Minerals and Their Role
in Protein Formation

How Proteins Are Formed in the Body

Protein synthesis is the biological process by which cells build functional proteins from individual amino acids. It runs continuously in virtually every cell of the human body and underlies the building of tissue, the production of enzymes, and the making of transport molecules.

The process has two key phases: during transcription, the information in a gene is first copied from DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA). Then, during translation, ribosomes read the mRNA sequence in groups of three and match each group to a specific amino acid. A peptide chain forms step by step and then folds into the finished protein.

Both phases require specific cofactors. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) carried out scientific assessments on the basis of which the European Commission authorized certain health claims for zinc and magnesium.

Proteins: The Building Blocks of the Body

Proteins are among the most abundant molecules in the human body. They make up about 15 to 17 % of total body weight and perform a wide variety of functions:

• Structural proteins such as collagen and elastin give strength to skin, tendons, and bones.
• Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions throughout the metabolism.
• Transport molecules such as hemoglobin bind oxygen and carry it through the bloodstream.
• Defense proteins (antibodies) are part of the immune system.
• Hormones such as insulin coordinate signals between organs and tissues.

Because the body constantly builds and breaks down proteins, protein synthesis never stops. Scientific publications estimate an adult's daily protein turnover at 250–300 g, with a considerable share of amino acids being recycled.

Transcription and Translation in Brief

At the molecular level, the process starts with reading a gene. RNA polymerase creates a complementary mRNA copy of the DNA segment. This messenger RNA leaves the cell nucleus and travels to the ribosomes, where translation takes place.

There, the ribosomes read the mRNA in groups of three (codons). Each codon is recognized by a matching tRNA, which delivers the right amino acid. The polypeptide chain forms step by step and then folds into a three-dimensional protein. Certain minerals are needed as cofactors — under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, specific claims may be made for zinc and magnesium.

Zinc: A Trace Element with a Documented Contribution

Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential trace elements that must be obtained from food. In the context of protein synthesis, the following claim is authorized:

“Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis” — Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

Zinc finger proteins, a large family of transcription factors, need zinc ions for their three-dimensional structure. These ions are coordinated by cysteine and histidine residues and allow binding to specific DNA sequences. Zinc is also involved in the function of certain aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, which load tRNA with amino acids.

Magnesium: A Macromineral with a Scientifically Verified Contribution

Magnesium (Mg) is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. About 60 % is found in bone, about 25 % in muscle, and only about 1 % in blood serum.

“Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis” — Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

At the biochemical level, magnesium keeps the ribosomal subunits together. Without enough magnesium ions, these subunits come apart and translation is impaired. In addition, ATP in the body exists mainly as an Mg-ATP complex, with magnesium stabilizing the phosphate groups and thereby providing energy for forming peptide bonds.