Mineral, from the nutritional point of view, is a chemical element which is needed by the body of an organism. This is usually an element other than the four elements primarily needed by organisms- carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Minerals are best supplied to the organisms’ bodies by the diet they consume, specially foods rich in the minerals they require, and occasionally in the form of dietary supplements.
Potassium is an important mineral, the lack of which causes hypokalemia in organisms. Potassium is found in foods like tomatoes, potatoes (specially in the skin), legumes, and in fruits like bananas.
Sodium is equally important, and along with potassium, helps to regulate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the form in which cells produce energy. Sodium is found in foods like spinach, milk, and specially sea salts and sea food. Calcium is needed for the strength of bones and teeth and is found in calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, nuts and seeds, bony fish, etc.
Chloride is required for production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and its main source is table salt. Magnesium and phosphorus are also essential minerals, found in foods like nuts, soya beans, and foods containing phosphates. They are necessary for the health of bones. Copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, iodine and selenium are minerals that are needed in traces, but even these are important for the optimal health of any organism. Sulphur, cobalt, fluoride, chromium and nickel are also supposedly required by the bodies of organisms, but there is no sufficient scientific data to prove this.
