Minerals required by humans

Calcium (Ca)

Source: dairy products, green vegetables, legumes

Function: bone and tooth formation, nerve signaling, muscle response

Effects if deficient: loss of bone mass, slow growth

Chlorine (Cl)

Source: table salt or sea salt, vegetables, seafood

Function: fluid balance in cells, protein digestion in stomach (HCl), acid-base balance

Effects if deficient: weakness loss of muscle function

Fluorine (F)

Source: fluoridated water, seafood

Function: maintenance of tooth structure

Effects if deficient: higher frequency of tooth decay

Iodine (I)

Source: iodized salt, algae, seafood

Function: component of they thyroid hormones thyroxine and T3

Effects if deficient: goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Iron (Fe)

Source: meat, eggs, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes

Function: enzyme cofactor; synthesis of hemoglobin and electron carriers

Effects if deficient: anemia, weakness

Magnesium (Mg)

Source: whole grain, green leafy vegetables

Function: enzyme cofactor

Effects if deficient: nerve disorders

Phosphorus (P)

Source: dairy products, meat, grains

Function: bone and tooth formation; synthesis of nucleotides and ATP

Effects if deficient: weakness, loss of bone mass

Potassium (K)

Source: dairy products; meat; nuts; fruits; potatoes, legumes, and other vegetables

Function: nerve signaling, muscle response, acid-base balance

Effects if deficient: weakness, muscle cramps, loss of muscle funtion

Sodium (Na)

Source: table salt or sea salt

Function: nerve signaling, muscle response, blood pressure regulation

Effects if deficient: weakness, muscle cramps, loss of muscle function, nausea, confusion

Sulfur (S)

Source: any source of protein

Function: amino acid synthesis

Effects if deficient: swollen tissues, degeneration of liver, intellectual disability