Nutrients of the Human Body: Understanding Minerals

Another essential nutrient group that the human body needs in order to properly function are minerals. There are twenty different types of minerals that are needed, all of which help with specific functions throughout the body. They are typically split into two groups, major minerals and trace minerals. The body needs a larger quantity of major minerals then it does of trace minerals. While these minerals naturally occur in a variety of different foods, there are also supplements that are available to people to help with certain things. For example, a calcium supplement is sold so that people can take it in an effort to fight the effects of osteoporosis.

Some of the most common major minerals include calcium, potassium, and sodium. Calcium is used by the body so that it can increase the strength of its bones and teeth. Additionally, it helps with the contraction of muscles and the conduction of nerves. Potassium is also used for the body for much of the same purpose, as it also helps with the contraction of muscles and the conduction of nerves. Sodium is used to help with the balance and pH of water in the body. While all of these minerals are important and essential to the human body, too much of any of them can actually harm the human body.

Trace minerals are also important in the human body. Some common examples of these types of minerals include zinc, iron, and iodine. Zinc is used by the body to help create proteins, heals wounds, help the immune system, and to help with the development of a fetus. Iron is used by the blood system to help create hemoglobin. Iodine is used by the body to help with the creation of the thyroid hormone. All of these things are essential and the minerals are needed by the body. However, like the major minerals, too much of any of these trace minerals can be extremely harmful to the body. It is very important that you watch what you eat and have a proper diet so that you include all of the minerals that your body needs, without ingesting too much of a any certain type of any of the minerals.

Source:

Benitz, Bill. Lecture: Human Biology. November 16, 2009