What are minerals and trace elements?

Minerals, also known as inorganic salts, are naturally occurring compounds or elements found in the earth's crust and collectively refer to inorganic substances in the human body. They constitute various elements necessary for building body tissues and maintaining normal physiological functions and are one of the seven essential nutrients required by the human body.

Trace elements refer to inorganic elements present in the body at levels less than 0.01%. These include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt. Although required in small amounts, they are important components of many enzyme systems and are involved in key life processes such as DNA synthesis, immune function, antioxidant defense, and hormone metabolism.

Iron is an essential component for synthesizing hemoglobin, and iron deficiency can lead to iron-deficiency anemia; zinc participates in the composition of various enzymes in the human body and has significant effects on growth and development, immune function, taste, and smell; iodine is an essential element for thyroid hormone synthesis, and iodine deficiency can cause diseases such as goiter.

Although there are many types of minerals and trace elements, their balanced state in the human body helps maintain normal physiological functions. Deficiencies or excesses can both lead to health problems, so adequate dietary intake is essential.