These minerals are all essential for good health, but your body only needs a very small amount of each one. They're important for immune system function, energy, metabolism and antioxidant protection.
Chromium
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Copper
Mike Coombes
Your body needs copper for strong bones and blood vessels, plus copper is a component of some antioxidant reactions. It's found in foods like organ meats, seafood and whole grains. Learn more about copper.
Fluoride
Paige Foster
Iodine
Anka Draganski
Iodine is used to make thyroid hormone so it's necessary for normal thyroid gland function. It's 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-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and spinach. Learn more about iron.
Manganese
Angela Seiffert
Manganese is needed for antioxidant reactions, and healthy nervous system function. It's 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. It's 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. It's 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. It's found in meats, seafood, and other foods that are high in protein. Learn more about zinc.
