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Vitamins and minerals are essential to the proper functioning and maintenance of the human body. [114] There are 20 trace elements and minerals that are essential in small quantities to body function and overall human health. [114] Iron deficiency is the most common inadequate nutrient worldwide, affecting approximately 2 billion people. [115]
Phosphorus occurs in amounts of about 2/3 of calcium, and makes up about 1% of a person's body weight. [10] The other major minerals (potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and magnesium) make up only about 0.85% of the weight of the body. Together these eleven chemical elements (H, C, N, O, Ca, P, K, Na, Cl, S, Mg) make up 99.85% of the body.
Aluminium, the third most common element in the Earth's crust (after oxygen and silicon), serves no function in living cells, but is toxic in large amounts, depending on its physical and chemical forms and magnitude, duration, frequency of exposure, and how it was absorbed by the human body. [38] Transferrins can bind aluminium. [39]
Organic micronutrients are classified as vitamins, and inorganic micronutrients are classified as minerals. Nutrients can also be classified as essential or nonessential, with essential meaning the body cannot synthesize the nutrient on its own. [6] Nutrients are absorbed by the cells and used in metabolic biochemical reactions.
Muscle function: They contribute to muscle contraction and relaxation, impacting physical performance and overall well-being. Immune function: They support a healthy immune system and may help reduce inflammation. Overall, maintaining adequate levels of both magnesium and vitamin D is essential for optimal health and well-being.
Trace metals are sometimes referred to as trace elements, although the latter includes minerals and is a broader category. See also Dietary mineral. Trace elements are required by the body for specific functions. Things such as vitamins, sports drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables are sources.
The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) established Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for calcium in 1997 and updated those values in 2011. [6] See table. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) uses the term Population Reference Intake (PRIs) instead of RDAs and sets slightly different numbers: ages 4–10 800 mg, ages 11–17 1150 mg, ages 18–24 1000 mg, and >25 years 950 mg. [10]
Plants tend not to use vitamins, although minerals are required. [8] [21] Structure of the Mn 4 O 5 Ca core of the oxygen-evolving site in plants, illustrating one of many roles of the trace mineral, manganese. [22] Some seven trace elements are essential to plant growth, although often in trace quantities. [citation needed]