Calcium (Major)

The most abundant mineral in the human body and plays a major role in the development of your bones and teeth.
Calcium also plays an essential role in muscle contraction, blood clotting and the transmission of nerve impulses. This mineral is required in greater quantities by growing children and studies have shown that many men and women are deficient in this mineral. If the deficiency or imbalance is prolonged the constant drawing of these minerals from the bones in an attempt to maintain normal body levels can lead to Osteoporosis (porous bones) as the bones lose their mineral mass. Women past the age of 60 are under particular threat and the menopause can accelerate this condition.
Found in dairy products, eggs, fish, dark green vegetables and soybeans.
RDA males and females 1200mg, over 25 years 800mg

Chlorine (Major)

Often referred to as an electrolyte because chlorine is dissolved in the body as electrically charged particles called 'ions'.
This mineral plays a major role in helping to maintain the body's fluid balance and is most present in blood plasma and extracellular fluid. It is also present in the formation of hydro-chloric acid production in the stomach.
Found in most foods and table salt. Due to the amount of salt in the average diet there is no RDA

Chromium (Trace)

This mineral is necessary for glucose metabolism and the formulation of insulin for proper blood glucose levels in the body. Strenuous exercise has been shown to place a drain on the body's essential trace minerals (particularly chromium and zinc) which are required for normal carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Found in meats, vegetables, yeast, beer and some shellfish.
RDA 0.05-0.25mg per day male and female

Cobalt (Trace)

Cobalt is considered to be an essential mineral and is an integral part of Vitamin B12. The presence of this mineral is essential for the formation of red blood cells. Deficiencies can result in anaemia. The body is unable to synthesise this mineral and therefor must depend on animal sources for an adequate supply. It is due to this reason that vegetarians are more susceptible to cobalt deficiency.
Found in liver, kidney, oysters and milk.
RDA 0.005-0.008mg per day male and female

Copper (Trace)

This mineral has to be present for haemoglobin formation and the proper intestinal absorption of iron. It is also helps oxidise vitamin C and is essential for proper bone formation and maintenance.
Found in liver, meats, oysters, margarine eggs and wheat products.
RDA 1.5-3.0mg

Iron (Trace)

The human body contains approximately 3 to 5g of iron of which about 80% is combined with haemoglobin in red blood cells. This iron-protein as it is known increases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood by about 65 times. Iron deficiency is fairly common and is generally referred to as' iron deficiency anaemia' and is characterised by a feeling of sluggishness, loss of appetite and the inability to sustain even the mildest form of exercise. Vitamin C has been shown to increase the absorption of iron in the intestine.
Found in liver eggs, red meats, shellfish, beans, nuts, pasta and raisins.
RDA Males 10mg - Females 15mg

Magnesium (Major)

This mineral is responsible for proper bone structure, the regulation of nerve and muscle action and is also a catalyst for some enzyme reactions relating to carbohydrate metabolism. It plays a vital role in the metabolism of glucose by facilitating the formation of muscle and liver glycogen from blood borne glucose.
Found in Green vegetables, potatoes, milk, meats and nuts.
RDA 350mg males - 280mg females

Manganese (Trace)

Necessary for the formation of haemoglobin and the activation of some enzymes. It is necessary for the normal skeletal development, the formation of thyroxin and helps nourish the nerves and the brain.
Found in meats, bananas, bran, beans, leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
RDA Males and females 2.5-5.0mg.

Phosphorous (Major)

Is closely linked to calcium and is accounts for approximately 22% of the body's total mineral content. It form an essential part in the processes of metabolism, cell structure and the buffering system to maintain the body's acid levels (hence a popular supplement among the athletic fraternity). It is an essential component of the high energy compounds Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Creatine Phosphate (CP). This element has also been linked to the buffering of the acid end products (Lactic Acid) of energy metabolism and is hence a tried supplement of coaches and trainers in an attempt to improve exercise performance.
Found in dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, beans grains and eggs.
RDA males and females 1200mg, over 25 years 800mg

Potassium (Major)

Classified as an electrolyte in the body this mineral is involved in the nerve transmission and for buffering muscle contraction. Deficiencies although fairly uncommon can include changes in heart function, muscles weakness and alkalosis (excessive loss of acids from the body's fluid compartments) which may occur after serious stomach upsets.
Found in most foods but is especially abundant in meats, vegetables, fruit juices and milk.
RDA Males 3.5g - Females 3.5g

Selenium (Trace)

Responsible for lipid (including body fats) metabolism in the body and as an antioxidant. It is found in the body in minute amounts and works closely with vitamin E in some of its metabolic actions. The selenium present in foods is easily destroyed during cooking and processing, sometimes reducing its content by up to 75%.
Found in brewers yeast, liver and seafood.
RDA Males 0.070mg - Females 0.055mg

Sodium (Major)

Helps the body to control fluid balance and is involved in muscle and nerve functions. Along with potassium and chlorine this mineral is termed as an electrolyte because they are dissolved in the body as electrically charged particles known as 'Ions'. Sodium along with potassium plays a major role in the transmission of the body's nerve impulses, the contraction of muscle and for the proper functioning of the glands.
Found in common salt, tinned vegetables, fish, meat, bread, cheeses and processed meats.
RDA Males 1.6g - Females 1.6g

Zinc (Trace)

Zinc is a trace mineral in the body is the second most common mineral only to iron. It is related to the normal absorption of vitamins, especially B complex. Part of many enzymes involved in digestion particularly the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Zinc is essential for growth and the proper development of the reproductive organs and the normal functioning of the prostate gland. It helps to heal wounds and assists the immune system.
Found in meats, liver, seafood, eggs, milk and green vegetables.
RDA Males 15mg - Females 12mg