Mineralämnen

Mineralämnen, often translated as mineral nutrients or mineral elements, are inorganic substances that are essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms. They are not produced by the body but must be obtained from the diet or environment. In humans, mineralämnen are broadly categorized into macrominerals and trace minerals based on the amounts required by the body. Macrominerals include elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. These are needed in larger quantities and play crucial roles in bone health, fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Trace minerals, on the other hand, are required in much smaller amounts but are equally vital for various physiological processes. Examples include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and chromium. Iron is essential for oxygen transport, iodine for thyroid hormone production, and zinc for immune function and wound healing. Plants also require mineralämnen for their growth, absorbing them from the soil through their roots. These elements are fundamental components of enzymes, vitamins, and other biological molecules, and their deficiency can lead to various health problems and impaired biological functions in both plants and animals.