Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring geological solids that have characteristic chemical compositions, highly ordered atomic structures, and specific physical properties that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for many different jobs, including building bones, making hormones and regulating heartbeat.
There are two kinds of minerals, macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are minerals your body needs in larger amounts. They include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Your body needs just small amounts of trace minerals. These include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluorine, chromium and selenium.
The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by eating a wide variety of foods. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mineral supplement.*Click the minerals listed below to learn more about the benefits, recommended intakes and food sources for each mineral:
