Minerals are important micronutrients. Since the body cannot produce them itself, they must be obtained through the diet. As inorganic dietary components, they are found in both animal and plant-based foods.
Minerals are generally classified into macrominerals and trace elements:
- macrominerals include calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus
- trace elements include iron, fluoride, iodine, selenium, and zinc
Compared to vitamins, minerals have a very simple chemical structure. Like vitamins, they do not provide energy; instead, they build bones, teeth, hormones, and blood cells, maintain tissue tension, transmit nerve impulses, and/or activate enzymes.