Minerals are found in plants and animals. These elements promote chemical reactions and may form part of many tissues. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron,  sodium, sulphur, chlorine, and magnesium are important for health.
 
Some mineral elements are required in very tiny amounts in human diets for metabolic purposes; these are termed "essential trace elements". Among the many trace elements, iodine and zinc receive highest priority in public health interventions.

WHO Guideline: Sodium intake for adults and children ag/humannutrition/36218-01fcfa3030e8fd3f21952e7c51fc89e79.pdf

WHO Guideline: Potassium intake for adults and children ag/humannutrition/36219-030cbcb610b7f07db15c00ce0a730fb17.pdf

A Model for Establishing Upper Levels of Intake for Nutrients and Related Substances: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Technical Workshop on Nutrient Risk Assessment, 2-6 May 2005

Human vitamin and mineral requirements. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. FAO/WHO non-series publication. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization, 2002.

• Codex Alimentarius
• Food Safety and Quality