Minerals play important roles in the body. Trace minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese and major minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are essential but not altered during digestion. Factors like phytate, oxalate, and fiber can affect how well the body absorbs minerals. Minerals have roles like building bone and muscle, regulating biological processes, acting as enzyme cofactors, and maintaining fluid balance. Calcium levels in the blood are regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin from the parathyroid gland and small intestine. Iron is important for carrying oxygen in hemoglobin and is absorbed in the small intestine and stored in the liver, bone marrow, and muscles. Zinc is necessary for