MINERALS
MINERALS • Minerals are inorganic elements required by the body in varying amounts to carry out various functions. • Occur in food as salts, e.g., sodium chloride, calcium phosphate and ferrous sulphate. • Constitute 4% of our body weight. • Unlike macronutrients, they do not furnish energy. • Like vitamins, are required in very small quantities and are vital to body. Classification Classified into 3 main groups • Major minerals or macro-minerals: 7 minerals are required in large amounts of over 100 mg/day. e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium, and sulphur. • Minor minerals: Required in small quantities, less than 100 mg/day, e.g., iron and manganese. • ...