THE FUNCTION OF MINERALS
Like vitamins, minerals function as coenzymes, enabling the body to quickly and accurately perform its activities. They are needed for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, and the maintenance of healthy nerve function.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made up of mineral salts. As rock and stone are broken down into tiny fragments by millions of years of erosion, dust and sand accumulate, forming the basis of soil. Besides these tiny crystals of mineral salts, the soil is teeming with microbes that utilize them. The minerals are then passed from soil to plants, which are then eaten by herbivorous animals.
Minerals belong to two groups: macro (bulk) minerals and micro (trace) minerals. Bulk minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals. Although only minute quantities of trace minerals are needed, they are important for good health. Trace minerals include zinc, iron, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, and iodine. Because minerals are stored primarily in the body's bone and muscle tissue, it is possible to overdose on minerals if an extremely large dose is taken. However, toxic amounts will accumulate only if massive amounts are taken for a prolonged period of time.