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Topical Minerals: A Performance and Recovery Evolution

by The OHM Team

Optimizing the Neuromuscular Skeletal System in Athletes and Active Adults

The neuromuscular skeletal system combines the brain, nerves, bones, and muscles to work in sync. Nerves signaling from the brain to the muscles pull on skeletal joints to create action while continuous sensory feedback maintains balance and coordinates the body. Trace elements are vital for these systems. Natural minerals contain trace elements with electrophysiological properties needed for biosynthesis and neuromuscular communication throughout the body. Signaling and skeletal health contributes to the degree of exceptionalism in athletic performance. 

Collagen and Trace Elements Vital to Performance and Recovery

Collagen is a protein vital to maintaining the structure of the body. Collagen peptide supplementation is widely used for recovery and health of the neuromuscular system. We recommend using OTC collagen peptides topically. Read The Case for Topical Collagen.

Trace elements

Natural manganese (Mn) is required for collagen biosynthesis and assimilation. Natural silica (Si) assists as a scaffold for collagen in bone, connective tissue, and skin production. Combined, Mn and Si maintain bone density and tendon elasticity during high training loads, reducing injury risk. 


Collagen Types I and III

  • Widely used topically for wound care.
  • Regenerates and improves functional recovery.
  • Collagen 1 products regenerate cartilage and discs.
  • Plays a critical role for early wound healing processes.
  • Vital in connective tissues, skin, blood vessels, intestines, lungs, and muscles.
  • Major component of collagen IV production within extracellular matrix (ECM) during tissue repair.

Trace element depletion is common in athletes due to increased sweat and high metabolic demands. These are often combined with inadequate dietary intake and, most importantly, the lack of a source of natural trace elements. 

Evidence and Impact on Athletes

  • Endurance athletes often show lower levels of trace elements, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn).
  • High sweat rates can lead to significant daily losses of trace elements.
  • Depletion impairs collagen assimilation (prolidase enzyme), leading to higher injury risk and slower recovery.
  • Studies link low manganese/silicon status to poor bone density and connective tissue quality.

Relevance to Motor Neurons

Motor neurons dictate athletic performance by the speed of relaying electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscle fibers, governing reaction time, and coordination. Mn deficiency impairs the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which protects motor neurons from oxidative stress - a factor in motor neuron diseases like ALS.  

The enzyme prolidase is needed for the biosynthesis of collagen I and III. Further biosynthesis of collagen I and III forms collagen IV, key parts of the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing regenerative structural support. This includes a supportive role in head injury and concussion recovery. This structural support helps maintain integrity around the brain, potentially reducing vulnerability to shear forces during impacts.


Collagen Type IV 

  • Remodeled after the biosynthesis of collagen I and III.
  • Major collagen component of the basement membrane in the ECM of peripheral nerves.
  • Builds nerve sheaths that form protective walls for nerves and blood vessels and hold the ECM together.
  • Provides for the integrity of blood vessels, meninges, and connective tissues around the brain and regeneration after nerve and brain injury.

Athletes and active adults with chronically low levels of Mn face higher vulnerability during intense training periods, possibly linking athlete trace element status to motor neuron pathology or to muscular skeletal issues.  

Read Making the Most of Manganese: A Foundation of Physiological Integrity

Read The Oxidative Stress/Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Triangle

Mineral Replacement Research

Research shows increased life expectancy and a rising number of centenarians in Japan, Germany, and Greece. Culturally, these populations regularly soak in nearby mineral springs and thermal baths. Although researchers try to link longevity statistics to diet (fish, olive oil, etc.), another common link to these cultures are their lifelong traditions, spending time immersed in mineral water. Like these centenarians, we too can have a positive effect on our bodies with natural mineral replacement, especially during windows of extreme physical overuse and mineral depletion. 

OHM Mineral Blends Natural Mineral Replacement

OHM blends are created with natural minerals and trace elements to fortify body systems. Our mineral powders are never heat treated or chemically processed. External and targeted use ensures they are available where needed as well as to the entire body. Our streamlined protocols offer varying ways to utilize and maximize mineral intake and assimilation via the skin. 

OHM mineral blends, Reconstruct and Replenish, used either as a soaking bath or in an aloe gel are perfect companions for topical collagen. Rich in balanced minerals with a targeted focus on the trace elements manganese and silica. For silica enhancement, ReGenEX is a perfect companion blend, used on joints or large areas of the body. It can be used in aloe gel or dry. 

 

References

Fang, F., Wang, X., Tao, Y., et al. (2025). Collagen-based biomaterials in neural injury repair: Current advances and future perspectives. Collagen & Leather, 7(27). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42825-025-00209-6

Kanniyappan, H., Chathurika Rathnayake, R. A., Osamor, J., Islam, M., & Wang, R. R. (2025). The role of collagen and collagen I/III ratio in pathological conditions: Insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 13, 1679625. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1679625

Metafune, M., Muratori, L., Fregnan, F., Ronchi, G., & Raimondo, S. (2025). The extracellular matrix in peripheral nerve repair and regeneration: A narrative review of its role and therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 19, 1628081. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2025.1628081

Nerve Doctors. (n.d.). Collagen: The secret power behind nerve repair. Retrieved from https://nervedoctors.com/collagen-the-secret-power-behind-nerve-repair/

Samadian, H., Vaez, A., Ehterami, A., Salehi, M., Farzamfar, S., Sahrapeyma, H., & Norouzi, P. (2019). Sciatic nerve regeneration by using collagen type I hydrogel containing naringin. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 30(9), 107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-019-6309-8

Shin, S. S., Grandhi, R., Henchir, J., Yan, H. Q., Badylak, S. F., & Dixon, C. E. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of collagen matrix in rats after traumatic brain injury. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 33(2), 95-104. https://doi.org/10.3233/RNN-140430

Meidrix Biomedicals GmbH (Esslingen, Germany), developed with the Fraunhofer Institute.ChondroFiller® (specifically ChondroFiller liquid) is the German collagen gel product for regenerating cartilage. It consists of an ultrapure native collagen type I solution

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