolism. Their essential cofactor roles do not establish that supplemental amounts accelerate alcohol or other toxin clearance in unselected adults. The saved findings recognize their amounts only partly overall, and molybdenum's enzyme biology does not supply a clinically demonstrated routine detoxification dose.

How this product is rated for Liver & Detox

Ingredient fit56

Zinc and molybdenum supplies relevant metabolic roles within a broader formula. The relevant amounts receive partial recognition overall; biochemical roles do not turn those servings into proven toxin-clearance doses.
Goal fit
Zinc and molybdenum supplies relevant metabolic roles within a broader formula.
Dose adequacy
The relevant amounts receive partial recognition overall; biochemical roles do not turn those servings into proven toxin-clearance doses.

Pathways49

Detox-enzyme induction is the main represented route. Only one route reaches the saved breadth threshold, so coverage remains narrow.
Depth
Detox-enzyme induction is the main represented route.
Breadth
Only one route reaches the saved breadth threshold, so coverage remains narrow.

Evidence80

Zinc's enzyme role does not establish faster toxin clearance. Preparation matching is incomplete.
Evidence strength
Zinc's enzyme role does not establish faster toxin clearance.
Studied preparation
Molybdenum was not matched to a studied preparation; other counted preparations were accepted.

Formulation logic100

No required partner is missing among the counted ingredients, and no configured conflict was identified. All counted ingredients meet the saved amount threshold, which is not proof of clinical effectiveness.
Partner coverage
The counted ingredients work independently or have their required partner.
Conflicts
No configured ingredient conflict was identified; this does not assess every possible interaction.
Effective doses
All counted ingredients meet the saved amount threshold, which is not proof of clinical effectiveness.
Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 30 studies
Bone Health
Impact
High effect
C Ingredient FitC PathwaysA+ EvidenceA Formulation Logic
Copper · 2 mgManganese · 2 mgBoron · 3 mgZinc · 20 mg

Copper helps cross-link the collagen framework in bone; restoring inadequate copper intake can correct deficiency-related matrix problems. Zinc and manganese have normal roles in bone-forming processes, but their inclusion does not establish added bone density or fracture benefit in adequately nourished adults. Boron is present with an unresolved amount, and the supplied evidence does not establish a routine bone-specific benefit.

How this product is rated for Bone Health

Ingredient fit65

Bone-related nutrients sit within a broader formula containing ingredients serving other purposes. Zinc, manganese and copper have declared amounts, while the unresolved boron amount limits the amount comparison.
Goal fit
Bone-related nutrients sit within a broader formula containing ingredients serving other purposes.
Dose adequacy
Zinc, manganese and copper have declared amounts, while the unresolved boron amount limits the amount comparison.

Pathways60

The strongest finding concerns the collagen framework of bone, rather than direct mineral supply. Support is concentrated in collagen matrix formation.
Depth
The strongest finding concerns the collagen framework of bone, rather than direct mineral supply.
Breadth
Support is concentrated in collagen matrix formation.

Evidence98

Zinc leads the saved evidence comparison, but supplied context does not establish independent routine bone-density or fracture benefit. The counted preparations meet the saved preparation criteria, without establishing superior forms or guaranteed clinical outcomes.
Evidence strength
Zinc leads the saved evidence comparison, but supplied context does not establish independent routine bone-density or fracture benefit.
Studied preparation
The counted preparations meet the saved preparation criteria, without establishing superior forms or guaranteed clinical outcomes.

Formulation logic94

No required partner is missing from the counted ingredient findings; this does not prove an extra combination benefit. No configured ingredient conflict was identified in the supplied findings.
Partner coverage
No required partner is missing from the counted ingredient findings; this does not prove an extra combination benefit.
Conflicts
No configured ingredient conflict was identified in the supplied findings.
Effective doses
Boron does not meet the saved amount criterion; this differs from demonstrating ineffectiveness.
Study evidence
Boron Supportive 5 studies
Copper Disputed 20 studies
Manganese Adverse 12 studies
Zinc Supportive 33 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
Zinc (OptiZinc Zinc Monomethionine)
20 mg 92
Copper (Copper Bisglycinate Chelate)
2 mg 100
Manganese (Manganese Sulfate)
2 mg 70
Chromium (Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate)
400 mcg 94
Molybdenum (Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate)
250 mcg 100
Boron Complex (Boron Aspartate, Boron Citrate, Boron Glycinate)
3 mg 87
Vanadyl Sulfate
3.75 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value
The serving clearly provides 20 mg of zinc as methionine alongside 2 mg of copper. The form and mineral pairing are strengths of the supplied assessment, with a whole-product serving cost of about $0.13.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability100

Methionine is clearly identified and is a strength of the supplied form assessment.
Zinc Form Bioavailability
Zinc methionine is the sole identified source and is favorably assessed for its form.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency91

The elemental zinc amount is clear, and copper is quantified. Both amounts can be compared without guessing copper content.
Elemental Dose Transparency
The label clearly states 20 mg of elemental zinc and identifies its source.
Zinc Dosage Safety & Effectiveness
20 mg per serving provides a moderate zinc contribution.
Zinc-to-Copper Mineral Balance
20 mg zinc and 2 mg copper form a favorably assessed mineral pairing; that does not establish suitability for everyone.

