Mineral

How it is used

Usually said together with vitamins: 'vitamins and minerals'. Scientists divide them into major minerals, needed in larger amounts, like calcium and magnesium, and trace minerals or trace elements, like iron, zinc and iodine. 'Mineral content' and 'mineral supplement' are common collocations.

Example sentences

1. Dairy products are an important source of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

2. Tea taken with meals can reduce the absorption of some minerals, especially iron.

Common collocations

• vitamins and minerals
• trace minerals
• mineral content
• mineral supplement

Related terms

• micronutrientA vitamin or mineral that the body needs only in very small amounts, measured in milligrams or micrograms, but which is essential for health.
• ironA mineral that the body uses to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It occurs as heme iron in animal foods and non-heme iron in plant foods.
• calciumThe most abundant mineral in the body, stored mainly in bones and teeth. It is also needed for muscle contraction, nerve signals and blood clotting.
• sodiumA mineral and electrolyte that controls fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. Most dietary sodium comes from salt (sodium chloride) in processed foods, bread and cooking.
• electrolyteA mineral, such as sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium, that carries an electric charge in body fluids and helps control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• mineral · Geology & Earth Sciences

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

• vitamin
• deficiency
• supplement
• vitamin D
• antioxidant
• fat-soluble vitamin
• folate
• vitamin B12
• fortified
• bioavailability