Minerals are inorganic elements the body cannot synthesize. They regulate hundreds of biochemical processes.
Major minerals (needed in larger amounts):
- Calcium — bone density, muscle contraction, nerve signaling
- Magnesium — 300+ enzymatic reactions, sleep, stress response
- Potassium — blood pressure regulation, heart rhythm
- Sodium — fluid balance, nerve function (overconsumption raises BP)
- Iron — oxygen transport in red blood cells
Trace minerals (needed in tiny amounts):
- Zinc — immune function, wound healing
- Iodine — thyroid hormone production
- Selenium — antioxidant, thyroid function
Common deficiencies: Iron (especially in women), magnesium, iodine, zinc.
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