Food Sources of MineralFoods from both plants and animals are sources of minerals. Generally speaking, animal tissue contains minerals in the proportions that the anima needs, so animal-derived foods are more reliable mineral sources.
Plant foods can be excellent sources of several minerals, but the mineral content of plants can vary dramatically depending on the minerals in the soil where the plants are found. Even the maturity of a vegetable fruit or grain can influence its mineral content.
Because actual mineral content varies so much, the values published in food composition tables can be misleading. Often this values are omitted.
Like plant foods, drinking water has variable mineral content. Nevertheless, it sometimes can be significant source of minerals like sodium, magnesium and fluoride.
Minerals are also added to food intentionally during processing. Sodium is added to soups and crackers as a flavour enhancer; iron is added to enriched grain products, and calcium, iron, and other minerals are typically added to fortified breakfast cereals.
Food Sources of Mineral
