Essential minerals are sometimes divided up into major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). These two groups of minerals are equally important, but trace minerals are needed in smaller amounts than major minerals.
Micro minerals include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. They are mostly co-factors, and are necessary for the function of enzymes in the body, but are needed only in minor quantities.
Chromium activates certain enzymes involved in the production of energy. Cobalt is a part of the molecule of vitamin B12. Copper is necessary for nor-mal iron absorption. Fluorine promotes sound bones and teeth. Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland in the synthesis of the hormone thyroxine. Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin.
Magnesium, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese and molybdenum are important co-factors found in the structure of certain enzymes and are indispensable in numerous biochemical pathways. Minerals with a daily requirement of less than 100mg; also called "trace minerals".
Microminerals
