Mineral Nutrition: Our body requires organic and inorganic nutrition. Carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins are organic nutrients while minerals are inorganic nutrients. Our body needs larger amounts of certain minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium. Such minerals are called macrominerals. Others like iron, iodine, flouride which are required in lesser quantities are called trace minerals.
| Mineral | Function |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) | 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 T3, 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. |