Mineral

Needed For

Good Sources

Calcium

Healthy bones and teeth, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, blood clotting, production of energy, immunity to disease

Dairy products, green leafy vegetables

Chlorine

Maintaining body's fluid and electrolyte balances, digestive juices

Table salt

Magnesium

Every major biologic process, use of glucose in the body, synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, cellular energy

Green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, beans, whole grains

Phosphorus

Strong bones, all cell functions, cell membranes

Dairy products, fish, meats, poultry, vegetables, eggs

Potassium

Many major biologic processes, muscle contraction, nerve impulses, synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, energy production

Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits

Sodium

Water balance in tissues

Table salt, added to foods by manufacturer

Sulfur

Sulfur-containing amino acids

Onions, garlic, eggs, meat, dairy products