Minerals are naturally-occurring elements needed by the body and its vital activities.  Each mineral, with its own specific task, even in the small and often minute quantities necessary, is indispensable for important life functions; they are needed for the formation of hormones, enzymes and other body substances.  They’re generally found in foods in the form of chemical compounds called salts and in water in the form of ion solubles.  Iron (periodic symbol Fe , for example, is a most important element whose need for gradually increases throughout development from 5-6 mg.daily in the first year of life to about 12mg. During adolescence.  This element is critical for the formation of hemoglobin, a molecule which transports oxygen to body tissues and is also effective in the prevention and/or cure of anaemia.  Iron is especially found in egg yolk, liver, meat, legumes and whole grains.

Calcium (periodic symbol Ca ) is needed for a healthy formation of bones and teeth, for blood coagulation and as a regulator of heartbeat.  The average allowance for an adult is approx. 1g./day.  This quantity is introduced in the body via ingestion of high calcium foods, i.e. milk, cheese and  fresh milk products.

Other minerals include:  Phosphorus ( P ), Iodine ( I ), Zinc ( Zn ), Potassium ( K ), Magnesium ( Mg ), Sulphur ( S ), and Copper ( Cu ).  They are normally present in an average daily diet in adequate quantities.  Iodine is an exception: it is nearly lacking in certain inland areas where, for this reason, the inhabitants run a greater risk of acquiring goitre, an iodine deficiency disease which brings on the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

As a measure of prevention, it is recommended to consume foods rich in iodine: seafood, shell fish, molluscs, and iodised salt.

The table contains a list of the principal foods rich in essential minerals:

Here is functions and some pathologies tied to a deficiency of mineral salts