Important minerals your body needs
- Calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting.
- Iron is vital for transporting oxygen and energy production.
- Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, energy, metabolism and bone health.
- Zinc is important for immune response, wound healing and skin health.
- Potassium regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve function.
- Sodium maintains fluid balance, nerve signalling, and muscle function.
- Phosphorus is crucial for bone health, energy metabolism and cell structure.
What are the different types of minerals?
Minerals can be categorised into two main groups:
Macro-minerals: These are required in larger quantities and include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Trace minerals: These are needed in smaller amounts and encompass iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and fluoride. These minerals can be obtained by dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, meat, shellfish, and legumes fruits vegetables, table salt and processed foods.
