Nutritional minerals are elements that our body needs to maintain health and carry out numerous biological processes. They are found in water and soil, and our body cannot produce them on its own. Nutritional minerals are essential for bone and muscle health, sleep regulation, energy levels, and mental health. Read on to learn more.
Essential Minerals
Essential minerals are elements that the body needs to function properly. The body does not produce these minerals; therefore, they must be obtained from food and beverages. Essential minerals include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Sodium
- Copper
- Chromium
- Manganese
Non-Essential Minerals
Non-essential minerals are elements that the body does not need to function properly, although some, such as Boron and Silicon, can be beneficial when ingested, while others, such as Aluminium and Cadmium, can be harmful. They include: Aluminium, Boron, Cadmium, Fluoride, Germanium, Lithium, Nickel, Rubidium, Silicon, Strontium, Tin, and Vanadium.
Macro Minerals
Macro minerals are essential minerals that the body needs in larger quantities, and include: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Chloride, and Sulphur.
Microminerals
Microminerals are minerals that the body needs in smaller amounts. They are also called trace minerals, and include: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, Cobalt, and Selenium.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge throughout the body. They are found in bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and sweat, and are essential for bodily functions like muscle movement, nervous system function, and cell hydration. Electrolytes are all essential and consist of macro minerals such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphate, and Bicarbonate.
Mineral Deficiency
Mineral deficiency is a lack of minerals in the body. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including:
- Nutrition – Includes a lack of overall food, or eating foods with low nutritional value
- Digestive problems – Include digestive diseases, celiac disease, alcoholism, or medications that inhibit the absorption of certain minerals
- Increased need – Includes exercises, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle in women
- Soil Depletion – When the soil is depleted, plants have fewer minerals available for absorption
Mineral deficiency can be acute or long-term, both of which can significantly affect the quality of life and overall health.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.