Minerals are inorganic elements that occur in nature. They are essential for normal health
and must be provided by the diet. There are two types of mineals: trace and major.
Trace -
A trace mineral is one that must be
present in the diet, but only in extremely small amounts. Don't be fooled by the term trace, these minerals may only be
needed in minute amounts but they are equally as important as major minerals.
• Chromium-
Plays an important role in glucose utilization and is required for the release of energy from glucose.
* Recommended
daily value 120 mcg.
• Copper- Involved in collagen formation, the proper utilization
of iron and in the production of cellular energy.
* Recommended daily value 2 mg.
• Iron-
Essential to building blood and transporting oxygen. It is also involved in energy utilization and in muscle function.
* Recommendation daily value 18 mg.
• Selenium- Supports the antioxidant activity
of vitamin E, which protects against free radicals.
* Recommendation daily value 70 mcg.
• Zinc-
An essential mineral involved in the majority of metabolic processes, including carbohydrate metabolism, in the human body.
* * Zinc is also involved in glucose utilization and insulin production.
* Recommended daily value 15 mg.
Major -
Major minerals are classified as major, not because of importance, but because the body requires them in larger
quantities. All major minerals are considered electrolytes which help to regulate cellular water balance.
•
Calcium- Essential for teeth and building bones. Adequate calcium in a healthy diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis
later in life, especially for teen and young women.
* Recommended daily value 1000 mg.
•
Magnesium- Helps build bones and maintain healthy teeth. Magnesium is involved in nerve, skeletal muscle, heart and
cell function. Magnesium is also another electrolyte that helps to regulate cellular water balance.
* Recommended daily
value 400 mg.
• Phosphorus- Functions in tooth and bone formation. Phosphorus is involved
in the absorption of glucose.
* Recommendation daily value 1000 mg.
• Potassium-
This electrolyte is necessary for cellular water balance and normal acid/base balance. Potassium is also necessary for normal
muscle cell contraction.
* Recommendation daily value 3500 mg.
