Minerals are small inoraganic elements and are indestructible like othe rnutrients and vitmains.

Calcium,phosphorous, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and sufur are known as macrominerals and are usually required in amounts more than 100 mg per day as they are present in higher amounts in body tissues.

Calcium: It is the most abundant mineral in the body with 99 percent deposited in bone and teeth. It helps in development of bone and teeth.

It also helps in blood clotting, nerve conduction and in metabolism of vitamin D.

Sources: Milk,milk products, ragi.

Calcium deficiency leads to tetany charecterized by muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in limbs. It also causes osteoporosis (brittle bones) leading to stress fractures.

Magnesium:  It is important for synthesis of fatty acids, proteins. It also helps in the autonomic control of the heart. Plant foods and meat are rich sources of magnesium.

Iodine: It is essential component of thyroid hormones. Sea foods and vegetables grown on iodine rich soil are good sources of iodine. Iodine deficiency causes Goiter. Lack of iodine cal lead to abortions, still births, congenital anamolies.

Zinc: It is present in all organs, tissues, fluids and body secretions. Zinc helps information and degradation of the carbohydrates, lipids, proteinsd and nucleic acids. Sources: Lean red meat, pork, whole wheat, cheese, nuts and legumes. Zinc deficiency causes are growth retardation, hair loss, increased susceptibility to infections. Zinc deficiency in pregnancy causes premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and neural tube defects.

Selenium: It is important for the immune system. It also acts antioxidant. Sea foods and meat are rich sources od selenium.

Copper: It is essential for connective tissue formation, iron metabolism, melanin synthesis and utilization of oxygen. Sources of copper are seafoods, meat, legumes. Deficiency of copper leads to anemia, discoloration of hair and skin.

Manganese: It is an importan component of certain enzymes. Manganese deficiency causes growth impairement, skeletal anomolies and decreased reproductive function. Source of manganese are cereals, nuts, leafy vegetables and tea.

Sodium: It is vital in maintaining fluid balance in the body and is essentail inmaintaining the blood pressure. Sourcesd of sodium are edible salt