Dr. Pauling’s comment really drives home how important minerals are for our health. Minerals are involved in just about everything our bodies do—from keeping our bones and tissues strong, to helping enzymes work properly, to supporting our nerves and metabolism. When we don’t get enough key minerals like iron, iodine, zinc, magnesium, or selenium, it can lead to serious health issues. Unfortunately, a lot of our modern food doesn’t have the same nutrient density it once did. Industrial farming has depleted minerals from the soil, and long-distance transport and storage can break down nutrients even more. Plus, many modern crops have been genetically modified for yield and appearance rather than nutrition. On top of that, things like poor diet choices, digestive problems, certain medications, and heavy drinking can all make it harder for our bodies to absorb what nutrients are available. All of this underscores the foundational role of nutrition—especially micronutrients—in health. Yet, it’s also a reminder that human disease is multifactorial, requiring a holistic understanding and support that integrates nutrition, genetics, environment, and behavior.