Value80

The whole-product serving costs about $0.13; this price covers the complete formula rather than zinc alone.
Price Per Serving Efficiency
About $0.13 per labeled whole-product serving, rather than a price for zinc alone.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. [Comparative study of the urinary excretion of boron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis].
    José Ramón V; Mora Mora M; Marino Alarcón O; Hernández G; Josefina Linares L; Urdaneta Romero H; Arévalo González E · Investigacion clinica · 2013
    Case-control study45 participantsBone Health forBoron
  2. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women.
    Nielsen FH; Hunt CD; Mullen LM; Hunt JR · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · 1987
    Single-arm trial12 participantsBone Health forBoron
  3. The relationship between boron and magnesium status and bone mineral density in the human: a review.
    Volpe SL; Taper LJ; Meacham S · Magnesium research · 1994
    Narrative reviewBone Health forBoron
  4. Effects of boron supplementation on bone mineral density and dietary, blood, and urinary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and boron in female athletes.
    Meacham SL; Taper LJ; Volpe SL · Environmental health perspectives · 1995
    Randomized trial28 participantsBone Health forBoron
  5. Metabolic responses of postmenopausal women to supplemental dietary boron and aluminum during usual and low magnesium intake: boron, calcium, and magnesium absorption and retention and blood mineral concentrations
    C D Hunt, J L Herbel, F H Nielsen · The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition · 1997
    Non-randomized trial11 participantsBone Health forBoron
  6. The Association between Dietary and Circulating Copper Levels and Osteoporosis: a Scoping Review.
    Ju Y; Xiong W; Pang Y; Chen Z; Hou J; Zheng S; Li Z; Liu T; Xia H; Xia M; Zhong Y; Li J; Jiang X · Biological trace element research · 2026
    Scoping review18 studies pooledBone Health forCopper
  7. Association between dietary copper, iron, zinc, selenium intake and osteopenia or osteoporosis in elderly hypertensive patients: a retrospective cohort study.
    Chen M; Jia L; Gao R · Frontiers in nutrition · 2024
    Cohort study5,286 participantsBone Health forCopper
  8. Associations of dietary copper intake with total bone mineral density and lumbar spine bone mineral density in American adults.
    Hu M; Wang Z; Li C; Zheng Y; Hu J · Medicine · 2025
    Cross-sectional studyBone Health forCopper
  9. The association between dietary mineral intake and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study.
    Wei M; Wei J; Huang S · Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2025
    Cross-sectional study11,520 participantsBone Health forCopper
  10. Association between dietary copper intake and bone mineral density in children and adolescents aged 8-19 years: A cross-sectional study.
    Cui A; Yan J; Li H; Fan Z; Wei X; Wang H; Zhuang Y · PloS one · 2024
    Cross-sectional study6,965 participantsBone Health forCopper
  11. Risk of Environmental Chemicals on Bone Fractures Is Independent of Low Bone Mass in US Adults: Insights from 2017 to 2018 NHANES.
    Ling R; Ai Y; Chen C; Zhang J; Zou Z; Cheng S; Li C; Li X; Wang B · Metabolites · 2023
    Cross-sectional study2,640 participantsBone Health forManganese
  12. The Manganese-Bone Connection: Investigating the Role of Manganese in Bone Health.
    Taskozhina G; Batyrova G; Umarova G; Issanguzhina Z; Kereyeva N · Journal of clinical medicine · 2024
    Narrative reviewBone Health forManganese
  13. Associations of multiple metals with bone mineral density: A population-based study in US adults.
    Wei MH; Cui Y; Zhou HL; Song WJ; Di DS; Zhang RY; Huang Q; Liu JA; Wang Q · Chemosphere · 2021
    Cross-sectional studyBone Health forManganese
  14. Sex-specific associations of urinary mixed-metal concentrations with femoral bone mineral density among older people: an NHANES (2017-2020) analysis.
    Li H; Li G; Yi M; Zhou J; Deng Y; Huang Y; He S; Meng X; Liu L · Frontiers in public health · 2024
    Cross-sectional study31 participantsBone Health forManganese
  15. Relationship between blood manganese and bone mineral density and bone mineral content in adults: A population-based cross-sectional study.
    Wang C; Zhu Y; Long H; Ou M; Zhao S · PloS one · 2022
    Cross-sectional study9,732 participantsBone Health forManganese
  16. Increased incidence of fractures in middle-aged and elderly men with low intakes of phosphorus and zinc.
    Elmståhl S; Gullberg B; Janzon L; Johnell O; Elmståhl B · Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA · 1999
    Cohort study6,576 participantsBone Health forZinc
  17. Zinc Supplementation Increases Procollagen Type 1 Amino-Terminal Propeptide in Premenarcheal Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Berger PK; Pollock NK; Laing EM; Chertin V; Bernard PJ; Grider A; Shapses SA; Ding KH; Isales CM; Lewis RD · The Journal of nutrition · 2016
    Randomized trial147 participantsBone Health forZinc
  18. Randomized controlled trial of prenatal zinc supplementation and fetal bone growth.
    Merialdi M; Caulfield LE; Zavaleta N; Figueroa A; Costigan KA; Dominici F; Dipietro JA · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2004
    Randomized trial242 participantsBone Health forZinc
  19. The effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase activity and fracture healing of bones.
    Sadighi A; Roshan MM; Moradi A; Ostadrahimi A · Saudi medical journal · 2009
    Randomized trial60 participantsBone Health forZinc
  20. Is Zinc an Important Trace Element on Bone-Related Diseases and Complications? A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review from Serum Level, Dietary Intake, and Supplementation Aspects.
    Ceylan MN; Akdas S; Yazihan N · Biological trace element research · 2021
    Meta-analysis40 studies pooledBone Health forZinc