Dietary mineral

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Dietary Mineral

Dietary minerals (pronunciation: /ˈdaɪəˌtɛri ˈmɪnərəlz/) are the chemical elements required by living organisms, apart from the four elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen present in common organic molecules.

Etymology

The term "mineral" in "dietary mineral" is archaic, with the intent to distinguish it from the more common meaning of "mineral" as a component of the earth's crust. In the context of nutrition, a mineral is a chemical element required as an essential nutrient by organisms to perform functions necessary for life.

Types of Dietary Minerals

Dietary minerals can be classified into two types: Macrominerals and Trace minerals.

  • Macrominerals are needed in larger amounts and include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.
  • Trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities and include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.

Functions of Dietary Minerals

Dietary minerals serve a variety of roles in the body. They are important for building strong bones and teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function, muscle and for metabolic processes such as those that turn the food we eat into energy.

Sources of Dietary Minerals

Dietary minerals are obtained from a wide variety of foods. Some of the best sources include dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Deficiency and Overdose

Both deficiency and overdose of dietary minerals can lead to health problems. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, while an overdose of iron can cause organ damage.

See Also

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