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Minerals

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/minerals.html

Minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for many different jobs, including building bones, making hormones and regulating your heartbeat.

There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are minerals your body needs in larger amounts. They include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Your body needs just small amounts of trace minerals. These include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by eating a wide variety of foods. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mineral supplement.

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The primary NIH organization for research on Minerals is the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/

Date last updated: September 08 2008
Topic last reviewed: July 04 2008