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.