Minerals

Minerals are inorganic elements that the body needs for structure and everyday function. They come from soil and water, enter the food supply through plants and animals, and cannot be made by the body. Calcium and phosphorus help form bone; sodium and potassium help manage fluid balance and electrical signaling; iron carries oxygen; and trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, iodine, copper, manganese, and molybdenum serve other specific roles. “Essential” means the body needs an adequate amount, not that a larger supplement dose is better. Both too little and too much of some minerals can create problems.