Minerals are inorganic substances, they are elements, which 
means that they are composed of only one atom and none of them contain carbon.  

Approximately 5% of every cell is made up of minerals; these minerals support the function and structure of the cells.  Minerals, just like vitamins are coenzymes, and are essential to the activation of  enzymes.  

Nutritionists classify the minerals that are essential to life as either major minerals or trace elements.   Major minerals are needed in larger amounts (hundreds of milligrams per day) and trace elements are required in much smaller amounts (typically micrograms). As minerals are required for nearly every bodily function, it is of the utmost importance to get the proper amount of minerals for two reasons:  to prevent disease state and to maintain normal body function.