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Minerals, mineral, trace elements, nutrition, intake, nutritional composition, food<BR>Minerals and trace elements<BR><BR><BR>In addition to water and organic materials (macronutrients), food also contains minerals. Around twenty minerals are essential for humans, and are split into 2 categories: <BR><BR>· Major minerals or macroelements: calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), le magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sodium (Na)<BR>>Food with high level of calcium (pdf - only in French)<BR>>Food with high level of magnesium (pdf - only in French)<BR>>Food with high level of phosphorus (pdf - only in French)<BR>>Food with high level of sodium (pdf - only in French)<BR><BR>· Trace elements which include arsenic (As), boron (B), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), fluorine (F), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), molybdene (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silicium (Si), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn)<BR>>Food with high level of iron (pdf - only in French)<BR>>Food with high level of selenium (pdf - only in French)<BR>>Food with high level of zinc (pdf - only in French)<BR><BR>Other trace elements (aluminum, cadnium, mercury, lead) can be found in our body as a result of different types of contamination (food, air). Their biological effects are limited to their toxicity.<BR><BR>The quantities of minerals in the body are very variable: almost 1 kg for calcium and phosphorus, a few grams for iron, zinc and fluorine and less than 1 mg for chromium and cobalt. In total, minerals make up around 4% of our body weight, but are involved in a large number of functions: mineralisation, controlling water balance, enzymatic and hormonal systems, muscular, nervous and immune systems. For example, thyroidian hormones cannot be made without iodine, haemoglobin without iron and no muscular contraction can occur without calcium, potassium or magnesium. Except for iodine, fluorine and cobalt, all of the mineral elements play multiple roles. <BR><BR>Daily intake of minerals compensates for inevitable loss, and a balanced and varied diet guarantees correct intake. Mineral elements are water soluble, which is why there is a certain amount of loss depending on how food is prepared. <BR><BR><BR>Find out more...<BR><BR>Opinions and/or reports related to this topic (mainly in french) :<BR>Human food<BR>Home,Anses,News,Press room,Agenda,Our topics,Food,Animal health and nutrition,Environmental health,Occupational health,Plants,Opinions and publications,Last opinions and reports,Food opinions and reports,Animal health and nutrition opinions and reports,Environmental and occupational health opinions and reports,Plants opinions,Opinions and reports in English,Bulletins and periodicals,Other publications,Subscribe to Anses newsletter,Research and reference,Research program,Laboratories and reference activities, + ,Job opportunities,Public procurement contracts,Our websites,Partners,Extranet / ExpertNet,Kid's area,Legal notice,Contact, ,<A HREF='PNK9I0.htm'>Minerals</A>
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Minerals and trace elements
In addition to water and organic materials (macronutrients), food also contains minerals. Around twenty minerals are essential for humans, and are split into 2 categories:
· Trace elements which include arsenic (As), boron (B), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), fluorine (F), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), molybdene (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silicium (Si), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) >Food with high level of iron (pdf - only in French) >Food with high level of selenium (pdf - only in French) >Food with high level of zinc (pdf - only in French)
Other trace elements (aluminum, cadnium, mercury, lead) can be found in our body as a result of different types of contamination (food, air). Their biological effects are limited to their toxicity.
The quantities of minerals in the body are very variable: almost 1 kg for calcium and phosphorus, a few grams for iron, zinc and fluorine and less than 1 mg for chromium and cobalt. In total, minerals make up around 4% of our body weight, but are involved in a large number of functions: mineralisation, controlling water balance, enzymatic and hormonal systems, muscular, nervous and immune systems. For example, thyroidian hormones cannot be made without iodine, haemoglobin without iron and no muscular contraction can occur without calcium, potassium or magnesium. Except for iodine, fluorine and cobalt, all of the mineral elements play multiple roles.
Daily intake of minerals compensates for inevitable loss, and a balanced and varied diet guarantees correct intake. Mineral elements are water soluble, which is why there is a certain amount of loss depending on how food is prepared.
Find out more...
Opinions and/or reports related to this topic (mainly in french) :
Anses
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