Trace Minerals Glossary

Updated February 12, 2012

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These minerals are all essential for good health, but your body only needs a very small amount of each one. These trace minerals are important for immune system function, energy, metabolism and antioxidant protection.

Chromium

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Chromium is necessary for normal metabolism and storage of sugar and starch. Chromium is found in a wide variety of foods, so deficiencies are very rare. Learn more about chromium.

Copper

Mike Coombes

Your body needs copper for strong bones, blood vessels and bones, plus copper is a component of some antioxidant reactions. Copper is found in foods like organ meats, seafood and whole grains. Learn more about copper.

Fluoride

Paige Foster

Fluoride helps to keep your bones and teeth strong. You'll find fluoride in fluoridated drinking water, tea and seafood. Learn more about fluoride.

Iodine

Anka Draganski

Iodine is used to make thyroid hormone and is necessary for normal thyroid gland function. Iodine is found in iodized salt, seafood and plant-based foods grown in soil that contains iodine. Learn more about iodine.

Iron

Greg Nicholas

Iron is used to move oxygen to all the cells of your body, but you also need iron for normal immune system function and normal cell growth. Iron is found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes and spinach. Learn more about iron.

Manganese

Angela Seiffert

Manganese is needed for antioxidant reactions, and healthy nervous system function. Manganese is found in nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Learn more about manganese.

Molybdenum

Sanja Gjenero

Molybdenum is a component of enzymes your body uses for breaking down amino acids, as well as drugs and toxins. Molybdenum is found in a wide variety of foods, especially legumes and nuts. Learn more about molybdenum.

Selenium

Kevin Dyer

Selenium is used in antioxidant reactions that help protect the cells in your body and is important for normal thyroid function. Selenium is found in many plant-based foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Learn more about selenium.

Zinc

James Antrim

Zinc is used in many different chemical reactions in your body, helps to keep your immune system strong and is essential for your senses of taste and smell. Zinc is found in meats, seafood and other foods that are high in protein. Learn more about zinc.