To function normally, your body requires assistance from a series of different vitamins and minerals. However, when the term “mineral” is mentioned, a lot of people find themselves confused. After all, it’s vitamins that seem to take the spotlight!

While minerals are often classified under the umbrella term “vitamins”, they are not the same thing. This guide will take you through what minerals actually are, including how to find the major ones.

What are Minerals?

Similar to vitamins, minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of your body. There are two types of minerals:

• Major minerals
• Trace minerals

Major minerals are stored in your body in larger quantities. Trace minerals are just as important, but your body can get by with smaller doses of them. Six of the most essential major minerals include:

• Calcium
• Chloride
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium

Where to Find 6 Major Minerals

The rest of this guide will take you through where to find the above major minerals, in order to ensure that your body gets exactly what it needs.

1. Calcium

Calcium is one of the most popularly known minerals. It has many important roles to play in your body. It is needed for the normal structure of bones and teeth, regulates the functioning of nerves, is needed for normal blood clotting, and much more! (EFSA, 2009).

The great thing about calcium is that it can be found in a huge array of foods. It is rich in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you don’t consume animal products, however, you can also find it in nuts, leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.

2. Chloride

Chloride is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is required for digestion (EFSA, 2010). You’ll be unlikely to find yourself in a position to take multivitamins that contain chloride, however, as it can be found in many vegetables. Dietary chloride (sodium chloride) can also be found in table salt.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium plays many important roles in the body, including contributing to the maintenance of hormonal health. It also helps to maintain a healthy immune system and has been linked to the regulation of blood pressure (EFSA, 2010).

Magnesium is a major mineral that’s accessible to all. It is found most strongly in dark green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. You will also find it in some fortified foods and salmon.

4. Phosphorus

Similar to calcium, phosphorus supports the structure of bones and teeth. It is also necessary for normal energy metabolism (EFSA, 2009). Large quantities of phosphorus can be found in high protein foods – this includes meats, nuts, and legumes.

5. Potassium

Potassium is needed for muscle function and also helps to maintain healthy blood pressure (EFSA, 2010). You can find it in a lot of fruits (particularly bananas!) and vegetables, making it accessible for any type of diet. In terms of animal products, you can find potassium in milk and meats.

6. Sodium

Sodium is needed for the functioning of the muscles (EFSA, 2011). As you might have guessed, it can also be found in table salt. Sodium isn’t naturally present in many foods, but it will feature in a lot of processed foods that contain salt. Due to this, manage your consumption sensibly.

Managing Your Vitamins and Minerals Intake

Pretty much all of us can get the major minerals through a varied diet. You can also take multivitamins or specific supplements if you wish (or need) to safeguard your intake further.

Are you getting enough minerals in your diet?

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