Editing Nutrient (section)

====Minerals====
{{Main|Mineral (nutrient)}}
Minerals are the [[exogenous]] [[chemical element]]s indispensable for life. Although the four elements [[carbon]], [[hydrogen]], [[oxygen]], and [[nitrogen]] ([[CHON]]) are essential for life, they are so plentiful in food and drink that these are not considered nutrients and there are no recommended intakes for these as minerals. The need for nitrogen is addressed by requirements set for protein, which is composed of nitrogen-containing amino acids. [[Sulfur]] is essential, but again does not have a recommended intake. Instead, recommended intakes are identified for the sulfur-containing amino acids [[methionine]] and [[cysteine]].

The essential nutrient [[trace elements]] for humans, listed in order of [[Reference Daily Intake|recommended dietary allowance]] (expressed as a mass), are [[potassium]], [[chloride]], [[sodium]], [[calcium]], [[phosphorus]], [[magnesium]], [[iron]], [[zinc]], [[manganese]], [[copper]], [[iodine]], [[chromium]], [[molybdenum]], and [[selenium]]. Additionally, [[cobalt]] is a component of vitamin B<sub>12</sub> which is essential. There are other minerals which are essential for some plants and animals, but may or may not be essential for humans, such as [[boron]] and [[silicon]].