Final answer:
An element is classified as a major or trace mineral based on the daily amounts needed by the body; major minerals are needed in quantities larger than 100 mg/day, while trace minerals are needed in lesser amounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether an element is classified as a major or as a trace mineral depends on the amounts needed daily by the body. Major minerals, also known as macrominerals or bulk minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and others, are required by the body in amounts larger than 100 milligrams per day. These minerals play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including bone hardening, nerve transmission, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
On the other hand, trace minerals, also known as micro elements, such as iron, copper, zinc, and others, are required in much smaller quantities (less than 150 mg/day). Despite their small requirement, trace minerals are vital for health and support many functions like oxygen transport, enzyme activation, and immune system maintenance.
The daily requirement is the key factor determining if a mineral is categorized as a major or trace mineral, not their digestive absorption site, metabolic criticality, or position on the periodic table.