Background on Minerals Basic Information on Minerals Minerals are essential factors in human nutrition. However, minerals may be supplied to the body along with an organic complex such as a carbonate, gluconate or chelate, and the like.
Minerals are constituents of bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscles, blood and nerve cells.
They act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body and are important in the production of hormones. Calcium is the body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth which it does in cooperation with phosphorus. In addition, calcium aids in the process of blood clotting and in the control of the passage of fluids through the cells. It is also related to the proper functioning of the heart and neuromuscular system.