Minerals

Minerals function much as vitamins do to help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different biological processes. They provide much of the structure of teeth and bones, aid in transmitting nerve impulses, and maintain a healthy immune system. Minerals are inorganic, naturally occurring metals and compounds. They are classified as macrominerals and trace minerals. The body needs much larger amounts of macrominerals than trace minerals. Macrominerals 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.