Describe important minerals and their roles in human diet?

Question

Accepted Answer

Minerals in Food:

Minerals are categorized into major and trace minerals. Major minerals are those that are required in the amounts of 100 mg (milligrams) or more per day, while trace minerals are required in amounts less than 100 mg per day.

Important minerals in the human diet and their roles
Minerals	Role in the body major
Major minerals
Sodium	Fluid balance in the body helps in the absorption of other nutrients.	important for muscle contraction, nerve impulse, transmission, heart function, and blood pressure
Potassium	Fluid balance in the body acts as a cofactor for enzymes.
Chloride	Fluid balance in the body. Component of hydrochloric acid.
Calcium	Development and maintenance of bones and teeth Blood clotting
Magnesium & Phosphorus	Development and maintenance of bones and teeth trace
Trace minerals
Iron	Oxygen transport and storage	Act as enzyme cofactors Support immune function
Zinc	Aids insulin action helps in growth and reproduction
Copper	Acts as enzyme cofactor
Chromium	Helps in insulin action
Fluoride	Stabilizes bone mineral and hardens tooth enamel
iodine	Essential for normal thyroid function