Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring chemical elements essential for human health. They are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products, and are also added to processed foods. In food processing, minerals can be added in purified or refined forms, often as salts.

Minerals are often added to foods to increase their nutritional value, acting as a nutrient fortification. They can also serve other functions, such as acting as acidity regulators or preservatives. They are commonly found in fortified foods like plant-based milks, cereals, and spreads.

Minerals are essential nutrients, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates their addition to foods. Many minerals are recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for their intended use. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many minerals. While essential, excessive intake of certain minerals can have adverse health effects, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for some minerals.