Minerals

There are two kinds of minerals which are: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macro means "large" in Greek (our bodies need larger amounts of macrominerals then trace minerals.  The macromineral group is made up of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. micro-minerals (or Trace elements) include: Iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.  Minerals in our diet are essential for building strong bones and teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function, muscle and for metabolic processes such as those that turn the food we eat into energy.

​Different minerals are required in different amounts but they are all essential. Minerals are grouped depending on how much they are needed on a daily basis.  Children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers may need to adjust their intake depending on the type of mineral. It is also important to note that excessively high intakes of minerals can be toxic (harmful).No nutrient can single-handedly change the way our body or organs work. 

The table below shows the recommended daily allowances of Minerals: