Minerals

• Dietary minerals are essential chemical elements required as essential nutrients by organisms
• Minerals present in common organic molecules are not considered essential (e.g. C, H, O, N, S)
• Important dietary minerals include:

  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Chlorine (Cl)
• Functions of minerals in human development:

  • Major constituents of structures such as teeth and bones (e.g. Ca, P, Mg)
  • Important components of body fluids (e.g. Na, K, Cl)
  • Cofactors for specific enzymes or components of proteins and hormones (e.g. Fe, P, I)
• A deficiency in one or more dietary mineral can result in a disorder (e.g. lack of calcium can affect bone mineralisation)
• Minerals are important in plant development
• Fruits and vegetables are good sources of certain dietary minerals
• Specific mineral roles in plant development:

  • Magnesium is an important component of chlorophyll (required for photosynthesis)
  • Potassium is an inorganic salt found within the sap of a plant (maintains water potential)
  • Calcium is important for plant root and shoot elongation