Minerals found in food deliver a range of different functions to benefit the body’s growth and health. There are two kinds of minerals that are typically added to food and beverages: macrominerals and trace minerals.

Macrominerals — which include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride — are minerals your body needs in large amounts. Grand View Research senior research analyst Harsha Jandhyala told Food Dive that the most commonly added minerals to food and drink products are magnesium and phosphorus.

Magnesium aids more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal nerve, memory and muscle function; supports a healthy immune system; maintains a steady heartbeat; and keeps bones strong. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aids in the production of energy and protein. Phosphorus is needed for bone health as well as for energy production and storage.

On the other hand, the body only needs small amounts of trace minerals — which include iron, copper, iodine, zinc, fluoride, chromium and selenium. Zinc helps the body's immune system function properly and plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing and the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Energy drinks, such as Gatorade, are good long-standing examples of mineral-enriched beverage items. In addition to the basics of hydration, mineral water is an excellent source of bone-strengthening calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Many bottled water makers have added minerals to their products in recent years.

“Adding calcium to Tropicana orange juice, with other juices now following suit, is an example of enhancing an everyday product in such a way that consumers feel safe and understand what it is and the related bone health benefits,” Jandhyala said.