Minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for many different jobs including, building bones, making hormones and regulating your heartbeat. There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are minerals your body needs in larger amounts. The most common include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Your body needs just small amounts of trace minerals. The most common include iron, copper, zinc, fluoride and selenium. The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by eating a wide variety of foods.
Tests
| Name | Description |
| Calcium | Calcium promotes development of bones and teeth, muscle, nerve and heart function. Key sources are milk, cheese, yogurt, bony fish and legumes. |
| Chromium | Chromium enhances the action of insulin to regulate blood sugar. Key sources are yeast, eggs, meat, whole grains and cheese. |
| Copper | Copper promotes the formation of connective tissue and cell formation. Key sources are organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, wheat bran cereal and whole grains. |
| Fluoride | Fluoride promotes healthy teeth and bones. Key sources are flouridated water, fish and tea. |
| Magnesium | Magnesium promotes energy production, regulated potassium levels and promotes the use of calcium. Key sources are green vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, lentils, nuts and wholegrains. |
| Selenium | Selenium is an antioxidant that promotes thyroid metabolism. Key sources are seafood, poultry and eggs. |
| Zinc | Zinc promotes growth and synthesis of protein. Key sources are meat, oysters, milk and eggs. |
| Potassium | Potassium regulates blood pressure, muscle contraction and nerve impulses. Key sources are green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, bananas, eggplant, avocados, zucchini and pumpkin. |
| Phosphorus | Phosphorus buffers the acidity of urine and protects the acid/base balance of blood. Key sources are dairy, meat, dried fruit, eggs and cereal. |
| Sodium | Sodium maintains water balance throughout the body. Key sources are bread, butter, margarine, deli meats, cheese and cereal. Also a key component of table salt and baking soda. |