Minerals
What are minerals?
You've probably heard talk about vitamins and minerals. The various vitamins are often better known than the minerals. But the minerals are important nutrients that your body needs to function properly. They are also involved in a variety of biological processes and play a crucial role for us to maintain good health.
Minerals are divided into minerals and trace elements. You need a lot of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, while trace elements are minerals that you need less of, such as selenium and zinc.
10 minerals and trace elements the body needs
Calcium
Calcium is needed, among other things, to build and maintain bones and teeth.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in your muscle and nerve function and for your protein synthesis, among other things.
Iron
Your body needs iron to form hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs into the body's tissues. Iron is also important for the immune system and cognitive functions.
Zinc
Zinc is part of many different enzymes in the body that affect the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. The immune system is also dependent on zinc.
Potassium
This mineral helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
Sodium
Sodium is needed, among other things, to regulate fluid balance and nerve signaling.
Phosphorus
Forms an important component of the cells' cell membranes and is needed for skeletal and dental health.
Selenium
Helps protect cells from damage, supports the immune system and regulates thyroid function.
Chromium
Chromium helps in the metabolism process of carbohydrates and insulin response which affects blood sugar levels.
Manganese
Among other things, manganese plays a role in protecting cells against damage and in the formation of connective tissue.
Minerals as dietary supplements
Many foods contain minerals, and you often get most of what you need as long as you eat a varied and balanced diet. For example, milk products contain calcium and green vegetables magnesium.
Various vitamins help the body absorb minerals. Vitamin D, for example, helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, while vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron.
It is best if you consult a doctor if you suspect that you are deficient in any mineral. You will then be offered a blood test that can show if you suffer from a vitamin or mineral deficiency, which makes it easier to find the right dietary supplement for you.
People who have a certain disease or who do not eat all kinds of food may have a greater need for supplements. Above all, people who opt out of several food groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Minerals
There are many different minerals that are necessary for our body to function as it should. Minerals are usually divided into minerals and trace elements. Minerals are one type you need more of and trace elements something you need less of.
Minerals include:
- Calcium – a mineral that, among other things, plays a significant role in bone and tooth health.
- Magnesium – a mineral needed for, for example, energy production and muscle and nerve function.
- Sodium – a mineral that, among other things, regulates fluid balance and helps maintain blood pressure.
Trace elements include:
- Iron - which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body.
- Zinc – which plays a significant role in the immune system.
- Selenium – which acts as an antioxidant.
- Iodine – which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone and regulates metabolism.
These, and all other minerals, are important for our body to function and be healthy. In order to get enough of all minerals, it is important to have a varied and balanced diet.
All minerals are important because they contribute to different functions in our bodies. Some minerals we need more of, while we need less of those called trace elements. But trace elements are nevertheless just as important for the body to function.
Minerals are a number of inorganic substances that make up a small part of your body, but are necessary for it to function. Different minerals fulfill different functions, for example magnesium and calcium help control your movements because they contribute to normal muscle function.
Zinc and selenium are two of the minerals that act as antioxidants and that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a chemical imbalance in the body that occurs when your body itself produces too much harmful oxygen, or when harmful substances are taken into the body, such as cigarette smoke.
Minerals are necessary for a variety of biological processes in the body. For example, minerals support bone and tooth health, nervous system and muscle function, and your fluid and electrolyte balance.
Minerals such as iron ensure that oxygen is carried around the body and calcium is involved in blood clotting when you bleed. Zinc and selenium are two minerals that play a role in the functioning of the immune system and iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
There are very small inorganic substances that play a significant role in the functioning of our bodies.
