What is the importance of minerals in our lives?
Your body uses 16 different minerals to form a myriad of structural components and contribute to thousands of vital cellular processes every day. A single mineral may serve many unrelated functions beyond the one or two it is commonly known for. Magnesium alone participates in more than 300 enzyme reactions.
Bones and Teeth
Several minerals are important for bone health. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in your body, combines with phosphorus, another essential mineral, to form calcium phosphate, the salt compound that makes up your bones and teeth. Magnesium is necessary for the manufacture of bone-producing cells called osteoblasts and contributes to the ongoing process by which old bone tissue is broken down so new tissue can be formed. It is also required for release of calcitonin, a hormone that controls calcium transport, and parathyroid hormone, which helps break bone down. Manganese, a trace mineral, is necessary for the function of an enzyme that assists with bone formation.
Nerves
Proper nerve transmission requires calcium, which triggers release of neurotransmitters between nerves and between nerves and muscles. Sodium and potassium move back and forth, trading places across your nerve cell membranes to help maintain an electrical charge. Magnesium helps calm your nerves.
Immunity
Your immune system relies on zinc for proper wound healing. Zinc also helps ward off respiratory infections by preventing bacteria from attaching to the membranes of your throat, making it a key ingredient in some throat lozenges. Selenium offers antioxidant benefits that reduce stress on the immune system. It also enhances the ability of white blood cells to attack and kill pathogens.
Energy
Minerals contribute to energy production and maintenance. Potassium helps with carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium works with insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It also sensitizes your brain to the level of sugar in your blood so your brain can control your appetite, food intake and blood sugar levels. Iron distributes oxygen throughout the body as part of red blood cells.
Growth and Development
Iodine is a vital component of thyroid hormone, which regulates growth and development. Iodine deficiency is the world's leading cause of preventable brain damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Iron contributes to formation of myelin, the fatty substances that insulate nerve cells. Iron deficiency is associated with poor cognitive development and academic performance.
Amino Acids
The mineral sulfur is present in certain amino acids, such as methionine and cysteine, which function as part of the liver's detoxification pathways and are important in metabolism and formation of proteins. The mineral cobalt forms part of the structure of vitamin B-12, which is necessary for the manufacture of methionine. Magnesium is also required for protein production and stabilizing of protein molecules.

Bones and Teeth,,,
Several minerals are important for bone health... Calcium,,, the most abundant mineral in your body,,, combines with phosphorus, another essential mineral,,, to form calcium phosphate,,, the salt compound that makes up your bones and teeth...