Final answer:
Highly active individuals may have increased needs for minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for muscle and nerve function, as well as fluid balance. Active men may require additional vitamins and certain minerals, while active women often need more iron due to menstruation. It's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and moderate any supplementary intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
Highly active individuals, particularly those who engage in vigorous physical activities and sports, may have heightened mineral requirements due to increased perspiration and metabolism. For these individuals, minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are of significant concern because they play crucial roles in muscle function, nervous system activity, and fluid balance. In addition to these macrominerals, active males may need higher levels of vitamins C and K, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, while active females often require more iron due to menstruation losses. Adequate consumption of these minerals is vital for maintaining peak performance and health.
Calcium and phosphorus are also important minerals for bone health, especially for athletes who put a lot of stress on their bones. The body needs these minerals in larger quantities, and they are vital for the hardening of bones and overall skeletal structure. In contrast, other minerals like iron are indispensable for the formation of hemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.
It's essential to achieve a balanced diet to ensure sufficient intake of these necessary minerals. However, it should be noted that excessive intake of minerals, either from food or supplements, can be detrimental to health. Therefore, while natural mineral-rich waters and a diet encompassing various food sources can contribute to meeting mineral needs, moderation and balance should be the guiding principles.