Minerals are important for growth & development as well to regulate vital life processes. They regulate acid-base balance in body. They are essential for transmission of nerve stimuli, muscle contraction, cell membrane permeability and maintenance of osmotic pressure & water balance.
Foods that predominantly contain acid forming minerals like sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine produce acidic reactions in the body. Specific foods are milk, cheese, pulses, meat & eggs. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium produce alkaline ash. Most of the fruits and vegetables produce alkaline reaction. Most of the minerals if taken in excess result in undesirable effects. Excess calcium predisposes renal calculi or hypercalcemia. Excess iron results in hemosiderosis & liver damage.
Some minerals in excess quantity may create imbalance and result in reducing utilization of other minerals where as some produce toxic reactions. Sources of minerals and effects of their inadequacies
| Mineral | Sources | Effect of inadequacy |
| Calcium & Phosphorus | Milk Group Meat & Fish group Green Leafy Vegetables Legumes & Nuts Cereals & Grains |
Rickets Osteomalacia Osteoporosis Poor Blood clotting Dental problems |
| Sodium | Table Salt Baking Powder Sodabicab Preservatives Protein Foods Fish, Milk . Poultry |
Muscle Cramps Mental Confusion Fluid Electrolyte Imbalance |
| Potassium | Milk Group Meat Group Fruits and Vegetables Instant Coffee |
Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance Tissue Breakdown |
| Iron | Organ Meat Whole Grain Dry Fruits |
Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia |
