Molybdenum: It is a significant constituent of enzymes. Zinc: It is the major cofactor for enzymes. Primary sources are cereals, leafy vegetables, etc. Manganese: It is the cofactor for enzymes. Primary sources are iodized salt and seafood. It is the principal constituent of thyroxine. Iodine: Helps your body make the thyroid hormones that keep your cells and metabolic rate healthy. Primary sources: Organ meat cereals, leafy vegetables. Primary sources are organ meat, leafy vegetables, iron cookware, etc.Ĭopper: It is the main constituent of enzymes and helps in iron transport. If you don’t have enough iron in your diet, you’re at risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia. Iron: It is the constituent of haem and is involved in O2 transport and biological oxidation.

Non-essential trace elements: Lead, Aluminium, Boron, Silver, Mercury, Bismuth, etc.

Possibly essential trace elements: Vanadium, Nickel, Barium and Cadmium.

Essential trace elements: Copper, Iron, Manganese, Iodine, Molybdenum, Zinc, Cobalt, Selenium, Fluorine and Chromium.

These are subdivided into three categories: Microminerals occur in living tissues in minute quantities. Micronutrients are required in amounts of less than 100mg/day. Its primary source is sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulphur: It is a constituent of amino acids and other components. Primary sources are fruits, nuts and vegetables.Ĭhlorine: Helps in regulation of acid-base balance and formation of HCL. Potassium helps the body maintain the balance of fluids and keeps your heart healthy and functioning correctly.

Potassium: Chief cation of intracellular fluids and muscle functions. Primary sources are table salt and salt-added foods. Sodium: Helps in muscle functions and acid-base balance. Primary sources are cereals, vegetables, fruits and milk. Magnesium: Major constituent of bones and teeth. Primary sources are milk, cereals and leafy vegetables. It is used to form high-energy phosphates, nucleic acids, nucleotides, etc. Phosphorous: Major constituent of bones and teeth. Primary sources are milk and milk products, leafy vegetables and beans. It also ensures that your blood clots normally, which is important for healing.

These are required in amounts greater than 100mg/day.Ĭalcium: Major constituent of bones and teeth. These are Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Chloride and Sulphur. Macronutrients constitute about 60: 80% of the body’s inorganic material.

Principal elements are also known as Macro minerals/Macronutrients, and Trace elements are Micro minerals/Micronutrients. Minerals are classified as Principal elements and Trace elements. Based on the amount required for the human body: Of these, boron and aluminium are non-nutritive and non-toxic, whereas the rest are non-nutritive, toxic elements. On the other hand, boron, aluminium, mercury, lead, and cadmium are non-essential elements. Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, copper, tin, cobalt, manganese, fluorine, etc., are examples of essential nutrients. Classification of Minerals: Based on biological roles:Īccording to their biological roles, mineral elements are classified as essential elements with a known biological role and non-essential elements with unknown functions and toxic substances. Some minerals are used to make hormones or to maintain a regular heartbeat. The body uses minerals for many things-from building strong bones to sending messages through the nervous system. Like vitamins, a healthy diet should also provide all the minerals your body requires to function properly. For example, your body needs minerals to build strong bones and teeth and turn food into energy.

Minerals perform several vital functions that are very important for the body. Minerals are the essential nutrients that allow the body to grow and survive. Mineral nutrition is also known as natural nutrients.

Are macro minerals essential minerals