Minerals are crucial to numerous cellular functions.
Minerals are elements on the earth and in foods that are bodies needed to develop and function normally.
There are 21 essential minerals classified as macrominerals and microminerals.
Vitamins and minerals are collectively known as micro nutrients.
Those essential for health include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium.
Deficiencies of minerals are associated with many systemic diseases.
They are essential for good health.
Minerals such as calcium and magnesium have been associated with periodontal disease.
Minerals are involved in bone, muscle, heart, and brain function, and for making enzymes and hormones.
Minerals are divided into two kinds: macrominerals and trace minerals.
Macrominerals include : calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur.
Trace minerals include: iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.
Most mineral requirements can be met by eating a wide range of food stuffs.
In some cases, mineral supplement are suggested.
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps keep bones healthy, and helps keep blood vessels and muscles working.
Phosphorus is found naturally in foods rich in protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, nuts, beans, and dairy products, and also added to many processed foods.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements containing a combination of vitamins and minerals and are recommended when they cannot or do not get enough of these nutrients from food.
Potassium, a mineral that nerves, and muscles need to function properly, regulates blood pressure, heart rhythm and the water content in cells.
Most get the potassium they need from what they eat and drink.
Selenium is a mineral that is important for reproduction, thyroid function, and DNA production.
Selenium helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and infections.
Selenium is present in many foods, sometimes added to other foods, and is available as a dietary supplement.
Sodium helps with the function of nerves and muscles, and to keep the right balance of fluids
Zinc helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses., helps make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells.
During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood, the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly.
Zinc helps wounds heal and is important to taste and smell.
Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods, and is found in most multivitamin/mineral supplements.