Minerals (nutrients) are inorganic substances (contain no carbon) that are necessary for normal body function and development.

Macrominerals

Macro-minerals are needed in large doses (approximate recommended daily intake, milligrams (mg) per day ): 

1. potassium, K (3500 mg) - metal, ions are necessary for the function of all living cells; 
2. chloride, Cl− (3400 mg) - essential electrolyte in all body fluids; 
3. sodium, Na, natrium (2400 mg) - metal, essential for all animals and some plants;
4. calcium, Ca (1000 mg) - metal, essential for living organisms, produced in supernova nucleosynthesis;
5. phosphorus, P (1000 mg) - in the form of the phosphate is required for all known forms of life; 
6. choline (425 - 550 mg) - essential vitamin-like (vitamin B4) nutrient, synthesized in human body, but not sufficiently;
7. magnesium, Mg (350 mg) - metal, essential for all known living organisms;

Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are needed in very small amounts (recommended daily intake, milligrams (mg) or micrograms (mcg) per day: 

1. iron, Fe (15 mg) - metal, found in nearly all living organisms;
2. zinc, Zn (8 - 11 mg) - metal, essential for humans and other organisms;
3. manganese, Mn (5 mg) - metal, toxic essential trace element;
4. fluorine, F, fluoride ion, F− (3 - 4 mg) - a beneficial poisonous element, essential for bone solidity;
5. copper, Cu (2 mg) - metal, essential to all living organisms;
6. iodine, I (150 mcg) - a key component of thyroid hormones;
7. selenium, Se (35mcg) - toxic in large doses, essential micronutrient for animals;
8. chromium, Cr (30 mcg) - chromium (III) is questionably essential for humans.

Zinc is a nutritionally essential mineral needed for catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions in the body.

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for adult women and men is 8 mg a day and 11 mg a day of zinc, respectively.

Severe zinc deficiency is a rare, genetic or acquired condition. Dietary zinc deficiency, often called marginal zinc deficiency, is quite common in the developing world, affecting an estimated 2 billion people. Zinc deficiency can cause impaired growth and development in children, pregnancy complications, immune dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to infections. Long-term consumption of zinc in excess of the tolerable upper intake level of 40 mg a day for adults can result incopper deficiency.

Zinc bioavailability is relatively high in meat, eggs, and seafood. Zinc is less bioavailable from whole grains and legumes due to the inhibitory effects of phytic acid on absorption of the mineral.