Minerals

Most minerals play crucial roles in enzyme function and are actually parts of many enzymes. Minerals are also needed for healthy tissues and bones.

Sodium

• Important for nerve and muscle function, and to maintain blood pH, water balance, and blood pressure
• Food sources include salt, beef, bread, pork, sauerkraut, ham, butter, milk

Chloride

• for electrolyte balance and nerve and muscle function
• Food sources includes salt, beef, bread, pork, and sauerkraut

Potassium

• Important for nerve and muscle function and to maintain blood pH and water balance
• Food sources include milk, bananas, prunes, and raisins

Calcium

• Important for bone and tooth function- Also important for heart, nerve, muscle, and blood clotting function
• Food sources include milk products, vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, and eggs

Phosphorus

• Important for bone and tooth formation, and pH balance
• Food sources include meat, cheese, legumes, fish, poultry, and cereals

Magnesium

• Important for bone and tooth formation, nerve and muscle function, and enzyme function
• Food sources include seafood, nuts, cereal, and leafy green vegetables

Iron

• Important for red blood cells, muscle cells, and enzyme function
• Food sources include beans, liver, beef, clams, and peaches

Zinc

• Important for enzyme and insulin function, and bone and red blood cell formation
• Food sources include organ meats and seafood

Copper

• Important for enzyme function and red cell and bone formation
• Food sources include legumes, nuts, organ meats, whole grain cereals

Manganese

• Important for enzyme function
• Food sources include dried fruits and whole grain cereals

Molybdenum

• Important for enzyme function
• Food sources include dairy products and cereals

Selenium

• Important for enzyme function
• Food sources include meats

Iodine

• Important for formation of thyroid hormones
• Food sources include iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products

Fluoride

• Important for bone and tooth formation
• Food sources include tea, coffee, and fluoridated water