The salts enter into the constitution of living matter, and in some tissues in appreciable quantity. Their need is especially felt during the growth period of the individual, but the adult also needs mineral substances because, since he eliminates about 25 g daily, he needs to redo this constant loss.
In the human body there are about 4% of minerals, the highest proportion of which is occupied by calcium 1.5% and phosphorus 1%, with the remaining 1.5% being the other salts (sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, iron , iodine, bromine, sulfur and traces of copper, zinc, aluminum, silicon, fluorine).
The salts play a plastic role, as they form part of the intimate constitution of the tissues, and fulfill several other important roles. They establish physical-chemical equilibrium, stimulate organs, contribute to glandular functions, regulate heart rate, breathing. Digestion, etc. Its deficiency, observed in people subject to a diet deficient in these substances, causes serious disorders for health.