| MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS | |
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Minerals are found here
on earth in unspoilt, inorganic areas. However, for the living as well
they are of outmost importance. They are necessary for preservation of
certain body structures (f.inst the skeleton and teeth) and body
functions. The minerals together with other substances regulate the
metabolism (transform energy), the water-, acid-, and hormone balance.
They pass on information and function as enzymes (catalyst for certain
chemical processes). Depending on the amount
in the human body, distinction is made between macrominerals, which is
needed daily in high concentrations, and microminerals, also known as
trace elements, which is only necessary for the body in relatively small
amounts. Macrominerals are f.inst. calcium, potassium, sodium,
magnesium, and phosphorus. To trace elements belong boron, chromium,
cobalt, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, vanadium,
and zinc.
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