The Important Minerals Required for Human Body for Different Purposes

Minerals are elements required for human body for the several purposes like formation of blood, bones and teeth even other tissues, osmoregulation of body fluids, control of physico-chemical process etc. Some of the elements are needed in high amount i.e. more than 1 gram (Macro elements) and some of them are needed in low amount i.e. less than 1 gram (Micro elements). These minerals are generally found in Milk, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits, sea foods, fishes and meats. Their deficiency in the human body creates different types of problems and diseases.

MACRO ELEMENTS or MAJOR ELEMENTS

Calcium (Ca) :
This mineral is required for the formation of bones and teeth. It is an essential mineral for clotting of blood, and also controls the functions of nerves and muscles.

Phosphorus (P) :
This mineral is essential component for ATP, DNA, RNA, NAD, NADP, and FAD.So, it has immense role in the molecular level of our cell function. This mineral also helps in the formation of bones and teeth in human body and controls the acid base balance of our body.

Iron (Fe) :
This mineral plays an important role in the formation of blood haemoglobin and cytochromes. It also helps in the formation of Myoglobin.

Sulphur(S) :
It is an important mineral of different amino acids. It helps in the formation of coenzyme A.

Iodine (I) :
It is important for the synthesis of Thyroid hormones like T₄ and T_3, so indirectly helps in the control of basal metabolic rate.

Sodium (Na) :
This mineral is strictly required for conduction of nervous impulse. It also helps in balances of water and acid-base in the body, so helps as osmotic controller.

Potassium (K) :
Like calcium it is also important for the conduction of nerve impulse, and also helps as osmotic controller.

Magnesium(Mg) :
It has key roles as a cofactor of many enzyme linked physiological processes and ATP dependant metabolic reactions. It also controls neuromuscular functions.

Chlorine (Cl) :
It is an important mineral of gastric juice that helps in the formation of HCl. It also helps in maintaining of acid-base balance.

MICRO ELEMENTS or MINOR ELEMENTS

Fluorine(F) :
This mineral helps in the formation of bones and teeth.

Copper (Cu) :
It is essential for activation of some enzymes. It plays an important role in the formation of blood vessels and connective tissues. It is a cofactor of Cytochrome oxidase enzyme and helps in the utilization of oxygen by the cells.

Cobalt (Co) :
It is an important mineral because it is a component of Cyanocobalamine or vitamin B₁₂.

Zinc (Zn) :
It acts as a cofactor of human digestive and other types of enzymes.

Chromium (Cr) :
It helps in the physiological breakdown processes i.e. catabolic metabolism.

Manganese (Mn) :
It helps in the synthesis of Urea by Ornithin cycle in Liver.

Selenium (Se) :
It acts as a co-factor of several enzymes and helps Tocopherol (Vitamin-K) to perform its functions.