GLOSSARY

Trace Minerals Table

Major and trace describe required quantities, not relative biological importance.

Mineral is an inorganic element in a nutritional context, with essentiality and requirement established for the particular element.

Minerals are inorganic elements, some required for structure, fluid regulation or enzyme functions. They do not supply calories like macronutrients, and exercise does not turn them into energy. An element's appearance in a food-composition list alone establishes neither human essentiality nor a benefit from supplementation. Identify the substance and its accepted biological role before interpreting a product claim.

Major and trace classifications concern quantity, not relative importance. A trace element can be indispensable to an enzyme and harmful in excess. Ultratrace is likewise a quantitative description rather than evidence that every listed element has an established human requirement. Consider the evidence and reference framework instead of assigning a separate essential need from the category name alone.

Requirements vary with age, sex, life stage, absorption and some illnesses; population reference values are not identical personal prescriptions for athletes. Increased training can accompany greater food intake that supplies additional minerals. Before adding a supplement, assess actual eating, excluded food groups and documented losses rather than assuming the athlete label alone establishes a greater requirement for every element.