- Iron – RDI 50mg. Bound to protein and cleaved by gastric acid. Absorbed in duodenum and proximal jejunum.
- Deficiency: hypochromic, microcytic anaemia
- Zinc – absorbed in duodenum and proximal jejunum
- Deficiency: growth retardation, impotence, impaired immune function
- Copper – absorbed in stomach and proximal duodenum. Required for red/white cell production and functioning of nervous system.
- Deficiency: anaemia, neutropenia, ataxia
- Selenium – absorbed in duodenum and proximal jejunum
- Deficiency: skeletal muscle dysfunction and cardiomyopathy, mood disorders, impaired immune function
- Calcium – best absorbed in acidic environment, and mostly duodenum and proximal jejunum
- Deficiency: metabolic bone disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism