Describe important minerals and their roles in human diet?
Difficulty: Easy
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.
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Important minerals in the human diet and their roles |
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Minerals |
Role in the body major |
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Major minerals |
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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 |
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Potassium |
Fluid balance in the body acts as a cofactor for enzymes. |
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Chloride |
Fluid balance in the body. Component of hydrochloric acid. |
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Calcium |
Development and maintenance of bones and teeth Blood clotting |
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Magnesium & Phosphorus |
Development and maintenance of bones and teeth trace |
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Trace minerals |
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Iron |
Oxygen transport and storage |
Act as enzyme cofactors Support immune function |
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Zinc |
Aids insulin action helps in growth and reproduction |
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Copper |
Acts as enzyme cofactor |
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Chromium |
Helps in insulin action |
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Fluoride |
Stabilizes bone mineral and hardens tooth enamel |
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iodine |
Essential for normal thyroid function |
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