Minerals

Minerals are essential inorganic elements needed by the body in small amounts to function properly.

Mineral Source*	Use	Deficiency Disease
Ca - Dairy products e.g. cheese, milk, hard water, fish	Bones, teeth (in animals). Calcium pectate in middle lamella - holds cell walls together (in plants). Bones & teeth. Enzyme co-factor. Nerve/muscle action. Makes ATP (in animals).	Osteoporosis – weakening of bones Weak bones General weakness.
Mg - Wholegrain cereal, green vegetables, cheese	Makes chlorophyll (in plants).	Poor growth
Fe - Liver, meat, spinach, nuts, egg yolk, legumes	Haemoglobin	Anaemia